Water returns to some properties in Ripon

Water has returned to some homes in Ripon following a burst pipe on North Road this morning.

Many properties in the city have had no water or low water pressure all morning.

Some companies in Ripon were forced to close, including the coffee shop at Larkhill Nurseries and the Water Rat pub. The latter has now reopened.

The problem has also affected people in nearby villages Sharow and Littlethorpe, as well as further afield in Thirsk.

Residents on Lead Lane in Ripon told the Stray Ferret at about midday that water had come back on, as have residents living in Deep Ghyll Croft and Saint Marygate. However, one person living in Sharow says water is still off as of midday.

Yorkshire Water has been slow to tell the public when normal water supply will resume.

North Road will soon be closed to traffic whilst repairs take place.

A spokesperson issued the following statement.

“Our teams are dealing with a burst 12-inch water main on North Road, Ripon. We are currently working to rezone our network and return water supply to those affected.

“To allow our teams to complete the repair safely, traffic management will be required. We’re working closely with North Yorkshire County Council highways teams to minimise disruption.”

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate advertising firm wins ferry contract

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

A Harrogate advertising firm has won a media contract from a ferry company.

CP Media, which specialises in outdoor advertising and has an office in Harrogate, will upgrade media sites across all 33 CalMac ferries, ranging from traditional print to the latest digital screens.

CalMac is the UK’s largest ferry operator, transporting more than five million passengers a year to the Clyde, West Coast and Hebridean Islands.

Mike Brennan, chief executive at CP Media, said:

“This contract represents a key win, further extending our media coverage across Scotland, which includes outdoor sites in Edinburgh, Dundee and all the Scottish Highlands and Islands airports.

“This important contract also enhances our national media coverage of 10,000 outdoor advertising sites across the UK on roadsides, stadiums, retail environments and at 23 regional UK airports.”

Robbie Drummond, managing director of CalMac, added: 

“This strategic partnership will support our revenues and enable continued investment in these hugely important services for the area’s community and economy.”

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Harrogate Bus Company renames 36 bus after Rachel Daly

Harrogate Bus Company has renamed one of its 36 buses after local football hero Rachel Daly.

Daly was part of the England Lionesses side which won Euro 2022 last month after a 2-1 win over Germany at Wembley.

The 36 bus which has been renamed Rachel Daly.

The 36 bus which has been renamed Rachel Daly.

The company said the renaming was its way of saluting Daly, who grew up in the town.

Frank Stanisauskis , Harrogate Bus Company general manager, said: 

“Rachel and the England team’s stunning performance throughout the Euro 2022 tournament has captivated the whole nation, and nowhere more so than right here in Harrogate.

“Naming one of our buses after Rachel is our way of saying thank you for her amazing success which has brought football home. Rachel is a fantastic role model for young sportswomen in Harrogate and around the world and naming a bus in her honour is all about celebrating her amazing achievements.”

Northern’s new timetable includes early Harrogate to Leeds trains

Rail operator Northern has published a new timetable that confirms the 6.07am and 6.33am services from Harrogate to Leeds will return from December.

Northern controversially axed the services earlier this year, blaming a lack of resources and the need to recruit and train more drivers.

It provoked a backlash from business travellers who relied on the services to get to London before 9am.

The operator had always promised that the services would return in December, which has now been confirmed with publication of the timetable.

Brian Dunsby, of the Harrogate Line Supporters Group, welcomed the announcement. He said:

He said:

“It is very encouraging that Northern has kept their promise to reinstate all the lost services that were cut out in May 2022, although they have not been able to bring any forward to September 2022 due to the ongoing industrial action.”

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No trains will run through Harrogate and Knaresborough tomorrow or Saturday due to a day of national strike action.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport workers’ union and Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association are striking over pay and conditions.

Last month, members of the RMT union organised a picket line outside Harrogate train station as part of the ongoing dispute.

Boutique Harrogate firm wins digital marketing agency of the year award

This article is sponsored by The Micro Agency.

A Harrogate company has won an award for digital marketing agency of the year after being praised for its “personal touch”.

The Micro Agency, which is based at Harrogate Business Centre, was awarded the title at the Innovation and Excellence Awards 2022.

Founded by married couple Carly Chaffer and Gary Hartley, the agency was given the award after judges recognised their “personal touch”, “consistency of reviews” and “community feel”.

