Three Boroughbridge pubs have been awarded Cask Marque accreditation.
The award recognises the quality of the beers at the Grantham Arms, Fox and Hounds and Tap on the Tutt, based on temperature, aroma, appearance and taste.
Simon Wade, who owns the pubs, said the accreditation would help put Boroughbridge on the map as a destination for quality ales. He said:
“For all three of our pubs to get the accreditation is incredible. It means we now become part of the national Real Ale Trail which will hopefully bring new visitors to the town. Great credit to our teams at all three venues for keeping on top of cellar management and to our fantastic sponsor Rudgate Brewery.”
The three pubs offer 12 cask ales between them from breweries including Rudgate, Timothy Taylor’s and Theakstons, alongside guest beers on rotation.
Harrogate Healthcare company wins national care award
A Harrogate healthcare company has won a national award.
Vida Healthcare, which specialises in dementia care, won the accolade at the Great British Care Awards.
It won the National Three Rs (Recruitment, Retention and Recognition) award at the event. The company also won the same award last year.
James Rycroft, managing director at Vida Healthcare, said:
“We’re over the moon to have won the national Three Rs award at the Great British Care Awards – it’s a fantastic achievement and a reflection of our commitment to nurturing the future of social care talent. As part of our dedication to creating better care for people living with dementia, our long-term mission is to continue to build on our cohort of understanding and professional care workers.”
From left to right: Bernadette Mossman, healthcare director, Jill Young, operations director, James Rycroft, managing director.
Digital agency appoints new director of international
National digital agency idhl has appointed Sam Ogrizovic as Director of International to launch the firm’s first office in the US.
The company specialises in performance media, e-commerce, web development, data and email marketing.
idhl was established in Harrogate in 2000. The agency now operates nationally across the UK with offices in London, Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle – employing more than 400 people.
Ogrizovic will hire a team of digital experts in the coming months, with the New York office due to open in summer 2024.
Mr Ogrizovic said:
“I’m an entrepreneurial person and there are few occasions in your career which allow you to work with a business you know well to launch a new territory from scratch. Knowing that I have the strong engine and reputation of idhl behind me is a huge advantage and I cannot wait to get going!”
Ben Wood, CEO at idhl, said:
“Sam is the perfect candidate to spearhead our US office launch, his tenacity and ability to form really strong relationships with clients as we deliver fantastic results for them is second to none. This is an extremely exciting time of growth for idhl, the potential to roll-out our products and services to the US market is huge.
Henshaws College completes outdoor classroom
Henshaws Specialist College has opened a new yurt as part of its Forest School offering.
The move follows a £25,000 donation from Barratt Developments Yorkshire East to fund an outdoor classroom.
The college provides education and care for young people aged 18-25 years old who have disabilities and complex needs.
Gemma Young, fundraising development manager at Henshaws, said:
“With the donation we were able to have a 22 ft yurt with a wood burning stove installed to base the sessions from, so the students can continue to learn outdoors, even in bad weather. We were so pleased to welcome Barratt Developments Yorkshire East to the college so they could see how far their generous donation has gone for our students and facilities.”
Henshaws Specialist College completes outdoor classroom following local housebuilder donation
Skin Clinic shortlisted in The UK Hair and Beauty Awards
Relax & Renew Skin Clinic, Green Hammerton has been shortlisted in the UK Hair and Beauty Awards.
The firm has been nominated in the ‘‘Skin Specialist Of The Year’ category.
The UK Hair and Beauty Awards supports businesses of all sizes, and provide candidates with opportunities in the sector.
Gemma Carlisle of Relax and Renew said:
“This business means the absolute world to me. I only started it 2.5 years ago and it has grown & grown into the thriving business that it is today! This is down to my utter determination and passion but also the support of the local community, that have truly allowed me to make my dreams come true”
Tech business nominated for national awards
Phase 4 Computers has been nominated in the Tech Awards 2024 by Tech for Techs.
The recognition acknowledges commitment to innovation, excellence, and performance in the tech industry.
The company has been nominated for a total of four awards, in the following categories: Tech For Techs Community Expert, Best Use Of Social Media, Best Tech Website (not an online store) and Best Shop Front.
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Business Breakfast: Harrogate Town sign another sponsor
The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is an after work drinks event on Thursday, August 31 at The West Park Hotel in Harrogate between 5-7pm.
The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.
Harrogate Town have announced a partnership with a Harrogate construction and plant hire firm.
