Hiring: “No two days are the same”, says Harrogate stone specialists

This story is sponsored by Lapicida.

A Harrogate company is seeking staff for several vacancies at its successful showroom.

Lapicida is a Harrogate-based company, specialising in luxury surfaces for both floors and walls. It sources and supplies an extensive range of new and reclaimed natural stone and marble, as well as new generation porcelains and ceramics.

The business evolved from the owners’ travels around Asia, from which they discovered a gap in the market for feature stones. The idea sparked a passion for the industry and led them to undertake extensive geological research in South Africa.

Jason Cherrington, director, said:

“The trip was incredibly rewarding, and we came back some very unique natural stone products which, until then, were unseen in the UK.”

Since then, the company has seen exponential growth and now procures products from across the globe – including Italy, Israel, Portugal, and Germany.

The three-acre Harrogate showroom is the largest in Europe, with a manufacturing facility and stone warehouse. Alongside the luxury surfaces, the artisans work with advanced technology to create bespoke furniture and ornaments. The company has recently launched a new in-house brand called ORNAMENTI that sources high-end garden ornaments that would not be found in a regular garden centre.

With so many avenues to the business, employees can expect to work on a variety of projects: large, small, interior, exterior, UK-based, or even international.

Lapicida covers many parts of the industry but has set itself apart as a company with the reclaimed division. It has built up an unrivalled network of suppliers to offer the highest quality antique stone and terracotta floor tiles. The company’s combination of traditional stonemasonry techniques and high-tech machinery means employees can transform antique flooring materials into stylish products for contemporary living. All reclaimed products are expertly recalibrated into a more regular thickness to ensure easy installation, before being carefully colour matched to meet clients’ specific requirements.

Lapicida takes great pride in being a Yorkshire-based company and encourages those locally that may be interested in the trade to join the company.

Mr Cherrington said:

“Being a Yorkshire business is a key part of our identity.

“Although we have a global outreach, we work on many local interior projects and have been recognised as a trusted local brand for many years.”

Lapicida supplied the tiles for Grantley Hall’s floor

The company also loves to be involved within the community and aims to join fundraising efforts or sponsor local charities where possible.

As with any job role, there can be highs and lows. The company said the challenging bespoke commissions it has tackled have “pushed us forward and encourages us to find unique design solutions”. Those that work for Lapicida can expect to work with some of the most beautiful materials in the world, alongside some very talented craftspeople.

“Operating at this level is sometimes challenging, as it is important we maintain a very high standard, but it also extremely rewarding.”

Lapicida has worked on multiple prestigious commercial projects, including the beautiful bespoke mosaic floor in the entrance to Bettys, on Parliament Street. The company also supplied a wide range of opulent marbles and limestones, as well as porcelain and ceramic tiles, to the sumptuous Grantley Hall.

Bespoke mosaic floor in the entrance to Bettys

“Working with private clients and professionals means no two days are the same.

“We have such a great team at Lapicida and are currently looking to add key personnel as the company continues to expand.”

Lapicida is currently hiring for both Warehouse and Fabrication Operatives, as well as Sales Executive roles in the fabulous Harrogate showroom. If these roles are of interest to you, contact carolyn.bjelan@lapicida.com to apply.

Find out more:

To find out more about Lapicida’s current vacancies, as well as its extensive range of tiles and stone, visit https://www.lapicida.com/ or call 01423 400100 or apply for the Sales Executive role by tapping or clicking here.

Harewood Bridge to be closed for repairs for four weeks

Harewood Bridge near Harrogate will close for four weeks this summer.

The bridge will close from July 26 until August 24 for essential maintenance work to be carried out.

The grade-II listed structure carries the A61 Harrogate Road over the River Wharfe and is a busy route between Harrogate and Leeds.

Leeds City Council is closing the bridge to carry out waterproofing, resurfacing and footpath repair works.

Cllr Helen Hayden, the council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate, said:

“Harewood Bridge is a strategic vehicle crossing used by thousands of people each day and therefore to close it requires careful planning. By carrying out the repair works during the school summer holidays we can hopefully limit the disruption with expected lower traffic levels.

“We apologise in advance for the potential disruption and ask road users for their patience. The works are essential for the long-term maintenance of this vital crossing between Harrogate and Leeds.

“We would please like to urge motorists to plan their journey in advance, follow the signed diversion and allow a bit of extra time for their travel.”

The footway across the bridge will remain open throughout the work.

A diversion route will be in place during the work from Otley Road, Arthington Lane, Main Street, Pool Bridge, Harrogate Road, Swindon Lane and onto Harrogate Road. 

The same route will be in place in the opposite direction.

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Council rejects Harrogate office block conversion over natural light concern

A plan to convert Simpson House in Harrogate into flats has been refused over natural light concerns.

