Business Breakfast: Harrogate-based Japanese shop celebrates 25th anniversary

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, October 26 at Banyan in Harrogate from 8am to 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-based authentic Japanese store has celebrated its 25th anniversary.

The Japanese Shop, which has a distribution centre on Hookstone Avenue, sells a range of Japanese goods including kimonos and dolls.

The business was first based in Westminster Arcade in 1998, but was forced to move online during the 2008 financial crash.

Since then, the firm has gone onto grow its online store and regularly hosts pop up shops at RHS Harlow Carr.

Jez Willard, who founded the company with his wife Hiromi, said:

“We were, and still are, so passionate about Japan and Japanese culture. 

“We feel a very strong sense of duty to offer our customers the combination of authentic Japanese gifts together with a genuinely first-class customer service experience, exemplified by our free gift-wrapping, which is actually common in Japan.”

Law society to host menopause event

Harrogate and District Law Society has partnered with a solicitors to set up an event focussing on the menopause in the workplace.

Called Menopause Matters, the event will be held at Bowcliffe Hall near Leeds on November 17 between 9.30am and 4pm.

It aims to “shed light on the implications, challenges, and nuances surrounding menopause” both in the workplace and in personal lives.

Proceeds from the event, which is in collaboration with Wetherby-based Hartlaw LLP, will go to towards Daisy Network, a charity dedicated to premature ovarian insufficiency, and the Harrogate and District Law Society.

Tickets cost £85 and can be purchased on the Eventbrite page.

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Business Breakfast: Minskip bedding company secures £100,000 funding

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, October 26 at Banyan in Harrogate from 8am to 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 Minskip-based luxury bedding company has secured £100,000 worth of investment to help expand the brand.

Floks, which is based at Yolk Farm on Minskip Road, has been awarded the funding from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

The company was founded by Sophie Platts after she came up with the idea for a bedding brand during the covid lockdowns.

The fund is managed by Mercia Asset Management and aims to award companies funding to help with growth.

The investment will help Floks to step up its marketing campaign and develop new products to expand the range.

David Wright of Mercia said: 

“Sophie has a wealth of experience in designer homewares. Floks builds on Yorkshire’s wool trade heritage and fills a gap in the market for sustainable luxury bedding that promotes healthy sleep.

“The funding will help her to expand the business and establish the brand as a market leader in premium British wool bedding.”

Ripon Racecourse nominated for awards

Ripon Racecourse has been shortlisted as a finalist at an industry awards ceremony.

The Racecourse Association’s Showcase and Awards are set to be held on November 23 at Aintree Racecourse.

The event aims to celebrate excellence and innovation in racecourse operations and raceday experience.

Ripon has been shortlisted in both the marketing and racing foundation green categories at the ceremony.

Jonathan Mullin, operations and marketing manager at Ripon Racecourse, said: 

“It’s wonderful for us to be finalists in two categories. We’ve managed to win an award at the last two Showcase Awards, at Hamilton in 2019 and at Pontefract in 2022, which is fantastic for a small independent racecourse and it’s great to be in with a chance once more.”

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Business Breakfast: Masham brewery announces leadership changes

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, October 26 at Banyan in Harrogate from 8am to 10 am. 

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

Masham brewery T&R Theakston has announced changes to its leadership structure.

Simon Theakston, joint managing director of the family-controlled business, will become company chairman from January 1, 2024.

Mr Theakston will continue to be actively involved in the brewery and supporting the board in his new position.

Meanwhile, Richard Bradbury will assume the role of sole managing director.

Mr Bradbury has been a director of T&R Theakston since 2015 and joint managing director with Mr Theakston since November 2020.

Mr Theakston said:

“This is a natural evolution from how Richard and I currently work together. 

“Having jointly charted the company through the challenges of the covid pandemic and the current cost inflation impacts on the brewing and hospitality sectors, this new structure will ensure Theakston’s continued growth as we look forward to its bi-centenary in 2027 and beyond.”

Council offers businesses net zero project grants

Business grants have been made available to firms across North Yorkshire.

As part of the government’s shared prosperity funding, North Yorkshire Council has made grants and support available for companies looking to take on net zero initiatives.

Support will be offered by York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub and grants will be made available for up to £2,000 or 80% of project costs.

More information on the application process can be found on the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub website.

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate environmental firm appoints director

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, October 26 at Banyan in Harrogate from 8am to 10 am. 

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 environmental company has appointed a new director.

Adler and Allan, which is based on Victoria Avenue, has hired David Jarvis as operations and commercial director.

Mr Jarvis will take up the role in the company’s newly formed water division and will be tasked with overseeing the firm’s growth strategy.

He said:

“I am impressed by Adler and Allan’s purpose, vision, and plans for growth within the water sector.

“There is nothing I enjoy more than getting my PPE on and spending time out on site with teams delivering essential services, keeping taps wet and manholes dry.”

Harrogate estate agents backs food bank challenge

A Harrogate estate agents is backing a campaign to donate one tonne of food to local food banks.

