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Cardale Asset Management has been rebranded by Titan Wealth Group.
The Harrogate firm, now known as Titan Private Wealth, offers equity based investment services and provides portfolio management to private clients, pension schemes, charities and corporates.
Mark Puleikis, chief executive at Titan Private Wealth, said:
“This is an exciting new chapter for the team.
“Thanks to Titan Wealth’s support, we will accelerate our growth and continue to operate a dynamic business model, ensuring we can move quickly to maximise opportunities for our clients.”
York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub offers start-up advice
York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub has partnered with Lifted Ventures to bring start-ups and early-stage businesses advice.
North Yorkshire Stars will offer workshops and virtual events on business plans, legal advice and funding to help local businesses better prepare for investment.
Simon Middleton, delivery manager for the Growth Hub, said:
“If you’re a business owner and you want to raise finance but you’re unsure where to go or what information you should prepare, these workshops are for you. We look forward to hearing from you.”
Harrogate accountant publishes first novel
Tom Rhodes, a partner at accountancy firm Lithgow Perkins, has published his first novel.
The Awakening of Speros is a fantasy tale aimed at teenagers and young adults.
The former Rossett School pupil said:
“Writing is an escapism for me. It’s about as far removed from accountancy as possible.
“I really enjoy my day job, but I also love escaping into a different world with my writing.
“I tend to write fantasy because I like that you can make up your own rules and get lost in what you want to happen in your story.”
It is available to buy now as an E-book on Amazon or in Castlegate Books in Knaresborough.
Read more:
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate car firm appoints new managing director
- Business Breakfast: Ripon firm marks 20 years of top farm machinery show
- Business Breakfast: Rudding Park to hold Dragons’ Den for local businesses
No end in sight for traffic lights near Ripley
Two-way traffic lights on Fountains Road look set to remain in place for several weeks.
The lights were installed following several heavy rainstorms in December, as one part of the road (pictured), which runs between Ripley and Sawley, is notorious for flooding.
However, despite recent dry weather, there is no sign of the lights being removed imminently.
The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Council how long the lights were expected to remain, as well as what long-term flood prevention measures will be put in place on the road. A spokesperson responded:
“Before the traffic lights are removed, we must jet the gullies and inspect the carrier drain.
“Officers hope to be on site in the next few weeks.”
The spokesperson did not provide a timeframe and said the authority will “provide an update closer to the time and when works are ongoing”.
Read more:
- Council rejects plea to create 20mph zone on ‘terrifying’ Hookstone Drive
- Killinghall roadworks to remain for another eight days
Amazon rom-com filmed in Harrogate to be released next month
An Amazon MGM Studios production starring Camila Mendes, which was partly filmed in Harrogate, is due to be released next month.
Upgraded, which tells the story of an aspiring art intern who sparks up a romance on a work trip, was shot in the town in the summer of 2022.
A spokesperson for the production company told the Stray Ferret scenes were shot at the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel, which “doubles as a posh London hotel”, as well as The Mercer Art Gallery, on Swan Road.
Camila Mendes (L) and Marisa Tomei. Amazon MGM Studios. Credit: Paul Stephenson
It appears the scenes shot in Harrogate will pass off as London in the film. Asked why Harrogate was chosen, the spokesperson said:
“Harrogate a beautiful Yorkshire spa town with lovely architecture that can easily double for London.”
Part of the Stray was also used to film a football match scene.
The crew was spotted filming on the Stray in August 2022.
The Stray Ferret reported on the production at the time of filming after American-Brazilian actress Camila Mendes, the leading lady, was spotted in the town.
Ms Mendes, who starred as Veronica Lodge in Netflix’s Riverdale, is joined by British actor Archie Renaux, as well as Marisa Tomei who featured in the Spider-Man franchise and Crazy, Stupid, Love.
Upgraded will be released on Prime Video on February 9.
The trailer is available to watch on Youtube now.
Read more:
Five-day ASLEF strike set to hit Harrogate to London trains
On Monday, January 22, ASLEF announced the planned industrial action had been cancelled. Another planned walk-out, on February 2, is still set to go ahead.
Members of the Associate Society of Locomotive Engineers and Fireman (ASLEF) Union will walk out at LNER for five days next month.
