Business Breakfast: Yorkshire Water launches recruitment campaign for river health team

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is an after work drinks event on Thursday, August 31 at The West Park Hotel in Harrogate between 5-7pm. 

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

Yorkshire Water is recruiting 16 new staff for a brand new river health department.

The company has set up the team to deliver a joined-up, region-wide approach to river health across the many organisations and stakeholders in Yorkshire.

The 34-strong team will be working closely with community groups to understand what is important to them and develop a way of working together to improve river health in partnership.

The firm is set to recruit an environmental investigation lead, river health improvement manager, river health partnership and community engagement advisor.

Kevin Reardon, head of river health at Yorkshire Water, said: 

“We are committed as a business to playing our part to further improve river and coastal water quality around the region. The health of our rivers is a key national conversation, and we all have a lot to do to deliver investment in the areas that will make improvements to water quality.

“We know river and coastal water quality is a key priority for our customers and this new department illustrates our commitment to doing the right thing and working hard, alongside other stakeholders, as we begin our largest programme of environmental investment since privatisation.

“Yorkshire Water colleagues are passionate about the environment and we’re currently recruiting for 16 additional roles to help complete our team, which we believe will make further improvements to river health in the next two years and prepare ourselves for the next investment period 2025-2030.”

For more information on the roles available, visit the Yorkshire Water website here.

Stray Ferret to host latest Business Club event

The Stray Ferret will host its latest Business Club event tomorrow with after work drinks at the West Park Hotel.

The event will see guest speaker Craig Hines from 2 Inspire give a talk about the various models that can be applied to support flexible working and the success and pitfalls businesses face in implementing these.

There will also be a chance to meet attendees at the event with a networking session.

Whether you’re looking to expand your professional network, explore potential collaborations, or simply enjoy a refreshing drink after a long day, this event is perfect for you.

The event will be held at the West Park Hotel in Harrogate between 5pm and 7pm. You can purchase tickets here.

Read more:

 

Business Breakfast: Harrogate IT company reports improved revenues

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is an after work drinks event on Thursday, August 31 at The West Park Hotel in Harrogate between 5-7pm. 

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 IT company has reported improved revenues in its full-year report.

Redcentric, which is based on Otley Road, generated total revenue of of £141.7m for the year ended 31 March 2023 — up from £93.3m the previous year.

The company made three acquisitions over the last financial year, which included deals for 4D Data Centres, Sungard Consultancy and Sungard Data Centre.

A further two deals were struck for Piksel and 7 Elements in the previous year.

As a result of the acquisitions, Redcentric has added more than 600 customers to its data base.

Peter Brotherton, chief executive at the company, said:

“The integration of the five acquisitions undertaken in the last two financial years is now largely complete, with the savings pertaining to the remaining energy conservation measures and closure of the Harrogate Data Centre to be realised before the end of the current financial year.

“The acquisitions have resulted in a significant increase in revenues and much improved organic growth. Improvements in profitability will follow in FY25 once the synergy and energy efficiency programmes have been completed and the much reduced electricity commodity prices take effect.”

Growth Hub to host business peer support groups

York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub is set to launch a peer support group for businesses next month.

The organisation will host three sessions in September, which aim to partner business leaders with each other to offer structured and collaborative support.

The initiative will include a peer-to-peer support programme hosted by Pro-Development on September 22 and RTC North will host a forum on September 27 in Harrogate.

Meanwhile, a women peer-to-peer group hosted by Yorkshire in Business will also be held on September 27.

Jenn Crowther, chief executive of Yorkshire in Business, said: 

“Think of it as having your own professionally facilitated informal board. 

“Women Connect is designed for businesswomen invested in developing their business and helping others to do the same.”

For more information on the events, visit the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub website here.

Read more:

 

Business Breakfast: Starbeck pub awarded beer accreditation

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is an after work drinks event on Thursday, August 31 at The West Park Hotel in Harrogate between 5-7pm. 

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 Starbeck pub has been awarded an accreditation for the quality of its beers.

The Office Ale House, which opened in April on High Street, has received Cask Marque accreditation.

Cask Marque, which was founded in 1998, is backed by major brewers and pub companies and audits the quality of ale.

