Business Breakfast: MP visits Harrogate company in support of IT campaign

Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!

Make the most of your efforts by reading our top 10 tips for writing your submission for success.

Entries close on January 19, 2024.

Andrew Jones MP has visited a Harrogate IT company in support of a digital waste campaign.

Mr Jones visited Techbuyers’ headquarters on Hornbeam Park, where he signed the IT Repairs and Reuse Declaration.

The campaign urges the UK government to enhance legislation concerning the extension of IT product lifespans.

The Techbuyer team offered a tour of their facilities with a particular focus on their e-waste and repairs departments, highlighting the work they do to extend the lifespan of technology and divert IT hardware from landfill.

Astrid Wynne, head of sustainability and public sector at Techbuyer, said:

“There is a lot of waste associated with the delivery of our digital services. The best way to avoid this is to think about electronic equipment as a long-term investment – something to take care of and repair when necessary.

“In order to this, we need to change the way the market works. Legislation is an essential part of this.”

Harrogate company reports improved revenues in interim results

A Harrogate rental company has reported improved revenues in its interim results.

Beckwith Knowle-based VP posted £190.9m for the six months ended September 30, up from £186.5m in the same period last year.

The company described the results for the first half of the financial year as “solid”.

Jeremy Pilkington, chairman of VP, said:

“We have delivered a solid performance with continuing sector leading returns in the period reflecting the strength of our diverse business offering. We are particularly pleased to have maintained net margin and a strong return on average capital employed, demonstrating high quality of earnings in difficult market conditions.

“Having multiple sector exposure diversifies our revenue streams and has contributed to the robust performance in the period, with infrastructure demand remaining supportive, and whilst there are immediate challenges within general construction, I am confident that the actions taken will be of benefit in the medium term. The group continues to produce strong operating cash flows and maintains a solid financial base, having refinanced our RCF in November on similar terms for a further three years, and we are well positioned for growth.”

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Andy’s Man Club to open Harrogate branch

A new branch of Andy’s Man Club is set to open in Harrogate in January.

The male suicide prevention charity, which hosts free peer-to-peer sessions at locations across Yorkshire and the north of England, will open at Harrogate College.

The weekly sessions will begin on Monday, January 22, at 7pm and are open to men aged 18 and over.

The

branch has received the backing of Emmerdale actor Dominic Brunt, who plays Paddy Kirk in the soap.

He said:

“I’m overjoyed to let you know that there’s a new Andy’s Man Club opening in Harrogate, at Harrogate College.

“So see you there: it’s ok to talk.”

The arrangements for the new branch were led by Neil Waine, who appeared in an episode of Emmerdale earlier this year when the storyline focused on men’s mental health, and saw ‘Paddy’ seek out a local Andy’s Man Club for help.

The aim of the sessions are for men to talk through their issues and help each other deal with their mental health.

Mr Waine, who is project development champion at Andy’s Man Club, said:

“We are really excited to get going in Harrogate and delighted with the college’s support.

“We have been trying to open here for roughly twelve months and once we had the right team in place it was time to find a venue.”

The charity was founded by Elaine Roberts and Luke Ambler after Andrew Roberts, Elaine’s son and Luke’s brother-in-law, took his own life aged 23 in 2016.

It held its first session in Halifax, Andrew’s hometown, and now helps to support more than 3,000 men on a weekly basis at more than 150 locations.

For more information on the Harrogate branch, follow them on Facebook here or email info@andysmanclub.co.uk.

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Police appeal after 14-year-old injured in Harrogate collision

Police have appealed for witnesses after a 14-year-old girl was injured after a collision in Harrogate.

The incident happened on Otley Road near to Queens Road and West End Avenue at 4.45pm on Tuesday, December 12.

Officers said a black motor vehicle collided with a 14-year-old girl who was a pedestrian. Following the collision, the girl attended hospital for treatment.

The driver, who is described as aged between 60 and 70-years-old, bald and was wearing all black clothing did stop at the scene but didn’t leave any details.

A North Yorkshire Police statement added:

“Police are now requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“In particular, officers are appealing for information about anyone that witnessed the collision or anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage.

“Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should email paul.dixon@northyorkshire.police.uk   You can also call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for Paul Dixon.

“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12230236668 when passing information.”

