This story is sponsored by Knaresborough Kitchens.
A Knaresborough business owner began his job on a 6-month contract but, 20 years later, he is still there.
Matt Johnson, Owner of Knaresborough Kitchens, initially took on the role to help his parents short-term after graduating from university. Now married and a father-of-four, Matt has watched the company grow and succeed – and hasn’t looked back since.
Knaresborough Kitchens, located on the town’s high street, was launched in 1996 by Matt’s parents. The company provides timeless and stylish kitchens, ranging from sleek modern units to traditional country-look cupboards.
It also offers customers an entirely bespoke service. Whether you’re searching for your forever kitchen, the highest-technology German units to host friends, or just something different to everyone else, Knaresborough Kitchens can provide you with the kitchen of your dreams, with a smile on their faces.
If there’s one thing Knaresborough Kitchens prides itself on, its quality. It excels in the materials your heart and wallet desires; from classic painted kitchens with Quartz work surfaces, to boiling water taps and state-of-the-art appliances.
The front-runner of the company’s values, however, is customer care. Matt and his team not only compete with national suppliers on price, but as a local family business, they also work customer satisfaction at the forefront of their minds.
Matt told the Stray Ferret:
“We take our roles very seriously and customers are at the forefront of what we do and why we do it.
“We have customers who have become good friends over the years. One local couple have had 3 kitchens from us in 20 years!”
Over the years, the Knaresborough Kitchens team has multiplied and now has three friendly faces to welcome customers. The Office Manager, Janet, has worked for the company for over 20 years, while Designer, Hazel, and Installations Manager, Sam, joined later. All are extremely valuable members of staff.
Following the pandemic, Matt’s parents retired from the business. He said “they went home and never came back!”
Matt added:
“The business was started in 1996 by my parents and I joined after university in 2002. I loved it so much after 6 months I’ve stayed an extra 20 years!
“I spent over 20 years working everyday with my parents and I do miss them being in the business. However, they worked for over 40 years and are finally enjoying well-earned retirement.”
Knaresborough Kitchens has seen significant growth over the years, but has seen its greatest accolade so far just this year: the company bought its showroom premises after 27 years of renting.
Matt added:
“We bought our building from the landlord after 27 years of renting – that was pretty major for us.
“Hopefully that helps makes sure we’re on Knaresborough High Street for another 27 years…”
The company also receives frequent recognition from customers for its relentless efforts, as well as industry-wide features in notable magazines and publications.
Despite the company’s growing success and Matt’s devotion to the company, his focus has shifted from world-wide expansion to local optimisation. For this reason, he made the tough decision to close the York showroom earlier this year. He said:
“In my 20s (before kids) I was very ambitious to expand the business – almost at the expense of anything else. Now I’m in my 40s and I have 4 children under 13, I do like to spend as much time with them as I can.
“That was one of the reasons we closed our York showroom earlier in the year. The lease was running out and it had become rather time consuming and stressful running another showroom 25 miles away. I made the decision, therefore, to close the showroom and be based in Knaresborough all week.
“So, my plans are to keep getting better at what we do and make sure all our customers are happy with our kitchens and service!”
It’s clear Knaresborough Kitchens has gone from strength-to-strength over the last 27 years, but thanks to the team’s dedication to providing the highest-quality kitchens and ultimate customer satisfaction, the company sees no sign of slowing down the success.
To find out more about Knaresborough Kitchens, visit knaresboroughkitchens.co.uk or call 01423 862286. Alternatively, you can pop into the showroom located at the bottom of Knaresborough High Street.
Business Breakfast: Knaresborough company acquires local financial firm
The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, 26 October at Banyan in Harrogate between 8 am – 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 Knaresborough company has completed the acquisition of a local financial firm.
Prosperis, which is based at St James’ Business Park, has acquired fellow Knaresborough business RMB Financial Management Ltd.
Niall Gunn, chief executive at Prosperis, said the move will help to benefit its clients.
He said:
“We are delighted to have been able to acquire such a high-quality business and, in doing so, allows us to continue to provide clients an excellent professional level of service for the foreseeable future.
“As an independently owned business, this acquisition will benefit greatly all clients. We are on track to add further locations within the north-east as we continue with our growth plans.”
Paul Meehan, chairman at Prosperis, added:
“These are exciting times for the whole Prosperis team and we remain very acquisitive.
“The purchase of the RMB business sets us up nicely as we now move to the next phase of the strategy to buy more firms. We expect to complete on another deal before the end of the year in addition to some additional senior hires.”
Former Harrogate bank building goes on the market
A former bank building in Harrogate has been placed on the market for offers over £1 million.
No7 Cambridge Crescent is a landmark listed building, which covers 6,000 square feet in the town centre.