Bramhope Property and Investments Limited tabled the proposal to North Yorkshire Council to convert the the former office block off Clarence Drive into 12 flats.

Documents submitted to the council outlined plans to create 12 two-bedroom apartments.

It would see the ground, first and second floors converted.

But, council officials have rejected the plan over concerns that those who would live in the flats would not have enough natural light.

In a decision notice, the authority said:

“The existing building abuts mature trees and hedges to the south on an embankment within the conservation area.

“The cumulative effect of the trees, hedges and site topography would provide large amounts of shade to the east, south and west elevation windows of six proposed dwellings during most parts of the day.

“These windows serve habitable rooms including living/dining rooms and bedrooms.

“The trees cannot be managed under this prior notification application, and there are no mitigating factors that would compensate for this significant loss of natural light.”

The move comes after two previous proposals to change the use of the office block to residential were refused in 2022.

Meanwhile, another application by Artium Group was withdrawn in July 2022 amid concern from Harrogate Borough Council officers over the impact on neighbouring trees.

In the latest proposal, developers said the building is already surrounded by residential properties.

It said:

“The ground and first floors of the building have been vacant for several years and the second floor of the building has recently become vacant.

“The building is surrounded by existing residential properties which are previously converted office buildings surrounded by mature trees.”

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MPs Watch: River Nidd and King Charles coronation

Every month the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.

In May, the saga over designating bathing water status to the River Nidd rumbled on. Meanwhile, at the start of the month, the country celebrated the coronation of King Charles III.

We asked Ripon MP Julian Smith and Selby and Ainsty MP Nigel Adams if they would like to highlight anything in particular, but we did not receive a response.

Here is what we know after analysing their online presence.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what we found on Mr Jones:

When we contacted Mr Jones for comment, his office sent a list of his engagements for May.

Among those included meeting with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the National Air Traffic Specialists (NATS) to discuss upcoming changes to national airspace.

He also met with the met with the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce with other North Yorkshire MPs to discuss challenges in the hospitality sector. Mr Jones also visited Yorkshire Cancer Research at Grove Park Court in Harrogate to discuss their latest projects and collaborations with universities. 

Mr Jones’ office pointed out that his engagements and activities could also be found on his Community News website and his Facebook and Instagram feeds.

Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.

Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.

In Ripon, here is what we found on Mr Smith:

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty which includes rural Harrogate.

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty which includes rural Harrogate.

In rural south Harrogate, he is what we found on Mr Adams:

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Business Breakfast: Staff welfare is focus of Stray Ferret networking event

The next Stray Ferret Business Club will focus on staff wellbeing and work culture.

The lunch at Manahatta on June 29 will hear a talk from Rebecca Gosling, HR Lead for LCF Law in Harrogate. The firm was recently named by the Sunday Times as one of the UK’s best places to work. 

The aim of the monthly Stray Ferret Business Club events is to network, share knowledge and business ideas.

Rebecca said:

“Creating a culture of wellbeing in the workplace is not just a luxury, it underpins our HR strategy.

“We are delighted with our achievement in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work accolade. This is a reflection of our focus on our people and culture.

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to share LCF’s wellbeing focus with like – minded professionals.”

Tickets for the lunch are available here.

Cycling store focuses on women riders

Specialized Concept cycling store in Harrogate is to become the first store outside London to stock MAAP clothing.

Specialized said it was keen to support the growing number of women riders – 40% of the MAAP range in store will be women’s cycling apparel.

Assistant manager Felix Geldart said

“We see MAAP as a premium brand and I think it will represent a lot of the riders that we have coming into the shop.

“We’re having more of a focus on women than we have done previously – over the past few years we’ve seen more groups and avenues for women to get involved in cycling.”

Specialized is supporting the inaugural 2023 Women Race North Road Race league, across the North East, North West and Yorkshire.

The store is hosting a series of activities this weekend to celebrate MAAP’s arrival.

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Harrogate dance store to close its doors and sell online only

The Adage dance store in Harrogate is to close its shop and only on selling online.

The specialist shop which sells clothing and footwear for different types of dance opened on Cheltenham Parade eight years ago.

The owners said in a post on their Facebook page that they had recently had to review how the store operated due to the rising cost of utilities, stock and a change in customer shopping habits.

They also said the arrival later this year of a new baby for one of the team played a part in the decision.

The statement said that “after careful consideration” they had taken the decision to move to becoming an online retailer only and would miss their in-person relationship with customers.

The store which fits pointe shoes for ballet dancing said their fitter would offer a new service visiting dance schools to fit on-site from January next year.

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Developer appeals Harrogate aparthotel plan refusal

A developer has challenged a decision to refuse plans to convert the upper floors of a Harrogate town centre building into an aparthotel.

Leeds-based Countrylarge tabled the proposal to create the 17-bedroom scheme on the floors above the Oliver Bonas store on James Street.