Judges were also impressed with how the couple managed to retain clients during the covid pandemic. The agency has since looked to grow off the back of this as more companies invest in digital opportunities.

The company was founded three years ago after Carly and Gary decided to leave their previous freelance work behind and team up to launch the agency.

The couple wanted to combine their skills and offer something more personal for clients.

As part of the agency, Carly heads up the marketing side and Gary handles the website design and development.

Together, the couple boast 35 years experience in the industry and pride themselves on being approachable and personable with clients.

‘It was brilliant’

Ahead of picking up the award at a ceremony in December in Leeds, Carly said it was an unbelievable achievement for the couple.

She said:

“It was brilliant to find out the news.

“We know we are not the biggest, but we pride ourselves on getting results and building long-term relationships with our clients.”

But, the couple are no strangers to picking up awards.

Over her 15 years in the industry, Carly was was named as one of the Top 30 Women Under 30 in Digital by global media platform The Drum and was also shortlisted for Young Achiever of the Year at the Sue Ryder Awards.

For the future, the pair hope to continue their personal approach to clients and continue to grow their base.

For more information on The Micro Agency, visit their website.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate law firm promotes solicitor to senior associate

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

A Harrogate law firm has promoted one of its solicitors to senior associate.

Brian Nuttney has been awarded the promotion at McCormicks Solicitors.

Mr Nuttney works in the crime and fraud department and appears regularly in the magistrates’ courts and police stations across North Yorkshire and further afield.

Partner Peter Minnikin, head of the department, said: 

“Brian is an important part of what is a very busy team – as illustrated by our recent appointments of two new lawyers – and his promotion is well deserved.”

Prior to his career in law, Mr Nuttney was a successful journalist and worked as deputy editor for a number of regional newspapers.

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Linley and Simpson parent company acquires property agency

The parent company of Harrogate estate agent Linley and Simpson has acquired an online property agency.

Lomond Group has bought the multi-regional agent Property Hub Lets and its 700 properties across Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham.

The management of the properties will now be transferred over to high street branches, including Linley and Simpson.

Will Linley, co-founder of Linley and Simpson and managing director of the Lomond Group, said: 

“This is the first time we have acquired an agency that operated exclusively online, and are thrilled with the high-quality portfolio we have inherited.

“It represents a perfect synergy for us as we already have a strong presence across the majority of major cities that Property Hub Lets covers. We now look forward to transferring all these properties smoothly and speedily into a number of our local branches.

“This deal is our first multi-regional one in England – and a model we are looking to mirror in future acquisitions.

“It underlines the unique proposition of Linley and Simpson and the Lomond Group, and the strength of our network of regional brands where we are able to link together across huge swathes of the country to accommodate a diverse geographical portfolio. The deal also extends our portfolio reach into Liverpool for the first time.”

Business Breakfast: Harrogate law firm appoints new head of estates

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

A Harrogate law firm has appointed a new head for its estates department.

Harriet Thornton will take the position at LCF Law, where she will oversee an 18-strong team.

Ms Thornton will take up the position as head of estates after initially training at the company as a lawyer.

She said:

“I’m particularly proud of the work I have done growing the firm’s leasehold enfranchisement division, helping both landlords and tenants with lease extensions as well as purchases and sales of their freeholds. We created a fixed fee staged costs model so when dealing with collective enfranchisements for blocks of apartments, every leaseholder knows exactly where they stand.

“Working with developers on projects across Leeds, London, Manchester and Harrogate is also particularly rewarding, as I get to assist them at every stage of the project, from site acquisition through to setting up the estate development and subsequent plot sales. I also help developers with purchase and development finance and always take a proactive approach to every project.”

Simon Stell, managing partner at LCF Law, said: 

“Harriet is a very capable and dependable lawyer who is well-liked by clients and colleagues. Having won and been shortlisted for several industry awards over the years, she has carved out an impressive career, built and enviable client list and led the way in providing first rate services that exceed clients’ expectations.”

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Work starts on Ripon Business Park expansion

Work has started on an expansion of a Ripon business park.

The park, which is based off Ripon bypass, looks set to see a further 25,000 sq ft of industrial and trade units built.

