Long-standing Harrogate sandwich business for sale

A long-standing sandwich takeaway in Harrogate is up for sale.

Wedges & Co has been a mainstay on Cold Bath Road for many years.

But the owners are looking to sell the business and have a “well-deserved retirement”, according to listing agent Alan J Picken

Wedges, which sells hot drinks, breakfasts and cakes as well as hot and cold sandwiches, is on the market as a leasehold business for £149,950 plus stock at valuation.

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Alan J Picken, which is an Ilkley firm that specialises in selling businesses, says the company’s 2022 takings were £268,397 and net profit was “in excess of £100,000”.

The listing says:

“The business currently operates on most convenient opening hours five days a week, however there is scope to extend opening hours particularly Saturday to Sunday to increase sales and maximise profits.

“There is also scope to maximise sales via increasing the outside catering book and large sandwich orders for events/lunches.”

Wedges declined to comment about the sale when contacted by the Stray Ferret.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate firm manufactures 10 millionth energy display device

A Harrogate company has manufactured its 10 millionth in-home display for smart meters.

Chameleon Technology, which is based on Otley Road, has supplied the devices to energy companies since 2012.

The devices connect to a home’s smart meter in order to show how much energy is being used.

The company delivered the 10 millionth in-home display this summer. It has manufactured on average 1.6 million devices a year.

An example of an in-home display manufactured by Chameleon Technology.

An example of an in-home display manufactured by Chameleon Technology.

Mike Woodhall, co-founder and chief executive of Chameleon Technology, said:

“Manufacturing and delivering 10 million IHDs to UK households is a milestone to be proud of.

“Access to real-time energy data is a crucial step to enable low carbon solutions to have maximum impact and provide tangible benefits to all UK households.

“Continued uptake of smart meters, alongside the real-time data provided by IHDs, will help build a flexible, decarbonised and digitalised energy system that will benefit both the environment and consumers through lower energy bills.”

Housing developer acquires new site in Leeds

A Harrogate housing developer has acquired a 223-home site in Leeds.

Casa By Moda, which is based at Beckwith Knowle, will take on the site which is called Abbey Court and is based between Kirkstall and Headingley.

The company acquired the site from Artisan Real Estate and it is set to include 223 family homes.

The site in Leeds which has been acquired by Casa By Moda.

The site in Leeds which has been acquired by Casa By Moda.

The houses will range from one, two and three-bedroom homes.

Matt Townson, director of development and projects at Casa by Moda, said: 

“We’re entering an exciting phase with the delivery of our first neighbourhoods, and as a business headquartered in Yorkshire, Casa, Abbey Court is special for us, as it marks our first neighbourhood that will open in our home region.

“With demand for rental accommodation remaining high, our approach as a long-term owner and operator is to create not only high-quality, sustainable homes, but new communities that go beyond bricks and mortar by actively supporting the wellbeing of our residents.”

James Bulmer, regional director for Leeds-based Artisan Real Estate North, said: 

“The collaboration with Casa by Moda provides a significant opportunity to deliver much needed new homes for rent in one of Leeds’ most desirable suburbs for young professionals and families alike, offering fantastic connectivity to the city centre.”

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Councillors approve gambling arcade in Knaresborough despite addiction concerns

Councillors today approved a new gambling arcade opening on Knaresborough High Street despite hearing how the venue could exacerbate addiction during the cost-of-living crisis.

North Yorkshire Council’s Harrogate & Knaresborough planning committee met this afternoon to discuss an application by Carl Bearman of Spectacular Bid Ltd to create an adult gaming centre inside the former Yorkshire Building Society building.

Adult gaming centres or arcades typically involve gambling for cash on machines that can include roulette, bingo or slots. Operators of arcades must have a licence from regulator the Gambling Commission.

Mr Bearman proposed the venue, which could have up to 35 machines, opens between 9am and 10pm for over-18s only.

With residential properties upstairs, he agreed a condition with the council whereby the machines would only operate at 25% their normal volume.

But Conservative councillor for Bilton and Nidd Gorge, Paul Haslam, queried what would happen if residents made a noise complaint to the council about the machines.

He said he knew of residents making complaints about barking dogs that had not been resolved by the council in over 18 months. Cllr Haslam said:

“What teeth will [the council] have if these machines are making people’s lives upstairs a misery? How will that be resolved? I’m really concerned about this.”

Harrogate-based Spectacular Bid Ltd was not represented at the meeting but council planning officer Stuart Mills responded to questions from councillors. Mr Mills said the council would be able to enforce against noise if the machines went higher than the agreed volume.

Liberal Democrat councillor for Knaresborough East, Hannah Gostlow, said she would be voting to refuse the application due to noise and its visual impact on the high street. Cllr Gostlow said:

“What if 25% is not quite enough for them? It would have to go through enforcement and we’ve heard worrying statements about enforcement.”

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Liberal Democrat councillor for Knaresborough West, Matt Walker, was unable to attend the meeting so Cllr Gostlow read out a statement on his behalf.

Cllr Walker, who works in the NHS, referred to statistics by gambling charity GamCare about rising gambling addiction during the cost-of-living crisis.

His statement said:

“Gambling has been part of our culture for centuries and many people are able to gamble without experiencing issues, however this is not the case for all and the harm from gambling has become a serious and worsening public health problem in the UK.

“GamCare said January 2023 was the month with the highest-ever call volume with it regularly hearing how the rising cost-of-living is affecting callers. People are gambling to win extra cash to pay the bills. Vulnerable people have been drawn in to places such as what is proposed here just to keep warm.”

However, despite saying he was “not a great fan” of gaming arcades, Conservative councillor for Boroughbridge and Claro, Robert Windass, said he felt there were no sound planning reasons to refuse the application, which was recommended for approval in an officer report.

This was echoed by Conservative councillor for Oatlands and Pannal, John Mann, who said:

“I think Matt’s comments are very eloquent. I also am concerned about potential for noise however I also hear what report says. 

“I realise noise will be restricted to 25% and that it will be controlled. Having read the report I’m not sure we’ve got sound planning grounds to refuse this, as much as we’d like to. I’ve racked my brains and can’t think of a ground to reject this on.”

Liberal Democrat councillor for Fairfax and Starbeck, Philip Broadbank, then suggested a condition is attached to reduce the hours the arcade closes from 10pm to 9pm, which was voted on and approved by four votes to two.

Councillors Mann, Windass, Haslam and Broadbank voted to approve with councillors Marsh and Gostlow voting against.

Insurance brokers Clegg Gifford open Harrogate office

Insurance brokers Clegg Gifford opened their office in Harrogate yesterday with their superhero mascots in tow.

Clegg Gifford moved into the former Skipton Building Society office on Princes Street and launched with a party, inviting clients and local businesses.

It took just five weeks to get the office, which underwent a full refurbishment, ready for opening.

The move into Harrogate has employed four people so far but the office has the capacity for up to 15.

Toby Clegg, CEO of the Clegg Gifford group, told the Stray Ferret:

“We like to have fun. Insurance is not the most exciting topic but we’re different, we like to bring a bit of fun and put our people at the forefront.

“We find that approach gets a better outcome for our customer and ultimately makes them happier. We have always had a book of business here through our Westminster Insurance so we are building on that good foundation.”

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Scott Markham, branch manager at the new Harrogate office, said:

“We’ve had a fantastic turnout today, it’s just what we’ve been hoping for. It’s a fabulous location and well appointed.

“It’s about creating a really warm welcome, we want to be at the centre of the community as friends and neighbours with our potential clients.”

 

Business Breakfast: Harrogate law firm appoints senior associate

There’s not long to go until the Stray Ferret Business Club’s breakfast event on Thursday, 27 July at Banyan in Harrogate between 8-10am.

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

A Harrogate law firm has appointed a commercial property specialist to its team.

Claire Baker-Kemp has joined McCormicks, which is based on East Parade, as a senior associate.

Since qualifying as a solicitor, Ms Baker-Kemp has acted for the NHS, a major supermarket chain, the Department for Transport, an international shopping centre developer, financial institutions and local authorities.

She joined McCormicks from an investment company and has experienced in dealing with acquisition and disposal of freehold and commercial leasehold properties, as well as transactional landlord and tenant work.

Peter McCormick, senior partner at McCormicks, said:

“Commercial property has been a busy aspect of our legal work for many years and Claire’s background and experience will undoubtedly prove an asset.”

Harrogate firm sponsors Hull City Ladies FC

A Harrogate law firm has agreed a sponsorship deal with Hull City Ladies FC.

The agreement will see Truth Legal sponsor the club’s away shirt for the forthcoming 2023/24 season.

The firm, which is based on Victoria Avenue, said the move would help grow the women’s game in Yorkshire.

Georgina Parkin, managing director at Truth Legal, said:

“Through this partnership, we hope to not only contribute to the growth of women’s football in the region but also showcase our unwavering commitment to serving clients in Hull.”

Danny Johnson, Hull City Ladies FC managing director, said:

“I’m delighted that the club has formed an exciting partnership with Truth Legal and I’m pleased that Truth Legal will appear proudly on the front of our new away shirt 2023/25.”

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Council pledges ‘comprehensive support’ to former Ilke Homes staff

North Yorkshire Council has pledged to offer “comprehensive support” to staff being made redundant at Ilke Homes.

The company, which is based off junction 47 of the A1(M), fell into administration on June 30.

Management consultants Alixpartners was appointed administrators after the company failed to find a buyer or further investment.

Since then, a total of 1,057 staff have been made redundant.

Cllr Derek Bastiman, executive councillor for open to business, said in a statement to a full council meeting this week that Ilke Homes staff would be offered “comprehensive support” after the administration decision.

Cllr Bastiman said the council would be working with York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership and government to offer skills and financial advice to those effected by the collapse.

He said:

“We are working with the government and the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership to offer support to former Ilke Homes workers to help them secure employment or re-training.

“Alongside the LEP, we have taken a stall at a Department for Work and Pensions job fair later this month where will be providing information on skills bootcamps, self-employment and start-up opportunities, mental health support and financial advice.

“The job fair will also include a pre-information session for former ilke Homes employees aimed at helping them get back into the workplace or finding training opportunities if they wish to learn new skills.

“We will continue to offer support where we can through the DWP.”

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Ilke Homes’ factory at Flaxby was immediately closed following the company entering administration and all site activities ceased.

Administrators added that 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.

New muffin cafe opens in Harrogate

A new muffin bakery and cafe has opened in Harrogate.

Muffin Break, which is based in the former Hotter shoe shop, opened its doors on Cambridge Street this morning.

The outlet, which has 60 cafes across the UK, offers a range of freshly baked goods including muffins and cakes, as well drinks such as milkshakes and coffee.

There will also be gluten free and vegan options available.

Customers can even order cakes online to be baked in store and collected.

John Viola, area manager at Muffin Break.

John Viola, area manager at Muffin Break

John Viola, area manager for Muffin Break, told the Stray Ferret he felt the new outlet would fit into the Cambridge Street scene.

He said:

“Every store has its own feel. The nearest here is in Bradford.

“But I feel like this one has got that Harrogate feel.”

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Mr Viola added that the store will pride itself on giving people a relaxed experience in the cafe.

The cafe will be open from 8am until 5.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10am until 4pm on Sundays.

Muffin Break is a franchise business of FoodCo UK Franchising that first originated in Canada before expanding its cafes in Australia in the late 1980s.

Business Breakfast: Ripon motor group announces refurbishment and recruitment drive

There’s not long to go until the Stray Ferret Business Club’s breakfast event on Thursday, 27 July at Banyan in Harrogate between 8-10am.

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

A Ripon motor group has announced plans to refurbish its site and recruit 10 new staff.

Lloyd Land Rover, which is based at Hutton Bank in the city, is set to redevelop its branch with a new building and modernised facilities.

As part of the move, the group is set to hire new staff and hold a recruitment evening on Thursday, July 27.

Positions will include sales executives, service advisors, a parts manager and parts advisor and various technician roles including master technician, prep technician and apprentice parts and technician roles.

Mark Redding, head of business of Lloyd Land Rover Ripon, said:

“This is going to be an exciting two years for Lloyd Ripon, as we will see a complete redevelopment of the whole site, with a new building and modernisation of all facilities.