Aparthotels are serviced apartments with a hotel-style booking system. London-based operator, Beyond, was brought in to run to the aparthotel, if the plans were approved.

However, in November 2022, Harrogate Borough Council rejected the plan on the grounds that the scheme would “not enhance or preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area”.

The developer has since taken the decision to the government’s Planning Inspectorate, which deals with planning disputes.

In documents submitted to the body, the developer said the plan would not cause any harm to the existing buildings.

It said:

“The proposed additions respect the scale of the existing buildings on the site and the character of the other buildings in this part of the conservation area.

“It is therefore considered that the proposal will not cause any harm to the character and appearance of the existing buildings or the conservation area but will be an appropriate contemporary addition which will result in some enhancement to the character and appearance of the designated area.”

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

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Council to consult on Harrogate school for autistic children

A proposed school for children with autism moved a small step closer to being created in Bilton yesterday (Tuesday, May 30), when North Yorkshire Council accepted a recommendation to consult on the plans.

The matter will now be thrown open for public discussion by stakeholders for a six-week period from Monday, June 12.

The school, at the site of the former Woodfield Community Primary School in Harrogate, would provide school places for children and young people with autism in North Yorkshire. A total of £3.5 million has been earmarked to upgrade the site to enable it to cater for up to 80 pupils with autism aged between 11 and 19.

The potential opening date for the new school is September 2024.

Welcoming the decision, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said:

“I’m delighted that the council is to explore this proposal. The new facility would help meet a rising demand for special school places in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and the surrounding area.

“Currently there are 432 children with the primary need of autism accessing existing North Yorkshire special schools and we are committed to providing further support.”

She added:

“This would provide children and families with a more local offer of provision than is currently available without significant travel.”

North Yorkshire has already announced £20 million of investment in children and young people in North Yorkshire with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including the creation of new places in Special Schools and mainstream SEN Resource Bases.

Since 2016, the number of children and young people with identified SEND and an education, health and care plan (EHCP) has increased by over 110% in North Yorkshire. As this trend continues, it is estimated that the county will need an additional 350 SEND school places over the next three to five years.

North Yorkshire Council said the investment would enable it to find suitable placements for more young people closer to their local communities and deliver better value for children and families from the county, including improving existing provision to create “modern, fit-for-purpose spaces suited to a wider range of pupil needs”.

Woodfield Community Primary School closed at the end of December after years of falling pupil numbers and a sustained “inadequate” rating by Ofsted.

Officers believe the site is suitable for a new special school due to its layout and location in a central part of the county. There are no planned changes to the community library and children’s centre on the same site.

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Harrogate’s Rachel Daly picked for England World Cup squad

Harrogate’s Rachael Daly has been picked for England’s World Cup squad this summer.

The Aston Villa striker will join the Lionesses for the tournament, which will take place in Australia and New Zealand in July.

England will open their World Cup campaign against Haiti on July 22 in the group stages.

The Lionesses will also face Denmark and China in Group D.

Daly will be hoping to replicate her club form going into the summer tournament.

The 31-year-old, who started her career at Killinghall Nomads Junior Football Club, scored 22 goals last season and picked up the Women’s Super League golden boot.

The prestigious golden boot is awarded to the league’s top goalscorer and Daly’s total equals the all-time record.

She was also named as the Barclays’ Player of the Season.

Daly joined Villa from Houston Dash last summer and was a member of the England Lionesses team that won Euro 2022.

Earlier this month, she returned to Killinghall Nomads to open a cafe named after her.

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Starbeck residents encouraged to apply for community grants

Residents of Starbeck have been invited to apply for grant funding to help enhance where they live.

Applications for the Starbeck Community Small Grants Fund opened this week.

A fund of £300,000 was created in 1992 following an agreement with the developers of the Morrisons supermarket in Hookstone Chase. Interest from the fund has enabled annual grants to be given out.

The grants are distributed by North Yorkshire Council for the benefit of residents.

Two funding categories are available, with grants of up to £200 for individuals and up to £1,000 for community groups.

In 2022, six awards were made. Time Together received gardening tools and seeds, St Andrew’s Church got a new cooker, Harrogate Hawks rugby team was successful in getting money for storage and equipment, Claro Enterprises received lighting for a community workshop, Starbeck Library received a new tea and coffee machine and new Christmas lights were purchased for Starbeck.

Cllr Pat Marsh, who represents the Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone division on North Yorkshire Council and sits on the grants panel, said:

“Starbeck residents take great pride in their community and grants like this help to further improve the area in which they live.

“I would encourage people to once again make the most of this opportunity and submit their applications for funding as soon as possible.”

The deadline for applications is 4.30pm on Monday, July 24. Full details and how to apply can be found by visiting the NYC website.  

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