Eat, drink and be merry: the best Christmas food & drink from local independents

Christmas is the season to eat, drink and be merry. But it’s easy to get caught up in planning your Christmas dinner and forget about the rest of the food and drink you need.

Here’s our round-up of some of the very best local businesses with the food and drink you’ll need over the whole Christmas period.


Beer from Rooster’s Brewing Co.

Rooster’s Brewing Co. make a range of beers that cover a variety of styles, from pale ales and IPA’s to best bitters, stouts and sour beers, all brewed on Harrogate’s Hornbeam Park.

What’s more, Roosters offers a free local delivery service within Harrogate and Knaresborough*, as well as a ‘Cluck & Collect’ service from the brewery and onsite Taproom!

Find your new favourite beer here.

*Minimum spend applies, please see website for specific areas covered.


Cheese from The Cheeseboard

Is Christmas even Christmas if you don’t eat lots of delicious cheese? Save the hassle of collating an assortment of individual cheeses with a ready packed hamper from The Cheeseboard. 

To keep things local, try the ‘Luxury Yorkshire Hamper’. It contains traditional Wensleydale, mature Yorkshire cheddar, Flat Capper brie, blue Wensleydale, Yorkshire halloumi, Stottie goat’s milk camembert, strawberry jam, lemon and ginger marmalade and Wensleydale chutney from Rosebud Preserves, Blueberry preserves lime curd, and of course, traditional fruit cake.

You can order your Luxury Yorkshire cheese hamper here. 


Gin from Whittaker’s Winter Solstice Gin

This delicious Whittaker’s gin is a smooth winter spice and fruity 42% London dry gin, an ideal fireside tipple for cold winter nights. Featuring juniper and coriander gently overlaid with signature botanicals of dried bitter orange and currants, it’s perfect as a gift… or a treat for yourself.

It’s best served over ice, with either ginger beer, ginger ale or simply with a plain regular tonic – but don’t be shy with your measure of gin. Add a slice of orange, or for a warming alternative add a star anise and use a cinnamon stick as a stirrer.

Get a bottle of Whittaker’s Winter Solstice Gin here. 


Fish from Mackenzie’s Smokehouse

Smoked right here in the Harrogate district at Mackenzie’s Smokehouse in Blubberhouses, the Trawler hamper is perfect for anyone wanting a luxury fish-feasting experience.

Inside you’ll find traditional oak smoked salmon, oak roast hot smoked salmon, kippers, mackerel fillets, smoked salmon pate and mackerel pate.

Order the Trawler hamper here.


Wine from Yorkshire Vintners

The Yorkshire Vintners Ultimate Wine Lover’s Christmas Hamper really does have it all when it comes to exploring wines.

It’s a journey through the various styles and prominent origins of wines, starting with a renowned English sparkling Nyetimber, followed by a classic chablis and standout Australian red blend. Moving on, there’s a sauternes, then 10-year-old tawny port, finishing with a wonderfully smooth cream liqueur from an emerging distiller here in Yorkshire.

Also included is a Nyetimber bottle stopper, Grahams Port decanter and corkscrew.

Order the Yorkshire Vintners Ultimate Wine Lover’s Christmas Hamper here. Order before 15 December to guarantee for Christmas.


Just so you know, all of the local businesses featured here were selected on their own merit, but some have paid to be featured in this article. 

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning it’s Al with you today, keeping you updated with the latest traffic and travel news from across the Harrogate district.

If there’s anything I’ve missed, and only if it is safe to do so, give me a call on 01423 276197.

These blogs are brought to you by The HACS Group.


9am – Full Update 

That’s all from me today, we’ll be back tomorrow morning from 6:30am with all the updates on the roads and trains.

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7:30am – Full Update 

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7am – Full Update 

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6:30am – Full Update 

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Getting your home ready for Christmas? Check out these local businesses with the products you need

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – and a time when many of us go all out to make our homes look spectacular.

Here in the Harrogate district, we’re lucky to have lots of independent businesses to help you add a festive touch to your home – whether it’s trees and decorations, the perfect Christmas scent, or those all important kitchen utensils to pull off cooking your Christmas dinner.


For your tree: Harrogate Christmas Tree Centre

After trading for more than 40 years, and as the leading retailer of cut Christmas trees in Harrogate, these guys really know their stuff.