Kevin Jones, who owns the Office Ale House, was awarded the accreditation this past week.

He said:

“This award is a great endorsement for us. A lot of our customers visit the pub especially for the cask ale and it is really gratifying to know that we are getting the formula just right.

“We did have some problems with our cooling system that unfortunately was never installed properly and during the heatwave this led to a drop in quality, but with the help of the right people and guidance from Cask Marque, we are now serving the perfect pint again. We achieved 5s across the board.”

Northern appoints new managing director

Train operator Northern has appointed a new managing director.

The company, which runs trains through Harrogate and Knaresborough, has hired Tricia Williams to the role.

Tricia Williams, managing director at Northern.

Tricia Williams, managing director at Northern.

Ms Williams, who is currently Northern’s chief operating officer, will take over from Nick Donovan when he steps down from his role in spring 2024.

She said:

“After three great years as chief operating officer, it’s an absolute honour to be taking on the managing director role.

“Nick has set the standard – not only for driving this business forward but the standard for truly supportive and inclusive leadership.

“We know we still have big challenges ahead of us. Nick will leave us in a strong position, and the team and I are ready to continue the great work he has started.”

Read more:

 

Claire Baxter gallery wins Knaresborough Feva window contest

The winners of this year’s Knaresborough Chamber Feva Window Competition have been announced.

Claire Baxter Artist and Gallery was awarded first prize for its display, which included handmade crayons.

Judges described the display as an “outstanding effort”.

Clare Baxter’s creative winning effort.

Meanwhile, Painting Pots was awarded second place and River and Rose came in third place for its intricate viaduct themed floral display.

Winners of the competition were decided by a panel of judges following a public vote.

Many businesses in Knaresborough were decked in Feva pink for the 10-day arts festival, which ended on Sunday.

Read more:

 

Business Breakfast: Harrogate law firm appoints new commercial property solicitor

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is an after work drinks event on Thursday, August 31 at The West Park Hotel in Harrogate between 5-7pm. 

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 law firm has appointed a new solicitor as part of its commercial property team.

McCormicks Solicitors, which is based on East Parade, has hired Janice Colley to the department.

She will be tasked with offering advice on commercial property matters and acquisitions and disposals, including specific expertise in licensed premises, especially pubs and hotels.

Claire Baker-Kemp, the senior associate at McCormicks who heads the department, said: 

“Having both worked with and instructed Janice in the past, I know she brings unrivalled levels of experience and competence which will undoubtedly be an enormous benefit both to our clients and as we build the team here.”

Harrogate business installs community defibrillator 

A Harrogate environmental company has installed a defibrillator outside its offices for public use.

Adler and Allan, which is based on Victoria Avenue, put up the device so it can be used in emergencies such as cardiac arrest.

Adler and Allan office on Victoria Avenue, with the defibrillator pictured on the right.

Adler and Allan office on Victoria Avenue, with the defibrillator pictured on the right.

The company said it invested in the defibrillator in order to support staff and the local community.

Henrik Pedersen, chief executive officer at Adler and Allan, said: 

“Keeping our staff safe is of the utmost importance to us at Adler and Allan.

“That’s why we have invested in 20 automated external defibrillators for key depots and offices across the group. Being a responsible business and supporting our local community is key for us, so making this device accessible to everyone in Harrogate was a logical decision.”

Read more:

 

Harrogate aesthetics clinic announces closure

A Harrogate aesthetics clinic has announced it will close.

Renee Grace Aesthetics, which is based on King’s Road, said covid and the current economic climate made it a particularly stressful time to run a business.

The clinic offers surgical treatments, such as laser hair removal, anti-wrinkle injections and lip enhancement.

In a post on its social media, the firm said:

“I have had to make a very difficult decision and I know many of you will be disappointed.

“Renee Grace Aesthetics in Harrogate is closing. Laser treatments have already stopped and I have my few last injectable clients this week.”

The post adds that a clinic will run at an “alternative venue” once or twice a month.

Read more:

 

Business Breakfast: Harrogate Town agrees new scoreboard sponsor

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is an after work drinks event on Thursday, August 31 at The West Park Hotel in Harrogate between 5-7pm. 

