The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.
In this final week before entries close, we are revealing the last of what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.
Next up is the Best Employee Development Award, which is sponsored by Jones Myers, Family Law Solicitors.
This award is designed to highlight businesses that develop their employees, giving them the best start for a new career.
Those looking to enter this award need to give details of the business values and culture that lead to the creation of the training programme and highlight employee successes that came as a result.
Do you know a person that deserves to win the Best Employee Development Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close on January 16. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!
Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.
Now is your time to shine with the Stray Ferret Business Awards. We are encouraging businesses of all sizes from right across the Harrogate district to enter for our awards and get recognition from our top panel of judges. Entries close on January 16.
There are only a few days left to send in entries for the Stray Ferret Business Awards as the closing date approaches.
The Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis, is on March 9 at the Pavilions of Harrogate and will celebrate success and excellence in the business community across the district.
The closing date for entries for the 10 categories is on Monday 16th.
The judging panel will meet a week today so submissions cannot be accepted after the closing date.
The event promises to be a celebration of local business – the key note speaker is the Chief Executive of the new North Yorkshire Council, Richard Flinton.
New forager to be showcases at Ripon Farm Services show
Ripon Farm Services is set to showcase its new forager at its new year show next week.
The John Deare 9700 will be unveiled at the event at the Great Yorkshire Showground on Wednesday, January 18.
The show will be held over two-days and showcases leading agricultural machinery.
Geoff Brown, managing director of Ripon Farm Services, said:
“We can’t wait to welcome our customers and guests for what promises to be a very busy event, for the first time since the global pandemic hit three years ago, our show is back to normal, without any covid-related restrictions.
“We are absolutely delighted to be showcasing John Deere’s pioneering self-propelled 9700 forager harvester model. We are confident this new machine, following on from the success of John Deere’s 8000 Series, will prove a very popular attraction.
“In addition, we are featuring the latest innovations from our Technology Team to help our customers reduce input costs and improve profitability through more efficient production.”
For more information on the Ripon Farm Services new year show, visit the company website here.
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Business Breakfast: Harrogate solicitors renews Salon North sponsorship
Now is your time to shine with the Stray Ferret Business Awards. We are encouraging businesses of all sizes from right across the Harrogate district to enter for our awards and get recognition from our top panel of judges. Entries close on January 16.
Harrogate-based Berwins Solicitors has announced it has renewed its sponsorship of Harrogate International Festivals’ Salon North series.
The series of speaker-events will return in February with six TED-style talks.
Martin Whincup, associate director of Berwins, said:
“We are delighted to be having our name associated with Salon North for another season.
“Each year, the Harrogate International Festivals team has conjured up a wonderful selection of first-class speakers, and I can’t wait to see who they will be bringing to Harrogate in 2023.
“Berwins Salon North, which has been a permanent fixture on Harrogate’s cultural calendar for many years now, promotes reflection and deep thinking, habits we consider vital for self-improvement, and we are proud to play our part in the staging of these events.”
Sharon Canavar, Harrogate Festivals chief executive, said:
“Thanks to the announcement from Berwins, it is full steam ahead planning this year’s programme of events, which will be hugely appreciated by the loyal and growing Berwins Salon North fan base.
“Without the financial backing of Berwins Solicitors, we simply wouldn’t be able to stage these wonderfully challenging and fun talks, which have been listed in ‘The Top 100 Things to do in the World’ by GQ magazine.
“Producing these evenings featuring such incredible speakers helps us reinforce the cultural prestige of Harrogate, and without Berwins Salon North the town would be the poorer.”
The three confirmed for the first Berwins Salon North of 2023, taking place on Thursday, February 9 at the Crown Hotel, Harrogate,, are professor of circadian neuroscience Russell Foster, fashion psychology expert Dion Terrelonge, and geneticist and science populariser Adam Rutherford.
For more information on the series, visit the Harrogate International Festivals website.
Harrogate charity appoints experienced CEO as chair
Sir Alan Langlands, new chair of trustees at Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Harrogate’s Yorkshire Cancer Research has appointed an experienced chief executive as its new chair of trustees.
Sir Alan Langlands, whose career in the NHS, universities and health charities spans 50 years, will take up the post.
His career includes significant periods as the chief executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England, chief executive of the NHS in England, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Dundee, and vice-chancellor of the University of Leeds.