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Harrogate Town striker Luke Armstrong to join Carlisle United

Harrogate Town’s Luke Armstrong will join Carlisle United on a permanent transfer.

Armstrong, 27, will sign for the Cumbrian side on January 1, 2024.

In a joint statement, both clubs said the striker will leave Harrogate with immediate effect and begin training with Carlisle pending the opening of the transfer window.

The statement said:

“Harrogate Town, Carlisle United and Luke Armstrong can each confirm they have all reached and completed an agreement for a permanent transfer on 1 January 2024.

“Having already successfully completed his medical at Brunton Park, Luke will now leave Town with immediate effect to begin training with United, pending the opening of the transfer window and transfer of his registration.”

The move comes as a planned transfer for Armstrong to join Wrexham in the summer fell through.

The English Football League rejected a a deadline day deal between the clubs for the 27-year-old after it said the Welsh side failed to submit paperwork on time.

Wrexham apologised to Harrogate after it was “unable to complete the transfer by the deadline”.

Armstrong, who scored 31 goals in 116 appearances for Harrogate, will now join Carlisle who currently sit in the bottom four of League One.

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Mobile company appeals 4G mast plan in Ripon Cathedral car park

A telecommunications company has appealed a decision to refuse a new mobile phone network mast in Ripon Cathedral car park.

EE Limited had proposed installing the 15 metre high pole in the car park in order to provide improve 4G coverage to the area.

The new mast would have been located in the north east corner of the car park on St Marygate next to a maintenance building.

However, North Yorkshire Council rejected the plan on the grounds that the mast would be “detrimental to the visual amenity and character of the conservation area and harm the setting of the surrounding heritage assets”.

Now, EE Limited has taken the decision to the government’s Planning Inspectorate, which deals with planning disputes.

In a statement of case, the company said the mast was required as a replacement for the current infrastructure at Liberty Court House which is being decommissioned.

It added that the mast would not be visible from any of the heritage sites in Ripon.

It said:

“The proposed new mast will not be visible from Ripon Cathedral, nor will it form a meaningful part of views from the cluster of listed buildings to the north and east of the site. 

“In utilising a sympathetic design, with colouring designed to reduce visual impact, the proposed development has sought to mitigate any potential harm where views are possible.”

A government planning inspector will make a decision on the proposal at a later date.

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Harrogate triathlon chairman making strides with club

Some may find the word “triathlon” daunting and exhausting, but Jon Chamberlain disagrees.

The Harrogate Triathlon Club chairman has been in post two years, but has ambitions to broaden the club’s appeal.

The organisation boasts 160 members and an eclectic membership base, ranging from 70 year old athletes to those taking their first steps into the sport.

For Jon, the club is a family – but it could be more than that.

Moving to Harrogate

Jon moved to Harrogate from Leicester nine years ago.

He had first got a flavour of the town while based at the Army Foundation College during his time in the British Army as a physical training instructor.

After upping sticks and moving his life to North Yorkshire, he joined the Harrogate Triathlon Club.

He had initially started the sport in 2011, when he took on an event with his brother.

“There was a sprint triathlon in Stratford and I really enjoyed it. He didn’t enjoy it so much, so I decided to progress from there.”

Jon, who is 51, has gone onto the race the world and European triathlons in Venice and Ibiza in his age group.

The sport has fostered a community for Jon, which he enjoys on a weekly basis in Harrogate.

The club was founded in 2012 as a legacy of the London Olympics and is made up of 130 adults and 30 juniors.

It hosts fundraising events, training sessions and an annual triathlon at Ashville College – the next of which will be held in April 2024.

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Jon took up the chairmanship in 2021 and oversees the running of the club.

For him, much of the enjoyment comes from facilitating the club for its members – some of whom have never run a triathlon before.

“The ethos of the club is bringing together like-minded people.

“We have a range of athletes who are very experienced, Great Britain level age group and compete in iron man distances. Then we have got members who have never done a triathlon in their life and just want to start out in doing swimming, biking or running.”

Inspirational members

Some members of the club are athletic and compete at a high level – but not all of them.

Jon points to Dave Newby as an example of one of those people.

Dave came to club in late 2022 with an aim of losing weight and making new friends – both of which he achieved within 12 months.

