The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.

In this final week before entries close, we are revealing the last of what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.

Next up is the Unsung Hero Award, which is sponsored by Big Bamboo.

This award is designed to shine a light on those people who are truly the glue of the team.

These people are not only integral to the day to day, but they also bring a personal touch that makes the business that bit brighter.

Those looking to nominate for the Unsung Hero Award need to provide details of the contribution and the impact this person has made as well as details of the person’s background and current position.

Do you know a person that deserves to win the Unsung Hero Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close on January 16. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023 sponsored by Prosperis is set to celebrate the best of businesses from across the Harrogate district.

With the deadline for entries fast approaching on Monday, January 16 we are revealing the top reasons why businesses simply cannot miss the opportunity to get involved.

The entry process is simple, fast and free, so what are you waiting for? Enter or nominate today!

Shout about your achievements

We know the Harrogate district is home to thousands of incredible small, medium and large businesses.

In the face of the coronavirus pandemic and now a cost of living crisis, local businesses are doing amazing things for their staff and customers.

So why not get recognition for those achievements? Whether your business has seen significant growth, made positive changes for sustainability or inclusivity, we can help you celebrate.

Attract top talent and keep employees motivated

Now more than ever we know just how important it is to attract new employees and keep your existing employees motivated.

Winning or being shortlisted for an award is a great way to set your business apart from the rest. Who doesn’t want to make for an award-winning business?

Not only do we have awards celebrating overall business achievements, we also have awards geared specifically towards celebrating the work of your best staff.

So if you have a Rising Star Under 30 or an Unsung Hero at your business then show them your appreciation and nominate them today.

Exposure with the Stray Ferret’s audience

The Stray Ferret has a huge, local audience. We get more than 200,000 readers every month from across the Harrogate district and beyond.

With ten categories come ten winners and we will profile the great work of all of our winners. So this is a great chance to get your business in front of our readers.

Incredible judging panel

When you are looking to get recognition for your business, it is key that those on the judging panel are the best of the best.

That is why we have handpicked the leaders of top businesses from across the Harrogate district with expertise and experience in a wider variety of sectors.

We have Charlene Lyons, CEO of Black Sheep Brewery in Masham, Marcus Boardall, CEO of Reed Boardall in Boroughbridge, Martin Rae, CEO of Cloud Nine in Harrogate and James Farrar, COO of the York and North Yorkshire LEP in Northallerton.

Network with the best local businesses

The Stray Ferret Business Awards will be a great way to network with the event culminating in a glittering awards dinner on March 9.

With our stellar judging panel, sponsors and shortlisted businesses for each of our ten categories, this is not an event to be missed.

You can see a full list of award categories on the Stray Ferret Business Awards page. Entries close on Monday, January 16.

When you are looking to get recognition for your business, it is key that those on the judging panel are the best of the best.

That’s why we have enlisted the help of leaders from the top business and organisations for the inaugural Stray Ferret Business Awards sponsored by Prosperis, culminating with an awards dinner on March 9, 2023.

There is representation from across the Harrogate district and beyond with Black Sheep Brewery from Masham, Reed Boardall from Boroughbridge, Cloud Nine from Harrogate and the York and North Yorkshire LEP from Northallerton.

We have chosen these judges for their expertise, experience and positions in a wide variety of sectors.

Each judge kindly gives their free time to participate in the process. Any judge with a conflict of interest in a particular category will step away for the duration of those discussions.

We really do have representation from top businesses on board. So it’s time to meet the judges:

Charlene Lyons, CEO of Black Sheep Brewery

Charlene Lyons, an experienced management consultant, became CEO of Black Sheep Brewery in early 2020 after a period as a consultant, helping the business evolve and grow its position as a famous Yorkshire brand.

Marcus Boardall, CEO of Reed Boardall

Marcus Boardall, a qualified Chartered Accountant, joined the family business, Reed Boardall in 2003 where he continues his father’s legacy of supporting and encouraging his colleagues in the pursuit of excellence.

Martin Rae, CEO of Cloud Nine

Martin Rae is the CEO and Founder of Cloud Nine – a Harrogate-based international haircare brand founded by Martin, his brother and stepdad. Cloud Nine was founded in 2008 with a small team but it is now a global brand.

James Farrar, COO of York and North Yorkshire LEP

James works with the York and North Yorksire Local Enterprise Partnership partners and Board to mobilise the team into action. His experience includes leading responses to recession, grown his own professional services business allowing him to have an understanding of business needs and how to encourage economic growth.

Once the deadline for entries has passed, the judges will assess each entry in the same format and without any material that goes against the terms and conditions.

The judges score the entry according to the criteria of each category. The judges will then meet to discuss their scores and make a final decision during a single day of judging. The judging process is final and all decisions are final.

It’s free and easy to enter. We will profile the great work of all the finalists, so we would encourage you to put forward your business today.