Sir Alan, who lives in Harrogate, said:
“I am looking forward to working with the researchers and clinicians who undertake vital research and provide pioneering services for the people of Yorkshire, and to supporting the tremendous work of Yorkshire Cancer Research’s selfless community of volunteers and donors who make this possible.”
Sir Alan replaces Graham Berville who served as a Trustee for 10 years, chairing the Board over the last five years and playing a central role in developing a new strategy for the charity.
Graham said:
“I am delighted that Alan is taking over as Chair and I am sure that he will bring new experience, insight and ideas to Yorkshire Cancer Research.
“The charity is in a strong position, and I am confident that people in Yorkshire will continue to see real and meaningful benefits from the work it funds.”
Read more:
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate law firm partner finalist at Northern Powerhouse awards
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Sawley Arms submits cafe and shop extension plan
A pub near Ripon has submitted plans to extend in order to create a cafe and village shop.
The Sawley Arms, which has eight bedrooms and is popular with diners, has applied to Harrogate Borough Council for the extension.
It would see a ground floor and first floor extension built at the pub on Lowgate Lane.
In documents submitted to the council by Leeds-based NJ-Architects on behalf of the pub, it said the extension would also provide more jobs for the local area.
It said:
“The proposed extensions incorporate our client’s criteria regarding the provision of additional local employment, providing a village shop, a café to serve the many visitors and locals, and environmental awareness whilst re-evaluating the local vernacular.
“We believe the design results in a extension that respects the character of the site, the village, the AONB and also achieves a contemporary, comfortable and understated destination.”
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The authority will make a decision on the extension plans at a later date.
The move comes as the pub was recently granted an extension to its licensing hours.
In October, Steve Manton, owner of the Sawley Arms, applied for an extension until 1am, seven days a week.
But Harrogate Borough Council’s licensing committee decided on Friday that alcohol could only be served until midnight.
Stray Ferret Business Awards: Does your business have an Unsung Hero?The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.
In this final week before entries close, we are revealing the last of what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.
Next up is the Unsung Hero Award, which is sponsored by Big Bamboo.
This award is designed to shine a light on those people who are truly the glue of the team.
These people are not only integral to the day to day, but they also bring a personal touch that makes the business that bit brighter.
Those looking to nominate for the Unsung Hero Award need to provide details of the contribution and the impact this person has made as well as details of the person’s background and current position.
Do you know a person that deserves to win the Unsung Hero Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close on January 16. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!
Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.
Now is your time to shine with the Stray Ferret Business Awards. We are encouraging businesses of all sizes from right across the Harrogate district to enter for our awards and get recognition from our top panel of judges. Entries close on January 16.
A Harrogate law firm partner has reached the final of the Northern Powerhouse awards.
Kate Banerjee, who heads the children’s department at Jones Myers solicitors, has been shortlisted in the private client category.
Organised by the Legal 500 guide, the prestigious accolades recognise outstanding firms, lawyers, rising stars and in-house teams across 23 categories and celebrates their achievements over the last 18 months.
Ms Banerjee said:
“This recognition is a true team effort and attributable to the relentless dedication of our specialists who consistently provide the best solutions for our clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. Well done to every team member and we wish all the finalists the best of luck.”
Richard Peaker, managing partner at Jones Myers, said:
“Kate’s shortlisting among the best lawyers in their field is well deserved and reflects the esteem in which Kate and the Children’s Department are held.
“The recognition also reinforces Jones Myers standing as a leading family law practice which has maintained its number 1 position in the legal guides for over two decades.”
The awards will take place on March 23, 2023, at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester.
New manager hired at property firm to oversee Harrogate portfolio
Darran Ezard, new property manager at Scanlans.
A property management firm has appointed a new manager to oversee its portfolio in Harrogate, Ripon and Boroughbridge.
Scanlans, which is based in Leeds, has hired Darran Ezard to oversee its properties in the district.
Recent additions to Scanlans’ Harrogate management portfolio include Queens Close, Grayson House, Oak Lodge, Cavendish Place, Beech Grove, Trafalgar Court and Byron Court.
Michael Willans, the head of property management for Scanlans in Yorkshire, said:
“Darran is an excellent addition to our growing team and we are really pleased to welcome him to the firm.
