Hotels, pubs, restaurants, care homes and communities are being called on to be part of a floral competition in Harrogate for the first time since before the pandemic.

Harrogate in Bloom (HIB) has launched its annual contest for businesses and community organisations this summer.

It will be the first time the competition has been run in full since 2019, after being called off in 2020.

HIB member Mary Mann, who helps to organise the competition, told the Stray Ferret:

“We couldn’t meet or go round to see the gardens during covid.

“We did a small competition last year, but we’re determined it’s going to get back to normal this year. We used to have masses of entries before covid.”

The competition has four categories: bars and restaurants, hotels and guesthouses, residential communities, and communal gardens.

The latter is aimed at public places such as churches which have outside space, while residential communities are often blocks of flats with communal gardens.

Read more:

• Regal floral art wows visitors at Harrogate Flower Show
• Harrogate school pupil’s flower bed design for Queen’s Jubilee wins trophy

The size of the garden is not important in any of the categories – the judges will be looking at the way the space is maintained and the use of flowers, including those in containers.

Each entrant will be judged against RHS criteria and given an award for the standard it achieves, from a certificate of merit up to a gold award. A winner will be announced in each category in September.

Judging will be carried out by Chris Beard and Roger Brownbridge, both experienced Yorkshire in Bloom and Harrogate in Bloom judges.

To find out more about the competition, or enter by the deadline of June 30, click here.

Meanwhile, Harrogate is also gearing up for judging in the regional Yorkshire in Bloom contest.

Members of HIB and other organisations have been working hard to ensure the town is shown off at its best over the summer, maintaining its long tradition of success in floral competitions.

Harrogate BID, meanwhile, has been selected for Britain in Bloom after winning gold in last year’s Yorkshire Contest. The business organisation will be supported by members of HIB to prepare for judging.

Hundreds of shoppers basked in the sun last weekend for the Harrogate Fashion Show.

The event, organised by Harrogate Business Improvement District with the Stray Ferret as media partner, saw retailers show off their latest collections.

Models took to the catwalk throughout the day outside Victoria Shopping Centre, which sponsored the event.

A seated area enabled fashionistas and passers-by to soak up the sun and see the latest styles.

The day was divided up into different fashion themes – the summer season, upcycling, wedding wear, Harrogate on the high street, activewear and children’s celebration.

Here are some pictures from Saturday’s event.

Read More:

• Retailers strike a pose at the Harrogate Fashion Show
• Catwalk line up announced for the Harrogate Fashion Show

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. Our next networking event is after-work drinks at Manahatta, on May 25th at 5:30.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

A Ripon nail salon has won best salon in Yorkshire at the Hair and Beauty Awards UK.

LoveUrban Nail Design, which was founded by Samantha Lund, picked up the award for “Best Nail Salon” in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Ms Lund, who started her business during the covid lockdown after training to become a nail technician eight years ago, said she was “incredibly proud” to win the prize.

She said:

“I am incredibly proud of my accomplishments and so grateful to my family and clients for their unwavering support over the years, and so thankful to The UK Hair and Beauty Awards for voting me and my salon as the Best in Yorkshire and Humber.

“I love my career and all the challenges it gives me.”

Harrogate BID commissions street entertainers

Harrogate Business Improvement District has commissioned a series of street performances to take place in Harrogate town centre.

The street shows run until Christmas and will take place in areas across the town.

Harrogate street performance artists return to the town centre.

It will include performers such as Val & Halla, PC Gone Mad, Maniax, Edmund & Hillary and the Dub Step Elves.

Matthew Chapman, manager of Harrogate BID, said: 

“Our street performers have a great reputation for developing engaging and visual street theatre performances and shows.

“When we have arranged this type of entertainment previously, everyone has enjoyed the comical and family-friendly nature of these lively performances.

“We are delighted to bring the entertainment back to the town centre through a series of new shows.

