Figures reveal exactly how much money council has received from Harrogate Spring Water

Harrogate Borough Council has received almost £500,000 from Harrogate Spring Water since 2017 as a share of the company’s annual turnover, new figures reveal.

The council owns the land where the company is based on Harlow Moor Road and receives £13,000 a year in ground rent.

Harrogate Spring Water also has to pay a percentage of annual turnover to the council. This is known as turnover rent.

The turnover rent agreement was drawn up in the early 2000s when the council granted planning permission to build a bottling plant on land leased to the company.

However, the figure has never been made public.

Two-year battle

For almost two years, the Stray Ferret has tried to find out exactly how much the council benefits from the success of the Danone-owned company.

We first asked the question to HBC in a freedom of information request in January 2021, almost two years ago.

But the council refused to tell us. It said:

“This information is deemed to be of commercial value and, if disclosed, may impact on the council’s ability to negotiate and harm its legitimate interests, putting it in a commercially disadvantageous situation.”

We then requested that HBC undertake an internal review of this decision.

However, Joanne Barclay, acting chief solicitor at HBC, came to the same conclusion, adding “confidence may be eroded if commercial rents were to be disclosed”.

In summer 2021, we submitted a complaint about the council’s decision not to disclose the sum to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

ICO is an independent government body that promotes openness within public bodies.

After a long delay due to a backlog, it investigated HBC’s refusal and asked the council to look again at the Stray Ferret’s question. It has now decided to publish the figures for the last five years.

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Finally publishing the figures

Earlier this year, the BBC’s Local Democracy Service revealed that HBC receives 0.5% of the company’s annual turnover.

It estimated the council received £853,033 over an 18-year period, however, new information suggests that is likely to be a higher figure.

Since 2017, HBC has received £495,000.

Company accounts published on Friday revealed turnover has returned to pre-covid levels after dipping significantly due to the pandemic.

Each year, the council has received the following sum from Harrogate Spring Water in turnover rent:

2017  – £92,811.87

2018  – £138,026.18

2019  – £91,153.15

2020  – £152,332.02

2021  – £21,995.79

Global brand

Harrogate Borough Council and Harrogate Spring Water’s histories are intertwined.

Water has been bottled in Harrogate for centuries but in the early 1990s Harrogate Spa Water, as the company was previously known, was selling just 1,000 bottles of water a year.

The company’s fortunes changed in the late 1990s when HBC, run then by the Liberal Democrats, identified an opportunity to explore water resources at the current site on Harlow Moor Road.

Harrogate Spring Water has since gone from strength to strength to become a global brand.

The relationship between the two organisations has come into focus due to Harrogate Spring Water’s attempts to expand its bottling plant into Rotary Wood.

The council has always maintained that its status as planning authority and Harrogate Spring Water’s landlord are separate.

A Harrogate Borough Council spokesperson said:

“We have had a base rent and turnover rent agreement in place with Harrogate Spring Water Ltd since 2002.

“As with all of our rental agreements, the money generated is used to help deliver valuable front-line services across the Harrogate district.”

Harrogate Spring Water reports £23m turnover but still makes a loss

Harrogate Spring Water saw sales return to almost pre-pandemic levels last year but still made a loss.

The company, which is owned by French multinational Danone, last week published its latest annual financial report covering the period from December 2020 to December 2021.

During this period, the company reported a turnover of £23m and a gross profit of £6.9m.

However, despite the improved sales figures for 2021, the company still made a loss of £1.3m after costs, expenses and tax.

Bouncing back

The healthy sales figures reflect how the bottled drinking water firm bounced back after its previous report, which covered March 2020 until December 2020, and saw revenue fall sharply.

The decline in 2020 was mainly due to hotels and restaurants that serve its water being closed due to covid.

Turnover in 2021 returned close to its pre-covid figures for 2019/20, when it recorded a turnover of £26.2m in the 12-month period ending March 31 2020.

Harrogate Spring Water declined to make a comment on the accounts.

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The Pinewoods expansion

Meanwhile, Harrogate Spring Water is preparing to submit a new planning application to expand its bottling plant in the Pinewoods.

The company was granted outline planning permission to expand to the west of its existing site in 2016, which meant the principle of development had been established but the details had not been agreed.

The reserved matters application provoked a major backlash due to the loss of trees at Rotary Wood. In January 2021, councillors on the planning committee voted overwhelmingly to reject it— against the wishes of council officers who had recommended approval.

The firm held a consultation on plans for its Rotary Wood site this summer and said it would now provide a further update “in the coming weeks”.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate estate agents pledges to cut carbon emissions

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

A Harrogate district estate agents is to plant trees in Nidderdale to offset its carbon footprint.

Dacre Son & Hartley commissioned Mark Shayler, from consultants APE, to carry out an assessment of its carbon dioxide emissions.

