Business Breakfast: Harrogate marketing agency appoints new director

A Harrogate marketing and communications agency has appointed a new director.

The Big Bamboo, which is based at Windsor House, has hired Lynsey Holley-Matthews as its new marketing and communications director.

Ms Holley-Matthews, who has 20 years experience in the industry, will join the firm’s senior leadership team.

Nicola Stamford, the company’s owner and founding director, said: 

“I am delighted that we have attracted someone of Lynsey’s calibre to join the business.

“Her primary focus will be on ensuring we continue to look after, add value to and nurture our existing client base, whilst also supporting me with a very targeted business development approach to bringing in new clients that fit within our portfolio.”

Ms Holley-Matthews said:

“Nicola and I ‘met’ on LinkedIn. I had already accepted another role, but hearing Nicola’s passion as she talked about the agency, the team and the future aspirations for the company, I was excited about the opportunity put in front of me.”

Harrogate sweets company acquires Mr Stanley’s brand

A Harrogate sweets company has acquired a former confectionary brand which was based in the town.

Serious Sweets Company, which is based at Hornbeam Park, has taken on the Mr Stanley’s brand, which specialises in handcrafted fudge with flavours such as ‘Fudge Ahoy’ a creamy caramel & sea salted fudge and ‘Mighty Malted’.

Mr Stanley's specialises in fudge.

Mr Stanley’s specialises in fudge.

The brand was first introduced in Harrogate 15 years ago and has been owned by a London confectionery wholesaler for a number of years.

Mr Stanleys has recently secured listings with Selfridges & Co, Liberty of London as well as a number of premium independent retailers across the UK.

The Serious Sweets Company now plans to “bring it home to the foodie county of Yorkshire”. 

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Minister opens new offices at Harrogate energy technology company

A government minister has opened the new offices of a Harrogate energy technology firm.

Lord Callanan, minister for energy efficiency and green finance at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, opened the new headquarters of Chameleon Technology at Central House on Otley Road in Harrogate.

The company specialises in technology for energy suppliers, including manufacturing in-home displays to link up to smart meters.

Lord Callanan visited the new office space this morning and met with Mike Woodhall, chief executive of Chameleon Technology, and some of the firm’s engineers.

He also presented a plaque to announce the opening of the new headquarters and gave a short speech.

Lord Callanan said:

“We have already made good progress in rolling out smart meters, with more than 32 million now in homes and small businesses across Great Britain.

“Seeing how much energy they are using in pounds and pence is putting people in control of their use and helping them save money on their bills.

“Working closely with industry partners, we’re well on our way to a more efficient energy system. I was delighted to open Chameleon Technology’s new Harrogate offices and meet the team helping us become a nation of smarter, cleaner energy consumers.”

Pictured: (from left) Mike Woodhall; Jennifer Woodhall, Sustainability Director at Chameleon Technology; Lord Callanan; Jonathan O’Donnell, Senior Hardware Engineer at Chameleon Technology

 Pictured, from left, Mike Woodhall; Jennifer Woodhall, sustainability director at Chameleon Technology, Lord Callanan, and Jonathan O’Donnell, senior hardware engineer at Chameleon Technology

The move to the new office space comes as the company recently manufactured its 10 millionth in-house display system.

Mr Woodhall added:

“Manufacturing and delivering 10 million IHDs to UK households is a milestone to be proud of. Continued uptake of smart meters, alongside the real-time data provided by IHDs, will help build a flexible, decarbonised and digitalised energy system, one that will benefit both the environment and consumers through lower energy bills.

“Smart meters and integrated IHDs are an integral part of our future energy system.”

Main picture: Lord Callanan, third from left, with Chameleon Technology’s Jennifer Woodhall, chairman Steve Mitchell, COO Mike Pyke, Mike Woodhall, general council Wendi Higgins, special partnerships director Rachel Possgate, and operations director Ethan Yu.

Business Breakfast: Scheme offers Harrogate entrepreneurs chance to access £2,500 grants

Budding entrepreneurs in the Harrogate district are being invited to sign up for a business support scheme with the chance of accessing £2,500 in grants.

The free scheme is being run by the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub and is called the Strive Live Start-Up Incubator.

The programme includes live online training, personalised one-to-one advice and on-demand online learning for those wishing to start their own business.

The scheme lasts for seven weeks and will start on September 12, 2023.

It will include sessions held online during the evening, featuring access to more than 20 interactive e-learning modules and a supportive network of like-minded peers. 

Daniela Genova, the founder of Cafe Lago di Como in Harrogate who has taken part in programme, said: 

“Strive is an amazing place to learn absolutely everything you need to know about business. 

“But most importantly the team work very hard and they are always available for any questions or concerns. We really enjoyed it and we have learned a lot from the project.”

For more information on how to sign up for the scheme, visit the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub website here.

Harrogate lawyer awarded industry qualification

A partner at a Harrogate law firm has been awarded a coveted industry qualification.