“We have already received lots of positive feedback on the artist performances from residents, and we are sure that they will bring plenty more smiles.”

Read more:

• Business Breakfast: Ripon auctioneers announces new name and sales structure
• Business Breakfast: Harrogate family launches UK’s first stocked German kitchen business

Businesses in Harrogate will begin voting on June 1 on whether to continue to fund services such as street cleaning and Christmas lights.

Currently 462 town centre businesses with a rateable value above £19,000 pay a levy to Harrogate Business Improvement District.

The BID spends the money on additional services to those provided by local authorities to attract footfall into the town centre.

But its first five-year term is ending and it will cease operating if a majority of businesses vote ‘no’ to another five-year term.

BID chief executive Matthew Chapman at last night’s event.

Last night Matthew Chapman, chief executive of the BID, launched the organisation’s term two business plan at the Doubletree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel.

The plan reveals the BID is forecast to have £510,000 income a year — down on current £554,000 a year — because of a recent re-evaluation of rateable values on town centre businesses.

Mr Chapman said the BID, like many businesses, would have to “do more with less” but he maintained the organisation provided a valuable service through activities such as its street ranger Chris Ashby, street deep cleaning, Christmas lights, match-funded grants, street entertainment, targeted free parking and floral baskets and planters.

Street ranger Chris Ashby

Locally, Ripon, York, Leeds, Skipton, Ilkley, Otley, Bradford and Northallerton have bids although Knaresborough rejected one.

The business plan says:

“Harrogate BID is needed more than ever before and we ask you to please use your ballot paper to vote ‘yes’.”

Council to abstain in vote

However, the BID won’t be able to call on the local authority to support its bid — unlike five years ago.

Harrogate Borough Council previously used its block vote for businesses it ran to vote in favour of the BID.

But North Yorkshire Council, which replaced it this month, has said it will abstain.

Asked last night how he felt about this, Mr Chapman said:

“It’s a little disappointing but it could also be positive because it will be a true business vote.”

Mr Chapman added he wasn’t aware of any other councils that abstained in BID votes.

The ballot will run from June 1 to 28 and the result will be announced on June 29.

Read more:

• Harrogate BID to launch campaign for second term
• Crime commissioner’s office to move to Harrogate Police Station

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The fourth in our series of networking events, with Banyan Bar & Kitchen, is a breakfast event on April 27 from 8am.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

Bettys and Taylors of Harrogate has won a King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.

The awards programme is presented by His Majesty King Charles III recognises outstanding UK business.

It has four categories including International Trade, Innovation, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility.

Garry Nield, international director for Taylors, said:

“We are honoured to have been recognised with this prestigious Award, especially in the year of His Majesty The King’s Coronation.

“Over the last six years the International Team at Taylors has worked extremely hard and showed unwavering commitment to share our Yorkshire passion for top quality tea and coffee with the world, building genuine, lasting relationships along the way.

“We have overcome challenges such as successfully delivering the adaptation of our packaging in advance of Brexit, not to mention the difficulties presented by the covid-19 pandemic.”

Harrogate BID showcases pop-up garden

Harrogate Business Improvement District showcased a pop-up garden at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show this past week.

The garden was on show for the full four days and was made in partnership with Harrogate International Partnerships.

Harrogate BID Manager, Matthew Chapman with BID Project Manager, Jo Caswell at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show with other representatives.

The arrival of a pop-up garden at the Spring Flower Show, marks Harrogate BID’s launch of this year’s Harrogate Floral Summer of Celebration, a two-week long campaign which will run from July 12 to August 4.

Harrogate BID Manager, Matthew Chapman said: 

“After winning gold in last year’s Yorkshire in Bloom, and now being named as a finalist in this year’s 2023 RHS Britain in Bloom UK Finals, we are on a roll in helping the town regain its floral crown and are ready to rise to the challenge!

