Business Breakfast: Harrogate district company awarded £20,000 to move production to digital

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 district business has been awarded £20,000 to help move its production technology to digital.

Period Mouldings Limited, which is based at Melmerby near Ripon, was handed the funding through the Made Smarter programme, which is managed by York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub.

The scheme is a national initiative dedicated to driving growth in UK manufacturing through the adoption of digital technologies, innovation and skill development.

Mark Cant, chairman of PML, said:

“The funding from Made Smarter will be instrumental in our journey towards enhanced efficiency and productivity. 

“By digitising our production throughput, we unlock the potential for increased capital investment, skill development, and research and development, ultimately driving growth and competitiveness in the market.”

Mike Pennington, the business relationship manager for Made Smarter in the York and North Yorkshire region, said: 

“PML’s strategic approach towards digitisation and innovation perfectly aligns with Made Smarter’s objective of fostering growth in the manufacturing sector through digital advancements.”

Law firm CEO to take on Mount Kilimanjaro

A Harrogate law firm chief executive is set to take on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

James Haddleton, who is chief executive of Haddletons legal services based at Windsor House, is set to take on the climb with his family in aid of charity.

Mr Haddleton will be climbing the mountain for eight days this month.

He will be raising money for Mind, the mental health charity, and at the time of writing had so far received £1,019 in donations.

For more information on the fundraising campaign and to donate, visit the JustGiving page here.

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate company in ‘strong financial position’ despite interest rate hike

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 said the firm remains in “strong financial position” despite a hike in interest rates this past month.

Vp, which is based at Central House on Beckwith Knowle, recorded a 6% increase in revenue to £371.5m for the year ending March 2023.

In a statement to its annual general meeting, Jeremy Pilkington, chairman of the company, said the group “remains in a strong financial position”.

He added that he expected company results for the upcoming financial year to be in line with board expectations despite “market headwinds” and the Bank of England’s decision to hike interest rates to 5.25%.

Mr Pilkington said:

“We remain focused on the quality of our equipment and excellent service delivery to our customers with an ongoing drive to deliver sustainable solutions to our customer base.

“The group remains in a strong financial position with an excellent track record of delivery. Despite both market headwinds and increases in interest rates, we continue to see opportunities and expect performance for the current financial year to be in line with board expectations.”

Black Sheep launches beer in partnership with Rob Burrow

Black Sheep Brewery has launched a new beer in partnership with Rob Burrow MBE.

The brewery, which is based in Masham, released Burrow Blonde to raise funds for Rob Burrow 7 Discretionary Trust and the Rob Burrow Racing Club.

A total of 10p from every pint and bottle sold is donated to charity.

Picture (from left) Phil Hawthorne, The Good Racing Co, Alex Brandon-Davies, Senior Brewer at Black Sheep Brewery and Rob Burrow and Lindsey Burrow.

Picture (from left) Phil Hawthorne, The Good Racing Co, Alex Brandon-Davies, Senior Brewer at Black Sheep Brewery and Rob Burrow and Lindsey Burrow.

Barrie McDermott, Sky Sports pundit and former Leeds Rhinos teammate of Rob, said: 

“I’m incredibly proud to support the launch of Burrow’s Blonde, a fantastic beer for a fantastic cause, it’s yet another way to get behind our little mate Rob Burrow and his family in their battle against MND.”

Rob’s wife, Lindsey Burrow, said:

“We’re really excited to be working with Black Sheep Brewery and launching Burrow’s Blonde. It’s a great opportunity for people to support Rob by simply buying a beer and enjoying a drink with loved ones.”

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Business Breakfast: Ripon engineering firm appoints operations director

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.

Ripon-based Econ Engineering has appointed a new operations director.

Gareth Legg, who was most recently managing director at Crossroads Truck & Bus Ltd, will take up the role.

Mr Legg will be tasked with overseeing all four of the company’s depots and ensure the smooth running of departmental activities.

He said:

“I am thrilled to be joining the team at Econ which has a fantastic history, reputation, and product offering. 

“When I first visited it was the attention to detail and obvious pride in everything they do which stood out to me and why this opportunity is so exciting.”

Jonathan Lupton, managing director at Econ Engineering, said: 

“We’re excited to welcome Gareth and look forward to making the most of his skills and experience.

“He has a fantastic CV and is extremely knowledgeable in our field of expertise. He will bring insight and fresh ideas from the outside world, which will ensure we retain our position as the market leader.”