Verity Frearson is supporting Harrogate’s Supplies Web Ltd, which is aiming to complete the challenge.

It would see one tonne of food delivered to food banks in Harrogate and High Wycombe, where Supplies Web Ltd has its southern branch.

Matthew Stamford (Director VF), Paul Graves (Director SW) & Mark Hague (Business Development Manager SW).

Matthew Stamford (director VF), Paul Graves (director SW) and Mark Hague (business development manager SW).

Matthew Stamford, a director at Verity Frearson, said the firm took on the challenge after being contacted by Paul Graves, a director at Supplies Web Ltd.

He said:

“When Paul contacted us to see if we’d be interested in getting involved in their food bank challenge we jumped at the chance.

“As a business, we have made ongoing commitment to give back to the local community and to help the people who need the most support.”

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate rental firm posts ‘solid’ half year results

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, October 26 at Banyan in Harrogate from 8am to 10 am. 

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 rental company has reported a “solid” first half year of financial results.

Beckwith Knowle-based VP said in a trading update this week that the firm had “continued to trade resiliently” amid a “backdrop of challenging macro-economic conditions”.

Its interim results for the period up to September 30 will be published on November 28.

Anna Bielby, Chief Executive of Vp, said:

“We have delivered a solid performance in the period and are confident that we will continue to achieve our objective of driving demand for our products and services.

“With our strong financial position, we have an excellent track record of successfully navigating volatility in our core markets.

“We continue to closely monitor the impact of weaker markets in housebuilding and general construction; however, we remain confident that the Group will continue to provide shareholders with an attractive level of returns.”

Masham company shortlisted for Yorkshire business awards

A Masham company has been chosen as a finalist at the Yorkshire and Humberside Business Awards.

W E Jameson & Son Ltd was shortlisted for both the agribusiness and wholesaler categories at this year’s ceremony.

ris and Graham Jameson, directors at W E Jameson & Son Ltd.

Chris and Graham Jameson, directors at W E Jameson & Son Ltd.

This year’s event will be held at The Majestic Hotel in Harrogate on November 10.

Graham Jameson, managing director of the company, said:

“Our family business has been established for 93 years and we are delighted to have been shortlisted for these awards.

“Every member of the Jameson team should be very proud of their efforts in maintaining the family culture of the business, caring for and supporting work colleagues, the community in which we work and the family farming businesses we supply.”

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Business Breakfast: London firm acquires Harrogate car leasing company

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, October 26 at Banyan in Harrogate from 8am to 10 am. 

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 London finance firm has completed the acquisition of a Harrogate vehicle leasing provider.

Newable has acquired Synergy Automative Limited, which trades as Synergy Car Leasing.

The company has purchased the outstanding equity in the Harrogate firm after acquiring an initial majority stake in 2020.

Set up in 2006, Synergy Car Leasing, which is based at Hornbeam Park Oval, offers personal and business hire cars.

Phil Reynolds, managing director of Newable Lending, said: 

“We are pleased to have completed this acquisition and are now looking forward to the next phase of growth for Synergy Car Leasing, building on an exceptional, customer-first track record built over the past 17 years.”

Inn Collection Group hires new finance officer

The Inn Collection Group, which operates the Harrogate Inn and Knaresborough Inn, has appointed a new chief financial officer.

Joe Bernhoeft has been hired to the position from global fashion brand Barbour.

He will be tasked with overseeing the company through further multi-million pound refurbishments and expansion across the north of England and Wales.

Sean Donkin, group CEO at The Inn Collection Group said: 

“We are very excited to welcome Joe as our new CFO in what is a very exciting time for the company.

“He is an incredibly experienced finance professional having worked for some significant blue-chip organisations, including one of the north east’s most recognisable, global brands.”

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate estate agent expands sales department

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, October 26 at Banyan in Harrogate from 8am to 10 am. 

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 estate agent has expanded its sales department with two new appointments.

Verity Frearson, which is based on Albert Street, has hired Katie Dolamore and Fiona Moore as its new sales negotiators.

Katie joins the team after spending 16 years as a primary school teacher, while Fiona has worked in both lettings and sales at a local estate agents.

Matthew Stamford, director at Verity Frearson, said:

 “We’re delighted to welcome Katie & Fiona to the team. 

“Although this year hasn’t been without it’s challenges, we’re optimistic that the Harrogate market will continue to be resilient.”

Harrogate law firm to host mock menopause employment tribunal

A Harrogate law firm is to hold a mock employment tribunal to help employers understand legal claims which could be made by employees going through the menopause.

LCF Law, which has an office on Station Parade, will host the free event at Hays Recruitment’s Leeds city centre office on Thursday (October 12).

The demonstration aims to show employers how a tribunal works and to teach them the types of claims that someone going through the menopause may be able to bring and how they might be defended.

James Austin, employment lawyer at LCF Law.

James Austin, partner and employment lawyer at LCF Law.

The session will also cover how to treat an employee if they are going through the menopause, and how to make sure supportive steps are taken, which will help to minimise the number of claims bought against a business.