Kitching Plant Hire has over 350 machines to buy and hire, including diggers, excavators, rollers and cement mixers.
The club said the firm’s commitment to innovation and quality mirrored its values.
Matthew Kitching, director of Kitching Plant Hire, said:
“We’re excited about our new partnership with Harrogate Town AFC, being proud supporters, we felt the timing is right to show our commitment to our local club.”
Joanne Towler, commercial director of Harrogate Town AFC, said the company’s support was “instrumental in driving our club’s progress”.
Harrogate and Boroughbridge companies help beautify York
A Borougbridge landscape contractor has partnered with a horticultural company in Kirk Hammerton to remodel the grounds of York Museum Gardens.
ATM Ltd, a landscaping, highway and maintenance company, has partnered with Johnsons of Whixley to supply thousands of plants to the 12.5 acre area of land as part of the recent Environment Agency flood defence improvements project.
ATM provided the project with all soft landscaping following engineering work to raise an existing flood bank, while the commercial plant suppliers selected plants to ensure pollination will thrive throughout the year.
The aim of the project is to rejuvenate the gardens, which were first established in the 1830s, and create a fresh and enjoyable space for the public.
Daniel McClaren, contracts manager at ATM Ltd, said:
“The plants were carefully selected with wildlife and seasons in mind. The gardens will be enjoyed all year round. ”
Eleanor Richardson, marketing manager at Johnsons, said:
“York Museum Gardens is on our doorstep, so it has been great to visit the site and see the hard work ATM have completed and see the plants thriving.”
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Business Breakfast: Stray Ferret Business Club breakfast event this Thursday
The Stray Ferret is to host its monthly Business Club meeting this Thursday. The breakfast meeting is one of the Club’s most well attended events.
The meeting will start at 8am at Banyan on John Street.
The Business Club Breakfast is an opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, share ideas, and explore potential collaborations – and enjoy a coffee and bacon sandwich.
Get your tickets now by clicking or tapping here.
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Rooster’s Brewing Co. has pledged to donate 10p from every pint of its White Rose beer to a Harrogate charity.
The brewery based at Hornbeam Park aims to raise £850.00 to support Harrogate & District Community Action (HADCA) which supports communities, charities and volunteers throughout the Harrogate District of North Yorkshire.
Brewed to coincide with Yorkshire Day on August 1 st , Rooster’s, owned by Ian Fozard and his sons, Tom and Oliver, has brewed White Rose every year since 2011, choosing a different local cause each year. The firm has donated over £10,000 for a variety of local charities over this period.
Tom Fozard, Rooster’s Commercial Director said:
“Rooster’s is pleased to be able to play a small part in helping a local charity such as Harrogate & District Community Action carry out the vital services they provide.
“The challenges that many people are facing on a day to day basis right now, especially the energy crisis that has fuelled a substantial rise in the cost of living has lead to a growing need for support in lots of different ways.
“It’s also comforting to know that, with White Rose only being available as a cask beer served in pubs, drinkers will also be able to support the hospitality industry with each pint supped too.”
Karen Weaver, HADCA Strategic Lead, said:
Business Breakfast: Harrogate social club wins CAMRA award“We’re delighted that Rooster’s have chosen to support HADCA as the charity to benefit from the sale of the special limited release White Rose this year. Since 1988 HADCA has been connecting and supporting local charities, volunteers and people across Harrogate district communities.
“We champion community action using our Volunteering Directory and provide a fully searchable ‘Where To Turn’ directory of support and activities supporting good health and wellbeing”
The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, 27 July at Banyan in Harrogate between 8-10am.
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 club has won a Campaign for Real Ale award.
The Oatlands club, on Coronation Grove, was voted the best club in CAMRA’s Harrogate & Ripon area for 2023.
Alan Gould, chair of the Harrogate and Ripon CAMRA, presented the award to Kate Shutt, bar manager of the club, earlier this month.
Mr Gould said:
“Clubs provide an extremely useful community function, more so perhaps than pubs these days, so CAMRA is very keen to recognise and celebrate this, one way of doing this is to make an award to the best club in our area.”
Simon Williams, club president, thanked CAMRA for the award and paid tribute to the hard work of Kate Shutt and her team behind the bar.
Care home manager climbs Kilimanjaro
A Harrogate care home manager has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Samantha Harrison, who works for Continued Care, took on the challenge and raised £2,320 for the charity.
