A Harrogate business group will focus on inflation and economic growth at its next monthly meeting.
Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce will host its next meeting on Monday, October 9, at the Crown Hotel.
Guest speakers will include Paul Mount, the Bank of England’s deputy agent for Yorkshire and the Humber.
He will be setting out the bank’s view on the future path of inflation, economic growth and employment in the UK.
The meeting will also hear from David Denton, technical consultant for Quilter, who will discuss practical tax and financial planning information resulting from the budget and the current climate.
The event begins with networking at 5.30pm and ends at 8pm. For more information and to book a place, visit the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce website here.
Growth hub to launch peer-to-peer business support scheme
A peer-to-peer support programme for businesses in Harrogate and Ripon is set to launch next week.
Organised by the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, the scheme aims to help local entrepreneurs with insightful discussions on their business’s challenges and successes.
The sessions will be run by Next Step and is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Participants will receive one hour of one-on-one discussions before the program to assess their business’s needs and two hours of bespoke one-on-one support
The events will take place over six weeks in Harrogate and Ripon from October 3.
For more information and to express an interest in the scheme, visit the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub website here.
Read more:
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate housing company secures £150m funding for new homes
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate care provider opens new training centre
New beauty salon opens in Knaresborough
A new hair and beauty salon has opened its doors in Knaresborough.
Boujeé, which began operating at 47 High Street this month, offers a range of beauty and aesthetic treatments.
The salon was founded by friends Natasha Daniel, Natasha Peacock and Tanya Maynard.
The three said they set up the venture in the hope of offering a “warm welcoming atmosphere” for clients.
Ms Daniel said:
“We’re just three local girls that have been friends for years and worked in the industry collectively for over 10 years, so have a wealth of experience.
“We worked in local salons separately for many years and thought we’d club together and bring you a luxury experience that we thrive in, we are perfectionists with a passion to give the best service and warm welcoming atmosphere.”
She added the firm has retained some of its existing clients and hoped to add new ones in the future.
The salon is among a range of businesses to have opened in the town recently, including the Knaresborough Inn and 1858 Restaurant and Bar.
For more information on the Boujeé salon, visit their Facebook page here.
Read more:
Business Breakfast: Harrogate housing company secures £150m funding for new homes
A Harrogate-based housing developer has secured £150 million worth of funding to help support its plans for new homes across the UK.
Casa By Moda, which is based at Beckwith Knowle, has been granted an initial £60 million debt facility from NatWest, which will rise to £150 million.
The company said the deal will help to “accelerate our delivery of high-quality new communities across the UK”, which includes creating more than 1,100 rental homes.
The move comes as the firm recently acquired a 223-home site known as Abbey Court between Kirkstall and Headingley in Leeds.
Johnny Caddick, chief executive at Moda Living, said:
“This new funding package from NatWest is a major milestone in Casa’s growth trajectory. This year we will welcome our first residents into our neighbourhoods in both Glasgow and Leeds, but we’re also gearing up our programme of delivery which will see us achieve our aim of securing more than 5,000 new homes by 2025.”
Harrogate energy firm recognised by WIRED magazine
A Harrogate smart energy company has been recognised as one of WIRED magazines trailblazers of 2023.
The technology publication set up a trailblazer programme, in collaboration with HSBC UK, to shine a light on the innovative, mid-sized businesses.
Among them is Chameleon Technology, which is based on Otley Road.
Mike Woodhall, chief executive of Chameleon Technology.
The firm specialises in smart energy devices and recently delivered its 10 millionth in-home display this summer. It has manufactured on average 1.6 million devices a year.
Mike Woodhall, chief executive at the company, was invited to a celebratory event on behalf of WIRED at the Shears Yard in Leeds.
He said:
“The initiative celebrates companies across the UK that are contributing to the UK becoming a global hub of innovation.
“We are thrilled to have our work in the ongoing revolution of smart home energy recognised, and to join such an inspiring group.”
Read more:
- Business Breakfast: Goldsborough Hall appoints new Head Chef
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate care provider opens new training centre
Business Breakfast: Swinton Estate restaurant to undergo £500,000 refurbishment
A restaurant at Swinton Park Hotel is set to undergo a £500,000 refurbishment.
Samuel’s Restaurant, which is based at the Swinton Estate in Masham, will revamp its kitchen by January 2024.
The refurbishment will see it update the entire kitchen, equipment and workflows to reduce its carbon footprint and create a new state-of-the-art facility.
Head chef, Ruth Hansom, has also extended her six-month residency until the end of the year to help oversee the refurbishment.
Andrew Mackay, general manager at the restaurant, said:
“This is a very exciting time for the team at Samuel’s Restaurant, where they will have access to a brand new kitchen in which to prepare the finest Yorkshire food.
“We are incredibly grateful to Ruth for staying on to help us see this project through, and we’re confident that our ambitious plans will continue to attract and retain the best established and up-and-coming chefs to the estate.”
