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13
Feb 2023
Last Updated: 13/02/2023
Stray Ferret Business Awards: Rising Star Under 30 Award
The Rising Star Under 30 Award is sponsored by Thompson’s Chartered Accountants.
Thompsons in Harrogate provides key accountancy and taxation solutions to small and medium-sized businesses across England.
Thompsons has offered specialist advice across a range of sectors specific to business, growth plans, exit strategies and targets, for over 30 years.
The Rising Star under 30 Award is designed to highlight young business talent across the Harrogate who will be making waves in the years to come.
Finalists
Tiffany Snowden, Blue Willow Heritage:
Tiffany Snowden has excelled in what has traditionally been a male dominated profession.
She is Lead Heritage Consultant and Director of Harrogate environmental consultancy, Blue Willow Heritage.
Tiffany is just one of 500 women in the UK to be granted Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CifA), the highest level of accreditation that the most senior archaeology body in the UK offers.
Tiffany was also invited to join the Association for Studies in the Conservation of Historic Buildings (ASCHB), the UK's premier body for the study of architectural preservation.
In just two years, Tiffany has led Blue Willow Heritage to become one of the top small heritage consultancies in Britain. The company is a preferred consultant for several respected planning and architectural firms within the UK, for North Yorkshire County Council and the Gotwick Manor Estate in Surrey.
Tiffany Snowden said:
"It’s an absolute honour to be shortlisted as a rising star, especially as a woman working in a male-dominated field.
"Being recognised in this way is not only a huge personal achievement, but also invaluable to help raise the profile of women in construction-related industries."
Joe Andrew, Cocoa Joe’s:
Joe Andrew has literally brought the world of chocolate to Pateley Bridge as the Founder of Cocoa Joe’s, a retailer selling premium chocolate drinks.
Joe launched Cocoa Joe’s in 2019 after moving home from university. Four years later, the Pateley Bridge shop boasts the highest average customer review of any business in the UK, with the York branch ranking second.
Cocoa Joe's uses luxury solid chocolate from all around the world. Customers are able to choose a chocolate, learn a little about the country of origin and see their bespoke drink form before their eyes.
Joe Andrew said:
“I’m absolutely over the moon to have made the shortlist, there has been a lot of very impressive applicants this year, so it still feels slightly surreal!
"This has been a great way to begin 2023 and will certainly be spurring me on as we begin to expand both our menu and range of products over the course of the coming year.”
Laura Mounsey, Harrogate Family Law:
Laura Mounsey only qualified as a solicitor with Harrogate Family Law four years ago and is already a director of the company. An equity stake in a law firm usually takes at least 10 years to achieve.
Laura is the Chair of the Advisory Board to the Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS). This includes implementing the Domestic Abuse Act and shaping their policies on perpetrator schemes.
Laura is also the youngest ever president of the Harrogate & District Law Society. She has organised advocacy training via the local Judge, networking training and wellbeing sessions to support those struggling with working from home post-pandemic.
Laura’s clients describe her as “extraordinarily approachable and knowledgeable”.
Laura Mounsey said:
“I was honoured to find out that my team had submitted me for this award. I was even more surprised and overjoyed when I found out that I am shortlisted, especially in what I expect is a very competitive category.
"I feel very lucky to be where I am.”
James Owen Thomas, JOT’s Gallery:
James Owen Thomas is an environmental artist and owner of JOT’s Gallery.
James was diagnosed with autism aged three and has since used this, as well as his love for the environment, as a means of inspiration for his art. James uses recycled materials to create his artwork.
James is an ambassador the Tree Council, supporting their ‘Force For Nature’ campaign. He was nominated by the Tree Council for COP26 and then selected as a One Step Greener Ambassador for the UN Climate Change Conference 2021: “Together For Our Planet.”
In 2022, James’s artwork helped raise funds for The Alzheimer’s Society, Autism Trust, Disability Action Yorkshire, Horticap, Shelter, National Autistic Society, Harrogate Homeless Project and The Caudwell Children’s Charity.
James Owen Thomas said:
“It’s an honour to be shortlisted as a rising star. I’ve been working hard to create a sustainable practice by creating art using discarded materials, running workshops in the community, taking on commissions and opening my own gallery.
"I have faced several challenges during my life, but I see my autism as a gift - it gives me the strength to be different”.
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