Stray Ferret Awards: Best Employee Development

The Award for Best Employee Development is sponsored by Jones Myers, Family Law Solicitors.

Jones Myers deal exclusively with the family sector, including civil partnerships, divorce and child protection.

The legal firm consistently ranked top in Yorkshire by the influential Legal 500 and Chambers guides.

This award is designed to highlight businesses that develop their employees, giving them the best start for a new career.

 Finalists

Continued Care

Continued Care provides people with complex health issues the support needed to move back into their homes.

All training for new employees begins in the on-site classroom. New carers will only begin working with people once their training is entirely complete and they feel confident in their role.

Continued Care offers funding towards qualifications. There is no limit on training and staff earn a bonus when they achieve qualifications, including NVQs.

Samantha Harrison, Director and Nominated Individual of Continued Care, said:

“We feel very honoured to be recognised within the category. We believe working sector it is important that everyone can develop their career and attain qualifications.

“Investing in employees’ skills and knowledge is hugely important to us as a company”.

Howard Conrad

Howard Conrad is Yorkshire’s leading independent Apple repair service.

Howard Conrad developed a bespoke training website for all its new starters.

The company also supports employees in undertaking external training courses that teach staff skills that can be used in-house.

Howard Conrad also encourages employees to trial any new ideas to develop new skills and services.

Tom James, Technician at Howard Conrad, said:

“Employee development is very important to use. For us to grow as a company and achieve our goals, the team needs to grow with us.

“We are honoured to be shortlisted for this award. It shows that the hard work from every single member of the team is now paying.”

Grantley Hall

Grantley Hall is a luxury five-star hotel and wellness retreat near Ripon.

Team members of Grantley Hall are trained at its on-site training facility, Grantley Academy.

Grantley Hall offers staff live-in accommodation, free meals, wellbeing support and a complimentary gym.

Staff can also access training from senior staff members and even Michelin-Starred Chef, Shaun Rankin.

Grantley Hall has a bespoke training website, developing skills that are used within a job role and to advance employees’ careers.

Andrew McPherson, General Manager at Grantley Hall, said:

“We are delighted to be shortlisted for the Best Employee Development award at The Stray Ferret Business Awards. Here at Grantley Hall, we are passionate about employee development in order to strengthen our team in their careers.

“Our Grantley Academy is a core pillar of our business, which ensures that our team of more than 350 is trained and equipped to provide the five-star service that our guests know and love.”

The Stray Ferret Business Award event sponsor is Prosperis. To find more and to purchase tickets for the big night, click here.

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Stray Ferret Business Awards: Dynamic Leader

The Dynamic Leader Award is sponsored by Succession Wealth.

Succession Wealth offers premium financial advice  clients across the UK.

The firm aims to provide clients with peace, clarity and financial well-being.

This award is designed for those in the Harrogate district who are driving progress and change within their organisation, even during hardships.

Finalists

Ian Baker, The Soundproofing Store:

Ian Baker is the Founder and Managing Director of The Soundproofing Store.

Ian Baker has led The Soundproofing Store to become the largest online retailer of soundproofing equipment and solutions in the UK.

Ian’s employees say, “his style of leadership is instrumental in the success of the business and solutions offered to customers”.

Ian Baker said:

“I am deeply grateful to be recognised among such a talented group of individuals, especially as my team nominated me without me knowing. I feel very humbled to have made the shortlist.

“I would like to express my gratitude to my team for their hard work, dedication, and support, without whom this recognition would not be possible. Their contributions and efforts have been instrumental in making our company what it is today”.

Sarah Jones, Full Circle Funerals:

Sarah Jones is the founder of Full Circle Funerals.

The company aims to raise the standards and expectations of funeral care across Yorkshire and beyond.

Since launching Full Circle, Sarah has collaborated with university academics to research the long-term effects funerals can have on people’s well-being, using the results to improve her own company.

Sarah has led Full Circle to become the first funeral director in the UK to be listed as a B Corp organisation.

Sarah Jones said:

“It is incredibly humbling to be recognised in the context of leadership and I hope that my actions and those of others around me will inspire and create positive change, particularly in relation to sustainability and wellbeing”.

Danny Wild, Harrogate College:

Danny Wild is the principal of Harrogate College.

Danny places sustainability at the top of Harrogate College’s agenda, hoping to become a centre of green excellence and a net zero facility by 2035.

Danny has led the College be the first in North Yorkshire to achieve a ‘College of Sanctuary’ status. The accolade recognises colleges that support refugees and people seeking asylum.

Harrogate College recently celebrated an Ofsted rating of ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding Features’. The provision for adults and personal development of students were both graded ‘Outstanding’.

Danny Wild said:

“I feel very proud to be nominated for this award. This nomination gives me an opportunity to reflect on the work of my colleagues at Harrogate College, who work hard every day with people to change their lives through education.