ASLEF issued a press release yesterday saying drivers will walk out from Monday, February 5 until Friday, February 9.
It added members would also refuse any non-contractual overtime from Wednesday, February 7, to Saturday, February 10.
LNER operates trains between Harrogate and London King’s Cross, which are likely to be affected during the strike, although details have yet to be revealed.
It has been engaged in a long-running pay dispute with ASLEF.
Mick Whelan, general secretary of ASLEF, said:
“We have given LNER management – and their government counterparts who hold the purse strings – every opportunity to come to the table and they have so far made no realistic offer to our members.
“We have not heard from the Transport Secretary since December 2022, or from the train operating companies since April 2023.
“It’s time for them to come to the table and work with us to resolve this dispute so we can all move forward and get our railway back on track.”
LNER has yet to comment on the strike.
Read more:
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- Parking charges to begin at Harrogate reservoirs next week
Police CCTV appeal following criminal damage at Ripon petrol station
North Yorkshire Police officers have now identified the person they wanted to speak with in connection with a criminal damage incident in Ripon.
The Stray Ferret has amended its coverage to anonymise the person in the CCTV image.
The force today said the incident, which occurred at around 4.30am on Christmas Eve (Sunday, December 24), happened at the BP petrol station on North Street.
Officers added:
“We’re asking members of the public to get in touch if they recognise the person in the CCTV image as we believe they will have information that will help our investigation.
“Anyone with any information is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101 or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Quote reference number 12230245400 when passing on information.
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Killinghall roadworks to remain for another eight days
Roadworks on the A61 Ripon Road through Killinghall are set to remain in place for another eight days.
Two-way lights were installed in the village on Thursday, January 11, as Northern Powergrid began nearly two-weeks of cable works.
They had added to delays experienced by the many motorists who use the road at busy times.
A spokesperson for the operator said the work “relates to a fault on a service cable feeding supply to a house”.
They added:
“Engineers have identified a fault under the main road.
“Teams are working as quickly and safely as possible to install the new cable under the road.”
Northern Powergrid said it expects the work to be completed by Wednesday, January 24, adding:
“We apologise to customers for any disruption caused and thank them for their patience.”
Read more:
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- Union blames mismanagement for decision to axe Harrogate firefighters
Business Breakfast: Harrogate car firm appoints managing director
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.
Harrogate-based Synergy Car Leasing has appointed a managing director.
Will Voisey, who will be taking on the role, has worked at the company for more than 10 years after starting out as a sales account manager. He brings two decades of industry experience to the role.
Mr Voisey said:
“Synergy has a great team of people and a strong leadership team, and we are well placed to deliver our next stage of growth.
“As a long-standing employee of Synergy, I am excited to be building on our success to date.”
Harrogate travel agent makes first hire since covid
TravelGate, on Harrogate’s Albert Street, has hired Lizzie Anthony as a travel consultant.
Ms Anthony, who previously worked as cabin crew for Emirates Airline, is the firm’s first hire since the pandemic.
Phil O’Boyle, joint founder and director of TravelGate, said:
“Lizzie brings a real enthusiasm, energy and passion for travel. Her previous role as cabin crew for Emirates Airline gave her the opportunity to travel extensively and develop her knowledge of many destinations.”
Northern appoints chief operating officer
Northern has appointed one of Network Rail’s route directors as its chief operating officer.
Matt Rice, who lives in York, will succeed Tricia Williams, who is stepping into the managing director role.
Mr Rice will lead all Northern service and engineering functions across the north of England in his new role. He said:
“I have spent my career focused on making things better and I am committed to fostering a positive workplace culture for all and delivering great rail services for people across the north of England.”
Read more:
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Increase in number of arrests in Christmas drink and drug drive campaign
The Harrogate district saw the highest number of arrests in the county once again during North Yorkshire Police’s winter drink and drug drive campaign.
A total of 731 roadside tests were completed in North Yorkshire during December, with 18.5% of those testing positive to being over the limit for drink or drug driving — a 6.9% increase from the year prior.
Of those arrested, 76% were male and 24% were female.
Police attributed the increase to a “more targeted approach to catching drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol”.
