Business Breakfast: Cost-saving expert is on hand to help Ripon businesses

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Ripon Business Improvement District is urging businesses who are looking for help or advice with navigating the ever-changing business cost market to get in touch.

Appointments with the BID’s cost-saving expert, Rishi Sood of Place Support Partnership (PSP) were originally planned for September 19, but have re-scheduled to October 20, following the Queen’s death.

BID manager Lilla Bathurst (pictured) said:

“Our aim is to deliver on issues that are important to our member businesses and cost saving in the current economic climate is considered high priority.

“In response to business needs, PSP were commissioned by Ripon BID to support local businesses through our Place Saving Programme focussing on business critical spend areas including energy, telecoms, merchant services and water.”

Appointments can be made via info@riponbid.co.uk or by calling call 01765 530 910.

The new units on Cambridge Street.

The new units on Cambridge Street.

Project to bring Harrogate retail unit back into use complete

A project to bring a vacant Harrogate retail unit back into use has been completed.

The boarded-up shop on Cambridge Street was purchased by Broadland Properties in 2020 and the 25,000 sq ft former Topshop store has now been reconfigured into a mixed-use retail and leisure development.

It now includes Cosy Club, Sainsbury’s Local and Skipton Building Society.

Matt Harriman, associate direct at GV&Co which project managed the scheme, said:

“It’s great to see this scheme come to such a successful conclusion, with an impressive line-up of new retail and leisure tenants taking their place on this busy Harrogate high street.

“The unit had been vacant since 2017 and we managed the extensive enabling works to divide the property into separate units, with new services and several structural changes to suit the revised layouts, as well as external refurbishments over three phases. These included new windows, stone cleaning, and stonework repairs.

“Now fully let and brought back to life with Sainsbury’s, Cosy Club and Skipton Building Society all in place, we have thoroughly enjoyed working with a big project team that included engineers, GGP, architects, DLA, RGP building control specialists, Ball and Berry letting agent, Robinson Webster managing agent, Ryden, Brentwood Consulting Engineers, and contractor JP Wild for Broadland Properties.”

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Harrogate Spring Water ‘finalising’ latest expansion plans

Harrogate Spring Water has said it is finalising the latest expansion plans for its bottled water plant – more than a year and half after previous proposals were rejected following widespread opposition in the town.

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”.

That same phrase was used by the Danone-owned company in January 2021 when it said new designs would be revealed “in the coming weeks” after its larger expansion plans were refused by Harrogate Borough Council.

Twenty months on, there is no new application from the firm.

Harrogate Spring Water was first granted outline permission to expand in 2017, however it failed to get approval for final designs which were 40% larger than original plans and would have seen more trees chopped down at Rotary Wood which was planted by children 16 years ago.

The company later announced it would revert back to its original plans and has now released a new statement this week.

A company spokesperson said:

“We started our public consultation process in June because it was important for us to ensure that, as we look to grow, create further job opportunities and continue to support the local and regional economy, we listen to the local community.

“This process has included individual meetings with community stakeholder groups as well as an open public consultation event, allowing people to have their say on the design and landscaping of the proposed extension and surrounding land.

“We have taken these views on board as we work towards finalising our plans for the reserved matters application.

“We anticipate providing a further update on this matter in the coming weeks.”

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More than 400 objections were lodged against the larger expansion plans which councillors claimed put “profit and plastic before impact on the environment” as they voted for refusal in January 2021.

Harrogate Spring Water previously made a commitment to replace felled trees at a rate of two to one and has since said it is looking at ways to “achieve net biodiversity gain” at its site.

Harrogate Spring Water

Harrogate Spring Water’s headquarters.

It also said the expansion would create 30 jobs and that there is “potential” to make Rotary Wood more accessible to the public.

Speaking earlier this year, the company’s managing director Richard Hall said:

“We feel it is vital for us as a business to take our environmental responsibilities seriously.

“We also want to work in partnership with the local community on this.

“We want them to help shape the woodland into the resource which they would like to see and ensure our extension blends in as well as it can into the surrounding area.”