“My view of being a dynamic leader is being attuned to the needs of the people you work with by listening and responding in a way that allows people to succeed”.

Suzanna Prout, Xenonex:

 Suzanna Prout is the Founder and Managing Director of Xenonex.

Xenonex offers leadership coaching and development programmes.

During covid, Suzanna shifted Xenonex to be entirely online. This included online training and bespoke portals where users could access resources and track progress.

Suzanna also led the business to win the CorporateLiveWire Innovation & Excellence Award for ‘Management Training Specialist of the Year – UK’.

Suzanna’s colleagues say, “her door is always open to provide support”.

Suzanna Prout said:

“I am delighted to be a finalist in the dynamic leader award. Being recognised is a wonderful way to reflect on all it takes to build a business from the ground up, to build a fabulous team and to work with some amazing clients.

“This could not be possible without the ongoing commitment and contributions from the fabulous team at Xenonex who inspire me every day. Dynamic leadership is about constant change, boundless energy and a positive outlook even when times are tough. For me, it’s all about being one step ahead and for delivering a level of service to our clients that exceeds expectations”.

Andrew Meehan, Harrogate Family Law:

Andrew Meehan is the Founder and Managing Director of Harrogate Family Law.

Andrew has led the firm to be consistently ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers guides.

Andrew dedicates a significant amount of time to all his employees as a mentor, intending to create premium standard lawyers and great career progression.

Andrew is empathetic to the emotional pressure family law can bring, and provides external coaching and counselling services to his staff when needed.

Andrew’s employees describe him as “charismatic and loved by all”.

Andrew Meehan said:

“I feel flattered to be shortlisted for the Stray Ferret Award for Dynamic Leader. I was surprised to be nominated by my team, but am delighted to have been shortlisted, especially given the quality of the other shortlisted nominees.

“I wish them all the very best of luck on the night.”

Alastair Taylor, NYnet:

Alastair Taylor is the CEO of NYnet, a broadband connectivity company in Harrogate.

Since taking on the role of CEO in 2022, Alastair has rebranded the company and launched a new website in preparation for expansion into the private sector.

Alastair oversaw the rollout of free town centre WIFI to 20 towns in North Yorkshire, including Harrogate.

Alastair’s employees say, “Alastair recognises the importance of inspiring his team and motivating them to achieve the goals he has for NYnet”.

Alastair Taylor said:

“It means a great deal that this is a local award, in the region where my colleagues and I are engaged in improving connectivity and the digital economy. I feel fortunate to work with a fantastic senior management team in a field that is dynamic by nature, where technology is always generating change and new opportunities.

“One of the bonuses of this is being able to share the knowledge we gain here in Yorkshire with technology leaders much further afield.”

The Stray Ferret Business Award event sponsor is Prosperis. To find more and to purchase tickets for the big night, click here.

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Stray Ferret Business Awards: Sustainable Business

The Sustainable Business award is sponsored by York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.

The York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub aims to provide businesses of all sizes and sectors effective and impartial business support.

As a local organisation, the service provided is tailored to the needs of individuals and their particular region.

This award recognises those businesses that have put sustainability at the top of their agenda by reducing their impact on the environment.

Finalists

Full Circle Funerals

Full Circle Funerals aims to improve the standards and expectations of funeral services.

Full Circle is the first funeral director in the UK to achieve B Corp status – an international measure of sustainability and business for good.

The company led a crowdfunding campaign in 2022, raising over £20,000 to fund research into the environmental impact of certain funeral choices.

It was also named UK Green Funeral Director of the Year in 2021 and 2022.

Sarah Jones, Founder and Director of Full Circle Funerals, said:

“The environment is important to us and to many of the bereaved people we support, which is why it is important to us that we have a sustainable business and share knowledge with others on how to make planet friendly choices.

“Our business was established to be a force for good and it is such an honour to have been recognised locally and nationally as an organisation that puts purpose before profit in everything we do”.

JOT’s Gallery:

JOT’s Gallery in Pateley Bridge is an art gallery dedicated to using recycled materials to showcase the environment.

James Owen Thomas, founder of the gallery, is an ambassador for the Young Tree Champion programme.

James has an artist residency in Fishpond Wood, Bewerley. He leads monthly workshops where he shares his techniques and offers ideas on how to become more creative with recycled materials.

James has also made multiple television and radio appearances discussing his passion for artwork and the environment.

James Owen Thomas said:

“We are all surrounded by the beauty of nature, and this has always been the deepest source of inspiration for me. In my efforts to protect the environment, I always choose to incorporate used materials into my art.

“I hope that my business values will encourage others to creatively recycle and reuse, so we can all do our part to save the planet”.

Number Thirteen

Number Thirteen is an eco-friendly coffee house in Knaresborough.

Everything at Number Thirteen is pre-loved, up-cycled or handmade. From teaspoons to wallpaper – it’s all been sourced from charity shops, auctions and boot fairs.

