The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.

Over the next few weeks we will reveal what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.

Next up is the Employee Appreciation Award, which is sponsored by Envirovent.

This award is designed to shine a light on those people who are truly the glue of the team.

These people are not only integral to the day to day, but they also bring a personal touch that makes the business that bit brighter.

Those looking to nominate for the Employee Appreciation Award need to provide details of the contribution and the impact this person has made as well as details of the person’s background and current position.

Do you know a person that deserves to win the Employee Appreciation Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close on January 19. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.

This week’s photograph was taken by Vicky Galbraith, capturing the view from Knaresborough Castle in the frost one morning this week.

Vicky Galbraith

Photo of the Week celebrates the Harrogate district. It could be anything from family life to capturing the district’s beauty. We are interested in amateur and professional photographs, in a landscape format.

Send your photographs to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk for a chance to be featured next week, we reserve the right to adjust and crop images to fit into our format.

This article is sponsored by Jules B.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and perhaps the most wonderful feeling of all is the joy of gift giving. There’s nothing quite like seeing a smile on your loved one’s face as they remove the wrapping paper to reveal a thoughtful something. But how do you succeed in delivering the perfect present? And in particular, what should you buy for the women in your life?

A cashmere jumper, a pair of fleece-lined slippers or a dreamy new scent… the gifting options are infinite. But the perfect gift for a particular person can vary, and therefore requires some thought. Succeeding in your goal to impress on Christmas morning takes care, effort and time.

At the same time, the run up to Christmas can be as hectic as it is magical, leaving many distressed in the quest to find presents. Fortunately, Jules B has you covered. Whether you’re visiting the Harrogate womenswear store or doing some online shopping, there’s plenty of gifts to love.

To guide you toward gift-giving victory, here are five fabulous gift ideas for fabulous women, handpicked by the Jules B team.

Eddy & Ivy 1985 Crew Neck Jumper 

Give the gift of warmth this Christmas with a signature jumper from Eddy & Ivy, Jules B’s in-house brand. The crew neck jumper has a nostalgic feel to it, and is incredibly soft from its cashmere and merino wool makeup. A versatile wear, Eddy & Ivy’s luxury knits are sure to satisfy the most stylish of recipients.

“The Eddy & Ivy knitwear makes a superior gift,” says Lynne Markham, manager of the Jules B Harrogate store.“It’s the premium quality and the softness of the wool that people fall in love with.”

Elizabeth Scarlett Sun Goddess Everyday Pouch

For the ladies who like to carry essentials on their travels, the Elizabeth Scarlett velvety pouch doubles up as an evening clutch and makeup bag. Scattered with embroidered golden suns, it is perfectly sized to hold cosmetics and any other precious bits and pieces they like to keep close.

And if you’re somebody who loves a gift set, the Elizabeth Scarlett collection also includes mini pouches and lavender-infused eye masks, perfect for putting together a gorgeous little bundle.

Chelsea Peers Christmas Tree & Wreath Long Pyjamas 

Everybody loves a nightwear upgrade, and for the dedicated follower of lounging, luxurious sleepwear is the ultimate gift. The Chelsea Peers Christmas tree & wreath printed pyjamas offer festive fun while bringing a touch of elegance to evening rituals. Most importantly, they make for a soothing night’s sleep.

As Lynne says: “The Chelsea Peers pyjamas are perfect gifts for a great price. The fabric quality feels so lovely next to the skin, and the variety of patterns make them suitable for a range of personalities.”

If you prefer to lean away from Christmas-themed nightwear, there is a whole range of Chelsea Peers sleepwear to shop at Jules B, from plain and simple to giraffe and zebra prints.

Dr. Vranjes Firenze Rosa Tabacco 250ml Fragrance Diffuser

For the woman who takes pride in her home, a Dr. Vranjez Firenze diffuser is something she’s sure to adore. The Rosa Tabacco fragrance is expertly infused with delicate ingredients, combined together in a stunning antique-style glass bottle, complete with bamboo reeds.

