Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
Farmers and landowners are being offered free advice and grants to help boost woodland creation in Nidderdale.
A partnership between the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Skell Valley Project Team aims to create new areas of woodland this winter.
Anyone with a small area of land – just over an acre or less – can access grants covering 100% of the planting costs.
Alice Crosby, woodland creation project officer at Nidderdale AONB, said:
“It might be a field corner, a shelterbelt or something bigger, it is more about making trees work for you and your farm.
“Grants can be tailored and could include new fencing, gates, buying and planting trees, tree protection, and money for ten years of maintenance, to ensure that your new woodland gets off to the best start.”
Funds are available to people living in the Skell Valley catchment area for projects this winter. The AONB is also keen to speak to people in other parts of the district who might be interested in planting next winter and beyond.
More than 400 farmers live in Nidderdale AONB, which covers more than half of the Harrogate district.
Currently 8% of the AONB is woodland, including 1,245 hectares of ancient woodland. An area of 1,872 ha is planted conifer woodland, 187 ha is mixed woodland and 2,527 ha is broadleaf.
Ms Crosby said:
“As landowners will know, trees can help improve soil health, boost animal welfare, manage water flow, cut pollution and improve energy efficiency. They are also a lifeline for wildlife.”
She added:
“It’s important to increase the number of trees planted in the AONB, but we want to emphasise quality planting, as 50% of the land in the AONB is not suitable for woodland creation. We can help identify priority areas for future planting sites, as well as help safeguard ancient woodland and other special habitats.
“It’s counter-intuitive but trees can have a negative impact on wildlife if they aren’t planted in the right spot. For some species, like wading birds and adders, woodland can be damaging. So, it is important to get advice.”
To find out more, email nidderdaleAONB@harrogate.gov.uk.
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Fencing company in two-year sponsorship deal with football team
A Harrogate fencing company has signed a two-year sponsorship deal with a local junior football club.
Adam Healy at Harrogate Premier Fencing has provided a new team strip and training tops for Pannal Ash Whites Under 12s, who play in the Garforth junior league.
Andy Pears, from the club, said:
“We have 15 boys signed up for this season. We have won all our games, and are unbeaten in the league, currently into round three of the Leeds & District cup – we got to the final last year.
“We are also in the West Riding County Cup and are into the divisional league cup third round. So overall a really successful start to the new season.”
The team is set to move to the new training facilities at St Aidan’s on a Tuesday night after half term. The boys also play on a Sunday morning at the Pannal Ash Juniors club at Almsford Playing Field, next to Oatlands Junior School.
Business Breakfast: Harrogate law firm appoints two managersBusiness Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
Harrogate-based law firm McCormicks Solicitors has appointed a new practice manager and accounts manager to its team.
Sonia Jones has been promoted to practice manager to reflect her work in supporting all activities across the firm, including management, human resources and the running of day-to-day activities.
Senior partner Peter McCormick said:
“Sonia joined us in 2007 and has become more and more involved in the management of the firm so it was a logical step to reward her for all her hard work with this promotion.”
Hayley Firth has been appointed accounts manager at McCormicks.
Ms Jones also assists with the practice’s charitable work. She became a trustee of the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation in 2012, having previously supported the charity as secretary to the trustees, and continues to fulfil both duties.
Hayley Firth has been appointed accounts manager. She will work with accounts assistant Hollie Jackson to ensure the smooth running of the accounts department.
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Harrogate funeral directors hold webinar to help bereaved workers
Harrogate funeral directors, Full Circle, is to hold a webinar with Jo Tindall, and an employment partner at Gunnercooke, to support colleagues after a bereavement.
According to research carries out by Funeral Guide 77% of employees in the UK have experienced a bereavement during their working lives. 54% of bereaved employees would have preferred more time off work or a phased return to the workplace after taking time off.
Ms Tindall will explain the obligations on employers in supporting employees suffering a bereavement and will share the benefits of going beyond those obligations and becoming an employer of choice.
The event entitled Supporting employees after bereavement will be held on November 17. For information on the webinar click here.
Business Breakfast: Experts to discuss Knaresborough’s economic potential
Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
Knaresborough’s potential for economic development will be the subject of a business meeting on November 9.
Knaresborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce has invited two senior regional business experts to the event at Knaresborough Rugby Club on Hay-A-Park Lane from 530pm to 7pm.
They are James Farrar, chief operating officer of the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Alan Reiss, director of strategy for West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Delegates will have first sight of data about Knaresborough’s economic future, which has been compiled by Leeds not-for-profit organisation Open Innovations, which was commissioned by Knaresborough Connectors to provide insights and intelligence.