You can see a full list of award categories on our Awards page. Entries close January 16.

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.

Prosperis, the Knaresborough based financial advisors and employee benefit consultants, are to be the main sponsor of the Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023.

Managing Director of Prosperis, Niall Gunn said:

“We’re delighted to be the main sponsor of the Stray Ferret Business Awards.  As a leading corporate consultancy working across Yorkshire, we know there is so much best practice in the Harrogate district to celebrate and highlight.

“The event promises to be a great occasion – the judging panel is impressive and I’m sure competition for each award will be stiff.”

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023 will be held on 9 March 2023.

If your business, team or staff member has an award winning story to tell then now is your time to shine!

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Harrogate law firm McCormicks Solicitors has appointed a new Partner.

David Birks (left) joins as head of the commercial disputes and sports litigation team which offers a wide range of litigation services to both individuals and businesses across the region as well as nationally.

Before becoming a solicitor Mr Birks headed up the North Yorkshire Trading Standards Consumer Advice Team and Special Investigations team, dealing with regulatory matters and specialising in anti-counterfeiting matters.

Senior Partner Peter McCormick OBE said:

“We are delighted to welcome David on board, bringing as he does in-depth expertise in a complex area of law which is a key focus for the practice.”

Mr Birks has experience in sports disputes, including arbitrations, tribunals and FA, Premier League and EFL regulatory matters. His specialisms include insolvency (individual and corporate) and Directors Disqualification Act Proceedings.

Does your business or workplace have a good story to tell? We’re looking to recognise the best and the brightest in the Harrogate district’s business community.

On March 9 next year, the Stray Ferret Business Awards will celebrate those businesses at a glittering black tie ceremony in the Pavilions of Harrogate and we want your entries.

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023, sponsored by local financial advisers Prosperis, are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district including Ripon, Masham, Boroughbridge, Harrogate, Pateley Bridge and Knaresborough.

We are delighted to announce four of the region’s most influential leaders are on the Stray Ferret Business Award’s judging panel:

• James Farrar:  COO, York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership
• Charlene Lyons: CEO, Black Sheep Brewery 
• Marcus Boardall: CEO, Reed Boardall 
• Martin Rae: CEO, Cloud Nine

There are 10 award categories − from Dynamic Leader to Business Growth and Inclusivity.

It doesn’t matter if the business is large or small − the awards are to recognise excellent organisations, their leaders or unsung heroes.

It’s free to nominate and we will profile the great work of all the winners, so we would encourage you to put forward your business today.

You can see a full list of award categories on our Awards page. Entries close January 16.

In tough times we need, more than ever, to celebrate success and give individuals and teams the recognition they deserve.

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Black Sheep Brewery to celebrate 30th anniversary

A Masham brewery is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary next month

Founded in 1992, Black Sheep Brewery was set up by Paul Theakston in his hometown.

Mr Theakston said he was “dissatisfied” with the “blandness of the beer market” and opted to set up his own brewery.

To celebrate the birthday, the brewery will also relaunch its Pathmaker IPA.

Mr Theakston said:

“I can’t believe it’s been 30 years since that first brew of Best Bitter back in 1992. I’m incredibly proud of the journey that Black Sheep has taken and thankful to our wonderful new and loyal drinkers who have joined us along the way. 

“I’m excited to enjoy a few pints of Pathmaker this September as we celebrate our big birthday.”

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Black Sheep Brewery in Masham will continue its sponsorship of Harrogate Town AFC for next season.

The brewery became the club’s “official beer” last season and collaborated on an IPA called Yellow Black Army.

Black Sheep chief executive Charlene Lyons said:

“We’re delighted to once again be the official beer of local side Harrogate Town AFC. 

“We partnered with the club last year and watched as Town fought hard each and every game to once again be proud members of the Football League, and we can’t wait to watch the lads go again when the season kicks off later this month.”

Sarah Barry, chief executive at Harrogate Town AFC, added: 

“We’re delighted to be once again supported by our friends Black Sheep Brewery. Local businesses are a vital part of our club and the support of Black Sheep Brewery for another year is a terrific boost for us and our fans. 

“We hope to offer Black Sheep beer to home and away fans in the 22/23 season to come which will provide another exciting progression for our club as we aim to offer the best fan experience.”

Raworths’ team top ranked in independent guide

The trust, wills and estates team at Harrogate law firm Raworths has been ranked high on the Chambers High Net Worth Guide.

The publication is one of the leading guides to the international private wealth market and base their rankings on extensive independent research.

Comments from the guide include:

“Raworths excels in proactively delivering the services its clients require” and “there is huge knowledge within the team and they always meet our needs”.

The trusts, wills and estates team is listed in the top tier for York, Hull and surrounding area and also for the National Leaders (outside London) category.

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Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce has announced it will have three female speakers at its June meeting.  

