This story is sponsored by Harrogate BID

A range of Harrogate businesses will be offering residents and visitors various discounts and promotions during the Great Yorkshire Show next week.

The deals come in collaboration with Harrogate BID to attract shoppers to the town centre during the famous agricultural show.

Matthew Chapman, manager of Harrogate BID, said:

“The town centre is quiet during the event, with most people either enjoying the show or avoiding the traffic at home – meaning the town’s economy can take a short-term knock as a result.”

This year, however, Harrogate BID is determined to draw people back to the town and fill the shops, restaurants and attractions with punters.

Harrogate BID aims to maximise the town as a destination and ensure local businesses are thriving, while encouraging people to spend time and invest in the town centre. It aims to “make Harrogate safe, clean and welcoming, and the number one town centre for shopping, eating, and drinking”.

The offers are available to holders of Great Yorkshire Show tickets, as well as those who will not be attending the show this year. From discounted food and drink, to free cinema snacks and cheaper overnight stays, Harrogate BID has ensured there is a deal for everyone.

People can enjoy three for £16 tapas all day, every day at Revolucion De Cuba, a free glass of prosecco and kids eat free offer at Giggling Squid, or even 15% off an overnight stay with Harrogate Lifestyle Apartments.

Ticket holders, who may fancy a trip into town after a day of fun at the show, can take advantage of 20% off food at The Alexandra Hotel, 10% off food at Major Tom’s Social, and 20% off drinks at both Cedar Court Hotel and The Den to keep the party going.

Since its birth in 2019, Harrogate BID has locked in over £100,000 into participating businesses through sales of the Harrogate gift card, and hopes next week’s offers will see that figure rise further.

Find out more about Harrogate BID and the range of deals available during the Great Yorkshire Show here.

Find out more:

To find out more about Harrogate BID and all the services provided to the town centre, visit https://harrogatebid.co.uk/ 

This story is sponsored by ASE Computers.

Nobody likes to think about worst-case scenarios. But from a business perspective, planning for disaster isn’t just a good thing to do if you have the time. 

It’s an absolutely vital measure to protect the future of your business – and failing to do so could be catastrophic. 

One man who knows all about the importance of disaster planning is Chris Dickinson. 

Running IT sales and services company ASE Computers for almost 30 years, he has seen plenty of disasters in other businesses and has done more than his fair share of work to fix them. 

However, he says, some simple planning could save a lot of pain and cost if the worst should happen.  

Chris said: 

“When people go into business, they tend to focus on the positives – they don’t consider what might happen if things go wrong. 

“But it can happen so easily. A simple mistake or a fault can kick of a chain of events that lead a business into real trouble.” 

While most people don’t know where to start when it comes to planning for a potential disaster, Chris has a thorough approach to ensuring every possibility is considered.  

He begins with a series of questions: 

“What happens if your IT systems go down? Or your phones or internet supply? What if you can’t access your bank account?

“Is your data secure? What happens if it comes under attack or you lose access to it?

“If you can’t use your office because of a flood or a fire, what then? What if a key person is suddenly unable to work for any reason? 

“If something goes wrong, is there a system in place for reporting it and dealing with it? Who’s in charge? Who takes responsibility for what?

“All these sorts of questions really do need to be asked if you’re to protect yourself from the worst-case scenario.”

Disaster planning for payroll clients with 90% digital process

For one of ASE’s clients, putting in place a disaster plan has proved invaluable. 

Pay Me asked Chris and his team to do some research into the company’s IT infrastructure and produce a disaster recovery document. 

The firm offers payroll for companies around the UK, a process which is 90% digital. 

Once the review was complete, the ASE team put together a series of recommendations, explaining how each would benefit Pay Me and assist if the worst should happen. 

Once the IT system was in place, other aspects were considered: phones and internet, as well as staff responsibilities and hierarchy.  

The disaster recovery plan was put to Pay Me’s board for the final sign-off, which they were happy to do. 

Not only did it mean peace of mind for everyone from the directors down to the staff, it could also be used for Pay Me’s insurers. ASE produced an executive summary of the plan to demonstrate how prepared the company was for any eventuality.  

Chris said: 

“It might seem like a luxury to have a thorough disaster recovery plan, but if the worst should happen, you need to be prepared.

“The arrival of the covid pandemic and the need for everyone to stay at home shows just how quickly something can happen that affects how you operate.

“Companies with an effective plan were able to put actions in place quickly, getting their team members up and running at home, and therefore minimising any losses to the business in terms of productivity.

“While we hope we never have to face that kind of situation again, having a disaster recovery plan in place is absolutely vital to protect you from any eventuality.”

To find out more about how ASE Computers can help your business to be ready for anything, click here. 

One of the region’s biggest digital marketing events will hit Harrogate this autumn, as hundreds of industry professionals come together for a lively day of discussion, exhibition and networking. 

The event, which is sponsored by York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub and Yorkshire law firm Ison Harrison, and is free for delegates to attend, will also feature 25 trade stands for local companies in the industry, such as social media agencies, web designers, content writers, videographers and photographers.

The full day conference will take place on Thursday, September 28 at Pavilions of Harrogate, the indoor event venue at the Great Yorkshire Showground.

Andrew Raby, manager of York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, said: 

“More businesses approach the Growth Hub for fully funded support on the topic of digital marketing and skills than almost any other, so this promises to be a great event to showcase an array of creative talent from our region, and the ways in which that talent can help businesses to thrive and grow.

“We look forward to hearing from businesses, meeting delegates, and sharing more about the free support we provide.”

Richard Coulthard, Director and Head of Corporate at sponsor Ison Harrison said: 

“At Ison Harrison we’re delighted to sponsor this year’s conference, aligning ourselves with a vibrant digital marketing community in the North Yorkshire region.

“We’re a forward-thinking law firm that appreciates innovation and change – something that is embraced in the creative industry. Digital marketing agencies are often at the forefront of driving transformative change in the business landscape, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and creative thinking to help organisations reach their audiences effectively.

“Being involved in an event that explores these new ways of helping businesses achieve their goals, and celebrating the successes of local businesses is something we’re delighted about.

“We act for many Agencies in the creative industry, so we hope to see many familiar faces at the event – along with new ones! Having recently opened a new branch in Harrogate, we hope to see some of our neighbours at the event in September.”

The Digital Marketing Conference, organised by the Stray Ferret, will feature talks from industry experts, including keynote, and a Q&A session hosted by the Stray Ferret’s owner, former BBC Yorkshire boss Tamsin O’Brien. 

Emma Harris, commercial manager at the Stray Ferret, said: 

“This event is long overdue. We haven’t really seen anything like it before in our part of the North, and yet some of the best companies in the sector are based up here.

“For anyone involved in digital marketing in our area, this is a must attend event. It will be the autumn highlight of the business calendar, so mark it in your diary and make sure you don’t miss out.”

Find out more:

To find out more about speaking opportunities or to book an exhibition stand, contact Megan Grant at The Stray Ferret on 01423 276224 or by email at megan@thestrayferret.co.uk.

A yellow weather warning has been issued for the Harrogate district this weekend.

The weather forecast includes thunder storms and heavy rain tomorrow, and the weather warning lasts from 9am until midnight.

Issued by the Met Office, it warns of possible dangers caused by flash-flooding resulting from heavy downpours.

It says:

“Flooding of homes and businesses could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.

“Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life.

“Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services. Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

“Some communities might become cut off if roads flood. Power cuts might occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.”

Read more:

• North Yorkshire Council spends £171,000 a year on weather services
• Councillors call for building moratorium in Bishop Monkton over flood fears

A resident has rejected a “sarcastic” suggestion from a councillor that hundreds of people as far away as Australia signed a 2,000-strong petition opposing the £11.2m Station Gateway scheme.

Instead, he said they were people in Harrogate using a virtual private network (VPN) to disguise their location.

In May, an online petition calling on the controversial active travel scheme to be scrapped was presented to North Yorkshire Council’s Conservative executive.

But at a meeting later that month, the council’s executive member for corporate services, Cllr David Chance, claimed people from outside of Harrogate were signing the petition in order to boost its numbers.

He described the petition as “bogus” because internet protocol (IP) addresses attached to the petition, which reveal a computer or mobile phone’s location, showed 20% were from areas outside of Harrogate.

He said on May 30:

“I’ve been through it in detail. They come from Canada, South Africa, Australia and Scotland. I’m sorry, the petition for me is slightly bogus in that respect.”

Read more:

• Harrogate businessmen give council notice of Station Gateway legal action
• Council spends £2m on consultants for Harrogate’s Station Gateway
• Lib Dems withdraw support for Harrogate’s Station Gateway

Cllr Chance’s comments provoked Harrogate resident Barry Adams to submit a statement to the council’s executive at a meeting this week.