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

Harrogate Town FC has announced a new matchday sponsor.

Concrete 4 U will sponsor the club’s LED scoreboard, which displays the score and match information during games at the Enivrovent Stadium.

The company, which is based at Portgate Quarry in Ripon, becomes the latest local business to sponsor the football club after Harrogate-based Kitching Plant hire and GH Brooks agreed sponsorship deals.

Neil Harper, group commercial director at Concrete 4 U says 

“At Concrete 4 U, we believe in building strong foundations, not only in construction but also in community partnerships.

“Sponsoring Harrogate Town AFC’s LED scoreboard is a natural fit for us, we’re proud to be a part of the captivating moments that the scoreboard will showcase and look forward to leaving a lasting positive impact on matchday.”

Harrogate digital marketing agency shortlisted for four awards

A Harrogate digital marketing agency has been shortlisted for an award at a national ceremony.

Extreme, which is based at Windsor House, has been included in the shortlist for four categories at the UK Social Media Awards 2023.

Extreme's social team.

Extreme’s social team.

The nominations include the company’s work with clients such as Numatic International and cocktail bar Alcotraz.

Extreme’s social media work has been shortlisted for Best Use of Paid Social for Numatic, Best Integrated Campaign, as well as Best Use of TikTok and Best Use of Paid Social for Alcotraz.

Donna Herron, head of social at Extreme said: 

“To be recognised in any category or award ceremony is an honour, so to have four submissions shortlisted in a prestigious national scheme is so exciting for our team.

“Even being shortlisted is a great boost, and we’re excited to celebrate with other nominees at the event in September.”

Read more:

 

Station Gateway: Andrew Jones calls for funding to be switched to ‘other projects’

Andrew Jones has called for government funding for the Harrogate Station Gateway to be reallocated to other projects.

The Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough said North Yorkshire Council should not waste time trying to keep the project alive, after it today announced it was “rescinding” its decision to proceed.

That announcement came following a legal challenge from Hornbeam Park Developments, which had applied for a judicial review of the way the Station Gateway project had been managed.

Mr Jones said:

“The key consideration is that the latest challenge means that the deadline to spend the cash allocated to this area is certain to expire.  It is time therefore to stop spending public money trying to drag what is effectively a timed-out dead scheme – the good parts regrettably and the bad too – over the line.

“The council must start talking to government about retaining the funding and re-positioning it to other projects in Harrogate and Knaresborough.  I am happy to help with that process.”

The project has been controversial, with business organisations raising concerns about its impact on footfall and therefore the viability of town centre shops.

The £11.2m scheme was to be funded by the Transforming Cities Fund, and would have seen Station Parade narrowed to one lane around the bus and railway stations.

A bus lane and cycle routes would have been introduced, as part of plans to encourage more active travel.

It would also have included the pedestrianisation of the eastern half of James Street, and changes to Lower Station Parade, with a bus lane added on its eastern side.

‘Flip-flopping’

At a meeting of Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Committee in May, business owners raised concerns about the impact of the loss of 40 parking spaces and potential queues of traffic through the town centre.

After three hours, the committee voted by eight to three in favour of supporting the scheme.

All five Conservative councillors and most Liberal Democrats voted for it,

Liberal Democrat leader and committee chairman Cllr Pat Marsh said councillors had been given a free vote on the issue.

The public gallery at the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Committee meeting in May

However, Cllr Marsh then went to the meeting of North Yorkshire Council’s executive to plead with its members not to proceed with the scheme.

The next month, the Lib Dems withdrew all its councillors’ support, citing the lack of meaningful engagement with businesses and local residents over their concerns.

In today’s statement on the issue, Mr Jones took aim at the Lib Dems for “flip-flopping” on the project:

“Of course, consistent political leadership is critical when managing major investment and the majority group on the Harrogate and Knaresborough area committee has been unable to provide that.

“Whether or not one supports the gateway project in total, in part or not at all such weak local leadership presents difficulty when we look to attracting future investment.”

Looking to the future, Mr Jones said there were elements of the Station Gateway project that could be carried forward into a new scheme.

