Jespers of Harrogate 125th anniversary

That this House congratulates Jespers of Harrogate on its 125th anniversary; notes that the business was founded in 1901 by Foster Barrett Jesper as a hand engraving workshop on Prospect Crescent, undertaking commission work for London jewellers, the Royal Family and major sporting and business institutions; recognises that during the Second World War Dennis Jesper and chief machinist Jack Elsworth signed the Official Secrets Act to produce engraved control panels for the Allies' early radar systems; further notes that the business grew under four generations of the Jesper family into one of the UK's premier independent stationery, art supplies and office supplies retailers, winning UK Retail Stationer of the Year in 1991; acknowledges that since 2019 the store has been in the custodianship of the Vickers family, who have committed to preserving its character and securing its future on Harrogate's high street; celebrates the anniversary festivities taking place this September, culminating in a special evening event on Thursday 10 September; pays tribute to its dedicated staff, including manager Lynne Cummings, who has served the store for 32 years; and believes that Jespers' 125-year story of resilience through two world wars, the rise of the internet and the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrates that independent retail and the British high street can continue to thrive.