Business Breakfast: Harrogate BID appoints communications officer

Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!

Make the most of your efforts by reading our top 10 tips for writing your submission for success.

Entries close on January 19, 2024.

Harrogate Business Improvement District has hired a public relations and communications officer.

Ed Horner, a former journalist at The Press in York, has joined the organisation and will be tasked with working alongside alongside the BID team, board directors and BID members to deliver its term two business plan.

He will also oversee the BID’s communications, as well as offering support on projects, campaigns and events.

Town centre businesses which fund the BID voted this year to continue to support it for another five years.

Matthew Chapman, manager at Harrogate BID, said:

“We were thrilled to have a strong collection of people apply for this role and Ed’s experience in local media, appetite to deliver positive outcomes and awareness of the local area really take us to the next level as an organisation as we approach term two and our new business plan.”

Pictured above: Matthew Chapman, BID manager, Chris Ashby, street ranger, Bethany Allen, business and marketing executive and Ed Horner, PR and communications officer 

Investment management firm recognised at London awards

Redmayne Bentley has been recognised at the Investors’ Chronicle Celebration of Investment Awards.

The investment management firm, which has an office on Victoria Avenue near Harrogate Library, received the accolade for Best Wealth Manager for Tax Services at the event in London.

The awards recognise the best financial service providers, and winners are voted for by Investors’ Chronicle readers.

Nigel Bottomley, head of office of Redmayne Bentley’s Harrogate office, said: 

“The expertise we have across the firm, coupled with the effort and commitment we put into building personal client relationships, is what we believe sets us apart.

“This award comes at what is a special time for the firm, coinciding with our celebration of 148 years in the industry after first being established by John Redmayne in 1875.”

Read more:

 

Business Breakfast: Harrogate carbon accounting firm makes two new hires

Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!

Make the most of your efforts by reading our top 10 tips for writing your submission for success.

Entries close on January 19, 2024.

A Harrogate company that specialises in carbon accounting has announced two new appointments.

Flotilla, which is based on Station Parade, has hired Charlotte Hallowell as a carbon accountant and Jason Talman as full stack developer.

The company said it made the appointments as part of continued growth in its services.

John Rastrick, Flotilla chief executive, said: 

“Bringing Charlotte and Jason on board is critical to the delivery of our high-quality net zero solutions services. Charlotte’s analytical and business understanding skills will help clients realise the wider benefits of starting and delivering a net-zero journey.

“Jason is a determined problem solver and I am confident his arrival will allow us to further develop our technology for the benefit of our clients and for our planet.”

Henshaws to hold leadership course

Henshaws is set to host a leadership programme in February 2024.

The charity will hold the event at the Cedar Court Hotel in Harrogate from 8am on February 2.

There will be a breakfast and networking lunch included. The course will include a presentation from business coach, Rob Northfield.

The course is aimed at anyone who wants to grow in their career or personal life. 

Tickets are £99 and all proceeds go to Henshaws.

Flora Simpson, senior fundraiser at Henshaws, said: 

“We were so over the moon with the success of Rob’s first event and are so happy to be able to bring this learning back.

“We had such a great turn out from a host of local business owners and their teams but also individuals who are aiming for self-development.”

Read more:

 

New travel agents to open in Harrogate

A new travel agents looks set to open in Harrogate town centre.

Althams Travel plans to open a new branch on Cambridge Street next to Claire’s and WHSmith.

The unit used to be occupied by camera shop, Jessops.

The travel agent, which currently has 32 branches across Yorkshire, Lancashire and Lincolnshire, was established in 1874.

Its nearest branches to Harrogate are currently Otley and Horsforth in West Yorkshire.

The company is advertising for a branch manager, assistant manager and two travel consultants for its Cambridge Street outlet.

The Stray Ferret contacted Althams Travel to ask when it expects to open its Harrogate branch, but had not received a response by the time of publication.

Read more:

 

Work hub removed from Harrogate rail station

An office for hire in Harrogate rail station has been removed after just seven months.

Sheffield-based Workfromhub designed the facility to create private working space for an “ever growing remote workforce”.

It opened in Harrogate train station on March 23 and joined hubs in Sheffield and Swinton in Rotherham.

The facilities include space for two people along with internet access, a second screen and desk space.

However, the hub appears to have been removed after just seven months in post.

The space occupied by the hub pictured this week.

The space occupied by the hub pictured this week.

The Stray Ferret approached Workfromhub to ask why the facility has been removed and if it will be replaced, but had not received a response by the time of publication.

The company’s website still lists the hub as one of its locations.

When it opened, Neal Byers, founder of Workfromhub, said the firm was working with Northern to make use of vacant space in train stations.

He said:

“We are working closely with Northern Rail to help transform underused spaces within stations. We can see the need for people who are on the move to have somewhere private and connected to work from.

“We feel that there are not enough remote working private spaces around to keep up with the demand of a growing remote workforce.”

Read more:

 

Business Breakfast: Harrogate Town announce hydration tie-up

Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!

Make the most of your efforts by reading our top 10 tips for writing your submission for success.