“Harrogate is famed as a floral town, and over the years has won many accolades. Our floral campaign, delivered by BID Project Manager Jo Caswell, is designed to celebrate our floral heritage and international relations.

“This year’s Harrogate Floral Summer of Celebration theme will focus on the international connections our great town has around the world, told through a series of unique displays.”

Read more: 

• Business Breakfast: Harrogate businesswoman wins lifetime achievement award
• Business Breakfast: Harrogate property specialists move to new office

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The fourth in our series of networking events, with Banyan Bar & Kitchen, is a breakfast event on April 27 from 8am.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

Harrogate law firm, LCF Law, has appointed a new business development and marketing director.

Nick Greenwood has spent the past 25 years working for banking, accountancy, and legal firms across Yorkshire.

In his new role, Mr Greenwood will head a broad spectrum of business development and marketing projects at LCF Law and oversee the firm’s overall growth strategy.

He said:

“I started my career at Barclays as a branch manager in both the Leeds and Bradford flagship branches, soon progressing through SME into corporate banking and agriculture, supporting all types of businesses with their financial needs.

“After that, I became part of the senior leadership team at a mid-tier accountancy firm as head of sectors, and then moved to a business development role at a 48 partner law firm supporting its achievement to become one of the most profitable law firms in the east of England.

“Whether it be providing finance, accountancy, or legal services, the key is always to focus on how firms can solve problems for their clients and deliver cost-effective solutions that help them achieve their business and personal goals.”

Simon Stell, managing partner at LCF Law, said:

“We have significant growth aspirations and Nick’s expertise and enthusiasm will help us to deliver those. At the heart of any good business are its people. We recruit great people and help them to achieve their potential and career ambitions. The addition of Nick to the team will help the business and our lawyers meet our goals..

“Nick’s appointment will help us to reach even more clients across a broad spectrum including the manufacturing, agricultural, healthcare, digital and charity sectors.”

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• Business Breakfast: Funding review could result in sale of Black Sheep Brewery
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Harrogate BID funds town spring clean

Harrogate’s Business Improvement District has completed a spring clean as part of its business objective to keep the town ‘safe, clean and welcoming’.

The 150-hour long clean-up operation saw hot steam and pressure jet washing of pavements on Cambridge Street, Beulah Street, Oxford Street, Cambridge Road, James Street, Parliament Street, West Park, John Street, The Ginnel, Montpellier Mews, Kings Road and Station Parade.

The work was backed up by Chris Ashby, the BID’s in-house street ranger, who recently won the Unsung Hero Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023, in recognition of his hard work and dedication to keeping the town spotless.

Matthew Chapman, BID manager, said:

“First impressions really do count, which is why we ensure our streets are cleaned on a regular basis.

“It is clear to see from the before and after pictures that the deep cleans make a huge difference to the aesthetic appearance of the town for all who visit it.

“I would encourage all businesses who are part of the BID community to make the most of the additional services the street ranger team offers over and above the deep cleaning.

“We provide reactive support for improvements to properties within the BID radius, to make sure they look professional, clean and inviting. Anyone wanting to make the most of this offering should email info@harrogatebid.co.uk.”

A big screen and live music will be on offer when Harrogate BID celebrates the coronation next month.

The BID is putting on the event in the grounds of the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel and Spa, and is inviting families and groups of friends to join in.

People can bring picnic blankets and deckchairs to watch the coronation of King Charles III on the screen on Saturday, May 6, as well as the run-up to the ceremony. There will also be entertainment and the chance to win prizes.

The celebrations continue on Sunday, May 7, when DJ Mark Green will provide the music. Food and drink will be available to buy from the hotel throughout the weekend.

BID manager Matthew Chapman said:

“We are delighted to be hosting this event at the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel and Spa. The coronation will be a joyous occasion – it gives people the chance to come together and enjoy some fun, whilst celebrating.

“The hotel is the perfect venue for the event, with plenty of room in the grounds for local residents to watch the official proceedings on a huge screen, with a great atmosphere to boot.”