Haroon Quayum, who works in the LCF Law family business unit, has achieved an advanced certificate in family business governance, which is recognised by the professional body the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

Haroon Qayum, LCF Law

It means Mr Quayum is able to offer further technical advice, such as helping family businesses plan for succession.

He said:

“Having been through the examination process and passed this qualification, I have been able to expand my technical knowledge, develop my professional competence and build on my experience and skills that I have developed over my many years in practice, helping families plan for succession, as well as identify and define appropriate governance structures.”

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New aesthetics clinic opens its doors in Harrogate

A new aesthetics clinic has opened in Harrogate today – to offer skin tightening, slimming treatments and vaginal rejuvenation.

HIFU Clinics UK specialises in high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), so the treatments are non-surgical.

Michelle Clarke, who has been in the industry for 13 years and is the director of HIFU Clinics UK, says vaginal rejuvenation can be a “life-changing” treatment.

She told the Stray Ferret:

“We are now offering vaginal rejuvenation – changes happen in the female body after childbirth and menopause, so our treatments can help with things like dryness, bladder weakness and more.

“It’s not really talked about, a lot of people don’t even know you can get help for this, but this can be life-changing.”

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HIFU Clinics UK, which is now taking appointments for its new clinic on Westmoreland Street just off Skipton Road, opened its first clinic in Wakefield three years ago.

Ms Clarke said many of her clients were looking for a more natural look:

“Our clients can walk out down the street and to their families, without people knowing they have had any work done.

“They just look fresher and well-rested. So it is a completely different approach to other aesthetic clinics.”

The newly renovated clinic has two rooms for HIFU clients and will be renting out two of its other rooms to other high-end professionals, like beauticians or chiropractors.

While the clinic opened in Harrogate today, there will be an official opening event in September with demonstrations, drinks, canapes and special offers.

Parish council objects to latest Kirby Hill service station plan

Kirby Hill and District Parish Council has objected to the latest plans to build a motorway service station near to the village.

Applegreen Ltd has submitted amended plans for the scheme between junctions 48 and 49 of the A1(M) northbound, between Boroughbridge and Ripon.

It would see a Welcome Break built at the site, as well a filling station and 364 car parking spaces created.

The proposal already has outline permission after the government’s Planning Inspectorate approved the plan on appeal in April 2021.

However, the parish council has objected to the proposal on the grounds that the developer was planning “major changes” to its plan.

It added that there was already a service station planned for Catterick and one on the A168 near Thirsk, which it says “plugs the gap” for a motorway service area.

In its objection, which was sent to North Yorkshire Council by parish council clerk, Martin Rae, the authority also called for the proposal to be considered by a planning committee.

It said:

“It [the parish council] also requests that this resubmitted application is dealt with by the planning authority in full committee at Tier 1 level.

“This is because councillors believe that it cannot be considered in isolation in view of the changed wider context in which services have now been approved at Catterick and greater provision of services now exists on the A168 link to the A19 at Thirsk.”

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Applegreen, which is based in Dublin, applied for amendments to its plan, including an extension to the length of the slip roads and increasing the permissible height of the eastern dumbbell roundabout by up to 1.25 metres.

In documents submitted to the council, the company said the changes were “limited design amendments”.

North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the proposal at a later date.

The move comes after the government approved plans for the service station following a series of public inquiries and planning battles.

In a saga which has spanned a quarter of a century, Applegreen’s application has been before multiple council planning committees, faced four public inquiries and been turned down twice by the Secretary of State and the High Court.

The inquiry, which was held by planning inspector David Rose and streamed onto YouTube, lasted two weeks and included multiple testimonies from residents, campaigners and developer Applegreen.

In a decision notice, Mr Rose said after considering the evidence that the benefits of a service station would outweigh the harm.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate Town agrees partnership with Circle Health Group

Harrogate Town has agreed a partnership with the Duchy Hospital.

The agreement will see the hospital, which is part of Circle Health Group, offer medical check-ups, health screening and private GP appointments to first team players.

It will also see specialist clinics available to players before and after EFL League Two fixtures this coming season.

Rachel McGeachie, head of medical and physiotherapy at Harrogate Town FC, said: 

“They offer an invaluable service to the club that provides both peace of mind to the player, their families as well as the club and myself.”

Michelle Eardley, executive director of the Duchy Hospital, said: 

“As a fellow local organisation, we understand how important the club is to the community and we look forward to supporting the players and club staff throughout the season with specialist care across a range of services.”

Harrogate law firm makes new litigation hire

A Harrogate law firm has appointed a new litigation executive.

Truth Legal, which is based on Victoria Avenue, has hired Sarah Doyle to its team.

Sarah joins the firm with 30 years ‘ experience of working within the legal services industry, the majority of which has been within the personal injury sector.

She has acted for claimants involved in road traffic accidents, including 10 years spent acting on behalf of motorcyclists, and has focused on clinical negligence cases for the last three years.

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Former Harrogate Leon site to become Starbucks

The former Leon drive-through restaurant in Harrogate is set to become a Starbucks.