Grantley Hall launches motorsport concierge service
Grantley Hall near Ripon has launched a new motorsport concierge service.
Called Grantley Motorsport, the service will offer guests bespoke packages for track days, in-house professional simulator hire, automotive events and VIP experiences to top-tier motorsport events.
The scheme has been launched in partnership with Hype Motorsport, which will provide access to professional instructors as part of the service.
Richard Sykes, managing director of Grantley Hall, said:
“At Grantley Hall, we continually strive to provide our guests with extraordinary and unforgettable experiences.
“Grantley Motorsport is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence. From our on-site professional racing simulator suite, right through to VIP motorsport events, we aim to deliver an unparalleled journey into the world of motorsport, ensuring our guests create cherished memories to last a lifetime.”
Business Breakfast: Harrogate law firm secures £165,000 growth loan
A Harrogate law firm has secured a £165,000 loan to support its growth.
Harrogate Family Law, which is based on Victoria Avenue, received the funding from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.
The fund, which is managed by Mercia Asset Management, offers business loans to firms to support growth.
Harrogate Family Law said the funding will help to provide additional working capital to enable it to further expand the team and take on additional casework.
Andrew Meehan, managing director at the firm, said:
“After 13 years in Harrogate, we are now firmly established on the legal landscape and continue to grow on the back of referrals from satisfied clients.
“We will continue to grow and build the team while ensuring we choose the right people so we can deliver the best service to our clients.”
Knaresborough pest control employee takes on cycle challenge
An employee at a Knaresborough pest control specialist is set to cycle 4,500 miles around the UK coastline in aid of charity.
Adam Sims, who works in the finance team at Pelsis Group, will take on the challenge after his wife of 35 years, Christina, developed a serious mental health condition three years ago.
The challenge will see Mr Sims depart from Angmering, West Sussex, and cycle around the UK mainland coast. He hopes to cover the 4,500 miles in 45 days.
Adam Sims, who is taking on the cycle challenge in aid of Mind.
Mr Sims, who started the challenge last week, is raising money for mental health charity Mind as part of the fundraiser.
He said:
“We are fortunate that Christina is now doing better, in part thanks to be brilliant support we have received from Mind. That is why I wanted to do this challenge to give back and raise funds so others who go through what we did are able to be supported as well.
“I’m already extremely grateful for all the support and donations I’ve received from the friends, colleagues and the general public and look forward to seeing how much we can raise for this worthy cause.”
You can find Mr Sims’ JustGiving page here.
Read more:
- Business Breakfast: Goldsborough Hall appoints new Head Chef
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate care provider opens new training centre
Business Breakfast: Harrogate education companies to host schools conference
Three Harrogate district education companies are set to host a conference for the school sector.
BlueCow Education and Pobble, both from Harrogate, and Ripon-based Picture News have organised the event, which will see more than 100 school leaders from across the UK “inspire, innovate and improve” as the latest challenges in education come under the spotlight.
Among those taking part in panel discussions will be the Harrogate Grammar School head Neil Renton, who will also be signing copies of his new book New School Leader: What Now? at the conference.
Other speakers include Dave McPartlin – the head famous for taking his school onto TV’s Britain’s Got Talent programme; the world-leading authority on artificial intelligence in education, Dan Fitzpatrick; and Simon Hunt, the BBC Bitesize teacher.
Simon Blower, co-founder and director of Pobble, said:
“As a company with strong Harrogate roots, working closely with North Yorkshire schools, it has long been an ambition to bring a high-quality event to our home town.
“These leading experts-in-their-field will help those attending to think about new ways to innovate, inspire and improve pupil outcomes, whilst reflecting on today’s challenging climate for current and aspiring leaders.”
The event will take place at the Crowne Plaza in Harrogate on Friday, October 13, from 9.30am until 3.30pm.
For more information visit the Blue Cow Education website here.
Harrogate company agrees deal to expand into Africa
A Harrogate telecommunications company has agreed a deal to expand its presence into Africa.
Mobile Tornado, which is based at Cardale Park, has reached the agreement with communications company Instacom which extends its partnership until 2026.
Instacom, which has headquarters in South Africa, provides critical communications solutions to government agencies and private enterprises on the continent.
The agreement will see the company extend its resell contract of Mobile Tornado’s push-to-talk over cellular technologies.
It will also see the Harrogate company act as exclusive UK reseller for Instacom’s PTX personnel management platform.
Luke Wilkinson of Mobile Tornado, said:
Business Breakfast: Care recruitment event to be held in Harrogate“We have been working with Instacom since 2010 and are thrilled to be taking our relationship to the next level.
We are looking forward to working more closely and sharing our mutual knowledge and expertise.
“We are already discussing a number of exciting ideas and can’t wait to start implementing them.
“The continued growth of mobile network coverage across Africa is creating big opportunities for government agencies and private enterprises to increase safety, reduce costs, boost productivity and improve efficiency among their remote workforces.”
A recruitment event for the care sector will be held in Harrogate.