The report covered the estate agency’s direct and indirect activities, right down to the impact of employee travel, purchased goods and services, before making recommendations to offset existing levels and setting reduction targets.

As a result, the estate agency has partnered with Make it Wild, a woodland management group, and pledged to plant native trees to offset the 111 tons of CO2 that the independent audit found the company produced each year across its 21 Yorkshire offices.

Head of residential at Dacre Son & Hartley, Patrick McCutcheon, said: 

“At Dacres we wish to play our part in helping to protect both the planet and our environment for future generations and recognise that the current initiative is just a small step on our sustainability path.”

Zoe Metcalfe, North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

Crime commissioner to address Harrogate business meeting

North Yorkshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner is set to face Harrogate district business leaders at a meeting next week.

Zoe Metcalfe will address a meeting of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce on October 10 where she will outline her priorities for the county’s fire and police services.

The meeting, which will also be open to first-time visitors, will also hear from former MI5 ‘spook’ Martin Smith MBE, who will focus on the implications of cyber security and hybrid working.

David Simister, chief executive of the chamber, said: 

“We are looking forward to welcoming both Zoë and Martin to our October meeting, when the focus will be law, order and cyber security.

“Policing is always a contentious issue, and whilst Harrogate has a relatively low crime rate compared to other towns in the country only this week did I read that seven bikes had been stolen from a Ripon cycle shop. Businesses are concerned by anti-social activity, theft and a lack of officers on the streets.

“Cybercrime is also a big fear for business, and with the post-covid rise in hybrid working, this is a major priority for businesses, particularly as the criminals get ever more sophisticated.”

The meeting will begin at 6.15pm. Those wishing to attend should register at the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce website here.

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Business is booming in Knaresborough as empty shop units continue to fill

Knaresborough has seen a stream of new businesses opening in the past year despite the challenges posed by the cost of living crisis.

Recent additions include The Secret Bakery and River and Rose and last week high street bakery Greggs confirmed it was opening a branch in the town.

There are currently only six empty units available compared a peak of more than 40, according to the two women behind the Knaresborough Business Collective.

Annie Wilkinson-Gill, from The Crystal Buddha, and Natalie Horner, from Sid Horner and Son, who launched the not-for-profit venture in January, said there were a number of reasons why Knaresborough was so attractive to businesses.

Ms Wilkinson-Gill said:

“There is a lot of new energy coming into the town. More than 12 business have opened here this year.

“I think we have a lot to offer, because we are a tourist destination as well. We bring a lot of tourists in for a good half of the year and the other half sees locals use a lot of the businesses.”

Annie Wilkinson-Gill (left) and Natalie Horner.

Ms Horner added:

“Most of the businesses are quite unique. We offer a lot as a town. You can get everything here. I also think after covid a lot of people wanted to support local.

“You get amazing customer service in Knaresborough. When customers walk in, staff know them by name. All that helps to make it a community. We also have the market on a Wednesday.”

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The women, who set up the collective to stage events and be a voice for businesses, have both had a presence in the town for more than a decade.

During this time they have seen the town experience struggles with shop closures and empty units.

However, in a post-covid world, they believe there is now more support than ever for local businesses, including amongst the business community itself.

Ms Wilkinson-Gill said:

“As well as the people who live here, the shops all support each other. We all know the importance of keeping each other going. We have all got the same goal.

“I have got the most amazing group of friends in different businesses. It’s a really lovely town full of lovely people.”

Harrogate’s Nelson Inn on the lookout for recruits ahead of grand reopening

This article is sponsored by Brunning & Price.

When the opportunity to inject a new lease of life into an historic Harrogate pub arose, Sam Aston jumped at the chance.

The new manager has moved to the town from the Isle of Wight with her six-year-old Bouvier des Flanders dog, Bear.

She will be leading a new team at the 18th century Nelson Inn pub, near Hampsthwaite, which is set to reopen in November.

Sam brings with her a wealth of experience, having been in hospitality her whole life, and she is “chomping at the bit” to get open.

She said:

“I am so excited to take up my new role in this beautiful, historic inn, which dates back to 1776.

“Customers can expect a warm welcome, good cask beers, freshly cooked food, delicious and affordable wine and a good shelf of malt whiskies and gins. A gluten-free menu will also be available.

“I love to try to new food and local beers and gins and I can’t wait until we launch our fantastic new menu.

“I also really enjoy walking with Bear in the countryside, so the location of the inn is perfect as there are so many lovely walks to explore in the area.

“I’m really looking forward to opening in November.”

New pub manager at the Nelson Inn, Sam, with her dog Bear.

New pub manager at the Nelson Inn, Sam, with her dog Bear.

The Nelson Inn, just off Skipton Road, was first built in 1776 and was a private house until the early 19th century.