Harrogate businesses ‘still unable to pay energy bills’ despite PM’s pledge

Harrogate business leaders have warned that Liz Truss’s energy plan is “too little too late” to save struggling firms from closure.

The new prime minister today announced that annual energy bills for households will be frozen at £2,500 until 2024 as part of a huge support package which could cost up to £150 billion.

However, the scheme is less generous for businesses than had been expected as their bills will be capped for six months – a shorter period than many had hoped for.

Sara Ferguson, chair of Harrogate BID, said:

“As the owner of a town centre restaurant, one that uses a lot of gas and electricity, I don’t think the support being offered goes far enough, or long enough.

“It pains me to say this, but even with the energy price cap some business will simply not be able to pay higher bills.

“It is going to be another tough time for the high street.”

Energy prices have soared this year, largely due to the conflict in Ukraine which has reduced supplies of gas.

This has driven up the UK energy price cap which sets the highest amount suppliers are allowed to charge households and had been due to rise from £1,971 to £3,549 in October.

Unlike households, small businesses are not covered by the cap and Harrogate district MPs were last month warned that many firms would soon reach a “tipping point”.

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Speaking in the commons today, Ms Truss said she was “acting immediately” in her premiership and that the support for businesses may be extended for vulnerable sectors after the six-month period.

“Extraordinary challenges call for extraordinary measures, ensuring that the United Kingdom is never in this situation again.”

Reacting to her announcement, David Simister, chief executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, said it would be “too little, too late” for some businesses.

“Businesses have had it incredibly tough for more than two years, and it isn’t going to get any easier. Surging energy costs are just one of the pressures facing businesses.

“When Ms Truss recently came to Harrogate, members of Independent Harrogate challenged her about business rates.

“Her response was that she would review them. This she needs to do urgently, along with looking at VAT, fuel duty, National Insurance and corporation tax.”

Harrogate district business groups call for more support after new PM’s energy announcement

A business organisation in Harrogate has called for more certainty after the new Prime Minister announced support for them in the face of rising energy bills.

While a clear package has been put in place for households, limiting typical household bills to £2,500 per year for two years, Liz Truss has said “equivalent support” for business will last for six months.

But local businesses have called for further measures and more long-term reassurance that they will be protected from future energy price hikes.

David Simister, chief executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, said:

“I welcome the fact the Prime Minister has included businesses in her support package, but for some it will be too little too late, and unlike households it’s just for six months. She could also have reduced VAT on energy bills, but didn’t.

“Businesses have had it incredibly tough for more than two years, and it isn’t going to get any easier. Surging energy costs are just one of the pressures facing businesses.

“When Ms Truss recently came to Harrogate, members of Independent Harrogate challenged her about business rates. Her response was that she would review them. This she needs to do urgently, along with looking at VAT, fuel duty, National Insurance and Corporation Tax.”

Mr Simister’s views were echoed by Ripon BID, whose manager Lilla Bathurst said:

“Whilst any support for businesses is welcomed, we feel that a six month energy price cap does not go nearly far enough to support businesses that have weathered the last very difficult two years.

“The majority of businesses in the BID area simply do not have the reserves to ride out any further cost pressures.  We very much urge the government to announce further meaningful and targeted business support in the next few days.”

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Harrogate’s Hustle & Co renamed as new owner takes over

The owners of Hustle & Co have thanked their customers after announcing that a new owner will be taking over the business today.

Nici Routledge and Jo Bradshaw launched the healthy cafe and restaurant on Harrogate’s prestigious Prince Albert Row in December 2020.

However, it was put up for sale this year to allow the best friends and business partners to explore other projects and new opportunities.

This week they revealed that the venue was now under new ownership and would be renamed Jesper’s Bar and Kitchen, with the new owner starting work today.

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Ms Bradshaw stressed that the staff and menu would remain the same and it would be “business as usual”.

She told the Stray Ferret:

“We feel we found the perfect fit to move our business forward. We wanted to find someone who shared a similar ethos. It’s business as usual at least for now.

“The chefs and the staff are the same and the dishes are the same, so it is the same food and drink and excellent service that customers are used to.”

The owners of Hustle & Co, Nici Routledge (left) and Jo Bradshaw.