The business networking event will include talks from Sarah Barry, chief executive of Harrogate Town, Rhiannon Wilkinson, headteacher at Ashville College, and Charlene Lyons, chief executive of Black Sheep Brewery.

Sue Kramer, president of the chamber, said:  

“For my first meeting as chamber president, I’m delighted that we are hearing from three inspirational women leaders.  

“I’m really looking forward to hearing from Sarah, Rhiannon and Charlene about their career paths, and it will be interesting to learn if they faced any challenges along the way.” 

The meeting will take place on  June 13 at 6:15pm at Harrogate’s Crown Hotel, and is open to non-members.  

Doors open at 5.30pm for informal networking.  

Rudding Park to host ‘dine in the dark’ 

Rudding Park will host its first ever ‘dine in the dark’ experience on Friday to raise money for Guide Dogs charity. 

Guests will be served a three-course meal whilst blindfolded, with the main course being eaten in complete darkness.  

The event aims to raise awareness of how visually impaired people experience daily activities, and educate people on the work of guide dogs in the region.  

Organiser and guide dog owner, Kim Murphy, said:  

“Even eating a meal without dropping the peas or knocking a glass of wine over is quite a challenge and that’s just one part of your day when you’ve lost your sight.”

Nicola Ridgway, community fundraising manager at Guide Dogs,  said:

“Dine in the Dark experiences are just a small insight into the world of sight loss, but people often come away feeling enlightened and more aware of the challenges people with vision impairment face day to day.” 

The evening will take place from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Tickets are available here. 

Read more: 

• New chamber president ready to reinvigorate Harrogate business scene
• Rudding Park launches programme for young aspiring chefs

Black Sheep Brewery in Masham has secured a major deal with Leeds-based airline Jet2.com.

Black Sheep Ale will be available in a 330ml can on all the airline’s flights from its 10 UK bases from May 1.

Jet2.com is the UK’s third largest airline.

Black Sheep Ale is one of the brewery’s best loved beers.  It was the first beer to be bottled at Black Sheep and is nationally available in 500ml bottle.

Charlene Lyons, chief executive of Black Sheep Brewery, said:

“We’re incredibly proud of this agreement with Jet2.com to feature Black Sheep Ale on flights to and from the UK, which will introduce one of Yorkshire’s best exports to new audiences.

“This is a great collaboration between two Yorkshire companies that will also offer international visitors to Britain a taste of our wonderful county before they touch down in the UK.”

Managing director at Harrogate Spring Water steps down

After 15 years at the helm, James Cain has announced he will be stepping down as managing director of Harrogate Spring Water.

French firm Danone acquired Harrogate Spring Water two years ago and Mr Cain said “it is now the right time for me to hand over the baton”.

Mr Cain will remain a minority shareholder alongside the rest of the Cain family, he said:

“During my time with Harrogate Spring Water, I have been immensely proud of the brands that we have created as well as the people who have been a part of our journey, helping to build a business and continue a legacy in revitalising the town’s illustrious spa heritage.”

Mr Cain is to be replaced by Richard Hall, who is currently a vice president within Danone’s UK & Ireland business. He will take on the role from May 3.

Richard Hall

Mr Hall said:

“Harrogate Spring Water is a great brand with great heritage and is a very important part of Danone’s UK water business. It will be my privilege to lead the operation as we look to grow further and take the Harrogate Spring Water brand to more venues and consumers in 2022.”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Budget has received a lukewarm reception from Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce.

Chief executive David Simister said there were “a number of positives”, such as the increase in employment allowance and the continuation of the rates reduction, adding:

“However, there was no relief in terms of VAT for the hospitality industry, which will go up to 20 per cent from April 1.

“And with the current cost of petrol and diesel, the cut in fuel duty is miniscule. National Insurance is in effect an income tax, and cutting this along with income tax should be the priority.

“Mr Sunak is gambling that business will grow and he can reduce taxes later, but corporate tax will still rise.

“In short, creativity is certainly geared towards delivering good news in election year, but in the here-and-now there’s little relief, and it’s orientated towards larger business.”

Masham brewery launches new beer for summer

Masham-based Black Sheep Brewery has launched a brand new beer ahead of the summer.

Called Refresh, the cask beer comes as part of the brewery’s seasonal range and will be made available in April.

Described as a fresh take on the classic British blonde ale, Refresher offers a light, fruity pint with layers of pulsating hop character.

Jack Scott Paul, brand and communications manager at Black Sheep Brewery, said:

“We’re really excited to launch Refresher, just in time for the spring season. Refresher is our own, fresh take on the classic British blonde ale, and we know this one will be popular with both cask beer lovers and those looking to try a new kind of pint.”

“As the name suggests, it’s sure to offer perfect refreshment and judging by the recent weather, there’s no better time of year to launch this new beer.”