It was given its name following Nelson’s victory during the Battle of Trafalgar.

It has been taken over by Brunning and Price, which has a portfolio of 80 pub restaurants, including the Highwayman in Kirkby Lonsdale and the Bull at Broughton.

A major restoration and refurbishment of the inn is currently underway.

Join the team 

The Nelson is now looking for staff to join Sam and the team, with a range of exciting opportunities available.

They include roles in management, as well as chefs, front of house, cleaners and gardeners.

Part time and flexible hours are available and full training will be offered.

Brunning and Price will be hosting recruitment days at Killinghall Village Hall on Thursday, October 13 and Friday, October 14.

A further open day will be held on October 20.

For more information on the recruitment day and jobs available, email recruitment@brunningandprice.co.uk.

Harrogate coffee shop launches ‘community table’

A Harrogate coffee shop has launched a ‘community table’ to allow people to chat to others as fears over the cost of living crisis grow.

Brew Bar, on St Winifred’s Avenue, is also inviting customers to gift a coffee in advance for those who are not in a position to buy a drink.

It comes after what business owner Simon Somerville-Frost described as “a tough few years”.

He said:

“I’m feeling it, like most other people in this world, the daily pressures are visible.

“What a tough few years we’ve all had, and many are feeling nervous about the imminent future, myself included.

“However, it’s normal to feel like this and it is now we rely on those around us.”

To help those  struggling, Mr Somerville-Frost has introduced the community table to Brew Bar.

He explained:

“If you’re feeling low and want to chat to someone, or just want to leave the house to gain some headspace, we invite you to sit at our community table to chat to others in similar positions, make friends and see that things will be ok.

“For those who are in a position who unfortunately are unable to purchase a drink, don’t worry, we want you to be apart of our family and we invite customers to gift a coffee in advance for those who would appreciate receiving it.”

Simon Somerville-Frost

Tucked away on a residential street just off the Stray, the Harrogate cafe became a lifeline for the local community and nearby hospital staff. during the pandemic.

Brew Bar opened in May 2018 after Mr Somerville Frost realised that, after nearly a decade of living in the Saints area, he didn’t know any of his neighbours and felt the sense of community had been lost.

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In an effort to put that right, he took on a shop unit opposite his home and soon expanded next door.

Some tried to dissuade him from opening a cafe outside the town centre, but he was confident that it could become the heart of the local community.

And this latest initiative forms part of his ongoing mission to continue rebuild the community network by bringing people together.

Mr Somerville-Frost has previously spoken out about his battle with depression and anxiety after lockdown and how his customers helped him get through it.

Speaking to his customers in a social media post, he said:

“Personally once again, you keep me going, you give me the hope that together things will be ok and for this I thank you immensely.

“It’s not about buying something you can’t live without, it’s about supporting a business and people you don’t want to live without.”

Business Breakfast: Harrogate district hotels win national awards

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Two hotels in the Harrogate district have won national awards.

Grantley Hall in Ripon won hotel of the year for 2022/23 at the AA Hotel and Hospitality Awards.

Meanwhile, Swinton Estate near Masham won the sustainable award at the ceremony, which was held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Iain Shelton, chief executive at Swinton, said:

“We are delighted to be recognised for the work we are doing and look forward with working with the AA over the next 12 months in championing sustainability and launching their new initiatives.”

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Harrogate firm awarded £762,522 for heat pump project

A Harrogate company has been awarded £762,522 of government funding to carry out a project to make heat pumps cheaper.

GenGame, which is based at Hornbeam Park, has outlined a scheme to use data from smart meters to help optimise the running of a heat pump in a household energy system.

The project comes as part of funding from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

A total of 24 projects in England and Scotland have won funding in the second round of the Heat Pump Ready programme.

Lord Callanan, business and energy minister, said:

“In light of rising global gas and oil prices, getting low-carbon heating technology into homes is a priority for this government as it will help households ditch the costly fossil fuels that are driving up bills.

“Heat pumps are a proven, reliable technology that uses cheaper renewable energy produced in the UK.”

Harrogate BID manager to leave role

Harrogate Business Improvement District manager Matthew Chapman will leave the organisation in November to take up a new position at North Yorkshire Council.

Mr Chapman, who took up the role in May last year, was previously Leeds BID operations manager in 2016 before becoming Huddersfield’s BID manager in November 2019.

Businesses within Harrogate’s town centre pay the BID 1.5% of their rateable value a year on top of their usual business rates.

Harrogate BID brings in around £500,000 from local firms, which it spends on projects to improve the town and increase the number of visitors.

During Mr Chapman’s 18 months in Harrogate, BID campaigns include power washing 80,000 square metres of the town centre, painting drab walls with colourful murals and buying over 500 pieces of outdoor furniture for businesses to use.

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He is set to take up a managerial role within North Yorkshire Council, which is the new council that will replace Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council from April.

