The doctor who left a career in the NHS and opened a funeral care businessKnaresborough to host series of events on bereavement

Gracious Street Methodist Church in Knaresborough is to host a series of events on bereavement, grief and loss.

The church will host an art exhibition featuring work created in response to grief and loss between May 11 and June 16.

Amateur and professional artists have provided illustrations, paintings, poetry, short films and music for the exhibition, which will launch during Dying Matters Awareness Week. The annual week encourages people to talk more openly about death.

The church will then stage further events aimed at people wishing to find out more about support available around death, dying and bereavement.

On May 12,  a free drop in between 11am and 2pm will include stalls by Full Circle Funerals, solicitors Grahame Stowe Bateson, bereavement support organisation Just B and Supporting Older People.

The church will then host a ‘music and words’ session on May 19 between 11am and 2pm where Leeds-based charity The Swan Song Project will run a free musical workshop between 11am and 12.30pm and there will be small information stalls by Full Circle Funerals and Just B Bereavement Services.

On May 26, as part of Dementia Action Week, Dementia Forward, Graham Stowe Bateson, Home Instead and Full Circle Funerals will have stalls to support people who would like to talk about living with dementia or how to consider and express your end of life wishes.

Further events on environmentally friendly funerals will be held on June 2 and on support around bereavement and end of life care / planning in younger people on June 9.

For more information about any of these events contact david@fullcirclefunerals.co.uk.

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Stray Ferret Business Awards: Dynamic Leader

The Dynamic Leader Award is sponsored by Succession Wealth.

Succession Wealth offers premium financial advice  clients across the UK.

The firm aims to provide clients with peace, clarity and financial well-being.

This award is designed for those in the Harrogate district who are driving progress and change within their organisation, even during hardships.

Finalists

Ian Baker, The Soundproofing Store:

Ian Baker is the Founder and Managing Director of The Soundproofing Store.

Ian Baker has led The Soundproofing Store to become the largest online retailer of soundproofing equipment and solutions in the UK.

Ian’s employees say, “his style of leadership is instrumental in the success of the business and solutions offered to customers”.

Ian Baker said:

“I am deeply grateful to be recognised among such a talented group of individuals, especially as my team nominated me without me knowing. I feel very humbled to have made the shortlist.

“I would like to express my gratitude to my team for their hard work, dedication, and support, without whom this recognition would not be possible. Their contributions and efforts have been instrumental in making our company what it is today”.

Sarah Jones, Full Circle Funerals:

Sarah Jones is the founder of Full Circle Funerals.

The company aims to raise the standards and expectations of funeral care across Yorkshire and beyond.

Since launching Full Circle, Sarah has collaborated with university academics to research the long-term effects funerals can have on people’s well-being, using the results to improve her own company.

Sarah has led Full Circle to become the first funeral director in the UK to be listed as a B Corp organisation.

Sarah Jones said:

“It is incredibly humbling to be recognised in the context of leadership and I hope that my actions and those of others around me will inspire and create positive change, particularly in relation to sustainability and wellbeing”.

Danny Wild, Harrogate College:

Danny Wild is the principal of Harrogate College.

Danny places sustainability at the top of Harrogate College’s agenda, hoping to become a centre of green excellence and a net zero facility by 2035.

Danny has led the College be the first in North Yorkshire to achieve a ‘College of Sanctuary’ status. The accolade recognises colleges that support refugees and people seeking asylum.

Harrogate College recently celebrated an Ofsted rating of ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding Features’. The provision for adults and personal development of students were both graded ‘Outstanding’.

Danny Wild said:

“I feel very proud to be nominated for this award. This nomination gives me an opportunity to reflect on the work of my colleagues at Harrogate College, who work hard every day with people to change their lives through education.

“My view of being a dynamic leader is being attuned to the needs of the people you work with by listening and responding in a way that allows people to succeed”.

Suzanna Prout, Xenonex:

 Suzanna Prout is the Founder and Managing Director of Xenonex.

Xenonex offers leadership coaching and development programmes.