After filling the home with a scent bold like tobacco yet gentle like a rose, they’ll be left with a bottle that sits pretty next to any interiors. A real treat for the senses.

Vivienne Westwood Kitty Pearl Bracelet

Nothing says I love you quite like a piece of forever jewellery. The Kitty pearl bracelet by Vivienne Westwood is an elegant design with hand-knotted glass pearls and the brand’s signature safety pin motif and orb silhouette.

Best of all, it looks just as good with partywear as it does everyday clothes. Looking for a set? You can also purchase the matching earrings and necklace. And as Lynne remarks, “the pieces are wonderful for women of all ages.”

Can’t decide? There’s always the fail-safe option of treating family and friends to a Jules B gift card.

With a range of values available up to £500, the lucky recipient is sure to discover something they love in one of the five stores, including here in Harrogate.

This week’s photograph was taken by Andy Graham, capturing the snow early Thursday morning at How Hill, Fountains Abbey

Andy Graham

Photo of the Week celebrates the Harrogate district. It could be anything from family life to capturing the district’s beauty. We are interested in amateur and professional photographs, in a landscape format.

Send your photographs to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk for a chance to be featured next week, we reserve the right to adjust and crop images to fit into our format.

Starling Bar played host to the final Stray Ferret Business Club event of the year, which included great camaraderie, intellectual challenges and heartfelt generosity.

The main event was an engaging Christmas quiz that tested the knowledge of those in attendance. Questions such as “How many gifts are there in the 12 days of Christmas song?”, “What is the name of the Grinch’s dog?” before moving onto a round all about local news from the past year.

Taking the winning team prize was the ‘IDK (I don’t know)’ team comprising Mel and Phil O’Boyle, Connor Creaghan and Ian Ladley who were rewarded with a delightful Mr. Stanley’s goodie bag, overflowing with lots of sweet goodies!

Winning quiz team ‘IDK’ Connor Creaghan, Phil and Mel O’Boyle and Ian Ladley.

The raffle proved successful thanks to the amazing prizes donated from local businesses, raising an astounding £500 for the Stray Ferret Christmas appeal dedicated to supporting Dementia Forward.

Prizes included a Jules B diffuser, Cloud Nine straighteners, £25 Starling Independent voucher, two hours of court time at Surge Padel,  a family ticket to Leeds Knights Ice Hockey match, two tickets to Harlow Carr’s Glow Event, a Betty’s goodie bag, Sophie Allport Kitchen bundle and a £55 voucher for the Inn Collection Group.

Submitting an award entry is your chance to shine and showcase the brilliance of your business. To help you stand out among the competition, here are ten tips to ensure your submission captivates the judges and secures a well-deserved win.

1. Tailor Each Entry:

Complete a new entry for each category. Specific judges’ criteria demand a tailored approach, so avoid a one-size-fits-all strategy.

2. Embrace Judges’ Criteria:

Read and understand the judges’ criteria thoroughly. Align your entry with these points for each category you’re entering.

3. Conciseness is Key:

Keep it concise and impactful. Long entries risk losing key points. Use headings aligned with judging criteria for easy navigation.

4. Highlight Key Points:

Ensure your key points stand out. Utilise bold statements and headings to emphasise critical information.

5. Supply Supporting Information:

Offer supplementary information where possible, but limit it to five pages. Overloading may not be considered by judges.

6. Compelling Opening Paragraph:

Start strong! Your opening paragraph should grab the judges’ attention with your boldest, most compelling statement.

7. Clarify Your Business Narrative:

Provide a concise description of your business. Don’t assume judges are familiar with your brand—offer a clear and informative overview.

8. Tell a Clear Story:

Craft a clear, engaging narrative. Ensure your submission unfolds as a coherent and compelling story.

