I had no intention of mentioning CoronaVirus, but to be honest, how can we avoid it, with conflicting stories of how to handle it, I do worry what damage it will do to small businesses in our region. We have lots of self-employed, small businesses, how will they manage if they have to self-isolate? How will they pay their mortgage if they have no income? How will they manage if they have staff absent? Do you worry? Please do share your thoughts and stories with us: PR@topicuk.co.uk

On a lighter note, we were delighted to visit Fleur in The Light yesterday to sample their afternoon tea. The venue only opened in December and are already reporting superb attendance. We’ll tell you all about our visit in our next edition due out at the end of March.

Following a meeting with Barclays Eagle Labs and AvenueHQ today, we will soon have an exciting announcement which I hope we can share within the next week or so. Keep your eye on social media and our website!

I am looking forward to the Yorkshire Society Awards Dinner at the Hilton Hotel, Leeds on Friday night. This is always a great event in the calendar and honours the great and good from our region.

The Dakota Hotel are launching their new cocktail menu and we are delighted to be going along to be some of the first people to sample. I have to admit one of my favourite’s is a White Russian and staff at Dakota, do really make the best!

We’ll then be attending the Theatre Royal Gala Dinner, an event we have attended since its launch. The event raises vital funds for the theatre and is always well attended. Wakefield Youth Theatre always put on an amazing performance.

As regular visitors to The Grand Theatre where we regularly review shows, we are delighted to have been asked to visit for the world premier of Geisha from Northern Ballet. What a treat.

York Fashion Week starts on 20th March and we will be at the first event by Maxwell Scott, hosted by The Grand Hotel. I have a number of Maxwell Scott bags and accessories and they really are of the highest quality. The event is preceded by Thrive Women Roots and Shoots in Leeds, which always has a great turnout.

Rounding off the month will be my visit to Middlethorpe Hall, where I will review this beautiful hotel, it’s restaurant and spa. I’ll let you know how I got on in our May edition.

Image: Fleur, The Light.