Mr Adams argued there was an “odd anomaly” whereby IP addresses were shown on the petition rather than the person’s postal address if they were using a VPN.

A VPN replaces a user’s actual IP address to make it look like they’ve connected to the internet from a different location and they are used for privacy or security reasons.

Mr Adams said:

“Two people I know who most certainly live in Harrogate had their addresses displayed on the petition as Sunderland.

“It seems to confirm that the councillor who announced in a sarcastic manner that he’d rigorously checked the petition and that it proved 20% percent of the signatures lived outside Harrogate area was quite wrong.

“Surely there must be some way in which these misleading discrepancies, fabrications and exaggerations can be taken into account as they are extremely misleading.”

However, Cllr Chance dismissed Mr Adams’ theory and reaffirmed his position that the petition included a large number of signatures from outside of the town. 

He said:

“I wasn’t being disrespectful at all. I pointed out that 20% of the signatures were indicated as being from outside of North Yorkshire. It’s as simple as that.”

West Yorkshire Combined Authority is currently considering a business case submitted by NYC regarding the scheme.

If WYCA approves it later this summer, a contractor will be appointed with building work set to begin before the end of this year.

Police have found two teenage girls reported missing from home in Harrogate last night.

An urgent search was launched for the pair on Thursday night.

Police called on the public to look out for the pair, who were believed to be missing together and also have links to Boroughbridge.

Police requested that any possible sightings were reported immediately by calling 999, quoting reference NYP-06072023-0603 for Leah and NYP-06072023-0601 for Grace.

Read more:

• Appeal for missing man seen in Harrogate
• Police say new drugs gang causing wave of violence in Harrogate

A Green Hammerton man with motor neurone disease is set to take on a 100-mile trek in his wheelchair in aid of charity for a third time.

Ian Flatt, 57, was diagnosed with the condition in 2019 and has already taken on the challenge twice two years ago.

He is raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Leeds Hospitals Charity appeal, which is hoping to build the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

The challenge will see Ian start in Pateley Bridge today before travelling through Bolton Abbey, to Pen-Y-Ghent, and finishing at the highest pub in England, The Tan Hill Inn in Swaledale on Sunday (July 16).

Ahead of his trek, Ian said:

“I feel incredibly passionate about the MND community and the beacon of hope that the Rob Burrow MND Centre has become. I’m also acutely aware that sometimes we face difficult challenges with this condition and in life in general.

“I’d just like to think that our adventures bring a smile to people’s faces alongside raising funds and awareness. Perhaps it will inspire somebody to set aside their worries, to live in the moment and find reasons to laugh.”

Read more:

• Man with MND sets 100-mile charity challenge through Yorkshire Dales
• ‘Do it for David’: Harrogate Festivals boss set for Great North Run

As part of his previous fundraising efforts, Ian has raised more than £35,000 for both of his chosen charities.

Leeds Hospitals Charity launched their appeal for a new centre tailored to the needs for people living with MND and their families in 2019, which has now raised £4.5 million of its £6.8 million fundraising target.

Ian pictured on one of his previous 100-mile trek challenges.

Esther Wakeman, chief executive at Leeds Hospitals Charity, said:

“I am humbled by the commitment Ian has to raise funds for his fellow patients with motor neurone disease.  

“Ian and his wife, Rachael, have been fundraising since we announced our Rob Burrow Centre for MND appeal back in September 2021 and I have been heartened by their resilience and positive attitude.”

Angus O’Donnell, regional fundraiser for MND Association said:

“The work he has done in his local community, to help raise awareness of MND is huge. 

“Without his efforts the MND Association simply would not be able to fund vital research to find a cure in order to achieve our vision – a world free from MND and we cannot thank him enough.”

A telecommunications company has appealed a decision to refuse plans for a 5G mast overlooking Harrogate’s Stray.

5G is the quickest mobile internet connection available and offers up to 20 times faster speeds than 4G. However, the town is currently poorly served by 5G signal, particularly on its southern side.

CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd, which operates Three Mobile, had planned to build the mast at Granby Park, which is adjacent to the Stray by Skipton Road.

But in February, Harrogate Borough Council rejected the plan over concerns of its visual impact on the parkland.

At the time, the council’s case officer, Emma Howson, said the mast would be “highly visible” from the Stray, as well as on Skipton Road and Claro Road.