Small business networking session to be held in Harrogate

A networking event aimed at small and medium businesses will be held at Harrogate Convention Centre this month.

Connect Over a Cuppa aims to offer advice, funding opportunities and business ideas to SMEs.

The event is organised by North Yorkshire Council and will be held on August 17 at Co-Lab Harrogate in the convention centre.

More sessions are available on September 21, October 19 and November 16. All start from 9.30am and last for 90 minutes.

For more information on the networking events, visit the Eventbrite page here.

Mint Velvet plans to open in former Harrogate Joules store

A high street women’s fashion chain looks set to open in the former Joules store on Harrogate’s James Street.

Mint Velvet has applied to North Yorkshire Council to refurbish and display signage at the unit.

The outlet has been empty since Joules closed its store on May 20.

It followed the company falling into administration in November 2022 until Next rescued it by paying £34 million for the business, plus £7 million for the head office site.

Now, Mint Velvet has tabled plans to refurbish and rebrand the former Joules store.

In documents submitted to the council, the company said:

“The building is an existing retail unit, which will be refurnished and re-branded to trade as Mint Velvet.

“The proposal comprises a number of alterations to the facade and the internal retail space, the works are intended to achieve a store environment reflective of Mint Velvet’s brand design language.”

The current Mint Velvet store on Harrogate's James Street.

The current Mint Velvet store on Harrogate’s James Street.

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

The move comes as the fashion chain has already opened new outlets in former Joules stores in Solihull and Chelmsford.

The Stray Ferret approached Mint Velvet to clarify the future of its current store at 36A James Street, but did not receive a response.

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate legal firm makes double hire as part of expansion

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 legal firm has made two new hires in a bid to strengthen its crime and fraud team.

McCormicks Solicitors, which is based on East Parade, has appointed associate solicitor Shah Ahmed and junior criminal law executive Eve Million.

Mr Ahmed joins from a Leeds practice where he worked as solicitor specialising in crown court cases while Ms Million assists the team in all aspects of criminal work and client care.

Shah Ahmed, who has also joined McCormicks Solicitors.

Shah Ahmed, who has also joined McCormicks Solicitors.

Peter Minnikin, head of the crime and fraud team at McCormicks, said: 

“I believe there are few practices in the North Yorkshire region which can offer the breadth and depth of experience in crime, fraud and regulatory matters that our team can bring.”

Leadership programme to be held in Harrogate

Harrogate-based charity Henshaws is set to host a leadership event for local businesses.

The event, which will be held in partnership with 2inspire and Cedar Court Hotels Yorkshire, will take place at Cedar Court hotel in Harrogate on September 22 from 8am.

Businessman Rob Northfield, who has 40 years experience in business development and leadership training, will lead proceedings.

The event will be aimed at those who want to grow their career or personal ambitions.

Mr Northfield said:

“The leadership programme will help individuals reflect on their life, actions and therefore results.”

The day will include a breakfast and networking lunch. Tickets are £75 and all proceeds will go towards Henshaws.

For more information on the event and to buy a ticket, contact flora.simpson@henshaws.org.uk.

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Equipment from Ilke Homes’ Flaxby factory to be sold

Equipment and machinery from Ilke Homes’ factory in Flaxby near Knaresborough will be put up for sale this month.

The modular house builder fell into administration in June after failing to find a buyer or further investment. A total of 1,150 staff were made redundant.

Administrators AlixPartners has commissioned Hilco Valuation Services to auction off a number of items of machinery on Tuesday, August 17 at 10am.

The equipment from the factory, which closed when the company fell into administration, will be sold online.

It includes electric hand tools, ladders, tipping skips and machinery such as automated wall panel lines.

In a statement last month, AlixPartners told the Stray Ferret that it was in the process of realising the company’s assets.

It said:

“The administrators are now working with a small number of retained employees to realise the assets of the business on behalf of creditors and are soliciting expressions of interest for any or all of those assets.”

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The factory at Flaxby was closed immediately after the company entered administration and all site activities ceased.

Administrators added the firm had “faced the challenges of unprecedented inflation and a lack of land supply linked to planning processes”.

Officials at Ilke Homes said previously that it needed additional funding to fulfil a £1 billion order book and to protect jobs, adding that new investment was needed to build its pipeline of 4,200 new homes.

For more information on the online auction, visit the Hilco Valuation Services website here.

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.