During covid, Suzanna shifted Xenonex to be entirely online. This included online training and bespoke portals where users could access resources and track progress.

Suzanna also led the business to win the CorporateLiveWire Innovation & Excellence Award for ‘Management Training Specialist of the Year – UK’.

Suzanna’s colleagues say, “her door is always open to provide support”.

Suzanna Prout said:

“I am delighted to be a finalist in the dynamic leader award. Being recognised is a wonderful way to reflect on all it takes to build a business from the ground up, to build a fabulous team and to work with some amazing clients.

“This could not be possible without the ongoing commitment and contributions from the fabulous team at Xenonex who inspire me every day. Dynamic leadership is about constant change, boundless energy and a positive outlook even when times are tough. For me, it’s all about being one step ahead and for delivering a level of service to our clients that exceeds expectations”.

Andrew Meehan, Harrogate Family Law:

Andrew Meehan is the Founder and Managing Director of Harrogate Family Law.

Andrew has led the firm to be consistently ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers guides.

Andrew dedicates a significant amount of time to all his employees as a mentor, intending to create premium standard lawyers and great career progression.

Andrew is empathetic to the emotional pressure family law can bring, and provides external coaching and counselling services to his staff when needed.

Andrew’s employees describe him as “charismatic and loved by all”.

Andrew Meehan said:

“I feel flattered to be shortlisted for the Stray Ferret Award for Dynamic Leader. I was surprised to be nominated by my team, but am delighted to have been shortlisted, especially given the quality of the other shortlisted nominees.

“I wish them all the very best of luck on the night.”

Alastair Taylor, NYnet:

Alastair Taylor is the CEO of NYnet, a broadband connectivity company in Harrogate.

Since taking on the role of CEO in 2022, Alastair has rebranded the company and launched a new website in preparation for expansion into the private sector.

Alastair oversaw the rollout of free town centre WIFI to 20 towns in North Yorkshire, including Harrogate.

Alastair’s employees say, “Alastair recognises the importance of inspiring his team and motivating them to achieve the goals he has for NYnet”.

Alastair Taylor said:

“It means a great deal that this is a local award, in the region where my colleagues and I are engaged in improving connectivity and the digital economy. I feel fortunate to work with a fantastic senior management team in a field that is dynamic by nature, where technology is always generating change and new opportunities.

“One of the bonuses of this is being able to share the knowledge we gain here in Yorkshire with technology leaders much further afield.”

The Stray Ferret Business Award event sponsor is Prosperis. To find more and to purchase tickets for the big night, click here.

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Stray Ferret Business Awards: Sustainable Business

The Sustainable Business award is sponsored by York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.

The York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub aims to provide businesses of all sizes and sectors effective and impartial business support.

As a local organisation, the service provided is tailored to the needs of individuals and their particular region.

This award recognises those businesses that have put sustainability at the top of their agenda by reducing their impact on the environment.

Finalists

Full Circle Funerals

Full Circle Funerals aims to improve the standards and expectations of funeral services.

Full Circle is the first funeral director in the UK to achieve B Corp status – an international measure of sustainability and business for good.

The company led a crowdfunding campaign in 2022, raising over £20,000 to fund research into the environmental impact of certain funeral choices.

It was also named UK Green Funeral Director of the Year in 2021 and 2022.

Sarah Jones, Founder and Director of Full Circle Funerals, said:

“The environment is important to us and to many of the bereaved people we support, which is why it is important to us that we have a sustainable business and share knowledge with others on how to make planet friendly choices.

“Our business was established to be a force for good and it is such an honour to have been recognised locally and nationally as an organisation that puts purpose before profit in everything we do”.

JOT’s Gallery:

JOT’s Gallery in Pateley Bridge is an art gallery dedicated to using recycled materials to showcase the environment.

James Owen Thomas, founder of the gallery, is an ambassador for the Young Tree Champion programme.

James has an artist residency in Fishpond Wood, Bewerley. He leads monthly workshops where he shares his techniques and offers ideas on how to become more creative with recycled materials.

James has also made multiple television and radio appearances discussing his passion for artwork and the environment.