James Austin, partner at LCF Law, said:

“The mock tribunal will see an employee, who feels she has been discriminated against because she is going through the menopause, bring a claim against her employer.

“We will go through each step of the legal employment tribunal process and attendees will be able to ask questions of the ‘witnesses’ and help decide the outcome of the case.”

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate law firm recognised in 2024 Legal 500 Guide

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, October 26 at Banyan in Harrogate from 8am to 10 am. 

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 legal firm has been included in the 2024 Legal 500 UK Guide.

Raworths, which is based on Station Parade, has been recognised in the publication in eight legal specialisms.

Among the areas included are the firm’s trusts, wills and estates team being ranked high in the Yorkshire region.

Carmelita Ardren, head of family, and Rachel Tunnicliffe, head of trusts, wills and estates, are both listed in the elite “Leading Lawyers” group.

Simon Morris, managing partner at Raworths, said: 

“We’re delighted to once again be recognised in the Legal 500 Guide. It’s particularly pleasing to see our inclusion across so many specialisms, recognising the quality of the services we provide for our clients, both businesses and individuals.”

Harrogate bloggers win industry awards

Three Harrogate-based bloggers were recognised at the Yorkshire Blogger Awards.

Held at the Queen’s Hotel in Leeds, the event sought to recognise digital talent across the region in 16 categories.

Winners at the Yorkshire Bloggers Awards.

Winners at the Yorkshire Bloggers Awards.

Harrogate bloggers Luke Christian, Ella Davis and Lydia Chandler all picked awards in the disability, interiors and wedding categories.

Kim Smith, spokesperson for the Yorkshire Blogger Awards, said:

“The Yorkshire Blogger Awards recognise the powerful digital talent that the county has to offer.

“We’re proud to award some of the most inspiring and forward-thinking content creators, each based here in Yorkshire.”

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Business Breakfast: Mother Shipton’s Cave wins special recognition

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, October 26 at Banyan in Harrogate from 8am to 10 am. 

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough has been awarded a Welcome Accolade from VisitEngland following its latest VisitEngland Quality Scheme Assessment.

Among the 91 exceptional attractions recognised, Mother Shipton’s Cave is one of only two in Yorkshire to receive the = welcome accolade, acknowledging its commitment to excellence in visitor service. The attraction team’s customer service, professional demeanour, and warm approach were specifically highlighted.

Fiona Martin, owner of Mother Shipton’s, said:

“We are over the moon to have received such special recognition from VisitEngland. Our team are passionate about providing exemplary customer service and preserving the magical story of Mother Shipton for generations.”

This latest achievement, alongside the team’s achievements in various local and regional award schemes, such as Attraction of the Year at the Knaresborough Business Awards, adds to the reputation of Mother Shipton’s Cave as an outstanding tourist destination.

Mother Shipton’s Cave is open every day until November 5, as well as on selected dates throughout November and December for its Magical Christmas Experience. The next family event is Halloween Creepy Carnival, running through October half term from October 28 to November 5.

Harrogate asset management firm wins award

Cardale Asset Management took home the first-place awards in two categories at the prestigious Citywire Investment Performance Awards.

The annual awards showcase the firms and strategies which delivered top risk-adjusted returns over a three-year period.

Cardale, which is based at Cardale Park in Harrogate, won the Aggressive Shortlist award for the performance of its equity model. It also won the prize for the Best Medium-Sized Firm in the UK.

Ian Wood, chief investment officer at Cardale, said:

“We are incredibly proud to win this award. It is testament to our investment philosophy, experience and approach and is truly a team effort.

“We have over 3,000 clients within Cardale Asset Management, with total assets under management of over £2 billion. Our ethos is to provide investment options to a broad spectrum of investors, therefore enabling more people to access the strong performing and experienced Cardale Asset Management team.”

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Handmade rug showroom opens in Harrogate tomorrow

A new handmade rugs showroom is set to open in Harrogate.

Emma Mellor Handmade Rugs will welcome its first customers on Albert Street tomorrow (October 7).

The store, which is based in the former Dizzy Duck unit, will sell a range of rugs from Afghan to Scandinavian designs.

Emma Mellor, who owns the venture and has a showroom in York, said she chose to open in Harrogate after initially visiting to buy some paint and noticed the vacant unit.

She said:

“I’ve always loved Harrogate. My grandma used to bring me here when I was little for a treat.

“I’ve always wanted a showroom here and I’ve always really liked this street. But it’s weird, because I actually came here for a tin of paint and it just snowballed.

“I came for a tin of paint and left with a shop.”

The showroom on Albert Street in Harrogate.

The showroom on Albert Street in Harrogate.

Ms Mellor, who took an interest in textiles after working in a rug shop herself, took over the Albert Street unit three weeks ago.

She said that it felt like a natural choice to open a new showroom in Harrogate.

Ms Mellor said:

“I really wanted to have a shop here, it seems like a natural place. I work with a lot of interior designers who are based around this area.”

The showroom will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.30am until 4.30pm.

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