Supplies are kept local and any spare parts from deliveries, like milk bottles, are washed and reused or recycled, meaning a cup of coffee uses 0% single-use plastic.

The electricity used to power Number Thirteen is 100% renewable, generated from a combination of wind, solar and hydro energy.

Sarah Ward, owner of Number Thirteen, said:

“I wanted to try and create a business that strives to buck the single-use trend, using eco-friendly products that can be recycled or reused. I think we are living in a time where it would be irresponsible to not be aware of the impact we make on the environment.

“I strive to live a sustainable life at home, so why wouldn’t I do it at work too? Creating a business that puts sustainability at the forefront of its values, simply makes me feel better about my business and its overall impact on the environment”.

NEOM Organics London

NEOM Organics is an aromatherapy wellness brand based in Harrogate that has become a national brand.

NEOM is a certified B Corp organisation, an accolade that recognises UK businesses that place sustainability at the forefront of their values.

NEOM measures its significant environmental impacts, include packaging, water usage and ingredient sustainability, in order to establish an entirely green future.

The company has also calculated its carbon footprint and is actively developing a reduction plan.

Oliver Mennell, Co-Founder of NEOM, said:

“The NEOM team are delighted to be shortlisted as a finalist in the Sustainable Business Award. I want to credit the hard work and passion that everyone here has for building a business that doesn’t just look after the welfare of people, but also the wellbeing of our precious planet.

“As we say at Neom: “Let’s build a business we can all be super proud of”.

Source Climate Change Coffee

Source Climate Change Coffee is a conservation coffee company in Harrogate.

Source Climate Change Coffee sources its coffee globally. The company rewards farmers by buying their carbon offsets and then invests these into reforestation activities.

The company recently created a range of coffee capsules, made from entirely plant-based materials that are 100% compostable.

Source Climate Change also supports the Lorna Young Foundation to train farmers on their markets, climate change and sustainable land management practices.

Cristina Tales, Managing Director of Source Climate Change Coffee, said:

“This award recognises the work we have done in our supply chains for coffee.  Source is the only conservation-led coffee company buying coffees from reforestation projects in ecological hotspots.

“Each coffee protects a tropical forest and supports a local conservation project, where farmers are encouraged to focus on organic and sustainable land management practices, as well as plant trees to ensure they have a sustainable source of firewood and building materials. The aim is to reduce their dependency on forests as a resource”.

Resurrected Bites

Resurrected Bites is a food waste organisation, with cafés in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

The business collects short shelf-life and excess food from local producers and distributes it via the pay as you feel community cafes.

Any food not fit for human consumption is passed onto livestock and peelings are gifted to allotments to make compost.

Resurrected Bites also uses the café and social media to educate people on climate change. In 2022, the business dedicated a week of its social media posts to educating people on how to reduce food waste at home.

Michelle Hayes, CEO of Resurrected Bites, said:

“Resurrected Bites is passionate about doing all we can to protect the environment.

“The reason I started the organisation is because food waste is such a massive environmental issue and, therefore, sustainability is always at the forefront of our minds when we are deciding how we operate in all areas of our organisation.”

EnviroVent

EnviroVent is a designer and manufacturer of sustainable ventilation systems.

The company has recently moved from two separate sites into one zero-carbon building in Harrogate. The building benefits from low carbon heating and energy sources, as well as solar panels.

EnviroVent has committed to planting 5,000 trees a year in partnership with MoreTrees.

EnviroVent also works with a waste management company to prioritise recycling.

Andy Makin, Managing Director of EnvrioVent, said:

“At EnviroVent, the “enviro” in our name is not just about improving the environment of our customers, but also in improving our environmental impact for the world we live in. We take responsibility to proactively tackle climate change and are committed to achieve Net-Zero targets by 2030!

“The first major milestone for the next stage in our sustainable journey was relocating to our carbon neutral head office. This new self-sustaining building, reduces our environmental impact, utilising greater energy efficient initiatives, including solar panels, the use of additional renewable energy sources e.g. heat recovery units”.

The Stray Ferret Business Award event sponsor is Prosperis. To find more and to purchase tickets for the big night, click here.

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Stray Ferret Business Award: Unsung Hero Finalists

The Unsung Hero Award is sponsored by The Big Bamboo Agency.

The Harrogate marketing and PR firm provides creative solutions to its clients.

The company’s expertise is delivering specialist strategies, brand development and website and social media management.

The Unsung Hero Award is designed to shine a light on individuals who are not only integral to the day to day, but are prepared to go the extra mile without prompt or payment.

The Finalists

Kayti Mewis, Mumbler

Kayti joined Mumbler as volunteer after moving to Harrogate and is now the Content Creator and Social Media Manager.

Sally Haslewood, Founder of Mumbler, said,

“Kayti immediately got stuck in and wrote countless blogs for me, all focused on her life as a young mum in Harrogate.

“Kayti is a joy to work with. To be honest, I don’t know what I would have done if she’d turned down the role, as she had fast become my right-hand woman”.

Kayti has added value across the whole company, including working in the sales sector, creating inspiration for parents during lockdown and is even due to co-present the Harrogate Mumbler Awards in November.

Kayti Mewis said:

“I’m absolutely delighted to be nominated for this award – let alone shortlisted!  Harrogate Mumbler is such an important resource for parents and carers in the area.

“Harrogate is a great place for families to live, and having a job which involves shouting about how great it is, is brilliant!”

Chris Ashby, Harrogate BID

In 2021, Harrogate BID recruited Chris Ashby to deep cleaning Harrogate town centre.

As the town’s Street Ranger Chris Ashby has delivered staggering results from his work and faced situations no one wants to face.

He has removed 126 graffiti tags, improved 38 building façades, disposed of 57 used needles and painted numerous bits of street furniture.

His actions in July last year hit the headlines when he rescued a person he found hanging from a tree in the town centre.

Matthew Chapman, Manager of Harrogate BID, said:

“We nominated Chris as, not only is the work he delivers top notch and making an evidential difference on a daily basis, but he is also somewhat of a Harrogate Ambassador. Chris reacts to the day job instantly, is offering regular and positive good mornings, hellos, helping with directions, alongside supporting some of the most vulnerable.

“As a sole person covering a huge area, Chris’s work has now become the norm. We have nominated him because, if there wasn’t a Chris, Harrogate would be very different place”.

Jago Wallace, Himalayan Garden

Jago Wallace’s “quiet determination” and passion for gardening has found him shortlisted for Unsung Hero.

Jago, a gardener at Ripon’s Himalayan Garden, began his horticulture career aged 17 and, six years later, has full responsibility for the gardens Plant Nursery. He also oversees the gardens National Collection of Rhododendrons. His duties involve knowledgeable plant care, training others, writing reports, keeping plant records and hosting talks and tours of the collection.

Jago always acts as a media spokesperson for the garden and is continuously developing new ideas for activities and features within the business.

Jago’s colleagues describe him as “a humble, gentle soul, who always surprises with his humour, willingness and knowledge”.

Jago said:

“It’s lovely to have been picked as a finalist for this award. Working at such an amazing garden with rare and incredibly interesting plants, the conservation we do helps these plants that are in danger in the wild from habitat loss, is hugely rewarding work.

“Being able to do this where I grew up and live makes what I do feel even more magical.”

The Stray Ferret Business Award event sponsor is Prosperis. To find more and to purchase tickets for the big night, click here.

Stray Ferret Business Awards: Best Independent Retailer

The Best Independent Retailer award is sponsored by York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.

The York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub aims to provide businesses of all sizes and sectors effective and impartial business support.

As a local organisation, the service provided is tailored to the needs of individuals of the region.

The Best Independent Retailer Award recognises the work of independent retailers across the Harrogate district that have survived the pandemic, support customers and make the high street vibrant.

Finalists

Watermark Gallery

Watermark Gallery is a Harrogate art gallery selling original, contemporary and modern British art.

During the pandemic, the gallery regularly changed its window displays to brighten people’s daily walks.

It also offered customers the opportunity watch live artist exhibitions through the gallery window and on social media during lockdown.  Such improvisation during covid was appreciated and a loyal customer base grew.

In 2020, the gallery also adapted its space into becoming a workshop space to teach and learn.

Liz Hawkes, Director of Watermark, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for the Stray Ferret Independent Retailer of the Year Award. It is great to be recognised for championing the visual arts in an area which has such a strong heritage of arts and culture.

“Opening just before the pandemic was a tough start for our business but with awards like this, and the support of our customers, we are very positive for the future. Thank you.”

Fodder

Based at the Yorkshire Show Ground, Fodder is a Harrogate farm shop and café that champions local produce.

During the pandemic, Fodder expanded its online store, developed an online click and collect system, and utilised the café space as an order packing area whilst hospitality remained closed.

Fodder frequently hosts events to showcase its supplies. The business even hosts a Dragons Den-style event, where new suppliers can ‘sell in’ their produce to the farm shop.

Vanessa Pitt, Manager at Fodder, said:

“We are super proud of the team who work so hard to keep Fodder at the top of its game. Being shortlisted for this award is testament to their resilience and commitment.

“It’s given us a real spring in the step, and we thank all our customers, producers and suppliers for their continued support.”

TravelGate

TravelGate is an independent travel agency in Harrogate, offering clients bespoke expertise and advice on holiday destinations.

During the pandemic, TravelGate was inundated with policies to follow and holidays to amend as covid caused chaos in the travel industry.  The agency never closed -offering advice and support to clients locally and abroad.

In 2021 TravelGate partnered with a national testing laboratory and began offering Covid PCR travel tests. The company supplied to major cruise ships and offered pre departure and return tests.