With the widest selection of strong and low needle retention trees, Harrogate Christmas Tree Centre can offer you advice on how to keep your tree looking good until the New Year.

The company is also a member of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association, and pride themselves on a high level of customer service.

Find more here. 


For your decorations: Rudfarlington Farm 

The Christmas Barn at Rudfarlington Farm is now selling top quality Christmas decorations, lighting, ornaments and gifts.

There are several ranges of themed decorations, plus all the extras you’ll need to turn your home into the perfect Christmas setting.

Find all the details here. 


For that lovely Christmassy smell: Olivia Jade Candle Company 

For a wonderful festive scent in your home, try the orange, cinnamon and cranberry candle from Olivia Jade Candle Company.

The fruity, floral combination gets more pronounced as the candle starts to burn, with great depth and roundness.

All Olivia Jade candles are handmade, vegan friendly, and cruelty free.

Order your candle here. 


For cooking your Christmas dinner: Cooking Fantastic 

Tucked away in Killinghall, Cooking Fantastic is a true hidden gem. With an extensive array of baking and cooking tools and essentials, you’ll find everything you need to cook up a brilliant Christmas dinner.

Don’t miss Christmas items from Yorkshire suppliers like the fabulous red table runner (pictured above with the roasting tins), or stocking fillers like the ‘knob grabbers’… for lifting the lid off a casserole dish!

Discover more here. 


Just so you know, all of the local businesses featured here were selected on their own merit, but some have paid to be featured in this article. 

New Harrogate law firm announces voucher incentive scheme that supports local businesses

Pictured above are Jonathan Wearing, Manager Partner (second left) with the Harrogate team outside the Ison Harrison branch at 6a Albert Street.


This article is sponsored by Ison Harrison.

Ison Harrison Solicitors, who recently opened a new branch on Albert Street, have announced a special incentive scheme for new clients to help support the town’s local businesses.

Each of the first 100 clients at the branch will receive a £20 discount voucher to spend at one of six local Harrogate businesses. The businesses taking part in the scheme are gift shop Sophie Likes, book shop Imagined Things, Porters Clothing, Helen James Flowers, gift and accessories shop Bijouled and Thug Sandwich Company.

Ison Harrison has been established for over 43 years and has a head office based in Leeds city centre. With a growing network of 16 branches across Yorkshire, the new office in Harrogate is the second in North Yorkshire, following the opening of the York branch in 2018. The firm employs over 220 staff across the region and offers a full range of legal services for both private clients and businesses.

Ison Harrison Harrogate branch manager, Georgina Pogge-von-Strandmann, specialises in property law and is supported by a dedicated team of experts including family law partner Shaun Hulme and property solicitor James Pascoe.

Georgina said:

“Opening our new Harrogate branch is a great opportunity for us to support some great local businesses and say thank you to our first 100 clients by providing vouchers for them to spend at these fantastic independent shops.”

Branch manager Georgina Pogge-von Strandmann and conveyancing solicitor James Pascoe with Andy Shuttleworth, Managing Director and Shop Floor Manager of Porters Clothing

Andy Shuttleworth Managing Director and Shop Floor Manager of Porters Clothing, added:

“We are delighted to be taking part in Ison Harrison’s voucher scheme. We are also really pleased to see that a recognised Yorkshire law firm is opening in the town centre and offering their support by joining forces with independent businesses such as ours.”

Georgina and James with Debbie Phillips, Deputy Manager of book shop, Imagined Things

Debbie Phillips of Imagined Things, commented:

“It’s such a lovely idea for Ison Harrison to partner with local Independent shops in this way. We wish them all the best on their opening!”

To receive a £20 discount voucher and be one of the first 100 clients at Ison Harrison in Harrogate, simply pop in to their branch at 6A Albert Street, or call 01423 228 111.

 

To find out more about Ison Harrison in Harrogate, visit www.isonharrison.co.uk/branches/harrogate

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning, it’s Al with you to start off the week with your road and public transport updates.

If there’s anything I’ve missed, and it is safe to do so, give me a call on 01423 276197.

These blogs are brought to you by The HACS Group.


9am – Full Update 

Roads

Traffic is moving slower than usual in these areas:

Road closures:

Temporary lights:

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8:30am – Full Update 

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Traffic is moving slower than usual in these areas:

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8am – Full Update 

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Some traffic hotspots are starting to appear:

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7:30am – Full Update 

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Traffic looks to be running smoothly so far this morning.

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7am – Full Update 

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Everything still looks quiet on the roads this morning, but if I’ve missed anything do get in touch.

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6.30am – Full Update 

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The roads are looking quiet so far this morning, with no build ups of traffic yet.

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Ripon wine experts share top picks for your Christmas gifts and pairings

This article is sponsored by Yorkshire Vintners.

As the festive season draws closer, you might find yourself wondering what to gift that awkward relative – or even how to impress your in-laws with the ‘correct’ wine for each course of your Christmas dinner. Ripon-based wine merchant, Yorkshire Vintners, is here to help ease that stress.

Since launching over a decade ago, Yorkshire Vintners has been supplying Michelin Star restaurants, pubs, bars, hotels and event venues with wine and spirits. The experienced team offers a professional, knowledgeable, and friendly service at the store on Ripon Business Park – with free off-street parking and even a tasting room!

Yorkshire Vintners is now open every Saturday until Christmas, giving you even more chance to discover your new favourite drink. Saturday shoppers will also receive a complimentary glass of mulled wine.

With over 1000 wines and spirits on offer, there’s a lot to choose from – so here are Yorkshire Vintners’ top Christmas picks.


Christmas Wine Cases

From £95 for six bottles

Sorting out Christmas food is stressful enough; ditch the hassle of also picking your tipple with an expertly curated Yorkshire Vintners Christmas wine case.

Each case contains six bottles of either red or white wine from around the world, and a tasting sheet with great Christmas food pairing suggestions.

With three price levels of cases, each made up of six bottles, you’ll be free to enjoy your celebrations. Prices are £60 for an Everyday case, £95 for the Discovery case, or £150 for the Classic Christmas case.

Within the Red Discovery case, you’ll find the Queulat Cinsault Gran Reserva 2016 Ventisquero, with aromas of wild berries and spices, which is delicious with roasted turkey.

Or if you prefer a white wine, why not pair your cheeseboard with the White Discovery case’s Riesling ‘Riverbank’ Wente Vinyards, USA dry white wine, which features fresh aromatics of pear and honeysuckle.

Order your Christmas wine case here.


Nyetimber

The Nyetimber range

From £29 for a classic cuvee bottle

The full range of Nyetimber English sparkling wine is available at Yorkshire Vintners. Situated in the rural heart of the South of England, Nyetimber uses only the finest estate-grown fruit to craft these award-winning, world-renowned wines.

Classic Cuvee, Nyetimber’s signature wine, is a classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier and offers a balance of elegance and intensity. It’s perfect when paired with delicious seafood, especially smoked salmon or scallops.

When you buy six bottles of Nyetimber (including mixed cases), you’ll receive a free Nyetimber ice bucket.

Order the Nyetimber Classic Cuvee here.


Maple Falls Mulled Wine

Maple Falls mulled wine

£4.95 per bottle, or a case of six for £27

This aromatic, fruity and spicy mulled wine is rich in orange, lemon and hints of red berry fruits balanced with traditional spice aromas of nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon. It’s a Christmas classic that’s delicious served warm for a traditional mulled wine infusion, or cold as an ideal base for seasonal punch.

Top tip: pour a few bottles into a slow cooker, add some halved oranges with cloves pushed into the skin, some cinnamon sticks, rosemary, and a dash of fresh orange juice. Leave to slowly heat up (making sure not to boil), then ladle into glasses or mugs and enjoy on a cold evening.

Order the Maple Falls mulled wine here. 


Spirit of Yorkshire Cream Liqueur

£29 per bottle 

As a rich, luxurious, and warming, award-winning Cream Liqueur, this is a fantastic local alternative to Baileys.

Yorkshire single malt whisky and single malt spirit (made with 100% homegrown barley) have been gently married together with the richest dairy cream to create a beautifully balanced and complex cream liqueur of exceptional quality and flavour.

It’s best enjoyed on its own, either straight-up or over ice – so simply pour generously. The stunning bottle also makes it a fantastic Christmas gift.

Order Spirit of Yorkshire’s cream liqueur here. 


Graham’s Tawny Port 

Graham’s Tawny Port

From £7.50 for a 200ml bottle

With its nutty character and fruity bouquet, tawny port is a fabulous pairing for dark chocolate, fruit cake, or sweet deserts like apple pie or creme brûlée. In the 200ml size, prices start at £7.50 for the 10-year-old, £10.50 for the 20-year-old, or £16.50 for a 30-year-old. For a perfect present, try the gift set which includes one of each age at the discounted price of £32. If you really want to impress, there’s also a 4.5litre bottle of Graham’s 10-year-old Tawny port in a wooden box, priced at £235.

Discover Yorkshire Vintners’ range of Graham’s Tawny Port here. 


Order online to collect in store, or use code northyorkshire10 to receive free delivery anywhere in North Yorkshire. Pre-order before Friday 17 December for delivery or collection in the week leading up to Christmas.

Visit the Yorkshire Vintners shop at Unit 2, Ripon Business Park, or www.yorkshirevintners.co.uk to find out more.

Find your new career at Wolseley, and get more than just a pay check

This article is sponsored by Wolseley.

The UK’s largest plumbing and heating merchant, Wolseley, is recruiting to fill a number of roles in its Ripon support centre and store branches.

The firm specialises in bathrooms and heating as well as infrastructure solutions and cooling products.

Wolseley offers great benefits to all of its staff, with life insurance, an employee assistance programme (including counselling) and flexible working options, on top of the competitive salary, great holiday entitlement, and fantastic pension contribution scheme you’d expect.

Michelle Henstock has worked at the Ripon support centre for more than forty years, and is now payroll and benefits manager. She recalls starting work there in 1981:

“Wolseley, or Yorkshire Heating as it was, was the employer of choice in the Ripon area at the time – everyone wanted to get a foot in the door. Whenever a vacancy cropped up, you wanted to grab it!”

She added that those in her team have always felt like family:

“I think I’ve been really blessed in that respect. I’ve always worked in good teams and with good colleagues that have worked well together and got on. I’ve remained friends with many former colleagues, and I’ve gained new ones too.”

Supporting your wellbeing

The company places a family ethos at the heart of its culture, and wellbeing is a priority. With trained mental health first aiders across the business, there’s always someone there to support you.

Colleagues can also sign up to the special ‘Wolseley Wellbeing programme’, a comprehensive 12-week course that covers exercise, nutrition, sleep, positive psychology, and stress management.

Wolseley recognises how important staff engagement is to wellbeing, so you’ll be able to have your say on how the company is doing and where it’s going.

Pay matters

When you’re looking for work, pay is important. Wolseley wants to attract the very best talent, and pays people a wage that means they want to stick around.

Wolseley always pays above the National Living Wage; what they call the Wolseley Wage is well over £500 more per year than the Living Wage for those aged 23 years and over. The gap is even wider if you’re under 23 years old (where the recommended pay is lower), as they don’t believe someone’s wage should be determined by their age.

 

To see the roles currently on offer at Wolseley, visit www.wolseleycareers.co.uk

Stray Gardener: Getting to the root of it

The Stray Gardener is written by Rudding Park’s Kitchen Gardener, Fiona Slight. Fiona has worked in horticulture for more than 30 years in the UK and abroad, and specialises in growing fruit and vegetables for fine dining. This month, Fiona explains her methods for taking and propagating root cuttings. 

I love propagating plants and over the years I have tried lots of different techniques. One that I have found simple and useful to do is root cuttings. You can do them at a quieter time of year (November to March) when plants are dormant. It allows you to propagate up larger amounts of plants with limited tools and equipment, you don’t need expensive heated propagators or rooting hormone powder.  They are a little slower to root, but you tend to get a much stronger and healthier plant in the long run. As the root cuttings grow, they are less likely to be affected by foliar pests and diseases in the initial stages of growth, allowing them to grow to a good size to be able to fight them off later.

Root cuttings are particularly successful with mint plants.

Root cuttings don’t work with all plants. The greatest success comes from using thick fleshy roots and even more success comes from roots that have a tendency to sucker, such as mint.  Other herbaceous plants to use include: anemone, papaver, echinops, acanthus, primula denticulata and phlox. Some woody plants are also successful from root cuttings, including aralia, catalpa (Indian bean tree), chaenomeles, robinia and syringa.

The process of taking root cuttings is very simple. Select a nice strong healthy plant with a good-sized clump. Dig this up, or if it is very large, try to dig and expose the roots to select the thickest ones. Try not to use more than a third of the root system, and once the roots are selected, make sure you replant very quickly to avoid the plant drying out. I tend to grow mint in containers to avoid it growing everywhere, it is then very easy to take the plant out of the pot and select the roots you want to use.

Fiona plants her root cuttings in trays and pots

Choose young, roughly pencil thick roots (although this does depend on the plant and some, like mint, can still root from thinner roots). Cut them off close to the crown using a sharp knife or secateurs. I then start cutting from the top of the root (the bit closest to the crown). Cut lengths of up to 8cm. To make sure you plant the roots the correct way up, if you cut the top straight across and then make a slanted cut at the bottom of the cutting you know the slanted bit needs to go into the compost first.

Use a well-drained gritty propagation compost and fill pots or trays with it. Make sure the pots you use are deep enough for your cuttings. Then insert the cuttings into the compost so the top is just below the surface (remembering to put the slanty end in first!). Top dress with grit to help keep excess moisture away from the top of the cutting, to avoid it rotting off before it roots. Place the tray or pots in a cold frame or other sheltered place and you should have some plants ready to pot on by the spring. Don’t forget to check them and water if they get dry!

Fiona suggests using a gritty propagation compost

Another technique you can use with thinner roots, is to lay roughly 10cm lengths of the roots horizontally on top of the gritty compost in a seed tray and then cover with grit again.  You will get small plants growing along the length of the root, which can be detached in sections and potted up in the spring.

This really is an easy, cost effective and fun way to increase numbers of your favourite plants. So, if you have a spare couple of hours, just give it a go! 

Fiona’s five top tips for December:

  1. Regularly check protective covers for tender plants to make sure they are still intact and in place.
  2. Start ordering seed catalogues to get ahead of the game and get your seeds ordered early before they are out of stock.
  3. Reduce watering on houseplants to ensure they don’t rot off over the winter.
  4. Tie wall shrubs and climbers securely to ensure they don’t get damaged by windy weather.
  5. Clean the glass and tidy in the greenhouse ready for next season.

Read More: 


 

Are you a people-person who wants to change lives? This job is for you

This article is sponsored by Elizabeth Finn Homes.

The award-winning Hampden House care home in Harrogate, part of Elizabeth Finn Homes, is owned by the charity Turn2us and offers a home from home for its residents.

The dedicated staff team provide both nursing and personal care on a permanent or short-term basis, allowing residents to live the best life they can. There’s an emphasis on providing exceptional care for the individuals at the centre of their ethos.

There are openings for a variety of roles, within clinical teams, for nurses and carers, catering and housekeeping. If you’re looking for a new challenge that genuinely makes a difference to the lives of others, this is your opportunity – even if you’ve never worked in care, full training will be provided.

If you’re a people-person, a good team player, and want a job that’s more than just a job, read on to find out how you’ll be supported in your new career.

A typical day

At Hampden House, the dignity and independence of the residents is at the fore, so you’ll put them first in everything you do.

You’ll assist personal care residents with getting up and dressed, choosing from the lunch menu, and getting to know them as an individual.

For residents requiring nursing care, you may be helping with their daily nutrition and hydration requirements. There’s also a team of qualified nurses on hand to offer dedicated medical care to the residents 24 hours a day.

Training and support

If you’re new to care, you’ll be given full training and support to work towards your NVQ level 2 in care.

You’ll be provided with online training to prepare you for your new career as a carer, including infection control, manual handling, and dignity in care.

Once you get onto the floor of the care home, you’ll be given a buddy. You’ll shadow them for at least two weeks whilst they explain all the processes and procedures, to make sure you’re fully confident on everything.

You’ll be partnered with your buddy for three to six months, to make sure you have a single point of contact if any questions arise, and to help you feel more confident in your new role.

‘A company I like to work for’

Marlon Agero has worked in the care industry for 20 years, and is now the clinical care manager at Hampden House.

