The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.
Over the next few weeks we will reveal what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.
First up is the Inclusivity Award, which is sponsored by Kempston-Parkes Chartered Surveyors.
This award is designed to give vital recognition to a company that has demonstrated working practices with a proactive approach to inclusivity.
These businesses have made employees and customers feel welcome, safe and free to be themselves, regardless of nationalities, gender, race or sexual orientations.
Companies looking to enter for the Inclusivity Award need to provide details of its policy for inclusivity and, if applicable, provide and example where it has given significant support to an employee or customer.
By giving vital recognition to those who have inclusivity at the heart of their business, we hope others will follow their example.
Does your business deserve to win the Inclusivity 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.
Environment Agency calls for Allerton Park asphalt plant to be rejectedThe Environment Agency has called for the creation of an asphalt plant near Knaresborough to be rejected.
The government department has raised concerns over potential pollution to controlled waters in response to Tynedale Roadstone’s planned plant at Allerton Waste Recovery Park, just yards from the A1(M).
The firm, which produces bituminous macadam and asphalt products for roads, already has plants in Newcastle and County Durham and says it needs a third facility to serve contracts for customers in the Yorkshire area.
The plant would include facilities for recycling plastics and other waste products, which could be supplied from operations within the recovery park, into asphalt materials.
Tynedale says the plant would also have the capability to recycle old road material into new asphalt products.
In planning documents submitted to North Yorkshire County Council, agents for the firm said the plant would create about 10 jobs. They said:
“The very nature of the proposed scheme means that it will be crucial to facilitating and servicing highways works and projects in the area.
“The plant would be suitably located in terms of surrounding land uses and would complement the wider Allerton Waste Recovery Park, particularly due to its ability to utilise plastic waste from the waste recovery plant in the production of final asphalt products.”
Read more:
- Plans to build asphalt plant beside controversial Allerton Park incinerator
- County council agrees creation of 30-year housing plan
The wider site includes Allerton Waste Recovery Plant, which process 320,000 tonnes of waste a year from York and North Yorkshire councils, a partially completed landfill in a former quarry, a concrete batching plant and a methane gas plant.
Planning documents reveal pre-application talks with the council’s planning officers concluded the principle of locating an asphalt plant at the site was considered a compatible use with the other operations on the site.
However, lodging an objection to the development. the Environment Agency said the firm needed to demonstrate the risk of pollution to controlled waters could be appropriately managed.
The agency stated:
“The previous use of the proposed development site as a landfill presents a high risk of contamination that could be mobilised during construction to pollute controlled waters.
“Controlled waters are particularly sensitive in this location because the development site is located upon a principal aquifer.”
Principal aquifers provide significant quantities of drinking water.
The agency said the applicants had identified the pollution risks without providing adequate mitigation and the plans for piling on the site could result in risks to aquifers.
Police stinger stops stolen Land Rover after high speed chase from BoroughbridgePolice arrested three men after a high speed chase from Boroughbridge to York in the early hours of this morning.
North Yorkshire Police was contacted at just after 2am this morning with concerns about a quad bike travelling on the A168 near Boroughbridge.
Officers investigated and said they noticed a Land Rover being driven suspiciously. The vehicle speeded off when police asked the driver to stop.
Police pursued the Land Rover on the A59 towards York while another police unit set up a stinger site on the A1237 at York. A police statement today said:
“All four tyres of the Land Rover were stung but it continued for a short time. It eventually lost control and crashed.
“Police also sighted an Audi in the same area that was acting suspiciously. Officers stopped the Audi and then established that it had been seen with the Land Rover earlier that night.
“The Land Rover was confirmed as stolen from an address along with two quad bikes.”
Read more:
- Police support Starbeck BT ‘street hub’ despite drugs concerns
- Amazon driver on Snapchat jailed for causing death of Ripon biker
A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, failing to stop for the police, dangerous driving, driving without a license or insurance and aggravated vehicle taking.
A 26-year-old man and a 28-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle.
The 24-year-old man was charged with failing to stop for the police, dangerous driving, driving without a license or insurance and aggravated vehicle taking. He has been remanded in custody and recalled to prison.
The 26-year-old man and 28-year-old man currently remain in police custody and enquiries are continuing.
Business Breakfast: Harrogate branding agency appoints technical director
Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
Today is the final Business Breakfast of 2022. It will return in the New Year.