Phil O’Boyle, Co-Founder of TravelGate, said:

“Being shortlisted as a finalist is a fantastic achievement for us. There are so many great independent retailers in Harrogate, and we are so proud that TravelGate has been recognised in this way.

“The last few years have been extremely hard for the travel industry. We have lots of amazing, loyal clients and we would like to thank them, and to all our new clients for supporting us”.

Cocoa Joe’s

Cocoa Joe’s is an independent business specialising in premium chocolate drinks.

The shop uses a variety of high quality, solid chocolate from around the world to make bespoke drinks.

The Pateley Bridge business has made multiple television appearances since launching in 2019, including Ainsley Harriott’s Good Mood Food and used as a filming location for Channel 5’s Cadbury at Christmas.

Cocoa Joe’s success meant it was able to open a York branch during the pandemic.

The company has also unveiled an online store, selling indulgent chocolate products.

Joe Andrew, Founder of Cocoa Joe’s, said:

“Everyone around the shop was thrilled to hear we had made the shortlist! Our team members have been doing an amazing job during the busy colder months and I couldn’t think of a better way to cap off the hot chocolate season.

“We’re crossing our fingers for winning the award, but we’re up against some fantastic businesses, so we’re just delighted to have made it this far.”

Whittams Hire

Whittams Hire offers luxury motorhome hire to the people of North Yorkshire and beyond.

Since launching in 2018, the company now boasts nine motorhomes and has bookings from international clients.

The business also opened a coffee shop just outside of Harrogate, The Outside Inn. The premises is divided into sections, one is the coffee shop and the other is an office space for motorhome customers to drop in.

Whittams Hire has won multiple awards since launching, including Best Motorhome Hire Company ‘Prestige Award’ 2022 and 2023.

Mark Trickett, Founder of Whittams Hire, said:

“Whittams is so chuffed to be shortlisted, never did we think we’d be a finalist. We entered just hoping to be listed with other proud local businesses in order to be seen and show support for our local community.

“To be judged and be amongst such fine company is truly humbling”.

The Stray Ferret Business Award event sponsor is Prosperis. To find more and to purchase tickets for the big night, click here.

Stray Ferret Business Awards: Rising Star Under 30 Award

The Rising Star Under 30 Award is sponsored by Thompson’s Chartered Accountants.

Thompsons in Harrogate provides key accountancy and taxation solutions to small and medium-sized businesses across England.

Thompsons has offered specialist advice across a range of sectors specific to business, growth plans, exit strategies and targets, for over 30 years.

The Rising Star under 30 Award is designed to highlight young business talent across the Harrogate who will be making waves in the years to come.

Finalists

Tiffany Snowden, Blue Willow Heritage:

Tiffany Snowden has excelled in what has traditionally been a male dominated profession.

She is Lead Heritage Consultant and Director of Harrogate environmental consultancy, Blue Willow Heritage.

Tiffany is just one of 500 women in the UK to be granted Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CifA), the highest level of accreditation that the most senior archaeology body in the UK offers.

Tiffany was also invited to join the Association for Studies in the Conservation of Historic Buildings (ASCHB), the UK’s premier body for the study of architectural preservation.

In just two years, Tiffany has led Blue Willow Heritage to become one of the top small heritage consultancies in Britain. The company is a preferred consultant for several respected planning and architectural firms within the UK, for North Yorkshire County Council and the Gotwick Manor Estate in Surrey.

Tiffany Snowden said:

“It’s an absolute honour to be shortlisted as a rising star, especially as a woman working in a male-dominated field.

“Being recognised in this way is not only a huge personal achievement, but also invaluable to help raise the profile of women in construction-related industries.”

Joe Andrew, Cocoa Joe’s:

Joe Andrew has literally brought the world of chocolate to Pateley Bridge as the Founder of Cocoa Joe’s, a retailer selling premium chocolate drinks.

Joe launched Cocoa Joe’s in 2019 after moving home from university. Four years later, the Pateley Bridge shop boasts the highest average customer review of any business in the UK, with the York branch ranking second.

Cocoa Joe’s uses luxury solid chocolate from all around the world. Customers are able to choose a chocolate, learn a little about the country of origin and see their bespoke drink form before their eyes.

Joe Andrew said:

“I’m absolutely over the moon to have made the shortlist, there has been a lot of very impressive applicants this year, so it still feels slightly surreal!

“This has been a great way to begin 2023 and will certainly be spurring me on as we begin to expand both our menu and range of products over the course of the coming year.”

Laura Mounsey, Harrogate Family Law:

Laura Mounsey only qualified as a solicitor with Harrogate Family Law four years ago and is already a director of the company.  An equity stake in a law firm usually takes at least 10 years to achieve.

Laura is the Chair of the Advisory Board to the Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS). This includes implementing the Domestic Abuse Act and shaping their policies on perpetrator schemes.

Laura is also the youngest ever president of the Harrogate & District Law Society. She has organised advocacy training via the local Judge, networking training and wellbeing sessions to support those struggling with working from home post-pandemic.

Laura’s clients describe her as “extraordinarily approachable and knowledgeable”.

Laura Mounsey said:

“I was honoured to find out that my team had submitted me for this award. I was even more surprised and overjoyed when I found out that I am shortlisted, especially in what I expect is a very competitive category.

“I feel very lucky to be where I am.”

James Owen Thomas, JOT’s Gallery:

James Owen Thomas is an environmental artist and owner of JOT’s Gallery.

James was diagnosed with autism aged three and has since used this, as well as his love for the environment, as a means of inspiration for his art.  James uses recycled materials to create his artwork.

James is an ambassador the Tree Council, supporting their ‘Force For Nature’ campaign. He was nominated by the Tree Council for COP26 and then selected as a One Step Greener Ambassador for the UN Climate Change Conference 2021: “Together For Our Planet.”

In 2022,  James’s artwork helped raise funds for The Alzheimer’s Society, Autism Trust, Disability Action Yorkshire, Horticap, Shelter, National Autistic Society, Harrogate Homeless Project and The Caudwell Children’s Charity.

James Owen Thomas said:

“It’s an honour to be shortlisted as a rising star. I’ve been working hard to create a sustainable practice by creating art using discarded materials, running workshops in the community, taking on commissions and opening my own gallery.

“I have faced several challenges during my life, but I see my autism as a gift – it gives me the strength to be different”.

The Stray Ferret Business Award event sponsor is Prosperis. To find more and to purchase tickets for the big night, click here.

Stray Ferret Business Awards: Inclusivity Award

The Inclusivity Award is sponsored by Kempston-Parkes.

Kempston-Parkes Chartered Surveyors is highly experienced in valuing and inspecting residential properties.

Kempston-Parkes has an unrivalled knowledge of the local property market.

This award is designed to give recognition to a company that has made employees and customers feel welcome, safe and free to be themselves, regardless of nationality, gender, race or sexual orientation.

Finalists

Artizan Café and Creative Space

Artizan Café and Creative Space is a Harrogate café and workshop staffed entirely by differently-able people.

The café provides creative training, work experience and employment opportunities to adults with learning disabilities.

The staff are trained in food preparation, customer service, handling money, food hygiene and much more.

A parent of one staff member said “no one has believed in them like this before. The café has given them an opportunity to succeed, rather than just activities to keep them busy”.

Liz Cluderay, the UK director of Artizan Café and Creative Space, said:

“Everyone at Artizan International is on a journey. For all our differently-able participants, it’s a journey from invisible to visible, from isolation to community, from the margins to the centre.

“For the local community visiting and supporting the café, it’s a journey towards a more inclusive society, where everyone is welcomed, respected and valued.”

Horticap

Horticap is a Harrogate charity providing adults with learning disabilities with training in various outdoor skills.

Established nearly 40 years ago, Horticap students receive practical training in garden maintenance, social skills, craft work and hospitality.

Horticap aims to immerse its students into society and provide them with skills that can be replicated at home and towards new career paths.

Phil Airey, assistant manager of Horticap, said:

“We are really excited to have been nominated for the inclusivity awards. Horticap was created to be an inclusive environment for all our students, staff and volunteers. We’re looking forward to the awards evening.”

 

The Stray Ferret Business Awards event sponsor is Prosperis. To find more and to purchase tickets for the big night, click here.

Stray Ferret Business Awards: Best Digital Marketing Campaign Finalists

The Stray Ferret Business Award for Best Digital Marketing Campaign is sponsored by Next Chapter.

Next Chapter not only leads brands to exponential growth and success, but brands itself as “the agency for disruptors and challengers”.

The Stray Ferret Digital Marketing Campaign Award recognises campaigns run solely on digital channels.

The Finalists:

Coach Gyms

Coach Gyms, located on Hornbeam Park, opened just a little over a year ago.

Coach Gyms dazzled the judges with its submission. To kick start the opening, they designed a promotion to attract gym members before they opened the doors.

Its digital pre-launch offer, that ran on Facebook and Instagram, earned the gym 1,500 sign ups before the gym even opened. The ad had a 35% conversion rate (lead to sign up) and surpassed all forecasts.

Stuart Perrin, chief executive and founder of Coach Gyms said:

“We’re over the moon to be finalists in the Digital Marketing Award!

“To say Coach Gyms Harrogate has only been open for one year, it’s great to see how far we have come as a team. Winning this award would mean the world to us”.

Ogden of Harrogate

Ogden of Harrogate’s submission for the award was a digital campaign that was designed to engage its loyal customers .

The campaign was an interactive, virtual advent calendar that enabled the jeweller to bring its annual Christmas catalogue online.