James Owen Thomas said:

“We are all surrounded by the beauty of nature, and this has always been the deepest source of inspiration for me. In my efforts to protect the environment, I always choose to incorporate used materials into my art.

“I hope that my business values will encourage others to creatively recycle and reuse, so we can all do our part to save the planet”.

Number Thirteen

Number Thirteen is an eco-friendly coffee house in Knaresborough.

Everything at Number Thirteen is pre-loved, up-cycled or handmade. From teaspoons to wallpaper – it’s all been sourced from charity shops, auctions and boot fairs.

Supplies are kept local and any spare parts from deliveries, like milk bottles, are washed and reused or recycled, meaning a cup of coffee uses 0% single-use plastic.

The electricity used to power Number Thirteen is 100% renewable, generated from a combination of wind, solar and hydro energy.

Sarah Ward, owner of Number Thirteen, said:

“I wanted to try and create a business that strives to buck the single-use trend, using eco-friendly products that can be recycled or reused. I think we are living in a time where it would be irresponsible to not be aware of the impact we make on the environment.

“I strive to live a sustainable life at home, so why wouldn’t I do it at work too? Creating a business that puts sustainability at the forefront of its values, simply makes me feel better about my business and its overall impact on the environment”.

NEOM Organics London

NEOM Organics is an aromatherapy wellness brand based in Harrogate that has become a national brand.

NEOM is a certified B Corp organisation, an accolade that recognises UK businesses that place sustainability at the forefront of their values.

NEOM measures its significant environmental impacts, include packaging, water usage and ingredient sustainability, in order to establish an entirely green future.

The company has also calculated its carbon footprint and is actively developing a reduction plan.

Oliver Mennell, Co-Founder of NEOM, said:

“The NEOM team are delighted to be shortlisted as a finalist in the Sustainable Business Award. I want to credit the hard work and passion that everyone here has for building a business that doesn’t just look after the welfare of people, but also the wellbeing of our precious planet.

“As we say at Neom: “Let’s build a business we can all be super proud of”.

Source Climate Change Coffee

Source Climate Change Coffee is a conservation coffee company in Harrogate.

Source Climate Change Coffee sources its coffee globally. The company rewards farmers by buying their carbon offsets and then invests these into reforestation activities.

The company recently created a range of coffee capsules, made from entirely plant-based materials that are 100% compostable.

Source Climate Change also supports the Lorna Young Foundation to train farmers on their markets, climate change and sustainable land management practices.

Cristina Tales, Managing Director of Source Climate Change Coffee, said:

“This award recognises the work we have done in our supply chains for coffee.  Source is the only conservation-led coffee company buying coffees from reforestation projects in ecological hotspots.

“Each coffee protects a tropical forest and supports a local conservation project, where farmers are encouraged to focus on organic and sustainable land management practices, as well as plant trees to ensure they have a sustainable source of firewood and building materials. The aim is to reduce their dependency on forests as a resource”.

Resurrected Bites

Resurrected Bites is a food waste organisation, with cafés in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

The business collects short shelf-life and excess food from local producers and distributes it via the pay as you feel community cafes.

Any food not fit for human consumption is passed onto livestock and peelings are gifted to allotments to make compost.

Resurrected Bites also uses the café and social media to educate people on climate change. In 2022, the business dedicated a week of its social media posts to educating people on how to reduce food waste at home.

Michelle Hayes, CEO of Resurrected Bites, said:

“Resurrected Bites is passionate about doing all we can to protect the environment.

“The reason I started the organisation is because food waste is such a massive environmental issue and, therefore, sustainability is always at the forefront of our minds when we are deciding how we operate in all areas of our organisation.”

EnviroVent

EnviroVent is a designer and manufacturer of sustainable ventilation systems.

The company has recently moved from two separate sites into one zero-carbon building in Harrogate. The building benefits from low carbon heating and energy sources, as well as solar panels.

EnviroVent has committed to planting 5,000 trees a year in partnership with MoreTrees.

EnviroVent also works with a waste management company to prioritise recycling.

