A Knaresborough pest control company has appointed a new chief executive.
Alex Ashmore has joined Pelsis Group, which is based on Grimbald Crag Close.
Mr Ashmore, who previously worked for Delphi Technologies, will be tasked with continuing the group’s development in the pest control industry.
Martin Schwab, managing partner at Pamplona, Pelsis’ parent company, said:
“I am very pleased to welcome Alex to Pelsis.
“His deep, hands-on experience within complex global businesses makes him the ideal choice to accelerate Pelsis’ growth and capture the significant opportunities ahead of us, as well as continue to drive consolidation within the industry following the acquisition of Brandenburg and Sanitrade last year.”
Mr Ashmore said:
“I am delighted to join the Pelsis team at this exciting time for the company.
“Pelsis is known for its leading role in driving quality and innovation in the pest control market, and I look forward to working with our customers, suppliers and colleagues to address the needs of the industry, and continue to drive sustained growth.”
Minister visits Harrogate plant nursery
A government minister has paid a visit to a Harrogate district plant nursery.
Johnsons of Whixley hosted Trudy Harrison MP, parliamentary under secretary of state in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, along with Nigel Adams, the Conservative MP for Selby and Ainsty and Lee Lyons, a Defra civil servant.
(From left) Graham Richardson and Jonathan Whittemore from Johnsons of Whixley with Trudy Harrison MP and Nigel Adams MP.
Ms Harrison and Mr Adams were welcomed by group managing director, Graham Richardson to discuss issues including commercial importing and rising costs due to inflation.
Mr Richardson said:
“It was an honour to host the minister and other key individuals to discuss the key horticultural challenges facing our sector, the importance of our sector was acknowledged, and the challenges that the ‘retreat from peat’ brings in terms of a practical growing media alternative (in sufficient volume) and the associated timings are better understood.”
Read More:
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The Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall retains Michelin star
The Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall restaurant has retained its Michelin star.
The restaurant, based within the 17th century luxury hotel in Ripon, is headed by well-known chef Shaun Rankin.
It was awarded its first Michelin star in January 2021 after being open for just 18 months.
The restaurant is the only one in the district with a star in the latest ratings, which were published on Monday.
Mr Rankin is originally from Yorkshire and bases his menus on locally sourced ingredients. The kitchen uses ingredients found in its own garden or within a 30-mile radius
Following the announcement this week, Mr Rankin said:
“It’s absolutely fantastic to hear that we have retained our Michelin star for a third year running – the team and I could not be more proud. It’s an absolute pleasure to be able to work alongside such incredible local suppliers and I’m honoured to be able to use such a rich variety of their produce on our taste of home menu.
“Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall would not be what it is today without each and every guest that has dined with us over the years, so I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all those who have supported us over the years.”
Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall.
This isn’t the first Michelin star for Shaun Rankin. He opened his first restaurant, Bohemia, in Jersey in 2003 and it gained a Michelin star two years later.
He did it again in 2013 at his second restaurant, Ormer in Jersey which was awarded a Michelin star after only four months.
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Business Breakfast: Knaresborough finance firm makes three new hires
It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The third in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is a lunch event on March 30 from 12.30pm.
Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.
A Knaresborough-based financial advisory firm has hired three new employees as part of growth within its group.
Prosperis Ltd, which is based at St James Business Park, made the hires to meet demand from corporate clients locally and around the UK.
Corporate services associate Ben Morris has joined the firm at its Knaresborough head office, while Dominic Ferneyhough joins as an independent financial adviser at its Skipton office.
Meanwhile, Ryan Green joins as a trainee in Skipton.
Niall Gunn, managing director at Prosperis, said:
“Recruiting new staff is never easy but we are delighted to have secured the services of Dom, Ben and Ryan,
“We will look to add high quality staff to the team as we continue with our expansion plans this year.”
Knaresborough company to sponsor Harrogate 10k
A green energy company based in Knaresborough is to sponsor this year’s Harrogate 10k.
Harmony Energy announced this week it will sponsor the event, which is being held on Sunday, July 2, and organised by Harrogate Harriers.
Peter Kavanagh, Harmony Energy CEO, and Rachel Gregson, Harrogate Harriers’ communications officer
The annual race starts and finishes at Harrogate Sports and Fitness Centre on Hookstone Wood Road.
Peter Kavanagh, Harmony Energy chief executive, who along with five other Harmony employees ran last year’s 10k, said:
“We are delighted to once again be partnering with Harrogate Harriers to sponsor this year’s Harrogate 10k.
“I was approached last year by one of the committee, who lives near me, asking if we would consider sponsoring the Harrogate 10k. I’ve always enjoyed running and the health benefits it brings so I welcomed the opportunity to support the event.