The results, which were published today, show 21% of arrests were made in the Harrogate district. Last year 33 of 121 countywide arrests during the campaign were made in the district.
Scarborough (19%) and York (16%) accounted for the most arrests this year after Harrogate.
Police said the reason drivers were stopped and asked to provide a sample including committing a moving traffic offence (522), suspicion (138) and being involved in a collision (71).
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There were no drink or drug related fatal collisions throughout the period of the campaign.
The highest reading taken during a roadside test was 118. The offender was given a 28-month disqualification and a fine at York Magistrates Court.
Chief inspector Alex Butterfield, from specialist operations, said in a statement:
“When it comes to catching those who choose to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the public is key and I want to thank every single person who provided information.
“Serious conversations can be difficult or awkward but they may just save a life.
“I would urge you to start a conversation around driving under the influence with family and friends, especially if you have young or inexperienced drivers in your household.”
Police urged anyone that suspects a person may be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs to dial 101 or 999 if the risk is imminent.
Owner of Jennyfields pub says it’s ‘working hard’ to find new landlordThe company that owns the Stone Beck pub, in the Jennyfields area of Harrogate, has said it is “working hard” to find a new landlord to re-open the site.
A spokesperson for Punch Pubs, which owns tenanted and leased pubs across the country, today revealed the news to the Stray Ferret after we enquired about the future of the pub.
They said:
“We have spoken to the operations manager, who has advised he is currently working hard alongside the Punch recruitment team to appoint a new operator for the business.
“Please be assured our team will continue to search for a suitable applicant and we hope to be welcoming the local community back to the Stone Beck soon.”
The Stone Beck was forced to close in August last year when North Yorkshire Police revealed it did not have a designated premises supervisor, which it said was a legal pre-requisite for alcohol to be sold.
Although the Punch Pubs spokesperson said it was searching for a new candidate, they added the firm is “unable to put a timeframe” on the re-opening of the pub at this stage.
Several retail units on the Jennyfield Drive site are also closed. Last month the Stray Ferret reported on the impending closure of the Boots pharmacy inside the Co-op, as well as residents’ concerns over the future of retail in the area.
Read more:
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Stargazing and planet-spotting on offer in Nidderdale as part of Dark Skies Festival
Two Nidderdale attractions are set to offer special stargazing and planet-spotting evenings as part of the National Parks Dark Skies Festival next month.
The festival celebrates the darkness over the country’s national parks and aims to educate people on the stars above.
Stumps Cross Caverns near Pateley Bridge is among those taking part.
It will be holding cave tours throughout the festival, which explain how underground caves are used to train astronauts. Visitors will also be able to use on-site telescopes to see the stars.
There will also be a stargazing evening on February 16, which will include a presentation on how to spot celestial bodies in the sky and how to preserve the dark skies.
The event is for people aged five and above. Tickets start at £5.
Lime Tree Observatory, Grewelthorpe
The Lime Tree Observatory in Grewelthorpe, near Masham, will also be opening its doors – as well as the ceiling of its observatory – during the festival.
A Guide to the Heavens will be a family-friendly tour of the solar system, whereby people can learn all about planets, moons and stars in the planetarium.
In addition, people can also look forward to using the telescopes to view the stars and the sky. However, organisers did say this part of the evening is weather-dependent.
The event will take place over four evenings: Monday, February 12, Tuesday, February 13, Thursday, February 15 and Friday, February 16.
It will run from 6pm – 8pm.
Tickets, which cost £12, will be available to buy from Saturday, January 13.
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The National Parks Dark Skies festival covers four protected landscapes: the North York Moors National Park, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Nidderdale National Landscape and the Howardian Hills National Landscape.
For those a little further afield, there is also a starry night watercolour workshop in Helmsley, a guided walking tour of Rievaulx Abbey and a dark skies-themed trail at Sutton Bank.
Derek Twine, member champion for promoting understanding at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said:
“While enjoyment and discovery are at the heart of the festival, it’s also a reminder to us all of the vital need to do everything we can to protect one of nature’s greatest wonders, the night sky, from light pollution so that we can help safeguard the natural world as well as our own health and wellbeing.”
The festival will run nationwide from February 9 to February 25.