Peter Lacey, chamber executive member and owner of a nationwide consulting firm based in Knaresborough, said:
“Economic development is crucial for a town like Knaresborough, bringing together all the skills and opportunities across the town and local district.
“We’ve got some great companies based here, but to date there’s been little joined-up thinking about how we can all add to the wellbeing of local residents, the community and how we see the future of the town as a thriving centre of innovation and growth.”
Further details of the event, which the chamber has organised in association with Knaresborough Voice and Knaresborough Connectors. are available here.
Success for Harrogate solicitor
The crime department at McCormicks Solicitors of Harrogate has extended its ability to assist people who are interviewed under caution with the admittance of criminal law executive Kate Develly as an accredited police station representative.
It means Ms Develly can assist not only those interviewed by police but also by other bodies, such as the Department for Work and Pensions, HMRC or the Environment Agency.
The accreditation scheme covers publicly funded criminal defence work and accredited representatives are usually called to a police station to advise and assist people who would otherwise have no legal representation.
Head of the crime department Peter Minnikin said:
“Kate’s accreditation brings the total number of the team who can act in legally-aided police station visits to seven and comes at a time when we have been exceptionally busy so is very welcome.”
Ms Develly joined the criminal team last year.
McCormicks was the only Harrogate firm to be ranked for general crime and fraud in the latest edition of the UK Legal 500, a leading guide to the legal profession.
Business Breakfast: Aon renews Harrogate Town sponsorship
Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
Aon has renewed its sponsorship of Harrogate Town for the 2022/2023 Football League season, and also remains the women’s team’s main sponsor.
The investment from the professional services firm will support Town with kit provision, additional media equipment, as well as its business strategy and player development centre.
James Fell, head of office for Aon Leeds Tingley and Harrogate, said:
“We have a long relationship with Harrogate Town Football Club, which has grown year-on-year. Last season we became the main sponsor of the women’s team and it’s great that we are continuing our partnership with the whole club and help make a positive difference in the local community.
“Colleagues in Aon’s new Harrogate office are looking forward to watching the teams this season and collaborating closely with the club on a number of initiatives.”
Pic: Gerard Binks
Joanne Towler, commercial director, Harrogate Town AFC said:
“Aon is a key partner for Harrogate Town Football Club. The partnership over the years has made a significant impact on the club, from the players’ performance on the pitch, to our football academy and most recently to our women’s team.
“Without sponsorship the club would not be where it is today, nor would we be able to support our local community and future players.”
Aon employs more than 115 insurance and risk management specialists across its Yorkshire offices, which include a branch at Harrogate’s Cardale Park.
Commercial litigation solicitor Alex Harrison joins McCormicks
Harrogate-based law firm McCormicks Solicitors has appointed commercial litigation solicitor Alex Harrison to its team.
Mr Harrison has brings experience in a wide range of commercial litigation matters, including disputes in contract, debt recovery, property, IP and construction. He also has experience in professional negligence claims, harassment, defamation and insolvency (individual and corporate) matters.
A keen mountaineer, cyclist, wild swimmer and rugby player, he said:
“I was looking to join a firm with good clients and varied work and the prospects of long-term career progression and McCormicks ticked all the boxes.”
Senior partner Peter McCormick said:
“Alex has made his presence felt already thanks to his positive ‘can do’ attitude and he will be an asset to the team.”
Business Breakfast: Harrogate law firm facilitates Norwich City FC deal
Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
A Harrogate law firm has acted to help facilitate a deal to acquire a minority share in Norwich City Football Club.
McCormicks Solicitors was involved in negotiations in which a group led by Mark Attanasio successfully acquired shares from a variety of holders, including long-serving club director Michael Foulger.
Mr Attanasio is an American businessman who is chairman and principal owner of Major League Baseball team the Milwaukee Brewers.
The McCormicks team, led by James Towler, a partner and head of corporate and commercial, acted on behalf of both Norwich and current joint majority shareholders Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones.
Mr Towler said:
“It’s been a pleasure to work with the club and its majority shareholders on this transaction and I am delighted by the successful outcome.”
Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones said in a statement:
“We’re really excited about the future. We care passionately about the football club and are confident that this will be right for all involved.
“Mark and his team come to us with amazing credentials. Their vision and way of working is very much aligned in how we work at our football club. They care about their community and supporters and that’s exactly how we work.
“Our club is being run excellently, so we don’t expect any big changes. We look forward to collaborating with Mark and his team as they learn more about our club and we gain insights from their relevant expertise.”