“He has a track record of successfully managing a wide variety of large and small developments in the Yorkshire area, and is adept at working with contractors, tenants and owners as well as management bodies and their directors.
“Having him on board extends our capabilities at a time when we are seeing good growth in contracts as we continue to strengthen our presence in the Yorkshire regional market.
“Harrogate in particular is proving to be an area of rapid expansion for us, with around a dozen new, sought-after sites coming under our management in the first quarter of this year alone.”
Mr Ezard added:
Top 5 reasons to enter the Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023“It’s an exciting time to join Scanlans as we build our presence in the North Yorkshire market and across the region.
“I look forward to utilising my property management and accounting experience to help us further develop our market share, working with a strong team of colleagues and with tenants, leaseholders, freeholders and management companies to look after their interests.”
The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023 sponsored by Prosperis is set to celebrate the best of businesses from across the Harrogate district.
With the deadline for entries fast approaching on Monday, January 16 we are revealing the top reasons why businesses simply cannot miss the opportunity to get involved.
The entry process is simple, fast and free, so what are you waiting for? Enter or nominate today!
Shout about your achievements
We know the Harrogate district is home to thousands of incredible small, medium and large businesses.
In the face of the coronavirus pandemic and now a cost of living crisis, local businesses are doing amazing things for their staff and customers.
So why not get recognition for those achievements? Whether your business has seen significant growth, made positive changes for sustainability or inclusivity, we can help you celebrate.
Attract top talent and keep employees motivated
Now more than ever we know just how important it is to attract new employees and keep your existing employees motivated.
Winning or being shortlisted for an award is a great way to set your business apart from the rest. Who doesn’t want to make for an award-winning business?
Not only do we have awards celebrating overall business achievements, we also have awards geared specifically towards celebrating the work of your best staff.
So if you have a Rising Star Under 30 or an Unsung Hero at your business then show them your appreciation and nominate them today.
Exposure with the Stray Ferret’s audience
The Stray Ferret has a huge, local audience. We get more than 200,000 readers every month from across the Harrogate district and beyond.
With ten categories come ten winners and we will profile the great work of all of our winners. So this is a great chance to get your business in front of our readers.
Incredible judging panel
When you are looking to get recognition for your business, it is key that those on the judging panel are the best of the best.
That is why we have handpicked the leaders of top businesses from across the Harrogate district with expertise and experience in a wider variety of sectors.
We have Charlene Lyons, CEO of Black Sheep Brewery in Masham, Marcus Boardall, CEO of Reed Boardall in Boroughbridge, Martin Rae, CEO of Cloud Nine in Harrogate and James Farrar, COO of the York and North Yorkshire LEP in Northallerton.
Network with the best local businesses
The Stray Ferret Business Awards will be a great way to network with the event culminating in a glittering awards dinner on March 9.
With our stellar judging panel, sponsors and shortlisted businesses for each of our ten categories, this is not an event to be missed.
You can see a full list of award categories on the Stray Ferret Business Awards page. Entries close on Monday, January 16.
Business Breakfast: Harrogate IT company posts improved revenue in interim results
Now is your time to shine with the Stray Ferret Business Awards. We are encouraging businesses of all sizes from right across the Harrogate district to enter for our awards and get recognition from our top panel of judges. Entries close on January 16.
Harrogate IT service provider Redcentric has posted improved revenues in its interim results.
In the six months to September 2022, the company’s total revenue grew by 38.8% to £61.5 million.
The figure is up from £44.3 million in the same period in 2021.
The results come as the company, which is based on Otley Road, acquired both Sungard Availability Services Ltd the entire issued share capital of 4D Data Centres for £10 million last year.
Peter Brotherton, chief executive officer at the company, said:
“The last six months have been a transformational period for the business, with three acquisitions completed. These acquisitions, together with the two acquisitions completed in the previous financial year, have significantly enhanced our product offerings, and substantially increased run rate revenues from c.£90m to c.£150m.
“The integration of the businesses acquired in the last six months is progressing well, with annualised savings of c.£10m already realised and initiatives underway to deliver a further c.£7m of annualised savings.
“The outlook for organic growth is also favourable, with positive net new business achieved in each of the last six months to 30 November 2022.
“We look forward to building on the success of the last six months and to fully capitalise on the very significant opportunities resulting from the enlarged customer base and increased breadth of products and services.”