A Harrogate branding agency has appointed a new technical director.
Dan Martin has joined Impression Studio, which is based on Albert Street, after spending two years at creative agency Jaywing.
Mr Martin has 20 years of experience in a range of industries including electronics, HR, education, and a variety of web agencies.
On joining Impression, he said:
“I’m just so excited to have this opportunity.
“I know I have skills and experience that will benefit Impression but it’s also a chance for me to take the next step in my career and test myself at a new level.
“I was happy in my previous role and could have stayed there forever, but this was just too good to miss and I’m really looking forward to seeing where we go together.”
Mr Martin will be tasked with overseeing all technical aspects of the work produced. At a strategic level he will be setting the direction of the agency in terms of the technologies used and the approach taken.
Charlie Hartley, managing director of Impression, said:
“Dan brings a wealth of experience delivering complex technical solutions for Enterprise level brands looking to innovate digitally.
“He’ll be implementing Headless CMS & React development solutions to position the agency as one of the leading web development agencies in the north of England.”
Read More:
- Business Breakfast: Experienced solicitor returns to Harrogate law firm
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate firm acquires Ripon advertising company
Boroughbridge company appoints new director
Boroughbridge-based firm Reed Boardall has appointed a new director.
Norman Hartley, who has been with the firm for 16 years, has been promoted to transport operations director.
Previously head of transport operations, Norman joined the business in 2006 and has progressed through various positions including operations shift manager and planning manager.
In his new role, Norman will be responsible for reviewing and developing processes to drive efficiency and achieve organisational growth.
Marcus Boardall, chief executive, said:
Boroughbridge all set for late-night Christmas shopping tonight“Norman is a confident leader who has constantly demonstrated his ability to manage, motivate and develop teams to deliver operational excellence.
“He’s a fantastic example of one of our many long-serving colleagues who, through hard work and talent, has built a career with us. This latest promotion is well-deserved recognition of his commitment to the company and we believe he will make a valuable contribution in his new role.”
Festive spirit will be flowing in Boroughbridge tonight as the town hosts its annual late-night shopping, Christmas tree lights switch-on and a visit from Santa.
The event, organised Boroughbridge and District Chamber of Trade, will see shops stay open until 8pm.
The night will begin with the official Christmas tree lights switch-on in Hall Square at 5.30pm, followed by carols from three school choirs — Boroughbridge Primary and High School and Roecliffe Primary.
Boroughbridge Lions will host Santa and his sleigh and there will be community stalls, children’s rides and a donkey and miniature horse.
Read more:
- New BBC series pays homage to intrepid Victorian explorer from Boroughbridge
- Time to sparkle: Your guide to Christmas lights switch-ons across the district
Festive food and drink will include the Scouts’ roast chestnuts and Brighter Boroughbridge’s mulled wine and mince pies stall. There will also be a hog roast.
The shop window display competition theme this year is A Christmas Panto, with entries to be judged tonight,
The lights on the Christmas tree will be switched on by BBC Radio York’s Georgey Spanswick and the Mayor, Sean Hynes.
Chamber president Derek Hufton said:
Firefighters called to Pannal business“Anyone coming along will find the town buzzing.
“There will be lots of great independent shops to browse and buy Christmas gifts from.
“Santa and his sleigh, along with the kids’ rides, will be big attractions to the younger generation. But wrap up warm!”
A faulty storage heater caused a fire at a business in Pannal today.
A member of staff dialled 999 when they noticed smoke at the commercial premises on Station Road.
Firefighters from Harrogate and Knaresborough were summoned to the scene at 8.43am and entered the building wearing breathing apparatus.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s incident log says they discovered a “small fire to a storage heater”, adding:
“Firecrews extinguished the heater, which had developed an electrical fault, and cleared the premises of smoke with a positive pressure ventilation fan.”
The fire, at the unnamed business, was the first of two incidents in the Harrogate district today.
At two minutes past midday, fire crews from Boroughbridge and Knaresborough were called to the A1 southbound near Boroughbridge to deal with a car fire.
A Vauxhall Zafira had caught fire following an engine fault. Firefighters using breathing apparatus dealt with the incident.
The incident log adds:
“Occupants had left scene, believed to have been picked up by another vehicle prior to arrival of emergency services.”
Read more:
- Car turned into fireball at Flaxby
- Impartiality concerns over crime commissioner’s plan to share office with Harrogate police
Guide to Christmas fairs and markets in the Harrogate district
Christmas markets are taking place across the Harrogate district.
Here’s our guide to what’s taking place. If you know of one that isn’t included, let us know and we will add it. Email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
RHS Harlow Carr, Bath House Gallery: Christmas Crafts
10am, Thursday, October 20 to 4pm, Friday, December 23
Country Living Christmas Fair, Harrogate Convention Centre
10am, Thursday, December 1 to 4pm, Sunday, December 4
Great Yorkshire Christmas Fair, The Yorkshire Events Centre at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate
9.30 to 5am Thursday, December 1 to Sunday December 2022 (4.30pm finish on Sunday)
Harrogate Christmas Fayre, Harrogate town centre
10am, Friday, December 2 to 4.30pm, Sunday, December 11
Pateley Bridge and Bewerley late night shopping, Pateley Bridge High Street
December 2, 5.30pm
Little Bird Artisan Market, Valley Gardens, Harrogate
Saturday, December 3, 10am to 5pm, and 10am to pm on Sunday, December 4
Knaresborough Christmas Market, Knaresborough Market Place
10am, to 5pm Saturday, December 3 and 10am to 4.30pm on Sunday, December 4, finishing with firework fiesta over the viaduct at 4.30pm
Knaresborough Artisan Market, Gracious St Methodist Church, Knaresborough HG5 8AN
10am to 3pm, December 3
Copt Hewick Christmas Fair, Copt Hewick village hall and church
11am to 3pm, December 3, cash-only event, Santa arrives at noon and carols at 1.30pm
St Luke’s Church Parish Christmas Fair, St Luke’s Church, Franklin Square, Harrogate
10.30am to 1.30pm on Saturday, December 3
Belmont Grosvenor School Christmas Fair, Belmont Grosvenor School, Birstwith
Saturday, December 3, £3 entry for adults, free for children
Minskip Christmas Gift Fayre, Minskip Village Hall
Saturday December 3, 1pm to 4pm – all gifts priced at under £10
Nativity Festival, St Cuthbert’s Church Pateley Bridge
Saturday December 3, 10.30am to 2.30pm. Followed, at 7pm by Christmas carol singing accompanied by local choirs. (Tickets for the carol concert cost £5 and will be available on the door or from church members)
SYD* Christmas Craft, Vintage & Collectables Fayre, Masham Town Hall
10am, Sunday, December 4
* Saving Yorkshire’s Dogs
Knaresborough Winter Fayre, Knaresborough Market Place
10am to 4pm, Saturday, December 10
Little Bird Artisan Market, Valley Gardens, Harrogate
Saturday, December 10, 10am to 5pm, and 10am to pm on Sunday, December 11
Award for woman who saved lorry driver’s life on A1(M) at Boroughbridge
A woman has been recognised for bravery after saving a lorry driver’s life on the A1(M) at Boroughbridge.
Evie Armitage intervened after the driver suffered a heart attack and crashed into the central reservation on the morning on December 9, 2021.
For 11 minutes, she provided life saving CPR before paramedics arrived.
The driver was taken to hospital for urgent treatment and made a full recovery.
Evie and four North Yorkshire Police officers were recognised by the Royal Humane Society for bravery this month.
Lisa Winward, chief constable at the force, said:
“These commendations recognise the bravery and selflessness of those who put themselves at risk to save the lives of others.
“The courageous actions of the recipients are an inspiration to us all, and I was proud to be able to honour them in this way.”
Read more:
- Police plea to call out drink drivers amid increasing Harrogate district incidents
- Harrogate man jailed for three years for ‘savage’ attack
Evie was recognised alongside PCSO Felicity Wilkinson, who was first on the scene following reports of a man in distress on the wrong side of a bridge over the A1(M) near Scotch Corner on August 3, 2021.
She made the scene safe and spoke to the man, before PC Michael Smith, PC Steven Gardner and PC Alan Fenney arrived, and they grabbed hold of him to prevent him falling.
They held on to the man for 10 minutes while further officers made their way to the location. They were eventually able to pull him on to the right side of the bridge, and he was taken to hospital.
Christmas market and firework finale come to Knaresborough this weekendThe festive season gets underway in Knaresborough this weekend with the Christmas Market and the launch of the Christmas Tree Festival.