“Dave has been on a massive journey and lost a considerable amount of weight. He’s a lot stronger, because we do a lot of fitness training in the club.

“He’s now swimming, biking and running on a regular basis.”

Jane Holmes and Dave Newby.

Jane Holmes and Dave Newby.

Last year, Dave completed four triathlons and various 5k,10k and 21k races. Now, he’s training to compete an ironman contest in Nottingham in May 2024.

On the other end of the scale, Jane Holmes is competing in world championships in her 70s.

Jane is described as an “inspiration” to members of the club, Jon says, and helps to coach youngsters starting out in triathlon.

She currently world champion after finishing first in the World Triathlon Sprint and Relay Championships in Hamburg this year.

She also finished first place in the World Duathlon in Ibiza and European Duathlon in Venice this year.

“She is a real high performer when it comes to age group representing her country.

“She competes in the 70-74 age group, which is incredible. If you look at many 70 to 74 year olds, you wouldn’t expect them to be competing for their country and winning those races.”

Growing the club

Jon has ambitions for the club in his time as chairman.

While there is no time limit on how long he can hold the post for, there are areas which he feels the club can improve.

Jon says part of the club’s strategy is to bring in younger athletes within the 20 to 45 age bracket, as well as female and disabled athletes.

But, perhaps the biggest challenge is to tackle the stigma of triathlon.

“Triathlon is sometimes a word that scares people.

“We don’t want to put that as a barrier. So we’re thinking of potentially rebranding into some multi-sports domain where people see us and they can do different sorts of events – not just triathlon.”

Another element is tackling the expense that comes with participating in triathlon.

“It can be seen as an expensive sport because potentially there is lots of gear to buy.

“You don’t need all the gear to start. If you’ve got a pair of trainers, goggles and a bike then that will do to get you going. There’s an endless list of things you can invest in, but you don’t need all that to start.

“The best thing is to just come along and try it.”

So, what does Jon want to achieve before he relinquishes his position as chairman?

Attracting a younger demographic is among the top priorities.

“It’s quite a challenge, because at that age people are busy doing other stuff.”

For Jon, the key will be maintaining the culture of the club and keeping it as the big family that attracted people to it in the first place.

While there is an ambition to attract more people to take up triathlon, he does not want to grow it “too big”.

“I think ultimately we want to keep the culture of the club. There’s a lot of clubs you go to where you feel like you’re the only one and you’re out of the clique.

“All the members are really supportive. The culture of the club is very social and very supportive. That’s something that we want to keep.”

If you have any local sporting heroes who you think should be featured in Sporting Spotlight, contact calvin@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Harrogate hospital braced for winter junior doctors strikes

Harrogate District Hospital is braced for two sets of winter strike action as junior doctors stage further walkouts.

Members of the British Medical Association and the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association announced the industrial action amid a dispute over pay with government.

The latest round of walkouts will take place from 7am on Wednesday, December 20, until 7am on Saturday, December 23 for BMA members.

However, HCSA members will stop strikes a day earlier on 7am Friday, December 22.

Meanwhile, a further walkout from the BMA will take place in the new year on Wednesday, January 3, until 7am on Tuesday, January 9.

Dr Robert Laurenson and Dr Vivek Trivedi, BMA junior doctors committee co-chairs, said:

“We have been clear from the outset of these talks that we needed to move at pace and if we did not have a credible offer, we would be forced to call strikes. After five weeks of intense talks, the government was unable to present a credible offer on pay by the deadline. 

“Instead, we were offered an additional 3%, unevenly spread across doctors’ grades, which would still amount to pay cuts for many doctors this year. It is clear the government is still not prepared to address the real-terms pay cut doctors have experienced since 2008.”

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust said the industrial action is likely to impact on services and some appointments and elective surgery will be cancelled.

However, hospital officials said patients should continue to attend appointments unless contacted to reschedule.

A statement from the trust said:

“We understand this may cause our patients and their families to worry about how services will be delivered during this period. The safety of our patients is our primary concern and we have developed plans for the proposed action and its impact on our services, patients and staff. We are working hard to prioritise resources to protect emergency treatment, critical care, neonatal care, maternity, and trauma, and ensure we prioritise patients who have waited the longest for elective care and cancer surgery.