Entries close on January 19, 2024.

Harrogate Town AFC have announced a new sponsorship deal with sports drink brand Cellnutrition Sport.

The Sunderland-based company will be the official hydration partner of the club, providing its HYDRATE 78 and HYDRATE 78 Night products to the entire first-team squad for the 2023/24 season.

Both products, which are included in the company’s Cellular Fitness protocol, are designed to aid fast recovery from exertion, sustain focus, eradicate cramps, help deeper sleep, prolong stamina and enhance brain hydration.

First-team manager Simon Weaver said:

“We are thrilled to partner with Cellnutrition Sport, a company that shares our commitment to excellence. Hydration is essential for athletes of all levels, and the Cellular Fitness protocol provides the best hydration solution on the market.

“We are confident that this partnership will help our players perform at their best and recover quickly after games.”

Town trialled the Cellular Fitness protocol for a period of three months at the end of last season.

Ben Rome, first-team strength and conditioning coach said:

“We had an issue with three of our first-team athletes becoming susceptible to cramping in the latter stages of games.

“The three players started to use HYDRATE 78 before, during and after training and matches, along with taking HYDRATE 78 night on an evening before bed.

“The results we saw was an instant improvement in all player’s hydration testing scores, along with a reported improvement in both sleep quality and muscle soreness.

“The three players were able to complete all remaining fixtures without reporting any problems with muscle cramping; one player even scored a crucial equaliser in the 98th minute of a game.”

Spa declared best in region

Rudding Park in Harrogate is celebrating after being named Best Spa in the North East at the annual Good Spa Guide Awards in London.

Rudding Park was a runner-up in this category last year, and this time beat stiff competition from six other finalists across Yorkshire and the North East.

Sarah Johnson, head of Rudding Park Spa, said:

“We are thrilled to have won this award, particularly against such strong competition. We always strive to offer guests the very best experience and are looking forward to launching some new spa experience in the new year.”

Rudding Park Spa has expanded in recent years with £9.5 million of investment and now has a roof-top spa and garden, hydrotherapy pool, spa bath, oxygen pod, garden cabin sauna and cabana.

In September, the estate announced it would invest between £30 million and £40 million to build a brand-new five-star country club.

Read more:

 

Business Breakfast: Harrogate marketing agency announces two new hires

Are you already thinking of how to reward your employees this Christmas? Why not choose the Harrogate Gift Card?

The Harrogate Gift Card can be spent in over 100 businesses in Harrogate town centre including retail, hospitality and leisure, whilst keeping the spend locked into the local economy.

Complete a corporate bulk order of over £250 and receive 15% discount from November 1 to 15 with the code ‘HGT15’.

A Harrogate marketing agency has made two appointments to its team.

Extreme, which is based at Windsor House, has hired Lucy Willis as a social media manager and Garon Ross as a developer.

The company said it has seen a rise in enquiries as businesses seek to elevate their position and gain competitive advantage with consumers.

Garon Ross.

Garon Ross.

Mark Gledhill, director at Extreme, said: 

“2023 has been another busy year, with demand for our web development and social services particularly high, so we’re thrilled to welcome Lucy and Garon to enable us to meet that need.”

Harrogate communications company announces new partnership

A Harrogate communications company has announced a partnership to expand its reach into the UK market.

Mobile Tornado, which is based at Cardale Park, has agreed a reseller deal with The Barcode Warehouse.

The agreement means the company’s push-to-talk over cellular and workforce management technologies will be made available to a wide range of sectors including education, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, retail and utilities.

Andrew McNamara, channel sales manager at Mobile Tornado, said: 

“This exciting new partnership opens up important new markets for Mobile Tornado in the UK and gives large organisations and SMEs the chance to improve safety, efficiency and productivity through our cutting-edge technologies for instant communications and workforce management.”

The Stray Ferret Business Awards: Top 10 Tips for Crafting an Award-Winning Entry

Submitting an award entry is your chance to shine and showcase the brilliance of your business. To help you stand out among the competition, here are ten tips to ensure your submission captivates the judges and secures a well-deserved win.

1. Tailor Each Entry:

Complete a new entry for each category. Specific judges’ criteria demand a tailored approach, so avoid a one-size-fits-all strategy.

2. Embrace Judges’ Criteria:

Read and understand the judges’ criteria thoroughly. Align your entry with these points for each category you’re entering.

3. Conciseness is Key:

Keep it concise and impactful. Long entries risk losing key points. Use headings aligned with judging criteria for easy navigation.

4. Highlight Key Points:

Ensure your key points stand out. Utilise bold statements and headings to emphasise critical information.

5. Supply Supporting Information:

Offer supplementary information where possible, but limit it to five pages. Overloading may not be considered by judges.

6. Compelling Opening Paragraph:

Start strong! Your opening paragraph should grab the judges’ attention with your boldest, most compelling statement.

7. Clarify Your Business Narrative:

Provide a concise description of your business. Don’t assume judges are familiar with your brand—offer a clear and informative overview.

8. Tell a Clear Story:

Craft a clear, engaging narrative. Ensure your submission unfolds as a coherent and compelling story.