Andy Makin, Managing Director of EnvrioVent, said:

“At EnviroVent, the “enviro” in our name is not just about improving the environment of our customers, but also in improving our environmental impact for the world we live in. We take responsibility to proactively tackle climate change and are committed to achieve Net-Zero targets by 2030!

“The first major milestone for the next stage in our sustainable journey was relocating to our carbon neutral head office. This new self-sustaining building, reduces our environmental impact, utilising greater energy efficient initiatives, including solar panels, the use of additional renewable energy sources e.g. heat recovery units”.

The Stray Ferret Business Award event sponsor is Prosperis. To find more and to purchase tickets for the big night, click here.

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate business owner donates book proceeds to charity

The Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis, will be held on March 9 at the Pavilions of Harrogate. Early bird tickets are available until February 9. The event will celebrate success and business excellence across the Harrogate district. It’s a night not to be missed! There’ll be a fabulous prize draw for all attending and Richard Flinton, the incoming Chief Executive of North Yorkshire Council, is guest speaker. 

A Harrogate business owner is to donate proceeds from her book to a North Yorkshire charity.

Sarah Jones, founder of Full Circle Funerals on Skipton Road, is set to hand funds raised from her funeral self-help book Funerals Your Way to the Two Ridings Community Foundation.

Two Ridings supports charities and community groups in Harrogate and throughout North and East Yorkshire.

Ms Jones, a long-time supporter of the charity, said:

“Our funeral services have a natural role within the communities where they are based and I have always been extremely proud of the way the whole team embraces this, whether through fundraising, volunteering, partnerships or supporting events.

“By donating our 2023 book proceeds to Two Ridings Community Foundation we can help them to support lots of different hard working organisations that are meeting a need in their own communities.”

Two Ridings Community Foundation CEO Jan Garrill said: 

“We are honoured to be chosen as the recipient of this year’s book sale proceeds and incredibly grateful for the ongoing support we receive from Sarah and her team.

“The money will mean we can help even more grassroots charities and community groups to continue their vital work.”

Knaresborough marketing agency expands international clients

A Knaresborough public relations and marketing firm has secured a new international client.

Allott and Associates, specialises in industry sectors including manufacturing, packaging, technology and logistics, announced the account amid an expansion of its team in 2022.

The company has secured Maltese firm Jekson Vision as a new client and has been tasked with expanding its reach into the UK market.

The agency also won its first accounts in Canada and Japan last year, along with further expansion into the US, Europe, Asia and Australia from its Yorkshire-based head office.

Philip Allott, director of Allott and Associates, said:

“The covid lockdowns caused us to take a more creative approach to pitching and tendering processes.

“Like many businesses we made the best use of Microsoft Teams and, as this has now very much become the norm around the globe, making international connections has become easier than ever for us – and it’s easier than ever for prospective clients to connect with us too.”

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Business Breakfast: Transport leader to meet Harrogate businesses

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Keane Duncan, the councillor responsible for major transport schemes such as the Harrogate Station Gateway and the Otley Road cycle route, is to meet business leaders in Harrogate on Monday.

Cllr Duncan succeeded Don Mackenzie as North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for highways and transportation this year.

He will talk about his vision for transport in and around Harrogate at Harrogate District Chamber of Trade‘s monthly meeting at the Cedar Court Hotel.

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

The meeting will also hear presentations from three chamber businesses about carbon reduction.

Paul White, from Auditel, will talk about his firm’s journey to carbon neutrality.

Sarah Jones, from Full Circle Funerals, will explain how her business attained Corp B status – a certification which verifies a business is meeting high standards of social and environmental performance.

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

Chamber chief executive David Simister said:

“I’ll also be updating members on the letter I sent to the district’s MPs about the energy price crisis, as well as introducing our newest members and inviting members to share their latest news with us.

“And whilst this meeting is open to non-members attending for the first time, it is a first and foremost a business meeting and not a public meeting.”

You can register to attend here on the Chamber website here.

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Harrogate training provider acquired

FW Solutions acquired by Realise

The team at FW Solutions

Harrogate-based training provider FW Solutions, has been acquired by Sheffield firm Realise.