Samantha Harrison with her team climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
The expedition was part of the care provider’s charity of the year fundraising events.
Ms Harrison said:
“Succeeding in reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro and raising £2,320 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance has been an incredible accomplishment and a once-in-a-lifetime ambition of mine.”
Tessa Klemz, North Yorkshire regional fundraiser for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, added:
”On behalf of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, we would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Samantha for her tremendous efforts in conquering Kilimanjaro in support of our charity.”
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Business Breakfast: Local firms sponsor Harrogate International Festivals
It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. Our next networking event is after-work drinks at Manahatta, on May 25th at 5:30.
Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.
Two Harrogate companies have announced sponsorship contracts with Harrogate International Festivals.
Harrogate Family Law, which is based at Victoria Avenue, has signed up as premier partners for the festivals alongside Rudding Park, Nicholls Tyreman and Theakston.
Meanwhile, IT company Croft Communications has agreed to be communications partner for the event.
Andrew Meehan, managing director at Harrogate Family Law, said:
“We are delighted to be renewing as a premier partner and supporting the festivals for another year. Harrogate International Festivals is renowned for putting on a selection of world class entertainment with some of the best industry talent.”
Sharon Canavar, Harrogate Festivals chief executive, pictured with Mark Bramley, CEO at Croft Communications.
Mark Bramley, Croft Communications chief executive, said:
“As a new sponsor, our business is proud to be playing a part in the line-up of exciting events Harrogate International Festivals is due to be hosting.
“We look forward to seeing the amazing cultural experiences brought to life in Harrogate this year.”
Company sponsors Boroughbridge Junior football team
A Boroughbridge company has agreed a sponsorship deal with a local junior football team.
The Martin Bell Partnership, which provides strategic and practical support for healthcare, has sponsored Boroughbridge Juniors Under-16s boy’s football team.
It will see the squad wear the company logo on their kits next season.
Borougbridge Juniors Under-16s.
Martin Bell, owner of the company, said:
“I am delighted to be able to support the team with sponsorship. They have had a solid year and can look forward to the new season with a strong squad of local lads who love their football.
“The new kits will provide a boost to the players and give them confidence as they compete in the Harrogate and District Junior League and regional cup competitions.”
Chris Fahy, Boroughbridge Juniors FC chair added:
“Without the support of the community and sponsorship from organisations like The Martin Bell Partnership we would not have such a thriving club, so we thank them for their support.
“That support allows us to provide football experiences for more than 150 children at the club aged six to 18 years.”
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Business Breakfast: ‘Bed bug dog’ proves a hit as pest event returns to Harrogate
It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The fourth in our series of networking events, with Banyan Bar & Kitchen, is a breakfast event on April 27 from 8am.
Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.
More than 500 professionals have been in Harrogate for a pest control conference for the first time since early 2020.
PPC Live, hosted by the British Pest Control Association, shared the latest innovations in the industry with visitors from across the UK and Europe.
Held at the Yorkshire Event Centre, it included a demonstration by Brian Leith and Benji the dog, showing how they can identify a bed bug infestation.
Lauren Day, events manager at BPCA said:
“We were delighted to be back in Harrogate and networking with visitors, sponsors and exhibitors from across the industry.
“PPC Live gave visitors the chance to get hands-on with new pest kit, meet the people designing and distributing the latest in pest control technology and of course see interesting demos like Benji the bed bug detection dog in action.”
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Harrogate firm secures first council wellbeing award
A council-run workplace wellbeing scheme has given the first level of accreditation to a Harrogate business.
Pemco, based in Starbeck’s Spa Lane, signed up to the Workplace Wellbeing Award through the public health team at North Yorkshire County Council.
The scheme gives businesses a framework to ensure staff welfare is made a high priority.
For Pemco, which offers management support and training services to other companies, this has meant hybrid working, modern office facilities, and team-building events. The company has also committed to not contacting staff by email outside working hours.
Holly Astbury, a partner at Pemco and the company’s wellbeing lead, said:
“The award process has been a fantastic opportunity for us to focus on our employees’ health and wellbeing.
“The support from the Workplace Wellbeing team at the council has been invaluable, especially the opportunity to carry out an in-depth health needs assessment, which gave us an insight into our employees’ needs and allowed us to tailor an action plan to suit them, rather than guessing in the dark about which interventions to implement.”
Design lead Andrew Liddle said:
“Flexible working has made a massive difference to mine and my family’s routine. It takes away a huge headache of having to pick the kids up from school before work finishes.