9. Confidence in Presentation:

Be clear and direct. Confidently present your achievements, innovations, and impact within the scope of the award category.

10. Showcase Your Best:

Don’t hold back! This is your opportunity to showcase excellence. Boldly highlight your successes, talented team, and the greatness of your business.

Submitting an award entry demands a strategic blend of clarity, conciseness, and impactful storytelling. Present your business in the best light possible, emphasising your unique strengths and achievements.

Don’t hesitate to sell yourself—this is your moment to shine!

Remember, clarity, alignment with judging criteria, and a compelling narrative are your keys to crafting an award-winning entry. Good luck!

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

 

Stray Ferret Business Awards: Is your business an excellent all rounder and deserve Business of the Year recognition?

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024 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.

Next up is the Business of the Year, which is sponsored by Reed Boardall

This award recognises those businesses who excel in many areas whether that’s commercial success, employee development or support the wider community around them.

These businesses represent true excellence!

Companies looking to enter for the Business of the Year Award need to provide information on how their strategic plans have enabled the business to thrive and what their plans are for the future.

Does your business deserve to win the Best Independent Retailer Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close on January 19. 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.

A Christmas Networking Extravaganza at Starlings Bar and Kitchen

The festive season is nearly upon us, and what better way to kick off the fun than by attending a Christmas networking event at Starling Bar and Kitchen in Harrogate on November 30th.

This promises to be an evening filled with laughter, good company, and the spirit of giving, all in support of the Christmas appeal for Dementia Forward.

The highlight of the evening will be a fun Christmas quiz, adding a competitive edge to the networking experience. Gather your colleagues and friends to form teams and put your Christmas knowledge to the test. The winning team will not only earn bragging rights but will also each take home a delectable hamper filled with Mr. Stanley’s fudge and sweet goodies. It’s the perfect way to blend merriment with a touch of friendly competition.

In the true spirit of giving, the event will also feature a raffle with an array of fantastic prizes generously donated by local companies.

The proceeds from the raffle will contribute to the Christmas appeal for Dementia Forward, making this evening not just about professional connections but also about making a positive impact in the community.

Among the coveted prizes up for grabs are Cloud Nine hair straighteners, ensuring you’ll be in style for all Christmas events. The Inn Collection Group has contributed a £55 dinner voucher, providing the perfect excuse for a festive night out. If you’re looking to bring the holiday spirit into your home, Jules B has donated a luxurious Dr. Vranjes Firenze diffuser worth a whopping £350.

For those seeking a more active experience, there’s the opportunity to win 2 hours free at Surge Padel, a thrilling and engaging sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. Sports enthusiasts will also appreciate the family ticket to watch the Leeds Knights, a fantastic ice hockey team that promises an exciting evening for all.

For a touch of magic, win 2 tickets to the enchanting Harlow Carr Christmas Glow event, where the gardens come alive with festive lights and decorations. Finally, the Christmas bundle from Sophie Allport is a delightful addition, ensuring your home is adorned with charming and seasonal decorations.

Starling Bar and Kitchen is the perfect venue for this festive gathering, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for networking and celebration in the heart of Harrogate.

Gather your colleagues and friends, and join us at Starlings Bar and Kitchen for a night of networking, laughter, and giving.

Click or tap here to register your ticket now, as space is limited.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate marketing agency wins contract

Are you already thinking of how to reward your employees this Christmas? Why not choose the Harrogate Gift Card?

The Harrogate Gift Card can be spent in over 100 businesses in Harrogate town centre including retail, hospitality and leisure, whilst keeping the spend locked into the local economy.

Complete a corporate bulk order of over £250 and receive 15% discount from November 1 to 15 with the code ‘HGT15’.

A Harrogate marketing agency has won a contract with a luxury car financial broker.

The Big Bamboo Agency, which is based at Windsor House, has been appointed by Apollo Capital to oversee its communications.

The company will be tasked with overseeing Apollo’s PR, social media strategy and implementation as well as brand, design and community positioning work.

Nicola Stamford, founding director of Big Bamboo, said:

“We are thrilled to have been appointed by Apollo Capital, which is a leading player in its field.

“The company’s story is an impressive one, led by a very passionate and inspirational CEO, managing director and wider team – all of whom we look forward to working with.”

Small businesses offered £10,000 grants

Small businesses in the Harrogate district are being urged to bid for up to £10,000 of funding.

The fund, administered by North Yorkshire Council through the North Yorkshire UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), is focused on increasing business growth, productivity and resilience.

Grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 are available.

Micro businesses, with less than 10 employees, and small firms with less than 50 employees can also access free support beyond the grant through the business advisory teams at the council and the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub.

Cllr Carl Les, council leader and chair of the shared prosperity fund board, said:

“We are delighted to open up this funding stream, which we hope will be accessed by all – sole traders, start-ups, home businesses and social enterprises as well as landlords and people looking to diversify their farm businesses and limited companies.”

For more information on how to apply for the grants, visit the North Yorkshire Council website here.

Read more: