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

Business Breakfast: Harrogate therapy centre plans expansion

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 therapy and coaching centre has celebrated its one-year anniversary this month.

The Harlow, which is based at Cardale Park, launched in July last year to support children, teens, parents, families and couples.

The company has gone onto to employ 25 qualified and accredited practitioners.

Now the firm is aiming to expand by launching a new employee assistance programme, which aims to offer mental health support to professionals and businesses.

Andrea Bethell, founding partner of The Harlow, said:

“At The Harlow, our esteemed professionals include psychotherapeutic counsellors, psychotherapists, forensic psychologists, trauma therapists, drama therapists, and hypnotherapists.

“Each member of our team has undergone rigorous training and possesses extensive experience in their respective fields.”

Harrogate businessman wins green tech award

A Harrogate businessman has been named green entrepreneur of the year at a national award ceremony.

Mike Woodhall, chief executive of Chameleon Technology, was recognised at the Enterprise Awards 2023.

Mike Woodhall, chief executive of Chameleon Technology.

Mike Woodhall, chief executive of Chameleon Technology.

He picked up the Green Tech Entrepreneur award at the ceremony, which was held at Drapers’ Hall in London.

Mr Woodhall said:

“I’m delighted to have been nominated and won this award but what it truly reflects is the drive and commitment of the team of people at Chameleon Technology.”

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New Starbeck chicken restaurant opens

A new chicken restaurant and takeaway has opened in Starbeck.

Chilli Chick’s, which is based on High Street, officially opened its doors today to become the fourth outlet of the restaurant chain.

The takeaway offers a range of food including chicken, burritos and rice boxes.

Farhan Murtaza, manager of the Starbeck outlet, launched the restaurant with his partner Khayyam Ifhaq.

Mr Murtaza said:

“We saw good scope for a chicken restaurant in Harrogate. Everyone seemed friendly.

“There is barely any chicken places around here.”

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The restaurant includes seating for 15 people, but also has the option for takeaway.

It will be open from midday until 11pm every day.

Chilli Chick’s also has outlets in Bradford, Dewsbury and Birmingham.

Harrogate district stately home to be converted into hotel

North Yorkshire Council has approved plans to convert the Harrogate district stately home Denton Hall into a 28-bedroom hotel.

The Grade I listed building, which dates back to 1778, is on the border of the district, between Blubberhouses and Ilkley.

It was designed by Georgian architect John Carr, who also designed Harewood House.

Since the 1970s, it has been used by engineering firm NG Bailey Group as a company training centre as well as for corporate events and weddings.

But current owner Denton Park Holdings Ltd, which includes members of the Bailey family, warned at a public consultation event in Denton village last year that without the ability to raise more income, the buildings would risk falling into disrepair.

Flats and a care home were considered before the owner decided to move forward with plans for the hotel, which were approved by council officers last week.

It means the main Denton Hall building will be converted into 28 bedrooms, a restaurant and bar, a games room and gym.

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A former stables and coach house will be converted into four suites.

Planning documents attached to the application said a key part of the new owner’s intention for Denton Hall is to open it up to the public for the first time.

It said:

“Also of particular public benefit is that changing the use to a hotel will allow the public access into Denton Hall for the first time so that everyone has the opportunity to appreciate the significance of the heritage assets.”

The buildings are part of a vast 2,500 acre estate that includes working farms, mature woodlands, lakes, moorlands, a deer park and grouse enclosures.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate housing developer appoints new operations director

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-based housing developer has appointed a new operations director.

Casa by Moda, which is based at Beckwith Knowle, has hired Sarah Nelson to the position at the company.

Ms Nelson will be tasked with overseeing the strategic direction and management of the operations teams, as well as agreeing and implementing the firm’s vision to achieve long-term growth.

On her appointment, she said: 

“This felt like a very natural move for me. The Casa brand, mission, and values of putting the customer at the heart of everything are aligned to my own personal values, so I feel a very close affinity with Moda Living’s proposition. 

Straight away I knew I could both passionately commit and add a huge amount of value to the business.”

Stephen Rogers, Associate Director at Casa by Moda, added: 

“Sarah is a fantastic addition to the growing Casa team at this crucial, exciting moment for the business.

“With her wealth of experience in the living sector, we’re confident that she will play a pivotal role in the growth of Casa as we look to open our first neighbourhood this year and work towards our goal of securing 5,000 new family homes by 2025.”

 

Harrogate Town announce new Kop stand sponsor

Harrogate Town has announced a new sponsor for the Kop stand at the EnviroVent Stadium.

The club has agreed a sponsorship deal with builders’ merchants GH Brooks, which is based on Claro Road, for the forthcoming season.

GH Brooks, which has been unveiled as new sponsors of the Kop stand at Harrogate Town.

GH Brooks, which has been unveiled as new sponsors of the Kop stand at Harrogate Town.

Jo Towler, commercial director of Harrogate Town, said:

”We are delighted to welcome GH Brooks as the official sponsor of the Kop. The Kop is the heartbeat of our stadium, and the passionate support from our fans creates an incredible atmosphere on matchdays. 

“We deeply appreciate GH Brooks’ commitment to our club.”

Andy Broadwith, director of GH Brooks, said:

“Having been involved with HTAFC for many years, we are proud to become the official sponsor of the Kop.

“As a local builders merchants, we are dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance our community and are excited to contribute to Harrogate Town’s journey and be a part of their continued success.”