Construction is set to be complete by spring next year and FSS Property has been leading the project as its agent.

Adam Crawfurd-Porter, lead agent for the scheme at FSS Property, said:

“I am delighted to support my clients in developing the site further, ensuring a new provision of industrial units to service the needs of the local area.

“I was confident that the scheme we proposed would solicit good interest but to have pre-let over half of the site before building works have commenced is a great result”

FSS Property is taking enquiries on the remaining units on the site. For more information, visit their website.

Business Breakfast: Ripon company director shortlisted for two industry awards

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Econ Engineering’s finance director has been shortlisted in two categories at this year’s Northern Finance Director Awards.

Beverley Shepherd is nominated for Northern Finance Director of the Year – Leadership, and Best Northern Finance Director of a Limited Company £25m – £100m, a title she won four years ago.

Ms Shepherd began her career at Ripon-based Econ Engineering in 2014 as its Company Accountant before being promoted to Finance Director three years later.

She said: 

“It is an honour to be shortlisted for these awards. 

“The interview panel was easy to talk to and it was a good chance as a candidate to reflect on the work I’ve achieved over the last year. Congratulations to all the other finalists and I am looking forward to the final in September.”

Econ Engineering’s Executive Director Jonathan Lupton said: 

“Bev is a highly-valued and respected member of our senior leadership team.

“Being shortlisted for two Northern Finance Director of the Year awards is a testament to the outstanding contribution she makes to our business.”

The Northern Finance Director Awards recognise and celebrate the exceptional talent of finance directors and their teams across the North of England.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in September.

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Eight reasons to switch from traditional to digital advertising

It is rare for someone to not own at least one form of digital device. The majority of people including Grandma own either a smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer. This creates huge opportunities for advertising. So why not use this to your advantage?

Here are eight reasons why you should capitalise on digital:

Lower cost

Digital advertising provides a number of price points which can be minimal compared to traditional advertising spend, meaning whatever your budget is, you can reach your target audience.

Greater Return on Investment (ROI)

Digital advertising can deliver excellent return on investment (ROI). It is important at the outset that you are clear on what you want your digital marketing to achieve, eg brand awareness, increased footfall, more hits to your website etc. Advertising digitally means your target audience is only one click away from your business giving you far greater ROI.

Easy measurement

Digital advertising makes it far easier to measure the performance of your adverts. With traditional advertising you must make assumptions on who has seen, remembered and acted on your advert. With digital, you receive instant analytics on how well your activity is performing including how far it has reached, how many people have seen it and how many people have reacted/engaged with it.

Flexibility

Unlike traditional advertising, which is difficult to change once it has been printed or aired, going digital gives you the advantage of being able to stop or tweak a campaign. If something isn’t quite working, you can make adjustments to improve it. This is only achievable due to the data you receive from digital advertising channels.

Better engagement

Engagement is vital for a successful digital campaign. On social channels, the more engagement a post receives, the more people will see it due to how social media algorithms work.

Precise targeting

Going digital enables you to target your audience far more easily than traditional advertising, especially when advertising on social channels. Targeting your audience means you do not waste money putting your brand in front of people who are not interested in it.

Easy to share

With the click of a button your advertisement can be shared by one person to their network, who then share it to their network and so on. With traditional advertising methods, it is more difficult to expand the audience without it costing money.

Make the switch

The idea of changing from traditional advertising to digital advertising can seem daunting, however the benefits to going digital should not be ignored. Going digital gives you a measurable, flexible and cost-effective way to advertise your business to a targeted large audience.

Find out how the most-read news service in the Harrogate district can help your business grow today.

Plans submitted for three yurts in Kirkby Malzeard field

A new holiday site could be created in Kirkby Malzeard if planning permission is granted for three yurts in an agricultural field.

An application has been submitted by Frederick Atkinson to create the yurts, each on raised decking and with its own hot tub along with a ‘services area’ of toilet, sink and shower in a wooden hut.

The site of the proposed yurts is on Back Lane North, to the west of Pipistrelle Barn, in a field previously used for grazing sheep. The application showed there would be a package treatment plant created, as well as a walkway alongside the barn to a parking area at its east.

It added:

“The subject proposals would see the creation of a small family-run business named ‘Yurts @ Pipistrelle Barn’.

“It is envisaged that the site will provide a peaceful, low impact and eco-friendly retreat, nestled on the edge of a well serviced Yorkshire village, providing the perfect base for future guests to enjoy the best of North Yorkshire.

“The proposed holiday site will generate four full-time jobs, comprising an administration role to include welcoming and hosting, a site maintenance role to include groundskeeping and waste management, an IT support role to include website creation, maintenance and booking management, and a cleaning role.

“Pipistrelle Barn, directly adjacent the application area, will provide the administration hub for the business and allow for natural surveillance of the site. Guests will arrive on-site and check in at the barn, where they will then be shown to the yurts on foot.”

Each yurt would be made from a wooden latticework frame with natural materials used as insulation and covered by canvas. Inside would feature a log-burning stove and a bed, with space for tables and chairs on the decking outside.

The proposed site plan for three yurts in Kirby MalzeardThe proposed site layout

In supporting documents, the applicant said the development would “help support the economic and social well-being of the village and surrounding settlements”. The documents referred to using local businesses including Wards Logs, Steph Bennington Cleaners, Sam Watson Fencing and Highside Butchers.

A previous application for three yurts without hot tubs on the site was made in December 2021 but withdrawn in April. It had proposed creating a new parking area in the south-west corner of the site.

Ten comments were received from members of the public, with nine objecting to the plans and none supporting them. However, the parish council did not raise any objection.

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In response to the current application, a report from Harrogate Borough Council’s environmental health officer Mary Jones said:

“The main issue with this proposal compared to the application commented on February 2022 is the addition of hot tubs.

“Normal use of the yurts should not cause an issue as there would be a certain amount of self-regulation on site.  I have concerns that if a party hire the yurts especially all three the noise that could be produced would cause a nuisance to local residents particularly if it was accompanied by amplified music.

“It would be worth considering a booking form precluding amplified music at the hot tubs and also avoiding renting the yurts to parties such as stag and hen parties.”

One comment has already been received from a member of the public, Jamie Firth. He said he has run a holiday let since 2016 and raised concerns about the area becoming “satiated” with holiday properties, as he said there is already more than enough to meet demand.

To view or comment on the application, visit the Harrogate Borough Council planning website and use reference 22/02523/FUL.

Business group calls for more Harrogate town centre police

Officials at Harrogate Business Improvement District hope more officers will be put into the town centre after latest figures show 187 cases of anti-social behaviour were reported in the area.

Matthew Chapman, manager at the BID, said more police in the area would help to deter such crime.

It comes as the organisation last week launched its Report a Crime campaign, which encourages people to report instances of crime in the town centre.

Latest police figures show that within the force’s Harrogate Town area, which includes the town centre and outer areas, 187 reports of anti-social behaviour were made during May.

The number makes up 31% of all crime reported.

A total of 602 crimes were reported during the month, which also includes 57 instances of criminal damage and 26 reports of shoplifting.

Mr Chapman told the Stray Ferret:

“Harrogate isn’t immune from criminal activity and antisocial behaviour, however, it is a lot safer, cleaner, and more welcoming than many other towns and cities in the UK – and this is something Harrogate BID is doing its upmost to maintain.

“Last week, we launched our Report a Crime campaign, where we are urging businesses, residents and visitors to contact the police via the online reporting system if they witness a crime, or a victim of it.

“Senior Harrogate police officers tell us there are no issues and resources are needed elsewhere, but these figures contradict that view. I hope they will now look again and increase uniformed patrols in and around the town centre, which will have a double effect – that of reassurance and other deterrence.”

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The campaign to report more crime comes as the BID said police statistics did not match what businesses were telling them on the ground.

The kind of crimes being seen by retailers included anti-social behaviour, often linked to drinking, and what’s termed ‘professional begging’.

The new campaign is being backed by Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, whose chief executive David Simister said:

“Harrogate is a fantastic town to live and work, but when it comes to crime it’s not immune.

“It’s important we get a proper understanding of what is happening – or not happening – in our town centre, hence us giving our backing to this campaign.

“In the past I’ve called 101 and after waiting many minutes I’ve simply put the phone down. And by doing this, an incident has gone unreported. In future, report it online and that way it is logged and recorded.”

To report a crime in Harrogate Town centre, visit the North Yorkshire Police website.