The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, 26 October at Banyan in Harrogate between 8 am – 10 am. 

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

A Harrogate marketing agency has appointed a new head of social media.

The Big Bamboo Agency, which is based at Windsor House, has hired James Pilkington to the position.

Mr Pilkington, who brings with him 10 years’ experience of working in specialist social media roles, will oversee the strategic direction of social media platforms and content for the firm’s clients.

Nicola Stamford, the company’s owner and founding director, said:

“I am delighted that we have attracted James to join the business, especially as he contacted us to see if any opportunities were available.

“His primary focus will be on ensuring we continue to look after, add value to and nurture our client base when it comes to their social media presence and how they are perceived online.”

Harrogate insurance firm launches rebrand

A Harrogate insurance company has rebranded.

A-Plan, which is based on Princes Square, will now be renamed Howden Insurance as part of the rebrand.

The company said the move marks the next chapter for the branch – and over 100 of its counterparts on high streets across the country – after joining the Howden Group two years ago.

Chris Bishop, Manager at Howden Harrogate said: 

“We’re so excited to mark this new chapter with our new name – and new look and feel of our branch.

“That’s why we’re hosting our own launch events during October, open to all in our community to attend.”

Read more:

• Business Breakfast: Harrogate housing company secures £150m funding for new homes
• Business Breakfast: Harrogate care provider opens new training centre
• Business Breakfast: Harrogate business meeting to focus on inflation

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

A Harrogate marketing agency has been appointed to support a Knaresborough-based international energy company with its plans for growth.

The Big Bamboo Agency will deliver strategic marketing, PR, social media management and community engagement activities for Harmony Energy.

The firm, which develops utility-scale battery energy storage along with wind and solar projects, has worked across the UK as well as developing its work in France and New Zealand.

It has a long-standing relationship with Tesla, which has provided battery systems for its UK sites.

Pete Kavanagh, chief executive of Harmony, said:

“We were looking for an agency that would become an outsourced marketing and communications team, as an extension of the wider team we already have in place. We wanted to find a partner that we could build a long-term trusted relationship with.

“Having met Nicola and other members of the team, we knew we had found what we were looking for. Their experience and capabilities fit nicely with ours and we know they will understand our industry, due to their extensive credentials.”

Read more:

• Business Breakfast: Free course to boost start-up businesses in Harrogate district
• Business Breakfast: Harrogate law firm facilitates Norwich City FC deal

Money-saving energy advice for Harrogate BID businesses

Businesses will have the opportunity to learn more about saving money on energy bills at a series of events today.

Harrogate BID is inviting its members to join one of three sessions in person or online to hear from energy consultant Ryan Edwards.

He will give businesses a clearer picture about the current energy market, as well as giving advice on securing energy contracts.

The first event is at Jespers Bar and Kitchen on Station Parade at 9.30am, with another at Starling Cafe on Oxford Street at 5.30pm. A session will also be held on Zoom at 11am.

Businesses interested in taking part can email Harrogate BID for more details.

Pateley Bridge artist finalist in Fine Art Awards

Claire Baxter, who has a gallery in Pateley Bridge, has made the top five finalists in the Fine Art Trade Guild artist awards 2022.

Ms Baxter submitted her work Last of the Summer Wine, which is up against five other artists in the ‘Most Published Artist 2022’ category.

Ms Baxter’s work tries to capture Yorkshire through its locations and characters.

She started out hanging her work on the railings in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens hoping for some sales. Now she employs a gallery manager and a gallery assistant at her gallery in the Nidderdale town.

She said:

“I am absolutely thrilled and very excited to be a finalist. Even if I don’t win, to me, I’ve already won by coming this far. I paint because I love what I do and the joy of being able to put my thoughts and visions into the reality of a scene for others to enjoy is very rewarding.

“I never thought that a national award would be in my reach when I was starting out as it hasn’t been an easy journey.”

Harrogate communications firm wins London contract

A Harrogate communications agency has won a contract to support a London commercial cleaning company.

The Big Bamboo Agency will support Julius Rutherfoord & Co with bid and proposal work as well as email marketing communications campaigns.

Julius Rutherfoord & Co, which was founded in 1994, provides commercial cleaning services to organisations including Cushman & Wakefield, MADE.com and City, University of London.

Nicola Stamford, founding and director, Big Bamboo, said:

“With a strong background in the facilities management industry, our team is well positioned to support JR & Co in achieving its future vision. We are delighted to be supporting them on their journey and we look forward to our relationship developing over time.”

Medieval pop-up museum window display to arrive in Harrogate

Bethany Allen (left), Harrogate BID business and marketing executive and Sarah Checkland, The Jorvik Group of Attractions exhibitions manager, hold two uroscopy flasks which will feature in the pop-up museum.

Harrogate Business Improvement District has partnered with The Jorvik Group to install a medieval window display in the Victoria Shopping Centre over the Easter holidays.

The group, which is behind the tourist hotspot Jorvik Viking Centre in York, will show artefacts between April 1 and May 2.

Visitors can explore a wealth of information online and consider the display’s themes in more detail. Reconstructions, videos and an exclusive short film, written by Terry Deary – author of the Horrible Histories series – entitled A Touch of Plague, can all be accessed via QR codes.

Harrogate BID manager Matthew Chapman said:

“We are really excited to be bringing Window on the Past to Harrogate this April, which will give families another great reason to come into town during the Easter holidays.”