He also said he had asked North Yorkshire Council to address concerns over other parts of the plan.

He added:

“There are parts of the scheme I think that are welcome – the emphasis on sustainable transport, tidying up the area as you come out of the bus and train stations, the improvement of the public realm, changing the crossing arrangements on Lower Station Parade, improving the shabby one arch and so on.

“There are elements of concern too such as the narrowing of Station Parade for a short stretch outside the bus station and how deliveries to businesses will work and I have consistently asked the council to address these concerns.  It is clear that significant numbers have not been reassured by the explanations that have been given.”

Read more:

 

Business Breakfast: Harrogate manufacturing firm appoints new board member

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is an after work drinks event on Thursday, August 31 at The West Park Hotel in Harrogate between 5-7pm. 

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 manufacturing firm has promoted a long-term employee to its board of directors.

Belzona Polymerics Ltd, which is based on Claro Road, has appointed Charli Walton to the board after 12 years of service.

Ms Walton joined the company, which is a global designer and manufacturer of industrial repair and protection materials, in its marketing team back in 2011.

Now, she becomes the first female member of the Belzona board.

Mrs Walton said: 

“It is a great honour to be appointed to the board of directors. I would like to thank Belzona for giving me this incredible opportunity, as well as for the extensive investment made into my training and development in preparation for my new role.”

Barry Nisill, chief executive of Belzona, added:

“During Charli’s career with Belzona, she has developed an extensive knowledge which, teamed with her boundless enthusiasm, has seen her become an important member of the Belzona leadership team.

“On behalf of everyone at Belzona, I would like to congratulate Charli and wish her every success for the future.”

Knaresborough building society celebrates first anniversary with grant award

A building society in Knaresborough has celebrated its first birthday by offering a £3,000 grant to Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre.

Newcastle Building Society opened its doors in the town’s library last summer.

As part of its anniversary, it has offered a grant to Henshaws from the Newcastle Building Society Community Fund.

The funding will help to purchase iPads and art makers, which will be used to support people living with disabilities and visual impairments.

Heather Pearman, manager of Newcastle Building Society’s Knaresborough branch, said: 

“Since opening our Knaresborough branch we’ve developed a strong relationship with Henshaws.

“Colleagues have lent their time to volunteer with the charity at some of its largest annual fundraising events, including Henshaws Bed Fest, with further plans to support the charity later into the year.”

Read more:

 

Business Breakfast: Harrogate rental company chief executive to retire

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is an after work drinks event on Thursday, August 31 at The West Park Hotel in Harrogate between 5-7pm. 

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 confirmed its chief executive will retire next month.

Neil Stothard, who is CEO at Beckwith Knowle-based VP, has informed the firm’s board of his decision to step down on September 30.

Mr Stothard joined the company as group finance director in 1997. He later became managing director in 2004 before taking up the post as chief executive.

In a board statement, VP confirmed that Anna Bielby, who is currently chief financial officer, will take over as chief executive on September 1 and work with Mr Stothard to ensure an “orderly handover”.

Jeremy Pilkington, chairman of the company, said: 

“I want to record my personal thanks to Neil for his service to the company and me since joining Vp in 1997 as group finance director and in 2004 assuming the role of managing director and subsequently chief executive.

“Working with Neil to exit the general plant hire sector to focus on a specialist rental offering created the platform for our continued success and growth.

“Neil’s dedication and strong leadership has been central to Vp’s prosperity and enables us to look to the future with confidence and optimism.”

Yorkshire Ambulance Service apprenticeship scheme rated as ‘good’

An apprenticeship scheme at Yorkshire Ambulance Service has been rated as good by inspectors.

Ofsted inspected the scheme in June and found that it had good quality of education, as well as outstanding personal development.

Inspectors rated it as good overall.

The trust currently has 587 apprentices, including ambulance support workers, associate ambulance practitioners and paramedic degree apprentices.

It also employs apprentices in corporate services such as finance, operational support, learning and development.

Dawn Adams, associate director of education and organisational development (Interim) for Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said: 

“I am exceptionally proud of our apprenticeship provision in YAS. Our achievement rates are strong and distinction rates are excellent.”

Read more: