Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
Redcentric makes another acquisition
IT service provider Redcentric has completed the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of 4D Data Centres for £10m.
4D Data Centres is a data centre operator and cloud services provider. It operates centres in Surrey, Gatwick, London and Kent.
Redcentric’s headquarters are at Central House on Otley Road and has made a number of acquisitions over the past 12 months.
In June, the company acquired three data centres as well as network services from Sungard Availability Services (UK) Ltd, which went into administration.
In March it acquired security testing firm 7 Elements for around £4.5m. Last October, it bought York IT company Piksel IS for £9.5m.
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Free business advice at Harrogate drop-in
A business support drop-in session will be held at Harrogate Co-Lab next Wednesday, July 13.
Hosted by Harrogate Borough Council’s business services department, the free event will have experts from the growth manager service, Ad-Venture and York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
Each will be available to answer questions about starting and growing a business, as well as free support and grants available for businesses in the Harrogate district.
The event runs from 9am to 5pm at the Co-Lab base on Kings Road, Harrogate.
For more information, email business@harrogate.gov.uk.
Hot Seat: A bold new approach at Black SheepMasham is the small town in the Harrogate district with a big reputation for beauty and beer.
Set in sumptuous Wensleydale, it is home to two major breweries — Theakston and Black Sheep.
The breweries, which boost the town’s economy and provide jobs, have been around so long it’s hard to imagine Masham without them. But the future at Black Sheep looked far from rosy a few years ago.
The company, which was founded by Paul Theakston in 1991 when he became the black sheep of the family by setting up a rival to the brewery created by his family in 1827, was running at a loss.
The chairman asked Charlene Lyons, who had set up her own consultancy at the age of 29 in 2007, if she would consider becoming chief executive.
Ms Lyons knew what she was getting into: her consultancy had been brought in to help Black Sheep in 2016 and she had joined the board in 2018. She says:
“It was a business that had not had much external objectivity. It had been making a loss for four or five years.”
Charlene Lyons
For Newcastle-born Ms Lyons, it was an appealing new challenge.
The daughter of a market trader, she grew up fiercely determined to be a successful businesswoman. She cut her teeth as a fashion buyer for Marks & Spencer in London and her career was flying but her dad’s sudden death when she was just 23 had a profound effect.
Gradually her mindset changed and by the time the top job at Black Sheep became available the prospect of working in the Dales appealed more than corporate city life.
Ms Lyons, who sleeps for just three or four hours a night, now enjoys the scenic commute to work from Leeds at 5.45am. She says:
“It’s the most beautiful drive to an incredible part of the world, for a business that is deep rooted in the most amazing heritage and culture.”
Future planning
There was plenty to occupy her mind on those early morning drives when she started the job. Weeks after becoming chief executive, covid struck.
Black Sheep was quick to respond, staging regular coronavirus planning meetings from January 2020, when much of the world was laughing it off.
As the situation worsened, the company instigated a raft of measures, such as improving its online shop, securing third party packaging to reduce its reliance on one supplier and alerting supermarkets to the availability of its products. Online sales increased from about £100,000 to £800,000 during the first covid year.
Black Sheep also offered a ‘brew to you’ delivery service, which involved delivering beer to the end of people’s drives and provided a local food delivery service in Masham. A future strategy team was set up to plan for life after covid. Ms Lyons said:
“So many businesses didn’t have the bandwidth to think about the future during covid.”
Ms Lyons’ bold and forward thinking approach helped the company recover at a time when covid had a devastating impact on the hospitality trade. Besides furlough, Black Sheep received no business rate freeze or grants despite the catastrophic impact of pub closures.
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The latest annual accounts, for the financial year ending March 31, 2021, revealed the company made a profit of £1m but an operating loss of £1.1m due to exceptional items, such as redundancy payments.
Considering the circumstances, this was an impressive set of results. The accounts also reveal how much covid changed the business model. They state: “Our off trade business grew its turnover from £6,864,988 to £9,547,261, our on trade turnover was decimated, reducing from £9,838,810 to £2,245,457.”
The current strategy focuses on providing a direct route to market, rather than relying on third parties, and ‘owning Yorkshire’, which means getting its products in every pub, bar and other retail outlet selling beer in the county.
The brewery in Masham.
Black Sheep exports to 12 countries but overseas trade is a very small part of its business.
Its fresh approach to marketing is epitomised in its recent drink cask beer campaign, featuring comedian Maisie Adam, which aims to break down what Ms Lyons calls the “ridiculous stereotype” that only men aged over 55 drink cask beer.
Ms Lyons is rather tired of another cliché: that being a female chief executive in the world of beer is frowned upon.
“It’s not been an issue at all. The perception is more in the eye of the beholder. People always ask ‘what’s it like to be a CEO in a make dominated brewery?’ But in my experience everybody is taken at face value. It doesn’t occupy even a tiny bit of my thinking.”
Outside work she enjoys travel, food and wine. Being the mother of three sporty children, she also spends a lot of time driving them around.
Masham may seem a long way from corporate life but managing a team of 146 staff in such difficult time is no easy task, particularly when you throw in challenges like the cost of living crisis and rampant inflation.
But Ms Lyons looks back on the last two-and-a-half years at the helm with satisfaction.
“We’ve done an exceptional job. Many businesses have just folded.
“Hospitality has been one of the most affected sectors and we had no government support except furlough.
“You have two choices with challenges: slump your shoulders and let things overtake you or rally the troops and do something about it.”
Harrogate creative agency reports increase in turnover
Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
Impression Studio in Harrogate has reported a 30% growth in turnover in the last financial year.
The company, which is based on Albert Street and is a creative digital agency, saw its turnover in 2021/22 increase to £750,000.
The firm works with clients including Power Sheds, Hippo Digital, Infinity Works and KAL Fitness.
Charlie Hartley, founder and managing director of Impression Studio, has also announced plans to develop the business further with an increased focus on brand strategy.
Mr Hartley said:
“The new focus and direction for the business is already helping brands to build emotional connections with customers by creating compelling digital-first brands and digital experiences that both excite and deliver results.”
Chamber meeting to focus on financial support
Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce is set to hold its next meeting on Monday.
The meeting will focus on what practical and financial support is available to businesses in the district.
It will be held at Harrogate College on July 11.
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Three expert speakers including Danny Wild, principal of Harrogate College, Steve Bolton, a leader consultant for Harrogate Borough Council, and Amrit Choda, an Aspire2Lead job coach.
David Simister, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce chief executive, said:
“For Harrogate businesses seeking information about what financial grants, practical support and staff training they can access, then our July meeting is a must attend event.
“And I’m delighted to say this meeting is open to non-members too. The aim of our meetings is to educate and inform, and this is what July’s speakers will do.”
For more information on the meeting, visit the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce website.
Ripon business gets Dragons’ Den star endorsementBusiness Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
A Ripon business has been endorsed by retail entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis.
The GreenHouse, which is based on North Street, opened three months ago and offers an array of home and garden supplies.
Owner Rebecca Crallan messaged Mr Paphitis on Twitter as part of his Small Business Sunday campaign, which picks six weekly winners to be endorsed on his social media.
The winners also get a chance to network with other small businesses and include a profile on the Small Business Sunday website.
Mr Paphitis picked The GreenHouse and, as a result, shared the Ripon business with his 490,000 Twitter followers and 34,000 Instagram followers.
Ms Crallan said:
“The GreenHouse has only been open three months but I’ve been warmly welcomed by the community in Ripon, both shoppers and fellow retailers alike.
“It is great to have support from Theo because it’s been tough trying to raise our profile and Theo has recognised our hard work and helped spread the word about what we do to his following.”
Harrogate jewellers wins shop frontage grant
A Harrogate business has been awarded a £750 grant to improve its shop frontage.
Fattorini’s on Parliament Street, which reopened under new management in March, has been granted the money by Harrogate Business Improvement District.
Harrogate BID Matthew Chapman, left, and Fattorini’s director Wayne Beales outside the Parliament Street jewellers.
The grant was part of £10,000 awarded to BID levy payers to help improve the frontages of their businesses.
Other businesses awarded grants include The Den, Cold Bath Brewing, Drum and Monkey and the new Coach & Horses.
The jewellery business used its £750 to refurbish the Victorian canopy and install a new facia board and signage.
Wayne Beales, Fattorini’s director, said:
“Being a BID levy payer, I’m delighted that our application for a grant was approved.
“The painted canopy and new signage has really helped us shout about our revival. It has certainly made us stand out from other businesses on Parliament.
“I would also recommend all levy paying retailers to take advantage of the next round of BID improvement grants, so Harrogate town centre can really shine.”
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- Harrogate pregnancy brand raises £2m to grow company
Sir Patrick Stewart films Yorkshire Tea advert in Harrogate
Sir Patrick Stewart features in a new Yorkshire Tea advertisement filmed in Harrogate.
The iconic actor, who is known for films and television series such as X-Men and Star Trek, is the latest star to appear in the brand’s “Where Everything’s Done Proper’ TV adverts.
In the one-minute advertisement, he can be seen paying tribute to a colleague on her last day of work.
You can watch it here.
The advert was first broadcast on television yesterday and was filmed in Harrogate with employees from across the business.
Yorkshire Tea is part of the Bettys and Taylors Group, whose brands also include Bettys and Taylors of Harrogate.
Sir Patrick said:
“”No matter where I am in the world, I always make sure I have some Yorkshire Tea with me for a proper brew.
“My career has taken me from the West End to Broadway, from Hollywood to the far ends of the galaxy, but now I’ve returned to where it all began. Yorkshire.”
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Lucy Hoyle, senior brand manager at Yorkshire Tea said:
“We’re chuffed to bits with this new advert and hope everyone loves it as much as we do. Sir Patrick is an absolute legend when it comes to delivering a heart-felt performance.
“If anyone is a master of the art of ‘doing things properly’ – something that is central to everything we do here at Yorkshire Tea – it’s Sir Patrick and we’re thrilled he is part of the Yorkshire Tea team.”
Yorkshire Tea’s advert series has featured a number of famous names, including Sheffield’s Sean Bean and the Kaiser Chiefs.
Carter Jonas makes new senior appointment in HarrogateBusiness Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
Carter Jonas has made a new senior appointment to its team who will be based in Harrogate.
Nicky Partridge is set to become the new Head of Yorkshire New Homes at the estate agents and property consultants.
She will help the northern sales team, aiding the consultancy to further extend its presence in the new homes sector, as well as reflecting the national levelling-up initiative.
Ms Partridge said:
“There has never been a greater need for new homes in the UK, with Michael Gove having recently announced the potential shortage year on year, so the time is now to answer the call for more stock.
“The new homes market is extremely buoyant. Enticements are rife, with green mortgages available for buyers who are drawn in by newer more energy efficient homes from quality developments. Through my 17 years’ experience of pricing, marketing and selling homes, I’ve found proven strategies for both consumers and developers, ensuring best prices are found for all home units.”
New Florist in Knaresborough
A new florist has opened up in Knaresborough this past week.
River & Rose is located on Market Place and specialises in bespoke designs for weddings, funerals and events.
The new florist opened on Friday and celebrated by hiding five bunches of flowers around the town.
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Harrogate pregnancy brand raises £2m to grow company
Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
A Harrogate business specialising in maternity products has raised £2m to help grow the company.
My Expert Midwife offers 19 products designed to help women prepare and recover during pregnancy, birth and early parenthood, as well as midwife-developed webinars, antenatal classes and ebooks.
Its products are sold online and in Boots, John Lewis, Ocado, JoJo Maman Bébé and Next.
The £2m fundraise was led by Pembroke, which invested £1.5m alongside existing shareholders and private investors.
Lesley Gilchrist, registered midwife and co-founder of My Expert Midwife, said:
“Our driving vision is to help all parents-to-be on their journey to parenthood, every step of the way, from preconception, through pregnancy and birth, to recovery and caring for their new baby, whether that be through our expert information guides and ebooks, our midwife-developed products or our antenatal education services.”
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New coffee shop opens in Harrogate
A new coffee shop called Espresso House has opened in Harrogate.
The shop is on Beulah Street in a unit that was previously home to Subway.
It joins a flurry of new food and drink openings on Beulah Street over the past year, including Turkish cafe Sirius, which is over the road from Espresso House.
Harrogate marketing agency toasts 20-year longevity with bespoke beerThis article is sponsored by Extreme.
A Harrogate-based marketing firm has shared its 20th anniversary celebrations with clients by creating a bespoke beer to mark its longevity.
Extreme was set up in 2002 by directors Antony Prince and Mark Gledhill and focused on brochure websites and small search engine optimisation projects, before demand increased and the pair hired a range of experts to handle requests for both marketing and development.
Since then the company, which is based at Harrogate’s Windsor House, has gone from strength-to-strength. Their team of 25 in-house experts help business and brands of all sizes, local and international, with every aspect of their marketing.
To celebrate its two decades of success, Extreme teamed up with Harrogate Brewing Co to create “Staying Power”, a session IPA which would help mark the milestone but also represent the agency’s longevity and skills in branding.
Staying Power.
Antony Prince, director at Extreme, said:
“20 years in a fast-paced and sometimes fickle industry is something we’re very proud of.
“We’ve built a fantastic reputation for our creative and technical capabilities and we’ve worked with some amazing brands.”
As well as a celebration of the milestone, the beer was also an opportunity for Extreme to flex its muscles and show its talent in branding.
The idea behind the brand was to create a product which represented endurance but also adaptability.
Extreme used the story of the hare and tortoise, which teaches that self-belief, confidence and patience are the key to longevity and, as such, “staying power”.
As a mark of appreciation, staff at Extreme shared the beer with a host of its clients both old and new.
The design represents adaptability and longevity.
Martha Joyce, Branding and Social Manager at Harrogate Brewing Co, said:
“Working with Extreme to create a bespoke beer for their 20th Anniversary has been an absolute pleasure.
“As a family business with a true passion for beer and brewing, we use only the best ingredients so we can deliver quality craft ales to all our clients.
“By joining forces with the incredible design talents of those at Extreme, we’ve certainly created a beer worthy of celebration and the cause it was created for.
“It’s always a great experience to team up with other local businesses and produce something special to celebrate their achievements. On behalf of everyone at Harrogate Brewing Co, we’d like to congratulate them on their milestone – we hope this beer exemplifies at its best, your true ‘Staying Power’.”
For more information on Extreme and their branding services go to madebyextreme.com.
New partners at Harrogate law firmBusiness Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.
Yorkshire based law firm, LCF Law, has appointed three new partners after promoting Roger Raper and James Austin and recruiting experienced private client lawyer, Haroon Qayum.
The trio will be based across the firm’s Harrogate and Leeds offices.
James joined LCF Law in 2017 and is an experienced employment lawyer based at the firm’s Harrogate office.
Haroon now heads up LCF Law’s personal law team in Harrogate, and is experienced in advising families and individuals on all aspects of private client law, including the drafting of wills and trusts, administration of estates, lasting powers of attorney, inheritance and estate tax planning.
Roger has worked in LCF Law’s disputes team, in Leeds city centre, for nine years advising companies and individuals on all types of commercial disputes.
Simon Stell, managing partner at LCF Law, said:
“James and Roger are long serving members of our team who are renowned for offering high quality, straightforward advice to clients that genuinely adds value. They walk in their clients’ shoes and their combined legal experience and client focussed approach makes them valuable members of LCF Law. It is a pleasure to be able to reward their hard work with these promotions.
“Haroon is experienced in advising clients on all aspects of estate planning and non-contentious private client work. He has previously led a successful private client department, and is a welcome addition to our team, as we attract impressive numbers of new clients throughout Harrogate and beyond.”
LCF Law employs more than 125 people and 24 partners across offices in Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and Ilkley.
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Hairdressing group complete 100km walk
Stylists from the Westrow hairdressing group have completed a 100-kilometre walk, raising over £6000 for charity.
The Westrow team walked for three consecutive days via all nine Westrow salons to raise funds for The Principle Trust, a Skipton based children’s charity.
Dubbed The Great Westrow Walk, the event has already raised £6450 which will fund holidays for sixteen families from the Yorkshire region.
The walkers, aged 18 to 59 years, left the Westrow salon in Skipton on Friday 24 June, calling at branches in Ilkley, Bingley, Leeds city centre (two salons), Westpark, Roundhay and Wetherby, before reaching the finish line at the Harrogate salon on Sunday afternoon.
Marc Westerman one of the founders of Westrow and a patron of The Principle Trust, said:
“We want to thank everyone who supported this event; it was a fantastic way to celebrate Westrow’s 35th anniversary. Every penny raised will help to fund much-needed respite holidays for families across Yorkshire”
The team at Westrow arriving at the Harrogate salon on Station Parade on Sunday afternoon
Jules B to open in Harrogate in SeptemberLuxury fashion retailer Jules B said today it hopes to open in Harrogate in September.
The Stray Ferret revealed in April the company planned to trade in the former Jaeger unit on Cambridge Crescent.
The retailer sells women’s designer brands including Holland Cooper, Hayley Menzies, Stine Goya, Oska and Lurdes Bergada.
The Harrogate shop, which will be the company’s sixth store, has been empty since Jaeger cleared its stock in January last year. But it is now set to reopen in the second week of September.
The shop, which will sell womenswear only, will feature an autumn and winter collection when it opens.
An artist’s impression of how the shop will look.
Julian Blades, managing director of Jules B, has said its brands “will be perfect for the sophisticated customer demographic in Harrogate and surrounding areas”
The retailer is currently recruiting for full-time and part-time staff for Harrogate, including a store manager and assistant store manager.
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Several national retailers, including Pret A Manger and Hotel Chocolat, have announced they will join Harrogate’s high street recently.
Oliver Bonas is also due to open in September.
Mr Blades and his wife, Rhona, opened their first womenswear store in Jesmond in 1984.