Businesses invited to bid for £7m net zero grant schemes
Businesses are being invited to apply for new grants aimed at net zero projects in North Yorkshire.
The move comes as the county is set to be awarded £7 million worth of funding as part of a devolution deal from government.
York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership is running two grant schemes.
One is a £1m project development support scheme, which is aimed at supporting net zero ideas so they are ready to take to investors.
The second grant stream has £6 million of funding and is aimed at delivering net zero projects.
Applications and expressions of interest are open until midday at February 6.
For more information, visit the York and North Yorkshire LEP website here.
Read more:
Business Breakfast: Company acquires stake in Harrogate-based wealth management company
Now is your time to shine with the Stray Ferret Business Awards. We are encouraging businesses of all sizes from right across the Harrogate district to enter for our awards and get recognition from our top panel of judges. Entries close on January 16.
Benchmark Capital has acquired a majority stake in a Harrogate-based financial and wealth management company.
The Horsham firm has confirmed an agreement is in place for a 51% shareholding in Oculus Wealth Management, subject to approval from the Financial Conduct Authority.
Oculus, which is based on Grove Park Court, offers financial planning and wealth management advice to business owners, professionals and the retired.
The acquisition of the company, an existing Benchmark partner which looks after £2 billion of client assets, will provide Benchmark with a broader range of services.
Ed Dymott, managing director at Benchmark, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Oculus to Benchmark and provide the support to allow further growth and progression for an already highly successful business. Oculus have been incredibly successful in helping advisers who have previously worked at larger wealth managers and private banks set up their own practices, and we see this as a key growth area in the market.
“Their business-in-a-box model, bringing together Benchmark’s and Oculus services, is a compelling proposition, and we have seen great demand for this offering.
“We have known the team for several years and are excited by the potential for the future with our new partnership.”
Harrogate company customers win awards
A Harrogate-based website company is celebrating after 11 of its customers picked up awards.
Garages Services Online, which is based on Hornbeam Park, builds sites for independent garages as part of a subscription service.
This past year, the company has seen its customers win at the national Top Garage and Top Technician Awards.
Across all seven categories, the company celebrated four of its independent garage customers being category winners, one being a runner-up and one being a finalist.
Meanwhile, five other customers won their respective categories in the Motor Ombudsman Star Awards, Servicesure Awards and GroupAuto Awards.
Among the winners include Shaikly Motor Company in Colchester and Hunters of Linlithgow.
Jim Lang, managing director of Garages Services Online, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to be the company behind the online presence of these 11 award-winning garages.
“They’re all thoroughly deserving of their accolades and have worked incredibly hard to get to this level. A common factor is they all have one of our websites; I’d like to think it’s not just a coincidence.”
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Stray Ferret Business Awards: North Yorkshire Council chief executive to be keynote speaker
The Stray Ferret is delighted to announce that the chief executive of North Yorkshire Council will be the keynote speaker at the inaugural Stray Ferret Business Awards.
Richard Flinton’s speech at the awards in March 2023 will be timely because the new council will come into existence the following month.
Mr Flinton, who is currently chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council, is at the forefront of the creation of the new unitary authority so he is well-placed to give our audience an insight into the changes to come.
Since joining North Yorkshire County Council as a trainee trading standards officer 30 years ago, Mr Flinton has held many roles including assistant head of trading standards, lead of the council’s economic development team, assistant chief executive and director of business and environmental services before becoming chief executive.
As chief executive he has covered statutory roles as director of children and young people’s services and director of health and adult services. He now chairs the chief executives group and the local resilience forum.
From April 2023, he will oversee the merging of the existing seven district and borough councils with North Yorkshire County Council to form North Yorkshire Council.
Once complete, he will be responsible for around 10,500 staff and a budget of £1.4 billion.
Many challenges ahead for North Yorkshire Council
There are significant challenges ahead for North Yorkshire Council, with inflation at its highest level for 40 years, a growing elderly population which is already at one-in-four of the county’s population and a recruitment crisis.
With so many changes and challenges for North Yorkshire Council, this is a keynote speaker that can’t be missed.
Get your early access tickets for the Stray Ferret Business Awards now and make sure to enter your business for one or more of our ten award categories by clicking or tapping here.