“Harmony Energy already sponsors the Brownlee Foundation, which sees thousands of children taking part in triathlons, and it is great being able to support another sporting event involving children and adults on our doorstep.”
Rachel Gregson, Harrogate Harriers’ communications officer, said:
“Once again we are indebted to Harmony Energy for sponsoring the Harrogate 10k.
“Their funding allows us to not only stage the event, but to ensure it is properly marshalled, with first aiders and the necessary insurance in place.
“Last year nearly 500 runners took part in the event, and this year with covid fading into the distance we hope it will attract many more. It’s a really good course, takes in some beautiful scenery and is suitable for runners of all ages and abilities.”
Read More:
- Business Breakfast: Ripon engineering firm announces new sales manager
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate hotel owners hire project manager ahead of refurbishment
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate Specsavers director retires after 30 years
Business Breakfast: Harrogate Specsavers director retires after 30 years
It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The third in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is a lunch event on March 30 from 12.30pm.
Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.
A Harrogate opticians director is set to retire after 30 years in business.
Robert May, director of Harrogate Specsavers, has overseen the growth of the opticians on Beulah Street from three test rooms and six staff to 11 testing rooms and a team of 50 people.
Mr May will leave the store to optometrist directors Fraz Khan and Caroline Sullivan, as well as Andrew Bryer, retail director.
On his retirement, Mr May said:
“I often say to people, in what other job do you get the opportunity to make a difference to someone’s life every 20 minutes?
“There’s so much more to it than just getting customers new glasses. I’ve experienced the industry progress from pen and paper to full retinal photos and OCT scans, the level of holistic eye healthcare we can provide is really exciting.”
Mr Khan added:
“Robert has been a pleasure to work with over the last two years and he will be dearly missed by staff and customers alike.
“He’s gone above and beyond during his 30 years as an optometrist director and we hope he enjoys his well-deserved retirement.”
New legal director at Harrogate law firm
Raworths Solicitors in Harrogate has appointed a new legal director.
Heather Roberts has been hired to the company’s growing commercial property team.
Heather Roberts and Matthew Hill. Picture: Rachel Creer.
Ms Roberts joins the firm with 20 years of experience of acting for investors, developers, landlords, tenants and banks.
She said:
“I have been aware of Raworths’ reputation as a legal firm which builds lasting relationships with its clients, and at the heart of that is the unique way the team can draw upon the skills and expertise of their colleagues across disciplines.
“This approach really appeals to me, and I’m excited to add to the incredible pool of talent here to help grow the commercial property business.
“The firm proactively supports and nurtures the ongoing development of its team at all levels, and I also hope to play a key role in cultivating the skills of our expanding team going forwards.”
Matthew Hill, head of commercial client services at Raworths, said:
“We welcome Heather, whose specialist commercial property expertise will be a huge asset to our growing team which has benefitted from a raft of new client wins over the past few months.
“There are major opportunities for us to grow our business in this sector, driven by a stronger than anticipated market post-pandemic and growth more broadly across the region where the demand for space continues to surge.
“Heather’s appointment is part of a strategic recruitment drive for our commercial team as we look to grow our client portfolio across the region and nationwide.”
Read More:
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Business Breakfast: Lawyer retires after 30 years in Harrogate
It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The third in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is a lunch event on March 30 from 12.30pm.
Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.
LCF Law held a party at Piccolino in Harrogate to say farewell to partner Tim Axe, who will retire at Easter after 30 years as a lawyer in Harrogate.
Planning specialist Mr Axe is a partner in the law firm, which has offices in The Exchange building on Station Parade in Harrogate as well as in Leeds, Bradford and Ilkley.
Managing partner Simon Stell paid tribute to Mr Axe, who plans to go travelling with his wife in a camper van.
Harrogate finance firm appoints new commercial officer
A Harrogate financial firm has hired a new chief commercial officer.
Dan Baines has joined Tower Street Finance and has been tasked with spearheading the firm’s growth in the probate lending sector.
Dan Baines, new chief commercial officer at Tower Street Finance.
Mr Baines is widely credited as being a driving force behind Age Partnership’s rise to market leadership in the equity release sector and was also a founding director of award-winning equity release provider, Pure Retirement.
He said:
“I’m delighted to be joining the team at Tower Street and look forward to helping this exciting market to reach its potential.
“As was the case with the equity release sector some 15 years ago, I see in the probate-lending market an innovative product set that can significantly improve the lives of customers.
“Probate lending is already the fastest-growing UK consumer credit market, and this is despite consumer awareness still being low.”
Robert Husband, chief executive officer of Tower Street Finance, added:
“We are thrilled to have Dan come on board at this exciting time in our development.