No7 Cambridge Crescent in Harrogate.
Cambridge Crescent was built in 1867-8 by George Dawson to a design of J H Hirst of Bristol featuring enriched Flemish Renaissance frontage with the former banking premises suitable for retail, office and residential uses.
The property has been stripped out for ease of development with the ground floor former banking hall now open plan and a lower ground floor, previously the secure storage area, has had the safe removed.
Tim Waring, prime property at GSC Grays which is marketing the building, said:
“This is a unique opportunity to purchase a charming building in a fantastic central location in the famous spa town of Harrogate with potential for various development options.”
Read more:
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate housing company secures £150m funding for new homes
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate care provider opens new training centre
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate business meeting to focus on inflation
New cafe opens on Starbeck High Street
A brand new cafe has opened in Starbeck.
Susie June’s Cafe, which is based at 67F High Street, opened its doors yesterday.
The new venture was founded by local business partners Simone MacDermid and Charlotte Currie.
They acquired the site, which was the former Millers Cafe, in July.
The pair, who both worked in the hospitality industry, launched the venture with the aim to create a “community feel”. The name comes from the first names of both owners’ mothers.
Ms MacDermid told the Stray Ferret:
“We’re both local girls.
“Everyone knows that we are here to provide for everyone’s needs. We have had local people in and use local produce.”
She added that the pair had help from friends and family to get the venture off the ground.
The cafe offers traditional breakfast, hot sandwiches, soups, cakes and pastries.
It is open six days a week from 7am until 4.30pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 2pm on Saturdays.
Susie June’s becomes the latest hospitality venue to open in Starbeck this year.
In April, The Office Ale House bar opened on High Street.
Meanwhile, Chilli Chicks chicken restaurant and takeaway opened in July.
Read more:
- New Starbeck chicken restaurant opens
- Sneak Peek: New Starbeck pub aims to bring ‘community feel’ back
Business Breakfast: Harrogate marketing agency hires new head of social media
The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, 26 October at Banyan in Harrogate between 8 am – 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 marketing agency has appointed a new head of social media.
The Big Bamboo Agency, which is based at Windsor House, has hired James Pilkington to the position.
Mr Pilkington, who brings with him 10 years’ experience of working in specialist social media roles, will oversee the strategic direction of social media platforms and content for the firm’s clients.
Nicola Stamford, the company’s owner and founding director, said:
“I am delighted that we have attracted James to join the business, especially as he contacted us to see if any opportunities were available.
“His primary focus will be on ensuring we continue to look after, add value to and nurture our client base when it comes to their social media presence and how they are perceived online.”
Harrogate insurance firm launches rebrand
A Harrogate insurance company has rebranded.
A-Plan, which is based on Princes Square, will now be renamed Howden Insurance as part of the rebrand.
The company said the move marks the next chapter for the branch – and over 100 of its counterparts on high streets across the country – after joining the Howden Group two years ago.
Chris Bishop, Manager at Howden Harrogate said:
“We’re so excited to mark this new chapter with our new name – and new look and feel of our branch.
“That’s why we’re hosting our own launch events during October, open to all in our community to attend.”
Read more:
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate housing company secures £150m funding for new homes
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate care provider opens new training centre
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate business meeting to focus on inflation
Business Breakfast: Harrogate mobile company reports improved revenue
A Harrogate-based mobile company has reported improved results in its half-year report.
Mobile Tornado, which is based at Cardale Park, recorded total revenue of £1.26 million for the six months up to June 30.
The figure is an increase from £1.10 million in the same period in 2021/22.
In that time, the company has reached a landmark agreement with Leeds Bradford Airport to provide push-to-talk over cellular equipment for the airport’s workforce.
Jeremy Fenn, chairman and acting chief executive of Mobile Tornado, said:
“The company has for some time been a key player in the PTToC (press-to-talk over cellular) market, with a presence in Africa, South America and Europe.
“Our solution meets the mission-critical communication needs of our customers, and is characterised by a number of key differentiators, such as seamless transition, market-leading group sizes, a unique dispatcher console, and highly efficient data utilisation.
“These features continue to set us apart from our competitors and allow us to deliver market leading performance to our partners and customers.”
Companies build bike track for Boroughbridge school
Local companies have come together to create a bike track for a Boroughbridge school.
Jon Cole, of Infrastructure Managers Ltd, and Mark Simpson, of Tarmac, helped to convert a piece of muddy playground at Boroughbridge Primary School into a new track for pupils.
The opening of the bike track.
The new facility was opened last week.
Neil Ryder, deputy headteacher at the school, said:
“We are thrilled the children at the school have access to such a quality resource, they are very lucky and we can’t thank all the people involved in producing it for us.
