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07
Apr
Business Breakfast: Car finance firm marks £25m milestone
A Knaresborough-based credit broker that specialises in prestige car finance is celebrating its most successful month ever.
Oracle Car Finance has sourced funding for a record number of car finance agreements, totalling over £25 million in value.
As a result of increased demand, the company is now recruiting for more staff.
Managing director and founder Peter Brook said:
Our latest milestone is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team. As demand for our services continues to rise, we are committed to growing our workforce to provide an even higher level of service to our clients. We are looking for driven professionals who share our passion for excellence and customer success.
Founded 20 years ago, Oracle Finance now claims to be the UK’s leading credit broker for prestige car finance, and has earned more than 2,700 five-star reviews on Trustpilot.
Speed dating for business
Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce (HDCC) will hold its Spring Business Safari at Harrogate Ladies' College next Monday (April 14).
A cornerstone of the Chamber’s annual calendar, the members-only event offers a "speed networking" experience, when attendees will have the opportunity to showcase their businesses through concise, 60-second pitches to a rotating group of fellow Chamber members.
Chamber president Phill Holdsworth said:
Our Business Safaris are consistently among our most popular events, and for good reason. They provide an invaluable platform for members to share their business stories and discover new opportunities in a friendly and engaging setting.
In today's economic climate, the importance of effective local networking cannot be overstated. We're excited to facilitate new collaborations and business growth within our vibrant community.
The event will be held at Harrogate Ladies' College on Monday, April 14, from 5.30pm to 8pm. It will begin with coffee and canapés in the Library, followed by the main networking event in the theatre. Access to the venue is via the main entrance of Harrogate Ladies' College.
Chamber members can secure their place by booking through the HDCC website, which also has information for anyone interested in joining.
Silver award
Tracy Roche at Ikonik Hair in Harrogate won the Silver Award for Hair Extensionist of the Year at the Salon Business Awards 2025.
Entries were judged by top industry figures, and Tracy was one of eight finalists shortlisted nationally in the Extention Specialist category.
Tracy picking up her award at the ceremony in London.
Speaking after the awards ceremony, which took place at the 12th Knot, Sea Containers in London, Tracy said:
Going up against some of the best in the business makes it even more impressive that I have come away with Silver. It is especially meaningful to have been placed just behind my mentor, the owner of Gold Class Hair Extensions, a luxury hair brand I have the exclusivity for here in Yorkshire. This speaks volumes about my skill and dedication to my hair extension work.
New partner
McCormicks Solicitors of Harrogate has appointed its head of Employment Law, Iain Jenkins as a new partner to the practice.
Mr Jenkins, who joined McCormicks in 2019, recently acted for former BBC presenter Liz Green to achieve an apology and settlement from the BBC after she was targeted by former BBC Radio Leeds presenter Alex Bellfield over a period of years. Bellfield was jailed for five years and 26 weeks in 2022 for his campaign of stalking, including of the presenter Jeremy Vine.
Iain Jenkins
Mr Jenkins is an experienced lawyer with experience HR issues and data protection, advising businesses across a range of sectors including sport, technology, manufacturing, financial services, recruitment, transport and logistics and health and social care. He is a CEDR-accredited mediator and an accredited workplace mediator.
He is also a Trustee of both Harrogate International Festivals and Harrogate Town AFC’s Community Foundation.
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