FW Solutions, based in Windsor House, delivers apprenticeships and training to more than 100 early years settings across Yorkshire and North-East England.

It was formed in 2008 by husband-and-wife partnership Rodney and Sandra Hardy, who are now retiring.

The entire FW Solutions team, including all trainers, will move to become part of Realise, which will extend its provision by offering training in residential childcare.

Mr Hardy said:

“It is with a heavy heart that we are leaving FW Solutions but it’s the right time for Sandra and I to retire.

“We will miss all members of our highly qualified team, who have shown such loyal support and dedication over the last 14 years, as well as the expanding number of settings we have been fortunate to partner with.

“When we were initially approached by Realise regarding an acquisition, we knew this was an exciting opportunity to expand on the initial concept of FW Solutions yet retain the family-based environment which has been such a key part of the success.”

Realise, which became a standalone business two years ago when private equity investor Enact provided funding to support a management buyout, delivers apprenticeships at level two, three and five to hundreds of settings across the UK.

Harrogate law firm Hempsons sponsors play

Harrogate law firm Hempsons has sponsored a play about the struggle to access care for elderly relatives.  

Hempsons specialises in the health, social care and charity sectors so the theme of the play Fighting for Life chimed with its work.

The play was performed last Thursday at Harrogate Neighbours, a not-for-profit care organisation for the elderly.  

The performance was followed by a Q&A session where audience members could ask questions relating to the themes discussed in the play.

Audience members at Harrogate Neighbours’ play.

Philippa Doyle, head of social care at Hempsons, said:  

“As leading health, social care and charity lawyers, we assist these sectors with the challenges they face and take pride in offering support via free advice lines and training.” 

The play, written by Brian Daniels, is currently touring the UK after premiering in 2018 at Hampstead Marie Curie hospice in London.  

Harrogate Neighbours’ care fest event in July will see local companies including Powell Eddison Solicitors, Avery Walters and Full Circle Funerals give advice and support for people going through bereavement.  

Harrogate garden centre launch new hydrangea at Chelsea Flower Show 

Harrogate Garden Centre has launched a new hydrangea plant at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.  

The signature Red Butterfly Hydrangea is an exclusive at the show, and will be available to buy in garden centres across the country later this year.  

The Red Butterfly Hydrangea launched by British Garden Centres

£10 from each plant sold at the show will be donated to the charity Greenfingers, which create gardens for children in hospices around the UK.  

Tom Cook, plant buyer at British Garden Centres, which owns Harrogate Garden Centre, at Bishop Monkton, said:

“When looking for the perfect plant to launch as the group’s signature at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, a red hydrangea was the only option. It links to the group’s symbolism for passion through the colour and name, which is the Red Butterfly.” 

First established in 1913, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will be open until Saturday. 

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Free business group memberships available to Harrogate district SMEs

Free business group memberships available to Harrogate district SMEs

The Institute of Directors is offering free memberships to all small and medium sized businesses in the Harrogate district.

The IoD provides advice, discounted professional development and events to businesses and also lobbies government.

The free memberships are being offered with the support of Harrogate Borough Council, using government covid recovery funds.

The IoD, which was founded in 1903, has 20,000 members.

Caroline Pullich, chair of IoD North Yorkshire, said:

“The IoD exists to supports members to become better directors and develop their businesses.

“We look forward to hearing from directors in the Harrogate district and welcoming them to our community.”

To be eligible, directors must work for an SME business based in the Harrogate district and not have held an IoD membership within the previous two years from the date of enquiry. A maximum of two memberships are available per eligible business.

To apply email senior branch manager Helena.drake@iod.com.

Harrogate funeral directors partner on annual conference 

Full Circle Funerals, which is based in Harrogate, is the lead partner for this year’s annual conference of Leeds Bereavement Forum.

Next month’s conference will focus on the Lancet Commission’s recent report The Value of Death: bringing death back to life.

Held on May 19 at the Thackray Medical Museum in Leeds, the event includes talks with experts including palliative physician Dr Ros Taylor MBE.