“We have already experienced significant growth and made good strides towards building this new and innovative sector. Dan brings a wealth of experience which will help us to continue this journey.”
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New office hire hub to open at Harrogate station today
An office for hire will open at Harrogate train station today.
Sheffield-based Workfromhub has designed the facility to create private working space for an “ever growing remote workforce”.
The start-up company has already introduced hubs in Sheffield and Swinton in Rotherham.
The hub will be available for a flat fee of £11.99 per hour.
Neal Byers, founder of Workfromhub, said:
“We are working closely with Northern Rail to help transform underused spaces within stations. We can see the need for people who are on the move to have somewhere private and connected to work from.
“We feel that there are not enough remote working private spaces around to keep up with the demand of a growing remote workforce.”
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People can access the hub by downloading the Workfromhub app and booking a time or filling in a form on the company’s website.
Those who book will receive a code to enter the facility for their allocated time.
The facilities include space for two people along with internet access, a second screen and desk space.
For more information on the hub, visit the Workfromhub website.
Business Breakfast: Harrogate hotel owners hire project manager ahead of refurbishmentIt’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The third in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is a lunch event on March 30 from 12.30pm.
Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.
A project manager has been appointed for the refurbishment of the St George Hotel in Harrogate.
Inn Collection Group, which runs the hotel, has hired Silverstone Building Consultancy to act as project manager and contract administrator for the scheme.
The hotel, which is set to be renamed The Harrogate Inn, will see six new bedrooms added on the ground floor and a “complete transformation of the venue’s hospitality spaces”, according to the owners.
Tom Wright, senior chartered building surveyor, who is based in the Leeds office of Silverstone Building Consultancy, said:
“We are, naturally, very pleased to continue our working relationship with The Inn Collection Group. We have developed a great rapport with the team, which is built on the successful delivery of a diverse and complex range of projects.
“As well as the project management and principal designer role, our remit has progressed to contract administrator. Work on site has started with the appointment of the principal contractor, 7formation.
“The restoration of the hotel will very much be in keeping with the proven style of the Inn Collection Group and is a 16-week construction project that will see extensive internal and external works.
“We are looking forward to working with all parties to deliver a truly high-quality refurbishment which will be a major asset to The Inn Collection Group, to the town of Harrogate and to future guests, who will undoubtedly feel the benefit of the extensive investment made in the hotel.”
Louise Stewart, property director at The Inn Collection Group, said:
“We’re delighted to be working with Silverstone Building Consultancy on Hotel St George and the renovation project and strengthening our excellent relationship with them.
“We are working in partnership with them across several refurbishments at the moment and have already completed some high-quality projects. It’s a measure of the strength of our relationship, that we have made them our contract administrator with this project, as well as project managers and principal designers.
“The works at St George Hotel are going to give the venue an exciting refresh with the creation of new bar spaces, a new main entrance and external patio spaces, as well as undertaking some maintenance to the fabric of the building, including the roof and external elevations.”
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Housing developer donates £25,000 to Henshaws
Henshaws Specialist College based in Starbeck has received a £25,000 donation from local housebuilder, Barratt Developments Yorkshire East.
The money will fund the creation of a new outdoor classroom to support their Forest School.
The college, which provides education, learning and care for young people aged 18 to 25 years with a wide range of disabilities and complex needs, plans to add an outdoor classroom to the school which will enable students to develop skills using the natural environment.
Gemma Young, from Henshaws, said:
“We’re so grateful to Barratt Developments for their generous £25,000 donation in support of our college. The addition of a new outdoor classroom to our forest school will really help our students to develop new learning opportunities in a change in scenery, whilst also broadening their knowledge and understanding of the natural world.
‘We look forward to working with Barratt Developments in bringing this to life!”
Daniel Smith, managing director at Barratt Developments Yorkshire East added:
Business Breakfast: Ripon engineering firm announces new sales manager“We’re extremely passionate about supporting the communities in which we build, and our donation to Henshaws Specialist College is a wonderful way for us to support incredible organisations within the local area…. We hope that our forest school donation makes a positive impact in students’ education and life at Henshaws and we look forward to working closely with them over the coming months.”
It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The third in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is a lunch event on March 30 from 12.30pm.
Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.
Ripon-based Econ Engineering has announced a new sales manager.
Steve Sinnott, who has been at the company for 10 years, has been promoted to the position.
Mr Sinnott will be tasked with overseeing the company’s sales operations and work with regional area managers.
He said:
“I am delighted to accept this position at Econ. Over the years the business has gone from strength to strength and continues to be the number one provider in the market.”
Jonathan Lupton, managing director at Econ Engineering, said:
“Steve has been a valuable member of the team over the last decade. He has played an integral part in the growth of the business and looked after some of our largest accounts.