North Yorkshire Council has approved plans to change the signage around the Wetherby Road site to Starbucks branding.

Permission has been given for a total of 20 signs, just over half of which would be illuminated, including ‘totem’ signs, menus and directional signs around the drive-through.

Leon, which opened last June, closed its doors on April 2 with the loss of around 20 jobs.

It was operated by Blackburn-based EG Group, which also runs Starbucks franchises as well as brands including KFC and Greggs.

Currently, the building has been empty for four months and has been stripped of its Leon branding and signage. No date has been given for it reopening as a Starbucks.

The coffee brand has only one existing presence in the Harrogate district, on Cambridge Street in the town centre.

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Following the closure of the fast-food restaurant, speculation mounted over whether a Starbucks would open at the site.

The company initially considered opening a Starbucks on Wetherby Road before Leon was announced instead.

Planning documents submitted to Harrogate Borough Council in 2019 proposed a drive-thru “to be operated by Starbucks Coffee Company” on the site.

However, following planning approval on appeal, EG Group announced a Leon would open instead.

Residents near to the drive-thru raised concern that the scheme was not as advertised in the initial plan.

The Stray Ferret asked the borough council in April 2022 how the company was able to build the scheme as a Leon drive-thru when the original approval for the site showed a Starbucks coffee shop.

At the time, a council spokesperson said:

“Permission was granted by the Planning Inspectorate for a ‘coffee shop to include a drive-thru’, not specifically for a Starbucks.

“The Inspectorate did not add any conditions to the permission they gave restricting the use of the premises solely to a coffee shop, so it can legally be used for any other use within the same use class, which includes a drive thru food and drink establishment.”

LeonThe former Leon restaurant

Business Breakfast: Knaresborough business meeting to give town projects update

A Knaresborough business meeting is set to give an update on a number of projects in the town.

Knaresborough and District Chamber will meet tomorrow (August 2) at The Mitre pub at 7pm.

The meeting will include a chance for networking and new businesses to introduce themselves.

It will also include updates on electric vehicle parking spaces, Feva window competition and the Christmas market.

For more information on how to attend the event, visit the chamber website here.

Harrogate hairdresser shortlisted for regional award

A Harrogate hairdresser has been named as a finalist at a regional awards ceremony.

Joseph Ferraro of Joseph Ferraro Hair has been shortlisted for the North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year title at HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards.

The ceremony, which will be held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London in November, aims to celebrate the creative and technical skills of stylists from across the United Kingdom.

Mr Ferraro is one of just six finalists, each shortlisted having submitted four photographic images demonstrating the breadth of his hairdressing expertise.

He said:

“Our industry is full of such talented creatives, so to be shortlisted alongside names I admire so much feels very special.

“I’m incredibly proud of my collection and hope the judges will see the passion and time that has gone into creating it.”

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate business groups to host summer social

Two Harrogate business groups are to host a summer social to help firms strengthen collaboration together.

Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce and Harrogate Business Improvement District are set to host the event at the Harrogate Inn on August 14.

The meeting will be held from 5.30pm until 8pm and include a networking session and drinks.

The event is open to members of the chamber and BID levy payers only.

For more information and to reserve a place, visit the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce website here.

Harrogate care company among top recommended providers

A Harrogate care company has been recognised as one of the top 20 in the UK at an industry awards.

Carefound Home Care, which has a branch in Harrogate, won the award at the homecare.co.uk awards.

recognised as a Top 20 home care group in the UK.

recognised as a Top 20 home care group in the UK.

The company was among the top 20 most recommended care providers based on reviews at the website.

Reviews were also submitted by friends and relatives of people receiving home care in the UK, with the rankings intended to help people find home care that is right for their needs, location and budget.

Oliver Stirk, managing director of Carefound Home Care, said:

“Homecare.co.uk is the UK’s leading home care reviews site and plays an important role in giving families transparency when seeking support for loved ones.”

“We are enormously proud to have won this award for the second year running at Carefound Home Care.”

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Harrogate coffee shop and bakehouse Brew Bar up for sale

A well-known Harrogate coffee shop has been put up for sale.

Brew Bar Harrogate, located on St Winifred’s Avenue near the Stray, offers a variety of coffees and breakfast foods, baked goods and a small retail shop. It’s a popular cafe for dog walkers and staff from nearby Harrogate Hospital.

The café opened in 2018 and then expanded into the next door unit. The owners have since opened another site in the centre of town called &…Harrogate.

The sale of the business comes as the owners “wish to concentrate their efforts on other business opportunities”, according to the listing agent.

The sale will set the buyer back £74,950 plus stock at valuation.

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The listing, represented by Alan J Picken The Business Transfer Agents, reports a turnover of £219,458 on 2023 accounts, as well as a net profit of around £60,000.

The listing says:

“Currently run on civilised day time hours, however offers immense scope to extend opening hours later into the evening or on weekends to take full advantage of its prime trading position and alcohol license in place, to increase sales and maximise profits.”

Brew Bar declined to comment when contacted by the Stray Ferret.