“Patients should continue to attend appointments as planned unless contacted to reschedule. We will only reschedule appointments and procedures where necessary and any postponed appointments will be re-arranged as a priority. We appreciate this situation is frustrating for patients affected and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is important to know that people with life-threatening or severe illnesses or injuries should continue to dial 999 and come forward as normal.”

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Business Breakfast: Growth hub hosts business support event at Ripon Cathedral

Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!

Make the most of your efforts by reading our top 10 tips for writing your submission for success.

Entries close on January 19, 2024.

York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub hosted an event for businesses involved in its peer to peer support group this week.

Held at Ripon Cathedral, business owners heard from speakers Jack Sutcliffe, chief executive of Power Sheds, and military veteran, Goose Cryer MC.

The event was held as part of the culmination of a six-week programme which aimed to increase business growth, productivity and sustainability and safeguard jobs

Richard Hughes, owner of Manchega Tapas restaurant in Ripon, said:

“All participants were ultimately given the gift of belief in their ability and potential.

“This course can truly revolutionise collaborative working and drive business and economic development locally.”

Further peer to peer support groups are set to be held by the growth hub in January and February. Businesses can sign up here.

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Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall included in restaurant guide

Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall has been included in the Harden’s Top 100 UK Restaurants for 2024.

The fine dining restaurant near Ripon has been ranked at 75th in the guide.

Harden’s is a renowned guide in the culinary industry and compiled the list annually.

Chef Patron, Shaun Rankin, said:

“It’s truly an honour for Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall to be acknowledged in the Harden’s Top 100.

“This is the restaurant’s first feature in the list and is a source of great pride for both the team and I, particularly as the list is based on user-sourced ratings and reviews. It only further encourages us to continue to develop our offering of exceptional culinary experiences for our guests.”

 

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Woman in 30s dies after A1(M) collision

A woman has died following a collision on the A1(M) near Leeming.

The incident was reported at around 11.15pm last night and happened on the southbound carriageway.

It resulted in the A1(M) being closed in both directions between junction 50 at Ripon and junction 52 at Catterick. 

The woman, aged in her 30s and from the Leyburn area, was a passenger in a car that had parked on the hard shoulder of the on-slip.

She was hit by another vehicle after walking into the carriageway.

An air ambulance was called and police investigators examined the scene and recovered the vehicles involved. The road reopened around 8am.

A North Yorkshire Police statement said:

“Despite the efforts of members of the public who stopped to provide first aid, and the emergency services, she sadly died at the scene.

“Police are appealing to any motorists who witnessed the collision but have not yet contacted or spoken to the police to get in touch.

“Officers are also appealing to anyone who saw a parked vehicle on the southbound on-slip from Leeming Bar to the A1M, or a person in the carriageway prior to the collision, to get in touch, including anyone with dashcam footage.

“Anyone with information who can assist the investigation and has not already spoken to the police is asked to email marie.williams@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101 and pass information for incident 12230236443.”

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Labour Party selects candidate to stand for North Yorkshire mayor

The Labour Party has selected York businessman David Skaith as its candidate for the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

Mr Skaith owns Winstons of York clothing shop and spent three years as chair of York High Street Forum. He was also secretary of IndieYork, an organisation that promotes independent businesses.

He lives in the village of Wheldrake near York with his wife and two children.

The mayor will oversee a significant budget for York and North Yorkshire covering areas such as transport, education and housing.

The role will also take on the powers of police and crime commissioner. An election is expected to be held for the position in May 2024.

Following his selection, Mr Skaith said:

“It is an honour to be selected as Labour’s candidate for North Yorkshire Mayor. We need the first ever Mayor of North Yorkshire to be a strong voice on the side of local residents. I am passionate about growing our local economy through strong industry and business, restoring the reliable transport connections we desperately need and delivering on the priorities of our communities here in North Yorkshire.

“We have been taken for granted by the Conservatives for too long, and our region is being left behind as a result. We have so much to offer, and as North Yorkshire’s Mayor I will always fight for what we deserve.”

The Conservatives Party has selected North Yorkshire councillor Keane Duncan as its candidate for the position. Cllr Duncan is also the executive councillor for highways on the authority.

Meanwhile, Pateley Bridge businessman Keith Tordoff has announced he will stand as an independent candidate for mayor.

North Yorkshire councillor, Kevin Foster, will contest the election for the Green Party.

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