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Harrogate district groups can bid for grants up to £3,000

Voluntary organisations can apply from today for grants of between £200 and £3,000 from the Local Fund for the Harrogate District.

The fund, which has opened for its second funding round, will award about £30,000 to £40,000 in total.

Not-for-profit groups in the Harrogate district running projects or wanting to restart their activities and services after covid are eligible to apply.

Applications need to be received by June 21 and grants will be awarded in late July.

The fund, which is a partnership between Harrogate Borough Council, Harrogate and District Community Action and Two Ridings Community Foundation, was established in 2018 to provide grant funding to local voluntary organisations.

Harrogate firm Full Circle Funerals has boosted the amount available in this funding round by contributing £10,000.

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Sarah Jones, chief executive of Full Circle Funerals, said:

“We have been very keen to do something positive to help activities and projects resume after covid and the Local Fund seemed like the perfect opportunity to offer far-reaching support where it is most needed.”

Jan Garrill, chief executive of Two Ridings Community Foundation, said:

“The Local Fund in this round will focus on supporting community-inspired and led projects, activities and events.

“We know many local groups are keen to re-start activities once the current covid restrictions are lifted and we want to be able to support them with grants.”

Councillor Sam Gibbs, chair of Harrogate Borough Council’s voluntary and community sector liaison group and Local Fund grants panel member, said:

“The Local Fund provides continuous support for our local voluntary and community sector organisations and charities across the Harrogate district and the residents they support.

“It has been an incredibly tough year for them. And now, more than ever, it is critical these charities can access funds for projects.

Further details are available on the Two Ridings Community Foundation website and the HADCA website.

Harrogate Bereavement Support Group Continues Online During Covid

This article is sponsored by Full Circle Funerals. 

When someone dies, the days and weeks that follow are generally a busy time, with funeral preparations to think about and friends and family to chat to – but what happens when everything quietens down?

It’s a question that funeral directors at Full Circle Funerals often asked themselves when they were supporting people who have been bereaved, and it led to them launching a monthly bereavement support group.

The group is accessible to anyone in the community, not just those who have used the services of Full Circle Funerals.

David Billington, of Full Circle Funerals in Harrogate, said: “It’s a very informal peer support group which is currently being held via zoom so that people can continue to meet during the pandemic.

“We’re finding that it’s even more valuable than ever at the moment when people don’t have access to their usual support networks,” he added.

The group started in October 2018 and has been meeting one evening a month ever since with a welcoming open door policy. It is led by David’s colleague, Ruth.

“Some people find it helpful to share their experiences whereas others prefer to simply listen,” David explained.

“The feedback we’ve had from those attending the group is that it gives them a safe space where they feel comfortable to speak about their bereavement if they want to and where they feel reassured that they are not the only ones experiencing the challenges and emotions they face.

“If one person is finding a particular situation difficult, someone else might be able to share some advice about how they’ve coped with something similar,” he said.

David said some people say very little at first until they get to know people whereas others find it easier to open up to those they haven’t met before.

“Either is okay and everyone involved understands that bereavement is very individual,” said David.

“We aren’t counsellors but we are a team of people who work every day with the bereaved and we listen to their experiences and we share their lessons with those who we hope it can help.”

Sian, one of the group attendees has shared her experience of the sessions.

She said:

“In the beginning I was nervous about attending the peer bereavement session. I’m not one for crying in front of people, but I knew I was in a rut and needed support.

“After the first session, I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I felt something ‘unlock’ in my grief; I slept better at night, was more open with my feelings, and was able to move forward rather than ‘move on’.

“I’ve been attending the monthly sessions for around 6 months. Ruth from Full Circle facilitates the sessions in such a gentle way, and creates a safe space so we can share how we’re truly feeling. Not everyone can do that. I’m no longer nervous about attending the sessions, I look forward to them.”

To find out more about the bereavement group contact ruth@fullcirclefunerals.co.uk. For more information on bereavement support visit the bereavement support section on the Full Circle Funerals website. 

Full Circle Funerals is based at 71 Skipton Road in Harrogate. Tel: 01423 740799