“We continue to be the market leader in the winter and roads maintenance sector, which is reflected in our current order book, thanks in part to winning several major new contracts.
“We are pleased to offer Steve this new role in recognition of his dedication. Along with other members of the sales team, our newly recruited Driver Trainer and Demonstrator, who is due to start in early March, will report to Steve to ensure that Econ’s current and future product developments are showcased to customers and potential prospects on location across the UK.”
Ripon digital agency launches rebrand
A Ripon digital agency has launched a rebrand for 2023.
Bronco, which is based at the Phoenix Business Centre, launched the brand refresh this past week as part of its 20th birthday.
Becky Naylor, founder of Bronco.
It includes changing the tone of its social media and an image redesign to reflect the firm’s personality.
Becky Naylor, owner of Bronco, said:
“2023 is an exciting year for Bronco. Our team has stuck it out through lockdown, we have veteran members on the team, many of whom have made it well over a decade of service with Bronco.
“Today Bronco offers a full range of services that is always expanding and adapting to the current marketing world.
“Our new identity better reflects our personality as friendly, honest, straight talking and experienced. If you want to look good online, wherever that may be, we’ll have a solution for you and we’ll dig deep to help you find it.”
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New town centre venture for Harrogate coffee shop owner
A Harrogate coffee shop owner is set to open a new business in the centre of town.
Simon Somerville-Frost, who opened Brew Bar on St Winifred’s Avenue in May 2018, has just picked up the keys for 3 Royal Parade.
He plans to turn it into a coffee, brunch and evening venue, under the name &… Harrogate.
Brew Bar has been teasing the new development on its social media accounts over the last week before finally revealing more details last night. In a post on its Instagram account, it said:
“We’ve got keys! Introducing @ampersand_harrogate, our new coffee, brunch and evening venue situated at 3 Royal Parade, Harrogate.
“We’re looking forward to sharing our progress prior to our launch.”
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The business is recruiting kitchen and front-of-house staff, as well as managers and supervisors, ready for the new venue’s launch. The date has yet to be confirmed.
The premises was previously home to Gron, a small chain of Leeds-based cafes serving vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian dishes. It closed its doors in Harrogate late last year, having first arrived in the town in December 2020.
Brew Bar was opened by Simon opposite his own home, when he realised he didn’t know any of his neighbours and wanted to build more of a sense of community.
Last year, it set up a ‘community table’ where people could sit if they wanted someone to chat to. It also enabled customers to gift a coffee to others who couldn’t afford to buy one.
Fully Charged LIVE, making its debut up North at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate
This story is sponsored by Fully Charged Live
The world’s number 1 home energy & electric vehicle show, Fully Charged LIVE, will be making its debut up North at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate over the weekend of the 19th – 21st May 2023 following the success of events around the world in Farnborough, Sydney, Vancouver, San Diego and Netherlands.
Fully Charged LIVE North in Harrogate is expected to bring in 10,000 visitors over the weekend of the 19th – 21st May. After the success we have received at the South event over the past few years, coming to the North was a natural progression.
We want to spread our message: #STOPBURNINGSTUFF and make more people aware of the greener choices that we can all be making and help others gain a better understanding of how they can help to make an impact against climate change and save our planet.
This Festival of Electrification will showcase a host of quality exhibits and attractions including:
- Over 30 speaker sessions held over two theatres, featuring presenters from the Fully Charged Show, expert panellists and special guests. These live sessions will look at topics such as “Are Electric Car Conversions the next big business?”, “Energy & EV mythbusting!”, and the favourite Electric Fireside Chat hosted by Robert Llewellyn, where he has a chat with some big names in the clean energy industry, and a few familiar faces.
- 120+ exhibitors and offering clean energy solutions and electric vehicles of all shapes and sizes
- Test Drives – Companies such as Polestar, Hyundai, BYD, Genesis and others will be providing their top models for you to get behind the wheel of, as well as electric motorcycles supplied by A E Bikes, ABB and Fonz that will be available for you to try too.
- The Electric Launchpad will showcase cars that have yet to be seen in the public, giving you the first look at the future of electric vehicles.
- A M1CRO-MACH1NES area, were visitors will be able to test out the range of electric two-wheelers we have to offer, including e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards. This variety of two-wheelers offer an exciting and innovative form of travel for city living and commuting, or just for your own leisure.
- The Home Energy Advice Team, powered by OVO, will be able to answer your burning questions about the current energy crisis, sustainable ways to provide that energy to your home and ways to save on your energy bills.
- Kids Zone – With free entry for little ones, parents will be able to bring the little ones in the family for a fun packed day of activities for them. From a sustainable lego city to learning circus skills, we think you’ll agree that it will be an educating, entertaining and a great value family day out.