“I’ve worked for big companies, small companies, in care homes and elsewhere. I can tell you honestly, Elizabeth Finn is a company I like to work for. We’ve had care workers that have been here a long time, and Hampden House really is like a family.

“The management is approachable; they make things easy for you. In other companies I’ve worked for, it’s not so easy to approach someone with a problem or find the support you need.

“We get paid breaks, sick pay and a great pension scheme – which hasn’t always been the case in other care settings I’ve worked in.”

To become one of the team at Hampden House, visit efhl.co.uk/work-with-us or call Jane Hooren – General Manager on 01423 566 964.

A-Plan Harrogate celebrates first birthday

This article is sponsored by A-Plan Harrogate

A-Plan Harrogate has celebrated its one-year anniversary, having opened the new branch while the nation was deep in the pandemic, lockdown, and furlough.

Despite the initial opening being delayed due to construction work grinding to a halt during the first lockdown, the high street insurer was determined to see the business open and thrive.

Branch Manager Chris Bishop recalls the journey from the temporary opening in 2020, to a more permanent reopening this year, to celebrating their one-year Birthday with some Fat Rascals from Bettys Harrogate. And of course, the community support that keeps his team committed, and Harrogate town centre thriving.

Opening and closing, and opening again

“Opening a new high street store during a pandemic probably didn’t make sense to some. Particularly as so many large household retail brands closed their high street stores for good. However, despite the challenges of opening, closing, working from home, and reopening again, we knew that this would be a service that many local people would want to see return to the high street. After all, A-Plan has been supporting high streets and local communities since it opened its first branch in Oxford almost 60 years ago. So you could say we’re very well-rehearsed at it!”

Chris continues :

“And now, more than ever, I really do feel that there is a need for that personal connection and the reassurance of speaking to a real person to help them find the right insurance, rather than filling out an online question set. One thing that became clear at the start of the pandemic was that clients were fed up of waiting hours to have their call answered, yet on average we’re still answering calls in under 20 seconds.

“It was a great feeling finally getting the keys to the store last year – and we managed to time our opening in-between lockdowns, so we were able to celebrate with an appearance by Deputy Mayor Councillor Zoe Metcalf, and a representative from Saint Michael’s Hospice who we continue to support. We even had a visit from ‘the Trotter’s van’ which drew a lot of attention outside our store!

“We were open for just six weeks before closing again due to the second lockdown, but we kept building the business by working from home. Unfortunately, face-to-face meetings came to a swift halt, but we were available on the phone for anyone that needed us. We do go into things a little deeper to ensure our clients get the cover they need, so we still built up a good rapport via telephone. And it was great to see so many of the people we spoke to ‘pop in’ when we reopened! It was a great feeling returning to the new store once lockdown lifted. It does feel as if the entire community has really pulled together to support each other, and that has been reflected in the footfall in the centre too.”

An active part of our community

“It has been important for us to work with independent businesses and charities in the area and we started that from our very first day. In addition to supporting Saint Michaels Hospice, we continue to support the Harrogate Theatre, and work closely with the Harrogate Outdoor Bowls Club.

“Our team also enjoyed wearing pink, baking cakes, and fundraising for Breast Cancer Awareness, and we ran a Free Coffee Friday offering A-Plan thermos mugs filled with coffee from our neighbouring, independent coffee shop which was very well received.

“There is a real drive to engage in activities, and that was very prevalent at the recent A-Plan sponsored Harrogate bonfire, which saw over 12,000 people attend and record fundraising for the Friends of Harrogate Hospital. We also ran a competition to win free insurance!

“Harrogate is a great place to work, so we also continue to support our local business community, having recently hosted a B2B networking event in our meeting room with a view to host more events in the future.”

A helpful addition to the high street

“It is clear from the reception we have enjoyed that A-Plan is a helpful addition to the high street, with local people not having had a more personal ‘branch’ service in the area for over four years. It has been encouraging to see footfall increase over the last few months, and to see Harrogate thriving after being mentioned for it’s incredible ‘bounce back’ in the news recently. This is an amazing testament to the local community and people in the area, everyone has pulled together, and you get a real sense of that.”

To find out more about A-Plan and the services available, contact the Harrogate team directly on 01423 647220.