“With the expansion of the site, there will be new opportunities that will take the staff numbers from just over 60 to eventually over 70.”

For more information on the recruitment event, contact the Lloyd Motor Group by visiting its website here.

Harrogate BID plans town floral celebration

A Harrogate business group is set to host a floral celebration in the town this summer.

Called the Floral Summer of Celebration, the event will be hosted by Harrogate BID and include flowers from local florist Helen James Flowers.

It will be held between July 21 and August 4 this year.

Helen James Florist on Station Parade.

Helen James Florist on Station Parade.

The event is set to include prop displays from EPH Creative, an interactive floral trail and shop window competition. Harry Satloka, who hosts regular free walking tours in the town centre, will take guests around the floral installations during the week.

Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID Manager, said:

“We are proud to be recognised as a finalist for the Britain in Bloom UK finals, especially as we are the only town in Yorkshire that made it through to this stage in the competition.”

The installations will be designed to celebrate multi-national cooperation, in particular the twinning of Harrogate with other towns such as Luchon in France, Montecatini in Italy, Barrie in Canada and Wellington in New Zealand. 

In addition, the special links that Harrogate fosters with Switzerland and Japan will also be feature.

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate Town agrees player development centre sponsorship

There’s not long to go until the Stray Ferret Business Club’s breakfast event on Thursday, 27 July at Banyan in Harrogate between 8-10am.

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

Harrogate Town has agreed a new sponsorship deal for its player development centre.

The club has partnered with Harrogate College to sponsor the centre for the forthcoming season.

The centre provides additional football coaching to young players from under 7s to under 17s as part of their development.

Jo Towler, commercial director at Harrogate Town, said:

“The partnership reflects our shared dedication to supporting young people and fostering their development both on and off the field.”

Danny Wild, principal at Harrogate College, said:

“Harrogate Town AFC, just like our college, is committed to giving great opportunities to the district’s young people to help them flourish and grow. Collaborating with brilliant local organisations is in our DNA, and we know that sport brings all kinds of benefits – physical, mental and social – to those involved.”

Harrogate IT company forecasts improved revenue despite results delay

A Harrogate IT company has said it anticipates an increase in revenue despite a delay in publishing its year-end results.

Redcentric, which is based on Otley Road, was due to publish its report on July 19, but announced a delay to allow the company’s auditors to complete “the finalisation of the results”.

However, in a trading update, it said it expects revenue to increase to £141.8m in line with its forecast in April this year.

The figure would be an increase on £93.3 million at the end of 2022.

The move comes as Peter Brotherton, chief executive of Redcentric, said in January that he expected the firm to capitalise on an “enlarged customer base and increased breadth of products and service”.

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New plan to create eight flats above Cambridge Street shops in Harrogate

A fresh plan has been tabled to create eight flats above shops on Cambridge Street in Harrogate.

York-based GHT Developments has submitted the proposal to North Yorkshire Council for the upper floors of 6-14 Cambridge Street.

The ground floor of the properties is currently occupied by the Card Factory, Phone Patch and an empty unit which was formerly the Phone Doctor. For many years the site was home to Carphone Warehouse.

The site

previously had approval for three one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.

However, the developer has lodged fresh plans for eight flats because, it says in planning documents, the scheme had “evolved” after it had “been established that the roof is in need of replacement”.

It added that the increased build costs of the previous scheme had left it “unviable”.

In documents submitted to the council, GHT Developments said:

“The proposed development will reduce void spaces in the footprint and has improved the internal and external design.

“The need to replace the roof has also increased build costs, meaning the previous scheme of five apartments is no longer viable. 

“The proposed development will therefore ensure that development is viable and the site can be used effectively.”

As part of the new scheme, four sets of flats would be created on the first and second floors.

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

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The move comes as work is ongoing at the former River Island unit on Cambridge Street to convert the building into apartments.

The store closed on February 4 after the landlord announced plans to change use of the building.

Plans were approved in summer 2020 to refurbish the ground floor of the building and convert the first floor, as well as adding a roof extension, to create 14 apartments