Harrogate running retailer to help donate socks to homelessness charity
A Harrogate running retailer has teamed up with a sock brand to donate socks to a homelessness charity
Up & Running, which is based on Station Parade, has partnered with Balega as part of the initiative.
Throughout September, for every pair of socks sold by the retailer, Balega will donate a pair to the Harrogate Homeless Project.
Talking about the campaign, co-managing director for Up & Running, George Cunningham said:
“We are happy to once again be supporting local homeless shelters and projects, and are grateful to customers, staff and Balega for the contributions to the sock donation.
“The issue of homelessness is heart-breaking and serious, and affects all communities. We hope that the sock donation will help in a small way to bring some comfort and dignity to those in need.”
Thomas Richards, from Harrogate Homeless Project, said:
“Good quality socks make a real difference to the wellbeing of the most vulnerable people within our community. Thank you.”
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Business Breakfast: Knaresborough company to build solar farm
Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
A Knaresborough-based energy company has been given the green light to develop New Zealand’s largest solar farm in Waikato.
Harmony Energy will create the development, which will generate enough electricity to power 30,000 homes.
The country’s Environmental Protection Authority has approved Harmony’s proposal for the 147-megawatt solar farm to be installed on 182 hectares of a 260-hectare site at Te Aroha West, 140 kilometres south of Auckland.
Harmony Energy director, Pete Grogan, who is based in New Zealand, said:
“We are thrilled this important renewable development can now proceed. Renewable energy is critical to mitigate the negative impact of climate change and help support New Zealand’s net zero ambition.
“One of the great advantages of solar power is that it accommodates dual use of land, allowing for energy generation alongside continued farming production, as will happen at Tauhei.
“This proposal creates opportunities for local businesses and employment and creates significant biodiversity gains. We will deliver an exceptional project that Waikato can be proud of.”
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Yorkshire estate agent introduces online auction
Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential at Dacre, Son & Hartley.
Harrogate district estate agents Dacre, Son & Hartley has introduced a new online auction service.
The service allows people to buy and sell land and property online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The company, which has offices in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and Pateley Bridge, partnered with Bamboo Auctions to launch the service.
Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential at Dacre, Son & Hartley, said:
Harrogate solicitors Raworths announces four promotions“This new service is specifically designed to make it quick, easy and straightforward to list and sell properties and vendors don’t have to wait to join other sellers in a collective auction catalogue.
“Buying and selling a property through this method provides each party with an additional degree of certainty, because once the auction ends, both the buyer and seller are legally bound to proceed with the transaction, in accordance with the published terms and conditions.”
Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
Harrogate’s Raworths Solicitors has announced four new promotions at the firm.
The promotions have been made in the private client and commercial teams.
John Carter, a lawyer in commercial property is promoted to senior associate and Claire Hunter, a solicitor in family children and divorce, Jessica Toller, a solicitor in wills and estates and Jennifer Watson, a solicitor in corporate, have each been promoted to associate.
Deborah Boylan, head of employment and people partner at Raworths, said:
“It’s always incredibly gratifying to be able to recognise and reward the huge contribution and commitment of our people, particularly when they have been integral to the firm’s success for many years.
“It’s important that we nurture and support our people and encourage them to be the best they can be by investing in their professional development and progression. Our commitment to developing talent also helps to position us well for the future.”
Harrogate estate agent donates cash to replace charity van
Former Yorkshire TV and Calendar News presenter Christine Talbot receives the keys off Linley & Simpson chairman Will Linley.
A Harrogate estate agent has donated £20,000 to a charity to help replace a stolen van.
Martin House Children’s Hospice fell victim to its van being stolen from its warehouse in Wetherby in January.
Now, Linley and Simpson, which also has an office in Ripon, has donated cash to help replace the vehicle.
And the keys to the new vehicle were picked up from Linley & Simpson chairman, Will Linley, by former Yorkshire TV and Calendar News presenter Christine Talbot, who is also a long-standing Martin House ambassador.
Mr Linley said:
“We shared the whole community’s shock at news of the theft. The fantastic work of the Martin House team touches the lives of so many people across Yorkshire, so we welcomed the opportunity to help.
“Many of our people have volunteered at the hospice, and our branches act as collection points for bric-a-brac that its shops can sell, so the work of the warehouse and the vans is very close to our hearts.”
Stephanie Rimmington, head of retail at Martin House, said:
“Without their donation, we could have been without a van for months while our insurance claim is processed, adding to an already challenging situation amid covid.
“By replacing the stolen van much quicker, our retail team is now able to get back out on the road, collecting donations to keep our retail outlets fully stocked, and generating more income for the hospice.”
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Care provider expands to Harrogate district
Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
A care provider from Northallerton has expanded into the Harrogate district.
Blossom Home Care provides care to the elderly and other adults with home care requirements. Established in 2015 in Northallerton, Blossom has moved into the north-east, North Yorkshire and other areas of the UK.
Carrianne Walters and Darren Kacis, franchise owners of Blossom Home Care Harrogate, have over 30 years experience in social care.
Their office opened this week on Hartwith Way in Harrogate.
They can be contacted on 01423 649885 or by email at managerharrogate@blossomhomecare.co.uk.
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Harrogate town centre flats nears completion
Apartments being developed in central Harrogate are due to be ready to move into this autumn.
Lambert House is being built by Harrogate-based Tate Estates and consists of 12 two-bedroom apartments, just off Station Parade.
All the apartments have private under-croft parking and several of the properties include two-storey duplex layouts and balconies.
Shane Tate, from Tate Estates, said:
Flaxby modular housebuilder acquires site in Hastings“We’re excited to release the homes for sale, and especially because we’ve already had high levels of enquiries from a wide range of potential buyers during the construction phase.”
Flaxby-based modular house builder ilke Homes has bought a site in Hastings to develop 140 affordable properties.
The 12.35-acre site already has outline planning permission and was previously owned by Hastings Borough Council.
Work is expected to start in autumn this year ahead of completion in 2024. A total of 84 homes will be ‘zero carbon’ and powered by renewable energy.
The company, which has 500 employees, builds homes at its factory on Flaxby Moor Industrial Estate near Knaresborough that are then delivered across the UK.
Tom Heathcote, executive director of development at ilke Homes, said:
“We have enjoyed working closely with Hastings Borough Council’s Estates Team and the local authorities planning department to bring forward our proposals for the site at Harrow Lane.
“Subject to the clearance of pre-commencement conditions, we are excited to commence on site later this year.”
Cllr Maya Evans, deputy leader and portfolio holder for housing at the council, added:
“We are very impressed with ilke Homes, who have gone above and beyond in ensuring 84 homes are zero carbon.
“This means the energy they use will be 100 per cent renewable, on top of fabric first sustainable building materials.”
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Free business workshop in Harrogate
ActionCOACH Harrogate is hosting its second free business workshop at Starling Independent Bar Cafe Kitchen on September 7.
It’s been designed for business owners who want “a more manageable, more profitable business that can work without them”.
Andrew Joy will talk delegates through the ActionCOACH 6 steps model that’s used by many companies around the world.
The free morning of business coaching will include marketing concepts, sales promotion and profit-building systems.
To register visit here.
Business Breakfast: Pannal Ash Juniors receive £5,000 boostBusiness Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
A company has awarded £5,000 towards a Harrogate football club’s ground maintenance work.
The Banks Group, which is an energy and property firm in Durham, has donated the money to Pannal Ash Junior Football Club.
It will help the club buy a new sit-on roller mower to maintain and drain its pitch.
Dr Kathryn Scott, fundraising lead at Pannal Ash Junior Football Club said:
“Keeping our playing surfaces in playable condition has always been a challenge for us as the clay-based soil that we have doesn’t allow water to drain away easily and we’ve regularly lost fixtures during the wetter months due to waterlogging.
“The new machine means that the pitches can easily be cut, rolled, spiked and drained as required and it will allow us to get things done far more quickly than would otherwise be possible.”
Lewis Stokes, senior community relations manager at The Banks Group, added:
“As a developer that is investing in a number of property and renewable energy projects in Yorkshire, we’re actively supporting a wide range of projects in the communities across the county that host our developments through our community fund.
“Pannal Ash Junior Football Club’s impact on local young people goes far beyond the matches they play. It helps them learn the value of teamwork, discipline and physical fitness, and we’re very pleased to be able to help them bring in this much-needed equipment.”
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Harrogate offices appoint new facilities assistant
Windsor House in Harrogate has appointed a new facilities assistant.
Claire Lumb (pictured) has been hired to oversee the running and maintenance of the office building on Cornwall Road.
She previously held facilities management and maintenance roles within the defence sector, working for both the RAF and British Army.
Claire said:
“I look forward to using the skills I have learned over the last few years to help our tenants at Windsor House to have an enjoyable working environment.”
Karen Winspear, property manager at Boultbee Brooks, said:
“We are delighted that Claire has accepted a role as part of our team, she has already hit the ground running and we are confident that she will excel in this new position.”