“We want our school to promote the importance of active lifestyles and environmental responsibility. We hope this will start our desire to get more children and adults riding bikes and scooters to get to and from school.”
Read more:
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate housing company secures £150m funding for new homes
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate care provider opens new training centre
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate business meeting to focus on inflation
New street food vendor opens in Ripon
A new street food vendor has opened in Ripon.
Called Squid and Tonic, the venture was founded by Paul Page and Carol Williams and aims to serve high quality street food around North Yorkshire.
Mr Page, who has more than 30 years experience in catering, and Ms Williams, who previously worked in the hospitality industry, came up with the idea to launch the family business and tour different locations serving food.
The vendor serves a range of dishes including wood fired pizzas, noodles, grilled seafood and meat flatbread.
Mr Page, who describes himself as a passionate foodie, said the idea for the name came from the bar in the couple’s garden.
He said:
“The name comes from our garden bar and eatery where Carol served up the cocktails and I whipped up delicious creations in the pizza oven including spiced lamb flatbreads, whole marinated Persian chicken and tapas side salad.”
Paul and Carol serve up wood fired pizzas.
Mr Page added that the business travels up to 50 miles for functions and events.
The couple will next be travelling the short journey to North Stainley to serve wood fired pizzas at the village hall on Friday, October 6.
Read more:
- Campaigners toast £330,000 grant to relaunch village pub
- Ripon Spa Hotel reopening date revealed
- New beauty salon opens in Knaresborough
Business Breakfast: Harrogate’s Ashville College appoints director of sport
Harrogate’s Ashville College has appointed a new director of sport.
Paul Stansfield, who previously played for Harrogate Town FC and coached the club’s under 18s, will take up the role at the college.
Mr Stansfield spent six years at St Aidan’s Church of England High School, where he was head of year and head of department, and seven years at the town’s St John Fisher Catholic High School, where he was latterly deputy head.
He said:
“I look forward to working with my team to build on Ashville’s strong sporting reputation and excellent facilities.
“Ultimately, my aim is for every pupil in the school to love sport. I was attracted by the variety of sports available at Ashville, from basketball to hockey, cricket to tennis, rugby to swimming; pupils need to first experience many different sports and skills to find their own way, their own passion.”
Harrogate funeral director wins green award
A Harrogate funeral directors has been named green funeral director of the year in a national industry awards.
Full Circle Funerals, which is based on Skipton Road, was recognised for its approach to green funerals, its commitment to being a sustainable business and its wider efforts to improve knowledge about how to achieve net zero funeral care.
Sarah Jones, founder of Full Circle Funerals.
It was recognised at the AGFD Good Funeral Awards, which was held in Solihull.
Sarah Jones, founder of Full Circle Funerals, said:
“We are delighted to have been named Green Funeral Director of the Year and are always pleased to support people who want to consider the environment in the choices that they make.
“We also work hard to try to think about how Full Circle impacts the environment and to support other organisations in our local communities who are doing the same.”
Read more:
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate housing company secures £150m funding for new homes
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate care provider opens new training centre
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate business meeting to focus on inflation
Business Breakfast: Harrogate accountancy firm hires 14 new trainees
A Harrogate accountancy firm has hired a string of trainees in its “biggest ever intake” of graduates and school leavers.
Saffrey, which is based on North Park Road, appointed 14 new starters this autumn as part of a recruitment drive.
The company said the new hires mark a “significant investment in the next generation of advisors”.
The move comes as the firm, which also has offices in London and Manchester, launched a rebrand this past month, which included a change of name.
Michelle Rapson, senior manager in the Yorkshire audit team at Saffrey, said:
“This latest investment in people will broaden the diversity of our team and create opportunities for personal growth throughout the business.
“We are already seeing last year’s trainees step up to the next level with the support of senior colleagues, who are committed to helping each individual reach their personal potential.”
Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall wins AA award
The Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall has won a prestigious award this past week.
The fine dining restaurant, which is based at the estate near Ripon, was awarded the AA Four Rosette Award.
Held at a ceremony at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, the AA Hospitality Awards aim to celebrate excellence within the hospitality industry.
On receiving the award, Shaun Rankin said:
“I’m delighted that Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall has been awarded the prestigious AA Four Rosette Award.
“This is a testament to the dedication and passion of our incredible team. It’s a reminder that excellence is not a destination, but a continuous journey of crafting unforgettable dining experiences, one plate at a time.”
Read more:
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate housing company secures £150m funding for new homes
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate care provider opens new training centre
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate business meeting to focus on inflation
Business Breakfast: Harrogate business meeting to focus on inflation
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.
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