Yorkshire Care Alliance, a charity which was launched to help recruit staff, is set to host a workshop on September 26.
The event will take place at Pavilions in Harrogate from 10am until 11.30am.
Facilitated by Nick Bramley from Impactus Group, the workshop will focus on the challenges care companies face both recruiting and retaining staff.
Nick Swash, chief executive of Yorkshire Care Alliance, said:
“There are so many challenges facing not only care companies, but unpaid carers and the whole industry.
“No one organisation exists to take on these challenges and look for solutions. We have set up the Yorkshire Care Alliance to fill this void and bring together people from across the whole sector to help address the problems.
“It is all about working together, positivity and finding solutions together. This is why we launched with six free sessions across the region, each covering different topics such as CQC inspections, insurance and recruitment.”
Harrogate independent nursery makes new appointments
A Harrogate independent nursery has appointed new senior staff.
Magic Tree Nursery, part of independent Harrogate prep school Belmont Grosvenor, has appointed a new head and deputy head of early years to lead the nursery.
Mother-of-two Hayley Thompson, 37, and Sarah Birt, 27, have been appointed to the roles.
The pair will be tasked with leading a new ‘curiosity approach’ to early-years learning and development.
Nathan Sadler, headmaster at Belmont Grosvenor School, said:
“There have already been a number of changes in our early years department over the summer, and we are excited about the future as we help build strong foundations for our children to thrive in an ever-changing world.”
Read more:
- Business Breakfast: Goldsborough Hall appoints new Head Chef
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate care provider opens new training centre
Business Breakfast: Harrogate law firm appoints first apprentice solicitor
A Harrogate law firm has appointed its first apprentice solicitor.
McCormicks, which is based on East Parade, has hired Sophie Hussain to the position.
Ms Hussain graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2020 with a first-class dual honours degree in law and criminology.
She will be based in the firm’s commercial property team and work on all aspects of transactional property work.
Claire Baker-Kemp, head of commercial property at McCormicks, said:
“Sophie has come to us with more than two years’ solid commercial property experience, which makes her appointment a real benefit to our clients.
“I am also very impressed by Sophie in the short time she has been here.”
Hull company acquires Harrogate care home
A Hull-based care company has acquired a Harrogate care home for an undisclosed sum.
HICA Group has taken on Hampden House on Duchy Road from Elizabeth Finn Homes.
The 66-bed purpose-built nursing home is located within the Duchy Estate and provides nursing care, short-stays and end-of-life care.
The employment of all 70 plus staff has been secured in the handover to new ownership and general manager Jane Hooren continues to lead the team.
Terry Peel, chief executive at HICA Group, said:
“This new venture marks a significant milestone for us, as we expand our commitment to delivering exceptional care and support services to our community.
“As we extend our care footprint with the introduction of Hampden House into the HICA portfolio, we are excited about the opportunities it brings to enrich the lives of our residents and their families.”
Read more:
- Business Breakfast: Goldsborough Hall appoints new Head Chef
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate care provider opens new training centre
New children’s cafe opens in Knaresborough
A new children’s cafe has opened in Knaresborough.
The Hungry Caterpillar opened its doors on High Street on Saturday.
The cafe aims to provide a “safe and friendly environment” for young children and adults to enjoy playtime, as well as food and drinks.
It includes a play area with pool pit, toys, books and sensory toys on the wall.
Danielle Bartley-Mould, owner of the cafe, said in a Facebook post:
“My aim when opening this café and doing the refurbishment was to provide a safe and friendly environment for young children and their grown-ups, while enjoying some playtime with some food and drinks.”
The cafe will be open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, Saturday 10am until 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm.
For more information, visit the Hungry Caterpillar Facebook page here.
Read more:
- Five take aways from Harrogate Tesco approval
- Harrogate’s Pitcher & Piano to change name and management
Celebrate this weekend as Jules B Harrogate turns one
This story is sponsored by Jules B
After opening its doors for the first time in September 2022, the team at Jules B Harrogate are all set to celebrate its first birthday. To mark the milestone, the designer womenswear store is planning a special event this coming weekend.
On Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th September, the Harrogate team are welcoming visitors to join in the celebrations with cake and refreshments in store. Those who make a purchase on full-price items can also expect another exclusive treat.
Jules B Harrogate is the youngest of five Jules B stores selling a handpicked selection of designer brands like Barbour, Holland Cooper and OSKA.
Located at 5 Cambridge Crescent, Harrogate, fashion enthusiasts can find luxury clothes, shoes and accessories covering two whole floors. And it’s fair to say it’s been a successful first year with an incredible response from all involved.
Founder Julian Blades said:
“It’s been an enjoyable first year in Harrogate getting to know our new customers and building a fantastic enthusiastic sales team here, and it has not disappointed! We are really excited about our new autumn/winter collections, introducing some amazing new brands to our portfolio.
“It makes all the hard work worthwhile when you have such an appreciative audience, and we are looking forward to continuing the progress we have made so far.”