9. Confidence in Presentation:

Be clear and direct. Confidently present your achievements, innovations, and impact within the scope of the award category.

10. Showcase Your Best:

Don’t hold back! This is your opportunity to showcase excellence. Boldly highlight your successes, talented team, and the greatness of your business.

Submitting an award entry demands a strategic blend of clarity, conciseness, and impactful storytelling. Present your business in the best light possible, emphasising your unique strengths and achievements.

Don’t hesitate to sell yourself—this is your moment to shine!

Remember, clarity, alignment with judging criteria, and a compelling narrative are your keys to crafting an award-winning entry. Good luck!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.

This week’s photograph was taken by Douglas Young, capturing an Autumn scene at Fountains Abbey near Ripon.

Douglas Young

Photo of the Week celebrates the Harrogate district. It could be anything from family life to capturing the district’s beauty. We are interested in amateur and professional photographs, in a landscape format.

Send your photographs to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk for a chance to be featured next week, we reserve the right to adjust and crop images to fit into our format.

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.

Over the next few weeks we will reveal what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.

Next up is the Business of the Year, which is sponsored by Reed Boardall

This award recognises those businesses who excel in many areas whether that’s commercial success, employee development or support the wider community around them.

These businesses represent true excellence!

Companies looking to enter for the Business of the Year Award need to provide information on how their strategic plans have enabled the business to thrive and what their plans are for the future.

Does your business deserve to win the Best Independent Retailer Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close on January 19. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.

The festive season is nearly upon us, and what better way to kick off the fun than by attending a Christmas networking event at Starling Bar and Kitchen in Harrogate on November 30th.

This promises to be an evening filled with laughter, good company, and the spirit of giving, all in support of the Christmas appeal for Dementia Forward.

The highlight of the evening will be a fun Christmas quiz, adding a competitive edge to the networking experience. Gather your colleagues and friends to form teams and put your Christmas knowledge to the test. The winning team will not only earn bragging rights but will also each take home a delectable hamper filled with Mr. Stanley’s fudge and sweet goodies. It’s the perfect way to blend merriment with a touch of friendly competition.

In the true spirit of giving, the event will also feature a raffle with an array of fantastic prizes generously donated by local companies.

The proceeds from the raffle will contribute to the Christmas appeal for Dementia Forward, making this evening not just about professional connections but also about making a positive impact in the community.

Among the coveted prizes up for grabs are Cloud Nine hair straighteners, ensuring you’ll be in style for all Christmas events. The Inn Collection Group has contributed a £55 dinner voucher, providing the perfect excuse for a festive night out. If you’re looking to bring the holiday spirit into your home, Jules B has donated a luxurious Dr. Vranjes Firenze diffuser worth a whopping £350.

For those seeking a more active experience, there’s the opportunity to win 2 hours free at Surge Padel, a thrilling and engaging sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. Sports enthusiasts will also appreciate the family ticket to watch the Leeds Knights, a fantastic ice hockey team that promises an exciting evening for all.

For a touch of magic, win 2 tickets to the enchanting Harlow Carr Christmas Glow event, where the gardens come alive with festive lights and decorations. Finally, the Christmas bundle from Sophie Allport is a delightful addition, ensuring your home is adorned with charming and seasonal decorations.

Starling Bar and Kitchen is the perfect venue for this festive gathering, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for networking and celebration in the heart of Harrogate.

Gather your colleagues and friends, and join us at Starlings Bar and Kitchen for a night of networking, laughter, and giving.

Click or tap here to register your ticket now, as space is limited.

This week’s photograph was taken by Brian Morrison, capturing the autumnal colours around Tewit Well in Harrogate.

Brian Morrison

Photo of the Week celebrates the Harrogate district. It could be anything from family life to capturing the district’s beauty. We are interested in amateur and professional photographs, in a landscape format.

Send your photographs to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk for a chance to be featured next week, we reserve the right to adjust and crop images to fit into our format.