Each day, a personalised email was sent to subscribers, with an animated image featuring the corresponding door, opening onto a wonderful collection of jewellery.

Customers could register for the catalogue and join a prize draw to win £1000 to spend at Ogdens.

Robert Ogden, Director of Ogden of Harrogate, said:

“The main impetus behind the campaign was to engage with our longstanding clients in a digital way, but one that was reminiscent of the traditional Christmas Catalogue style that we have used for many years.

“The total number of pieces we were able to showcase through the 24 daily collections was around the same as for a printed catalogue, but the digital format allowed for deeper descriptions and the ability to connect with adjacent collections.  It is certainly something that we will consider doing again.”

Mumbler

Mumbler was founded by a Harrogate mum and has grown into an award-winning network of local parenting websites .

Mumbler partnered with Cry Babies interactive dolls that are designed to engage children’s emotions and empathy.

The dolls were sent to Mumbler parents who took videos and photos of their children playing with them.

The parents then wrote honest and knowledgeable reviews, that were collated into blogs.

Sally Haslewood, founder of Mumbler, said:

“The timing of the Cry Babies campaign was perfect; it gave us the opportunity to really help make life easier for our followers in the run up to Christmas.

“We knew that we’d done a great job on the campaign- the results spoke for themselves. Being recognised for this award is the cherry on top! It’s wonderful to be a finalist and I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity”.

The Stray Ferret Business Award event sponsor is Prosperis. To find more and to purchase tickets for the big night, click here.

Stray Ferret Business Awards: A prize fit for the President

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023 will be an evening of celebration for the finalists and the winners – and everyone who attends also has the chance to win big.

We’re giving away a one-night stay in the Presidential Suite at Grantley Hall, plus dinner in either Fletchers or Eighty Eight.

A ticket to the awards evening means automatic entry into the prize draw and this fabulous night at Grantley.

So what level of luxury awaits the lucky winner? Take a look at the image below…

The Presidential Suite at Grantley Hall.

After a night in this suite, the winner will get a taste of what it feels like to be Joe Biden. Maybe they’ll even see him in the hallway.

Speaking of which, don’t worry about entering the hotel with the rest of the punters, because the Presidential Suite has its own private hallway, accessed from the rooftop atrium.

The four-piece bathroom, boasting a double vanity and a walk-in shower, is the perfect excuse to have that 45 minute shower you’ve been dreaming of, but the water bill said otherwise…

The Presidential Suite caters to your every need. All you will need to worry about is finding the right dinner suit and pyjama set… if all else fails, just borrow your parents’.

The winners of this prize will only have one thing to squabble about on the day: which restaurant to have dinner in?

That is an undeniably hard decision, but your tastebuds and tummies will be very satisfied regardless.

Fletchers Restaurant delivers sophisticated all-day dining. The menu is a combination of British and European cuisine, offering a range of dishes, including confit duck & foie royal terrine, fillet of beef Wellington and a whole grilled lobster – a nice change from spaghetti bolognese.

Beef Wellington is served at Fletchers.

There’s no need to fly to Japan when you can visit Eighty Eight. The restaurant brings a taste of Far Eastern flavours to Yorkshire produce and immerses guests into an ornamental Japanese garden within the restaurant.

Eighty Eight’s menu includes grilled diver scallops, robata grilled monkfish, five spiced duck breast and a toffee apple & miso tart.

Eighty Eight brings Eastern flavours to the West

Don’t pass up the opportunity to win this golden ticket prize. Who knows, the winner may even check out feeling powerful enough to run the country.

For more information on the awards and to purchase tickets, click here.

Terms and conditions:

Valid for two guests sharing. Subject to availability. Valid Sunday – Thursday and excludes bank holidays. Cannot be redeemed against Christmas and New Year packages. The voucher includes £100 towards the final food bill in the chosen restaurant, pre-booking must be made to redeem voucher. Once initially redeemed any outstanding amounts cannot be transferred to a future visit.

Half-term: Seven ideas in the Harrogate district to keep the kids entertained

February half-term is just around the corner, meaning many parents will be racking their brains for ideas to keep their children entertained for a week. Luckily, there are many options around the Harrogate district to help – keeping both your children and your bank balance happy.

Whether you fancy some fresh air, culture or just harmless fun, we’ve pulled together seven ideas for all the family.

Birchfield Farm: Spring on The Farm

A rural and inexpensive option, Birchfield Farm in Summerbridge will be open 7 days a week for the duration of the school holidays.

Spring on The Farm invites visitors to see pregnant sheep settling in the barns before birth. Some people may even be lucky enough to witness a baby lamb being born. Visitors are also able to bottle feed the lambs from 11am-2pm on a first come, first served basis.

Children can also enjoy seeing piglets, goats, ponies, donkeys and even pet the guinea pigs.