Harrogate BID chair Sara Ferguson paid tribute to Mr Chapman in a statement and said the search for his replacement had begun.

“Since joining us in May 2021, Matt has been a highly effective, dedicated and extremely popular BID manager. I have certainly enjoyed our working relationship, and that is echoed by all my fellow directors.

“During his time with us, he has become one of the most recognised faces in the town centre. He’s built terrific relationships with the district and county councils, business organisations and business owners and their employees.

“We will be extremely sorry to see Matt go, but the good news for us, and the town centre, is that he will continue to play a role within the organisation, offering guidance and support to the board and BID team, within a part-time role to aid the recruitment process and ensure a smooth transition and handover.

“The BID team is now primed to continue delivering the high impact projects which benefit the town as a whole, and the job of finding Matt’s replacement has now begun.”

Harrogate estate agents sees renewed interest in self-build homes

This story is sponsored by Linley & Simpson.

A Harrogate estate agency has seen renewed interest in the number of people looking to follow the European trend and build their own home.

The new homes department at Linley & Simpson believes there is a growing appetite in the community to take advantage of this approach amid the cost of living crisis.

As a result, it has launched a new research project to pinpoint how big the interest is.

On the continent, around one-in-three homes are self or custom build – yet in England, the figure is less than 10%.

In Harrogate district, even fewer are following this trend with government statistics showing that just 95 planning permissions for serviced plots have been granted since ministers launched the Right to Build initiative in 2016.

The legislation was designed to address concerns about affordability, and make it easier for people who wanted to build or commission their own home.

David Waddington, director of new homes at Linley & Simpson, said the cost benefits of self-build, coupled with a greater choice of prime plots coming to the market across Harrogate district, has recently increased the appeal of buying and building a personalised home in this way.

He said:

“According to the National Custom and Self Build Association, England has the lowest proportion of self-build homes in the developed world.

“There are big differences in the popularity of self-build across the UK but we believe there is a growing appetite for the concept across the Harrogate district.

“Our aim is to try to identify the size of this hidden demand.

“Much of the interest is location driven – demand for property in Harrogate is high enough for people to choose this route in order to get their dream home in the right place.

“It’s also being spurred on by cost of living pressures and rising inflation as there are significant stamp duty savings with self-build, as you are only buying the value of the land and not a complete house.

“Plots are usually available in rural, semi-rural and suburban areas so there’s no shortage of choice. And roads, sewers and services will already be connected so it’s a real turnkey solution, ready for immediate use.”

Many neighbouring areas have seen far greater numbers of self-build projects – Hambleton, for example, has had 124 in the same timescale while further afield, Cherwell in Oxfordshire reports almost 6,000.

In 2021, more than 12,000 people joined the Right to Build registers, which helps aspiring custom and self-builders find plots – a year-on-year increase of 31%.

If you’re interested in self-build homes and want to find out more, contact Lucy Collinge at Linley and Simpson on lucy.collinge@linleyandsimpson.co.uk or call 01423 540054. 

Business breakfast: Ripon firm invests £250,000 in robot laser welder

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Econ Engineering has invested £250,000 in a new robot laser MIG welder for its Ripon manufacturing base.

The company, which makes more than eight out of 10 winter maintenance vehicles on UK roads, is using the innovative machine to turn out cut and welded ‘din plates’ — the mounting used to attach plough blades to the front of gritters.

Creating din plates is a labour-intensive process and by automating this method, Econ says its team of welders can now concentrate on more intricate but less time-consuming jobs.

Econ Engineering managing director Jonathan Lupton said:

“Our new robot, which has already become a valued addition to the welding section, is now undertaking the more mundane but time-consuming jobs, which is allowing the welders to perform more interesting tasks.

“It is a superb piece of kit, and watching it work is just incredible. Several of our staff are currently being trained in how to programme and operate it, and in time it will be able to perform different welding tasks.”

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Estate agent Tim Waring joins GSC Grays

GSC Grays in Boroughbridge has welcomed housing expert Tim Waring to its team.

Mr Waring is a chartered surveyor and RICS registered valuer who has 30 years of experience working in the Yorkshire property market.

He will be based at the recently opened GSC Grays office in Boroughbridge and said he is relishing the challenge of a new role.

“I am delighted to be joining GSC Grays at an exciting time for the company as they continue to expand and grow and I am looking forward to being part of their journey.

“There is always going be, in a tough economic climate, a flight to quality and the prime residential property market in Yorkshire will continue to thrive. It remains a fact that quality always sells.”

Guy Coggrave, managing director at GSC Grays, added:

“We are thrilled to be adding Tim’s extensive skills and unrivalled experience to our new office at Boroughbridge. At GSC Grays, our mission is to bring extraordinary people together to deliver an outstanding service and the quality of our staff is the key to our success.”