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09
Dec
Business Breakfast: Harrogate hotelier wins national recognition and free parking in Ripon
Rudding Park’s Peter Banks, who led the business for 28 years, won ‘Outstanding Contribution’ at the annual Hotel Cateys awards in London.
Mr Banks led Rudding Park since it opened in 1997 and oversaw the business grow to 320 employees and a turnover of £28 million.
He said:
I am amazed, delighted and shocked! I am so happy that a Yorkshire business has won. When I left London in 1996 the general manager said to me – 'this’ll be the death of your career”' I thought marvellous. Now I’ll show you what I can do. 28 years later and over 60 awards later. I am so happy that I landed in Yorkshire.
I’m 56. Half a southerner. Half a Yorkie. I’ve probably got the worst of both worlds -The gobbiness of a southerner and the chippiness of a northerner. Not attractive. But it seems to work here.
I’m delighted to have won this award. It should really belong to me and Simon Mackaness. Between us we have created a property that scoffs at anyone who thought that Yorkshire couldn’t achieve greatness.
Rudding Park owner Simon Mackaness said:
Peter and I have been on a roller-coaster journey together and he has been totally responsible for creating a popular, successful and commercially viable resort. In April 2024 Peter retired his executive role to set up his own hospitality consultancy, which I know will be tremendously successful.
Ripon BID to host free car parking
Car parking in Ripon will have free all-day parking on December 21 and December 28.
The scheme is funded through a partnership between Ripon BID, Booths and Cllr Andrew Williams' North Yorkshire Council locality budget.
Harrogate BID Manager Matthew Chapman with Chair of Zero Carbon Harrogate Jemima Parker.
BID hosts first ‘Sustainable Harrogate’ meeting
Harrogate BID hosted the first sustainable meeting to work on the North Yorkshire town’s strategies for a better future.
Those in attendance at the meeting at Artizan Cafe included North Yorkshire Council, Zero Carbon Harrogate, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, Harrogate Convention Centre, Harrogate Flower Shows and Harrogate in Bloom.
The attendees were selected by the BID team as key pioneers for the project as the town strives to become more sustainable.
The first meeting highlighted positive and negative aspects of sustainability in Harrogate and linking these to the 17 key sustainable development goals adopted by organisations worldwide.
Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID manager, said:
Sustainability is becoming a more pressing matter everywhere in the world, but we want to do what we can to improve it in Harrogate. It was a highly positive first meeting and we’ve already come up with some actions and next steps to take, so watch this space.
We believe that bringing expert groups such as this together will help to develop a plan of action for our town to become more sustainable and create new schemes and initiatives.
Jemima Parker, chair of Zero Carbon Harrogate, said:
Zero Carbon Harrogate are delighted to be working collaboratively with the BID to bring forward options to support a thriving local low carbon economy.
For example, looking at how more electricity could be generated in the town to help cut bills for businesses and build energy resilience.
The group will meet on a quarterly basis to discuss plans and feedback any new ideas. The next will be held in the new year at a location set to be confirmed.
YHFBA awards L to R: Daniel Liddy, Rebecca Verity and Tony Liddy
How Stean wins at regional Family Business Awards
Yorkshire and Humberside Family Business Awards 2024 took place at The Royal Armouries in Leeds, organised by The Family Business Community.
The evening was hosted by food writer and broadcaster Nigel Barden, alongside event co-founders Dave Clarkson and Sue Howorth.
How Stean Gorge was named the winner of the Leisure & Tourism – Attractions Winner category.
Tony Liddy, director, said:
Winning this award is a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team. We are thrilled to be recognised among such an inspiring group of family businesses.
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Harrogate care provider announces senior appointment
Harrogate-based care provider Homes Together has appointed Francesca Wright as head of HR.
Ms Wright brings over two decades of experience in HR to this newly created role.
Before stepping into this role, she spent the two years at a leading HR consultancy. She also previously served in a senior HR leadership position at North Yorkshire County Council.
Ms Wright said:
The organisation's commitment to providing exceptional care and a supportive environment for its staff and residents really resonated with me. By listening to our team's needs and aligning our HR practices with Homes Together's core values, I'm confident we can create an even more fulfilling and nurturing environment where everyone can thrive.
The role will involve assessing existing policies and gathering staff feedback through surveys related to values, mental health, pay, and rewards.
Homes Together recently relocated to The Exchange in Harrogate.
David Ashton-Jones, chief executive at Homes Together, said:
This appointment, combined with our office move, highlights our commitment to creating unity and cohesion, streamlining operations and working closely with our senior team to grow the company sustainably so we can continue to serve more individuals who need our support.
Martin Mann, chief executive of HDCC
Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce prepares for business safari
Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce will hold its second bi-annual business Safari for 2024 on December 16.
The event will take place from 5.30 pm to 8pm at Harrogate Ladies' College and is a open to members only.
It will feature a speed networking session where attendees will get the chance to introduce themselves and their businesses in 60-second pitches to a rotating group of fellow members.
Martin Mann, chief executive of the chamber, said:
There’s a good reason our business safaris are among the most popular in our calendar of events. We know that members value the opportunity to share information about their business, whilst learning about others in a friendly setting. The value of effective local networking opportunities cannot be overstated - particularly in these uncertain economic times. We look forward to fostering a platform for new business opportunities and collaborations.
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