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23
Dec
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Woods Fine Linens on Prince Albert Row in Harrogate has been named Best Specialist Shop of 2025.
The shop was awarded the accolade by House and Gardens UK in the best independent shop awards.
Nicholas Richardson, company director, said:
It’s a fabulous recognition of the effort the team put in to create a knowledgeable, sophisticated and dazzling retail experience. We are nothing without our customers of course! Their desire to buy from independent shops like Woods is vital! We encourage customers to buy quintessentially British qualities wherever possible. We applaud their support - this is for them.
Andy and Rebecca Armitage of the Hearing Clinic
The Yorkshire Hearing Clinic has completed its switch to a new suite of rooms at Windsor House, with plans already in place to deliver chiropody, podiatry and physiotherapy treatments.
With 1,500 clients on their books, the husband-and-wife team of Andy and Rebecca Armitage provide ear wax removal and hearing test/hearing aid support across North Yorkshire.
Their new offices at the Cornwall Road office hub will see the business expand from a single room, to one with three clinics and a waiting room.
Clinical director, Andy Armitage, said:
We are really excited to be moving to the new offices and cannot wait to welcome our patients to what is a much more comfortable and suitable space for them to visit.
By expanding from the one clinic to having three available rooms, we will now be looking to introduce a wider range of treatments, such as podiatry and chiropody, so that we are more of a health clinic rather than simply a hearing clinic.
My passion is to help people with their hearing issues, but if we can also support them with further health professionals joining us, then I believe there are significant benefits of having us all under the same roof.
Chris O'Callaghan, executive head chef at Aldwark Manor Estate
Chartwell, the fine dining restaurant at Aldwark Manor Estate, has been officially added to the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland, just seven months after its launch.
Chartwell is recognised by Michelin for its inventive tasting menu and unique charm.
Chris O’Callaghan, executive head chef at Chartwell, said:
We are thrilled to see Chartwell included in the Michelin Guide. This recognition reflects the dedication and passion of our entire team. We strive to create dishes that surprise and inspire while showcasing the very best of modern British cooking in a truly unique setting.
L to R: English Marquee Company founders Sam and Tor Peters with Andy Clough and Laurence Richardson from Mercia
A Ripon company that supplies marquees has raised a six-figure funding package from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia Debt as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), to add a new structure to its range.
The English Marquee Company has already taken delivery of its latest addition, which is capable of holding 350 people.
The 500 sq ft structure, known as the Nord, has been made to the company’s own specification and consists of glass panels with a glulam frame.
The business was founded in 2018 by brother and sister Sam and Victoria (Tor) Peters who spotted a gap in the market for marquee hire. The company now employs around 30 staff.
Tor Peters, founder and director, says:
In recent years, particularly since the pandemic, both businesses and individuals have placed greater value on bringing people together, creating connections and crafting unforgettable experiences. Our marquees provide an exceptional centrepiece or backdrop to any event.
We pride ourselves on our stunning range, our responsive customer service and our ability to transform even the most challenging, hard to access sites. This latest funding from Mercia and NPIF allows us to add another innovative marquee to our range in line with our aim to create the most sought-after event spaces.
Duncan Melville (left) and Michiel Brouns
The North Yorkshire-based maker of sustainable linseed paint, Brouns & Co, has appointed Harrogate real estate expert and developer Duncan Melville.
Mr Melville is the founder and owner of student property developer Primus Property Group.
Brouns & Co has just opened a US warehouse in New Hampshire and established a US subsidiary and a dedicated US market eCommerce website.
Michiel Brouns, founder, said:
Our progress in recent years, and our expansion to the massive US market is a really exciting time, and we needed to deepen our board experience as we look to scale the business significantly in the coming two years.
Duncan’s experience within the sector is going to be critical to our UK and overseas expansion, and his understanding of how to help grow a business to take advantage of market opportunities is exactly what we need at this crucial stage of our growth.
Mr Melville said:
I’ve known Michiel and Brouns & Co for some time, and I’ve been an advocate for natural materials and products where possible in our developments, so I’m excited to come on board to help the business at such a key stage in its growth.
The remarkable rise in demand for linseed paint and coatings is driven by a need to preserve and protect historic buildings, where Brouns & Co have always had a strong track record with the Natural Trust and RIBA in the UK. But increasingly, the commissioners, specifiers and designers of new buildings and structures are demanding that natural methods materials and components are used.
The carbon footprint and sustainability of 100% natural paints and stains puts the business in a very good place, at just the right time.
LNER staff work alongside the BTP
LNER has been recognised by British Transport Police (BTP) for the work it carries out to identify vulnerability and ensure the safety of its customers and colleagues.
The train operator has been awarded ‘Safeguarding on Rail Scheme’ accreditation for the third year running, achieving a score of 92 per cent.
It follows an in-depth, two-week assessment programme where specialist safeguarding officers from BTP worked with LNER colleagues to find out more about the steps being taken to help keep people safe.
LNER also received praise for its recent White Ribbon accreditation and the work it is undertaking to raise awareness around violence against women and girls.
Temporary detective superintendent Arlene Wilson from British Transport Police, said:
I’m delighted that LNER has fulfilled the standards required to achieve full accreditation for the third year running. The 92 per cent pass mark achieved is a testament to the significant amount of work it has undertaken to protect and safeguard vulnerable people who travel on its network. We look forward to continuing to work closely together.
Jim Rawcliffe, security and emergency planning manager at LNER, said:
Every day our staff are vigilant, looking out for vulnerability and to help make sure people who travel with us and pass through our stations are kept safe. It’s thanks to their eyes, ears and positive action that we have been able to help more than 500 people this year alone. We take our safeguarding responsibilities incredibly seriously and recognise the role we play in helping to keep the railway safe and secure railway for everyone.
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