Centred around the large Christmas tree in the town’s historic Market Place, the two-day shopping event, on Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4, will feature almost 60 stalls selling seasonal goods, decorations, cards, gifts and locally-sourced produce.
Hot roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and performances by local dancers, brass bands and choirs promise to add to the festive atmosphere.
Knaresborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce committee member Charlotte Gale said:
“We have a fantastic range of local independent shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants in town, not just in the market square, but on the surrounding streets and High Street.
“We hope that visitors to the market will also take the time to explore everything which Knaresborough has to offer. There is even a book signing at Castlegate Books with best selling local crime author Wes Markin from noon on Saturday.
“Knaresborough’s businesses always make such an effort to decorate their windows for Christmas, which gives a wonderful festive feeling in town on the market weekend.
“There are lots of events happening around the town too, including a shopping event at Knaresborough train station and the start of the stunning Christmas Tree Festival at St John’s Church, which features beautifully decorated trees from local businesses and organisations.”
The Christmas Market is organised by volunteers from Knaresborough Rotary, Knaresborough Chamber and Knaresborough Lions.
Free park and ride
The centre of Knaresborough will be largely pedestrianised for the event, but a free park and ride is available all weekend from the GSPK car park (postcode HG5 8LF) on Manse Lane to Chapel Street, close to the Market Square.
The weekend will close at 4.30pm on Sunday, December 4 with a firework finale, set against the dramatic backdrop of Knaresborough’s famous viaduct and the Nidd Gorge. This is best seen from any viewpoint which overlooks the river area.
Market chair Hazel Haas, of Knaresborough Rotary, said:
“We are keen that this year’s market benefits the town as a whole.
“Members of our volunteer committee have been liaising with other local organisations and businesses to ensure that we are promoting the full range of festive events taking place in Knaresborough over the market weekend, including the popular Christmas Tree Festival at St John’s Church.”
The Christmas Tree Festival at St John’s will run from Saturday December 3 until December 23.
Every year more than 70 Christmas trees decorated by local groups and businesses are displayed in the church on Vicarage Lane.
Read more:
- Guide to Christmas fairs and markets in the Harrogate district
- Time to sparkle: Your guide to Christmas lights switch-ons across the district
Admission is free, but there will be the opportunity to donate to the church and the event’s chosen charity for this year.
For more information on Knaresborough Christmas Market, including travel information, entertainment timings and events taking place throughout the town, click here.
Meanwhile, Harrogate’s Christmas Fayre kicked off today and tonight (Friday) sees the return of late night shopping in Pateley Bridge and Bewerley for the first time since 2019.
Shops will stay open until about 7.30pm to offer festive treats and community groups will operate stalls along the High Street.
Harrogate’s Christmas Fayre got underway today and next week sees Boroughbridge’s late night shopping and Christmas lights switch-on event on Wednesday (December 7).
Crime commissioner Zoë Metcalfe resigns from Harrogate Borough CouncilNorth Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoë Metcalfe has resigned as a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council.
The news has not been publicly announced yet. However, the council’s website confirms she is no longer a councillor.
The Stray Ferret was alerted to the news by another councillor and has attempted to contact Ms Metcalfe directly, as well as the Office of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and Harrogate Borough Council for further details. So far only Harrogate Borough Council has replied to clarify there won’t be a by-election.
A spokesman said:
“Under the terms of the Structural Changes Order we are unable to run by-elections to fill vacancies arising after September 30, unless the total number of unfilled vacancies exceeds one third of the whole number of members. Therefore there will not be a by-election for this seat.”
Ms Metcalfe, a Conservative, was elected to the £74,000 commissioner’s role in November last year after her predecessor Philip Allott resigned.
At the time she represented Claro on Harrogate Borough Council and Knaresborough on North Yorkshire County Council.
Read more:
- People waiting up to an hour for 101 calls to be answered, says North Yorkshire Police
- Criminals in North Yorkshire could make written apologies to victims
She did not seek re-election to the county council in May’s local elections but retained her borough council seat. Her departure today comes four months to the day before the borough council is abolished to make way for the new North Yorkshire Council.
Ms Metcalfe has strong local connections: she was born in Ripon and now lives in Aldborough, near Boroughbridge.
She joined the Conservatives in 2014 and has twice stood unsuccessfully for Parliament: first in Doncaster Central and then in Leeds West.
A fire service review she led this year generated controversy because of its decision to reduce the number of fire engines stationed at Harrogate from two to one overnight.