Ms Bradshaw said both she and Ms Routledge would miss their loyal customers.

She said:

“Many of them are now friends. But we are looking forward to a drink with them on the other side of the bar.

“Congratulations to Jesper and his family. We wish them every success for the future. Jesper has years of experience in the hospitality industry.

“We are super excited about our future plans. It’s the right time to hand over the reins and move on. Watch this space, there are great things to come.”

Business Breakfast: Cloud Nine appoints new director in Australia

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Harrogate-based Cloud Nine has appointed a new director as it eyes growth in Australia.

Seaneen Copeland – who began her career as a trainee hair stylist in her home city of Belfast – has joined the business as its new sales and marketing director for the country.

Before moving to Australia 10 years ago, Seaneen worked with a number of major brands in the hair and fashion industries, including Levi Strauss, Kookai Paris, Tommy Hilfiger, Zakks Hair Group N Ireland, GHD, Showpony, Salon Express and most recently Price Attack.

Since launching in Australia in 2011, the country has become increasingly important to Cloud Nine with 40% of is group revenue now coming from its Australian subsidiary.

Jo Fox, group sales and marketing director for Cloud Nine, said: 

“With her vast experience Seaneen is a perfect fit for Cloud Nine.

“Australia is a very important market for us, so it’s great that we recruited someone based in Australia who shares our ambition for growth in the Southern Hemisphere.

“And having worked with Seaneen previously, I know her passion and determination to succeed is incredible. She is a superb addition to the Cloud Nine team.”

New EnviroVent headquarters complete

A new headquarters for EnviroVent on Harrogate West Business Park has been completed.

Sutcliffe Construction Ltd, which was brought in to construct the building, confirmed that work is now complete on the new HQ.

The new building includes manufacturing space, warehousing, offices and training facilities.

EnviroVent opted for the new HQ, which includes air source heat pumps, solar panels, and a heat recovery system, in an effort to become net-zero carbon across the business by 2030.

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Business Breakfast: Ripon Farm Services opens new branch in Malton

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Ripon Farm Services has opened a new branch near Malton.

The company, which supplies agricultural machinery, has moved into a depot at the 30-acre Eden Business Park.

It becomes the firm’s twelfth branch it has opened in the UK.

RFS has taken possession of a high-quality 22,000 sq ft building at the multi-million pound business park, which is located immediately off the A64 by the Pickering Road (A169) junction by Eden Camp.

Richard Simpson, commercial director of RFS, said: 

“The opening of our new Malton depot is a major milestone for Ripon Farm Services and signals our intention to ramp up the investment in our long-term future.

“This new building reflects the importance we place on serving the North and East Yorkshire farming, equestrian and ground care communities. We will be providing the full range of services that you would expect from a John Deere main dealer and will also be moving our Ifor Williams trailer dealership into our new depot.

“In addition, we will have a huge range of ground care equipment for both Groundscare professionals and homeowners alike. We can’t wait to get going.”

RFS has now started trading from the Malton depot and are organising an open day for all their customers on Thursday, October 27, between 12pm and 8pm.

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Harrogate businesses set for Digital Festival dates

Harrogate law firm Berwins will host four events as part of Leeds Digital Festival later this month.

Its experts in digital and business law will speak about Giving Data Proper Respect on September 19, realising the Value of Your Intellectual Property on September 22, and Recognising and Recovering Revenue on September 26.

All three talks take place at Platform on New Station Street in Leeds.

Harrogate’s Co-Lab is also hosting an event at its base in Harrogate Convention Centre on September 28. It will focus on ways of raising funds for a tech start-up.

The final Berwins event is completely different: the law firm’s runners will lead a 6km route around the city centre, in partnership with Harrogate-based Up & Running, on September 30.

Tickets for all five events, plus the rest of the 12-day programme, are available from the Leeds Digital Festival website.

Business Breakfast: Chamber meeting to focus on sustainability

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

A Harrogate business group meeting is set to focus on sustainability this month.

The event held by Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce will take place on Monday, September 12, at the town’s Cedar Court Hotel. 

Doors open at 5.30pm for open networking with the meeting proper commencing at 6.15pm.

It will feature talks from Cllr Keane Duncan, county councillor for transport, Paul White, from Auditel Limited, and Sarah Jones from Full Circle Funerals.

Meanwhile, Danny Wild, Harrogate College Principal and a member of Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition, will speak about its work on retrofit to support businesses.

Sue Kramer, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce President, said: 

“With record temperatures this summer and a drought declared in Yorkshire, the environment has never been higher on everyone’s radar.

“I’m looking forward to hearing the individual stories from our three member businesses, as well as welcoming Cllr Duncan to our meeting, who will be informing us about his vision for transport in and around Harrogate, which I’m sure will include the Harrogate Station Gateway Project.”

Chamber members and guests can register their attendance here.

Networking event to be held in Harrogate

A networking event for businesses is set to be held in Harrogate this month.

Organised by Business Ladies Around Harrogate, it will focus on how firms can see out 2022 and head into next year.

It will take place at William and Victoria, Cold Bath Road, on September 9 and be hosted by Jo Smith, a development coach.

The event will include a workshop, as well as time for attendees to network with each other.

You can find out more information on the event here.

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Business Breakfast: Masham brewery to mark 30th anniversary

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Black Sheep Brewery to celebrate 30th anniversary

A Masham brewery is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary next month

Founded in 1992, Black Sheep Brewery was set up by Paul Theakston in his hometown.

Mr Theakston said he was “dissatisfied” with the “blandness of the beer market” and opted to set up his own brewery.

To celebrate the birthday, the brewery will also relaunch its Pathmaker IPA.

Mr Theakston said:

“I can’t believe it’s been 30 years since that first brew of Best Bitter back in 1992. I’m incredibly proud of the journey that Black Sheep has taken and thankful to our wonderful new and loyal drinkers who have joined us along the way. 

“I’m excited to enjoy a few pints of Pathmaker this September as we celebrate our big birthday.”

Business Breakfast: Harrogate BID to host energy saving workshops for businesses

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID) is to hold three workshops around saving energy.

The organisation is partnering with energy consultant Ryan Edwards to look at ways of dealing with rising electricity and gas prices.

There will be three events during the day on Monday, September 19.

The first is being held at Hustle & Co on Prince Albert Terrace at 9.30am, the second on Zoom at 11am and the third at 5.30pm at Starling Café on Oxford Street.

The sessions will last between 30 and 45 minutes.

Business who want to attend the Zoom meeting have been asked to email the BID for the link.

Matthew Chapman, Manager of Harrogate BID, said:

“We are acutely aware of the struggles our members are continually having when it comes to understanding, managing and securing new energy contracts for their businesses.”

He said Mr Edwards has expertise that will be helpful:

“He will be able to help us have a better understanding of what is happening within the energy market, and offer practical advice on securing energy contracts.

“Ryan works with more than 26 UK Suppliers, so can assure you that he can find the very best contracts on the market at this time.

“He can also bulk buy energy by buying all Members energy, at the same time driving the unit prices down significantly. It goes without saying, the more businesses we can get involved, the cheaper the unit.”

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Richard Levin of Loop Cashmere, Anne Blanden of Finance Yorkshire, Claire Heathcote of Loop Cashmere and Alex McWhirter, chief executive of Finance Yorkshire

Harrogate cashmere company secures Finance Yorkshire investment

Harrogate luxury cashmere brand Loop Cashmere has secured funding from the business loan organisation Finance Yorkshire.

The company makes its products using sustainable yarn from Inner Mongolia.

The £250,000 it has secured has gone towards opening a warehouse in Leeds and appoint a head of marketing.

Claire Heathcote opened the business with Richard Levin two years ago. She said:

“We saw a gap in the market for a sustainable cashmere brand offering contemporary styles made in the softest high-quality cashmere. Sustainability is the heart of brand from the way we source our sustainably accredited yarn, who we select as expert makers to craft our styles, our small production runs and the use of recyclable and compostable packaging.”

Alex McWhirter, chief executive of Finance Yorkshire, said:

“In just two years Loop Cashmere has developed a strong brand with sustainable credentials which will appeal to fashion-conscious customers. We look forward to supporting them in the next chapter of their growth journey.”