If that isn’t enough, children can also burn off steam on the bouncy castle, play in the mini construction play area and in the outdoor play area. Go-Karts, pedal tractors, swings and a giant outdoor sandpit can also be enjoyed.

The farm also has a café serving hot and cold food & drinks.

All activities are included in the entrance prices – with adults & children’s prices set at £5.95 and under 2s going free.

No booking is required. No dogs are permitted, except for guide dogs or service dogs.

For more information, click here.

Harrogate Indoor Funfair

If your child requires a little (or a lot) more tiring out over half-term, Harrogate Indoor Funfair could be a great option for you. The Funfair will run from 11-19 February, with a quieter session being held on 12 February from 10am-1pm.

With rides, traditional funfair snacks and inflatables, Harrogate Indoor Funfair offers all the joy of a regular funfair in an indoor, climate-controlled space. A nice way to shelter from the inevitable half-term rain.

Harrogate Indoor Funfair will take place at Yorkshire Event Centre, at the Yorkshire Showground. There is free parking at Yorkshire Events Centre and priority parking for Blue Badge holders.

The number 7 and X70 buses stop at Sainsbury’s on Wetherby Road, just one mile from the Funfair entrance.

Prices range from: £12.99 online and £14.99 on the door. Babies in arms go free.

Keep an eye on their website for the upcoming ride list.

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Half-Term Kids Yoga Workshop

If your child has ever asked what you get up to whilst they’re at school, this half-term activity may give them an idea.

Harrogate Yoga and Pilates studio, Ebru Evrim, is hosting a one and a half hour kids yoga workshop this half-term.

The workshop will be brought to life with specially designed music linked to the theme and stories behind the session and lead the children to ultimate relaxation.

The workshop is set to improve concentration and focus, as well as aiding the children to deal with their emotions and self-regulation of moods.

Who knows, your child may even go to bed without any protest that night.

The workshop host, Jenny White, holds a DBS, is fully insured and is also paediatric first aid trained.

Children can expect a day of yoga, arts, dance, mindfulness and, most importantly, lots of fun.

The session is suitable for ages 6-11 years and will cost £12.

Find more information here.

 Ebru Evrim is hosting a kids yoga session.

The Little Gym Holiday Camps: School’s Out, Fun’s In

For those children that may require a little more bounce in their half-term break, The Little Gym Holiday Camps may be a good solution.

Running from Monday 13-Sunday 19 February, The Little Gym in Harrogate is offering gymnastics camps that run from 8.30am-5pm – including a Breakfast Club to help those parents working over the holiday. The camps vary from as little as 3 hours to 7.5 hours a day and children will learn new skills that they can practise and perfect throughout the session.

The sessions vary each week to stimulate children both physically and mentally, all under the care of qualified and dedicated instructors.

The camps, classes and session suitability ranges from 3-8 & 5-12 years.

Half-day prices begin at £35.

Click here for more information.

Ripon Ghost Walk: Children’s Half-Term Special

The Ripon Ghost Walk half-term special is a spookily inexpensive option to feed your child’s fear-factor!

The half-term special Ghost Walk promises the discovery of ancient burial sites, bone finds and maybe even the presence of deceased Ripon residents.

The half-term Ghost Walk begins much earlier than usual at 16.15pm in the Market Square, meaning it will be dark enough for the ghosts to come out, but early enough to ensure your children are still in bed on time.

Prices start from £4 for under 16s and £6 for adults.

Find more information on their website.

Beyond Imagination Emporium Princess Academy: Valentine’s Special

Calling all Prince and Princesses! Beyond Imagination Emporium in Harrogate is re-opening their Princess Academy this February half-term with a Valentine’s special.

The one-hour Princess Academy sessions take place on select dates during school holidays.

There are two Princess Academy sessions taking place on Saturday 11 February. At 11am, children will be joined by Frozen’s Anna and Kristoff, while the 2pm session will be hosted by Beauty and The Beast’s Prince Adam & Belle.

Children spend time learning royal dances, princess etiquette, arts and crafts and fairy-tale play. The session includes sweet treats for the children, as well as refreshments for the parents.

Children can also make a Valentine’s Day card to give to someone special to them.

The sessions cost £13.95 and are ideal for ages 3 – 9 years.

Find more information here.

Children can meet their favourite Prince and Princesses.

Fountains Abbey: Mindful Family Crafts

If you’re looking to join your children in their half-term fun, Fountains Abbey in Ripon is hosting a Mindful Family Crafts event.

The crafting will take place in Swanley Grange, located in the grounds of the Abbey. The event will be running from 11 – 19 February (excluding 12 February), starting at 11am.

Children and parents can get their creative juices flowing using sustainable and natural materials.

The event is suitable for all ages and abilities. Those that may prefer to craft quietly can attend the “crafting quiet hour” from 2pm – 3pm.

The event itself is free, but regular admissions prices apply. Admission for one adult and three children starts from £27.

Click here for more information.