Read more:

• New 5G masts proposed for Harlow Hill water tower
• Plans for two masts to meet ‘acute need’ for 5G in Harrogate
• Harrogate council refuses plan for 5G mast overlooking the Stray

Now, CK Hutchison Networks has taken the decision to the government’s Planning Inspectorate, which deals with planning disputes.

In documents submitted to the inspector, it says it does not accept that the mast would have a “detrimental impact on the street scene”.

It added:

“In terms of the discreet location and nature of the scheme proposed, it is considered the apparatus will blend into the existing street scene and the overall scheme represents an appropriate balance between visual impact and operational requirements. 

“The mast is, at 20m, at the absolute minimum height which can be deployed to bring the benefits of 5G. 

“We have also coloured the pole and cabinets grey to help assimilation here.”

The company reviewed other nearby locations including County Square, Devonshire Place, Sanders Walk and Westmoreland Street but discounted them due to their pavements being too narrow to accommodate the equipment.

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

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, 27 July at Banyan in Harrogate between 8-10am. 

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

A Harrogate business meeting is set to focus on cybersecurity.

Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce will host the event on Monday (July 10) from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Majestic DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel.

PC Daniel Fawkes from the cyber crime division of North Yorkshire Police will be the guest speaker for the evening.

PC Fawkes will speak about business protection, social engineering threats and personal security considerations.

Meanwhile, Andy Morrison of Andisa IT Consultants will give a speech on how to implement security strategies.

Meanwhile, the evening will commence with a presentation from Harrogate Skills 4 Living at 6:15 pm, before the keynote presentation from the guest speaker.

For more information on the meeting and to book a place, visit the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce website.

Harrogate district plant nursery launches horticultural training scheme

A Harrogate district plant nursery has launched a 12-week horticultural training course.

Johnsons of Whixley has set up the programme in partnership with Askham Bryan College in York.

The course, ‘An Introduction to Horticulture’, will offer employees from Johnsons the chance to broaden their knowledge in various aspects of horticulture, from plant identification to planting locations and the impacts of plant choices, with a mixture of practical and theoretical tests.

Johnsons of Whixley employees with Askham Bryan College tutors.

The weekly sessions will be held from July to September at the college.

Steve Bassford, Askham Bryan curriculum area manager, said:

“The college is looking forward to having the opportunity to deliver the bespoke course and building on already formed relationships.

“Having a positive impact on a local business such as Johnsons of Whixley enables a commercial education partnership which will be mutually beneficial to all.”

Read more:

• Business Breakfast: Harrogate Town announces community scheme sponsor
• Business Breakfast: Harrogate care company launches new day centres

A village cycling group near Ripon has taken part in a gruelling ride across Italy to fundraise for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The Bishop Monkton Next Challenge Cycling Club (BMNCCC) cycled 275 kilometres across the width of Italy as part of the Chase the Sun challenge.

The challenge is held every year, departing at sunrise in the town of Cesenatico on the eastern coast and finishing in Tirrenia on the west coast at sunset.

Besides cycling in the Italian summer heat, one of the most demanding aspects of the journey was climbing to an elevation of 3,300 metres.

The cyclists initially aimed to raise £2,000 but generated well over £6,000 for the air ambulance charity once they completed the difficult ride.

The cycling group’s motive for the fundraiser was deeply personal.  Two members, Ollie Coughlan and Ben Cairns, have received critical medical assistance from Yorkshire Air Ambulance services in the past.

In 2018 Ollie suffered a cardiac arrest aged just 39. After he received immediate aid from his friends, air ambulance crew swiftly arrived at the scene to help, playing a vital role in his survival.

More recently, in January 2022, fellow cyclist Ben Cairns was airlifted to hospital for emergency surgery after he broke his hip, femur and ribs in a major cycling accident.

Ben’s cycling accident in 2022.

Ollie said:

“I will be forever grateful for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance crew’s fast response on the day of my accident.

“Now, I am determined to give back by actively fundraising for the charity, ensuring they can continue their life-saving work for others in need too

Read more

• ‘Do it for David’: Harrogate Festivals boss set for Great North Run
• Harrogate cyclist forced to pause 1,000km charity ride

Yorkshire Air Ambulance relies on volunteers and fundraising to continue running services.

Linda Stead, regional fundraising manager at the charity, commented:

 “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the cyclists for their incredible support and dedication.

“This epic ride is not only a test of their endurance and determination but also a heartfelt initiative. Their fundraising efforts will make help us to continue flying across Yorkshire and saving lives.”

To learn more about the challenge visit the BMNCCC’s Just Giving page here.