“The monthly team meals are great for us all to catch up together, as well as the social events outside of work like the picnic and quiz night.”
Established in 2010, Pemco currently has a team of seven, and is recruiting as part of its expansion plans.
Business Breakfast: Harrogate firm raises £12,000 for social mobility charitiesThe Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis, will be held on March 9 at the Pavilions of Harrogate. Early bird tickets are available until February 9. The event will celebrate success and business excellence across the Harrogate district. It’s a night not to be missed! There’ll be a fabulous prize draw for all attending and Richard Flinton, the incoming Chief Executive of North Yorkshire Council, is guest speaker.
A Harrogate business has raised more than £12,000 for charity as part of a youth initiative.
Mare Nostrum Group, which is based on East Parade, raised the money for two charities, Speakers Trust and Career Ready.
The fundraising came as part of its Youth Upskill Initiative, which helps disadvantaged young people in the UK gain the confidence and skills to assist their progress in education, work, and life.
The initiative, launched in 2022, saw the company walking over 20 million steps to raise funds for the charities – taking part in the Leeds 10k and Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge.
In total, Mare Nostrum raised £12,230 for the causes.
The company said on its website:
“Both charities do invaluable work to empower young people and give them the foundations they need to pursue fruitful careers—something which is very important to Mare Nostrum Group.”
Harrogate chamber meeting to focus on health and wellbeing
A Harrogate business group is set to focus on health and wellbeing at its next meeting.
Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event at The Old Swan Hotel on Monday, February 13, from 5.30pm.
Speakers will include representatives from Bettys and Taylors of Harrogate, White Rose Beauty College, the Vicar of St Peter’s Church, and the founder of financial wellbeing company, AurumGold.
During the informal networking session, which takes place between 5.30pm and 6.15pm, members and visitors will be able to experience a relaxing massage at the hands of students from White Rose Beauty College.
David Simister, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, said:
“Mental Health and Wellbeing is such an important focus for businesses in terms of productivity and staff morale, that we are dedicating our February meeting to educating, support and guidance on this crucial subject.
“Our impressive mix of speakers come from a range of different organisations, and each will explain what they are doing to help support staff, clients and customers; from addressing money anxiety among employees, providing mental health first aid training, to giving vital services to those with mental health problems brought about by drug and alcohol abuse.
“Representatives from mental health charity, MIND, will also give a short talk on their work in the Harrogate District.”
Members and visitors are asked to register their attendance in advance via the Chamber’s new website here.
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Business Breakfast: Harrogate IT company posts improved revenue in interim results
Now is your time to shine with the Stray Ferret Business Awards. We are encouraging businesses of all sizes from right across the Harrogate district to enter for our awards and get recognition from our top panel of judges. Entries close on January 16.
Harrogate IT service provider Redcentric has posted improved revenues in its interim results.
In the six months to September 2022, the company’s total revenue grew by 38.8% to £61.5 million.
The figure is up from £44.3 million in the same period in 2021.
The results come as the company, which is based on Otley Road, acquired both Sungard Availability Services Ltd the entire issued share capital of 4D Data Centres for £10 million last year.
Peter Brotherton, chief executive officer at the company, said:
“The last six months have been a transformational period for the business, with three acquisitions completed. These acquisitions, together with the two acquisitions completed in the previous financial year, have significantly enhanced our product offerings, and substantially increased run rate revenues from c.£90m to c.£150m.
“The integration of the businesses acquired in the last six months is progressing well, with annualised savings of c.£10m already realised and initiatives underway to deliver a further c.£7m of annualised savings.
“The outlook for organic growth is also favourable, with positive net new business achieved in each of the last six months to 30 November 2022.
“We look forward to building on the success of the last six months and to fully capitalise on the very significant opportunities resulting from the enlarged customer base and increased breadth of products and services.”
Businesses invited to bid for £7m net zero grant schemes
Businesses are being invited to apply for new grants aimed at net zero projects in North Yorkshire.
The move comes as the county is set to be awarded £7 million worth of funding as part of a devolution deal from government.
York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership is running two grant schemes.
One is a £1m project development support scheme, which is aimed at supporting net zero ideas so they are ready to take to investors.
The second grant stream has £6 million of funding and is aimed at delivering net zero projects.
Applications and expressions of interest are open until midday at February 6.
For more information, visit the York and North Yorkshire LEP website here.
Read more:
Business Breakfast: Company acquires stake in Harrogate-based wealth management company
Now is your time to shine with the Stray Ferret Business Awards. We are encouraging businesses of all sizes from right across the Harrogate district to enter for our awards and get recognition from our top panel of judges. Entries close on January 16.
Benchmark Capital has acquired a majority stake in a Harrogate-based financial and wealth management company.
The Horsham firm has confirmed an agreement is in place for a 51% shareholding in Oculus Wealth Management, subject to approval from the Financial Conduct Authority.
Oculus, which is based on Grove Park Court, offers financial planning and wealth management advice to business owners, professionals and the retired.
The acquisition of the company, an existing Benchmark partner which looks after £2 billion of client assets, will provide Benchmark with a broader range of services.
Ed Dymott, managing director at Benchmark, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Oculus to Benchmark and provide the support to allow further growth and progression for an already highly successful business. Oculus have been incredibly successful in helping advisers who have previously worked at larger wealth managers and private banks set up their own practices, and we see this as a key growth area in the market.
“Their business-in-a-box model, bringing together Benchmark’s and Oculus services, is a compelling proposition, and we have seen great demand for this offering.
“We have known the team for several years and are excited by the potential for the future with our new partnership.”
Harrogate company customers win awards
A Harrogate-based website company is celebrating after 11 of its customers picked up awards.
Garages Services Online, which is based on Hornbeam Park, builds sites for independent garages as part of a subscription service.
This past year, the company has seen its customers win at the national Top Garage and Top Technician Awards.
Across all seven categories, the company celebrated four of its independent garage customers being category winners, one being a runner-up and one being a finalist.
Meanwhile, five other customers won their respective categories in the Motor Ombudsman Star Awards, Servicesure Awards and GroupAuto Awards.
Among the winners include Shaikly Motor Company in Colchester and Hunters of Linlithgow.
Jim Lang, managing director of Garages Services Online, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to be the company behind the online presence of these 11 award-winning garages.
“They’re all thoroughly deserving of their accolades and have worked incredibly hard to get to this level. A common factor is they all have one of our websites; I’d like to think it’s not just a coincidence.”
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Business Breakfast: Harrogate beauty brand raises £52,000 for hair charity
Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
A Harrogate-based hair and beauty brand has reached a £50,000 fundraiser target for The Little Princess Trust.
Cloud Nine started fundraising for the charity, which provides free, real hair wigs and support to children and their families through childhood hair loss, back in September.
The company launched a limited edition “Royal Blue” collection as part of its partnership with the charity to help raise funds.
Now, Cloud Nine has hit its target and raised £52,442.
In addition to raising £50,000, the company has also generated hair donations of over 74 inches of hair for the charity.
Martin Rae, CEO at Cloud Nine, said:
“We have sold out of our Royal Blue Collection in the UK and Australia, which has been very popular. It is fantastic to know that we have raised this amount of money for such an important cause.
“The team are already arranging other events to raise more for The Little Princess Trust, including The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.”
Phil Brace, CEO at The Little Princess Trust, said:
“We are so grateful to Cloud Nine for their incredible support. The money raised will help the charity provide free wigs to children and young people that really need them.”
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Harrogate rental company reports improved interim results
A Harrogate-based equipment rental company has announced improved profits as part of its interim results.
In the six months up to September 2022, Vp reported revenues of £186.5 million compared with £176.1 million on the same period last year.
The company, which is based at Central House on Beckwith Knowle, also announced profit before tax, amortisation and exceptional items increased by 6% to £21.5 million.
Vp said the results reflected “a period of continued recovery” and was a result of “sustained demand across the group’s business units”.
Jeremy Pilkington, Chairman of Vp plc, said:
“I am pleased to report a solid set of results that reflect a period of continuing recovery and which demonstrate the enduring strength of our business and the maintenance of our industry leading returns.
“Our businesses have continued to make good progress in their engagement with customers and supply chain partners to deliver sustainable and innovative fleet solutions as we collectively strive to reduce emissions.
“The period under review has seen continued inflationary pressure on fleet capital costs, transport, fuel, wages, utilities and interest costs, but we have largely mitigated these with agreed price increases combined with a diligent focus on efficiencies within our business. We expect these actions to remain a priority for the foreseeable future.
“Notwithstanding these challenges, we remain alert to quality growth opportunities whether organic or via acquisitions and we remain confident of delivering a full year outcome in line with the Board’s expectations.”