The event is expected to open at noon on both days, and full details of timings will be announced once details of the coronation have been released by Buckingham Palace. Attendance is free and there is no need to book.

Destination Harrogate has already announced it will hold three days of celebrations for the coronation in the Valley Gardens.

Plans are also being put in place for big screens and other events in Knaresborough and Ripon, as well as community celebrations across the Harrogate district.

The Stray Ferret will be reporting on how our communities are celebrating the coronation in the run-up to and during the bank holiday weekend. Make sure your event is included by sending us an email with the details.

Read more:

• Harrogate’s Valley Gardens to host three-day coronation celebration
• Coronation Competition: A crown fit for the King

A ping pong parlour has returned to Harrogate’s Victoria Shopping Centre.

The attraction, which was set up by Harrogate Business Improvement District, will be open for seven days a week during retail hours.

It includes four table tennis tables and bats and balls are provided.

The BID is funding the free initiative as part of its mission to encourage people to visit town centre shops.

Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID manager, said:

“This is ever popular with workers and students alike and evidentially brings people into town. It is open until mid-July before it will take a short break for the Harrogate Floral Summer of Celebrations’ immersive exhibition. It will then return and run through to the autumn.

“Table tennis is a great sport, and anyone can play it, no matter how young or how old. This parlour is for the public to use, free of charge. All we ask is that if there are a lot of people wanting to play, then please be sensible and don’t hog the tables too long. Give others a chance.”

The BID is encouraging people to come along and take part and there will be a monthly competition for those who ‘check in’ through a QR code to win a £50 Harrogate Gift Card.

Read more:

• New chair to take the reins at Harrogate BID
• Harrogate firms prepare to vote on whether to continue funding business group

Harrogate BID is set to launch its campaign for a second term at a meeting of its members later this month.

The business improvement district, funded through a levy on business rates for commercial premises in the town centre, was first voted in in January 2019.

Its first five-year period will end at the beginning of next year – but its manager and board are hoping to win support for a business plan for another term.

Harrogate BID chairman Dan Siddle said:

“Harrogate is a key visitor destination and working with our members, BID ensures the town centre excels as a place for business, to shop, visit and enjoy.

“The work of the team over the past five years has been focused on the delivery of five key areas: marketing, promotions and events; access and car parking; safe, clean and welcoming; business plus; and evening and night-time economy.

“The new business plan will see these five areas re-focused on three all-encompassing objectives, with even greater scrutiny of the return on investment in relation to each one.”

The new business plan will be presented to BID members at the Majestic Hotel on Wednesday, April 26. As well as showcasing the draft business plan, it will be an opportunity for the BID to highlight its achievements since it was established.

Among those are events in the town centre designed to draw visitors in, such as a lego trail last summer and attractions over the Christmas period.

It has also carried out regular deep-cleaning of streets, and added floral and artistic installations to make the town centre more attractive to visitors and residents.

It has employed a street ranger and used hosts to welcome visitors to town and give directions, as well as sponsoring free parking and free bus travel on selected routes to boost footfall in the town centre.

The ballot for the BID will open on June 1 and members will be asked to cast their votes by June 28. The result will be announced the following day.

Mr Siddle added:

“I am confident that the offering of our new five-year business plan and streamlined objectives will see a positive vote for the BID – from which we look forward to continuing our work in support of our members to make Harrogate thrive long into the future.”

Any BID members wishing to attend the event at the Majestic on April 26, which runs from 5pm to 8pm, can sign up by emailing the BID.

Read more:

• New chair to take the reins at Harrogate BID
• Harrogate firms prepare to vote on whether to continue funding business group

The Stray Ferret Business Awards saw 11 finalists, and one very lucky prize winner, crowned the winners of their categories.

The winners shared their reactions in the LCF LAW Winner’s Lounge.

Rising Star Under 30 Award – sponsored by Thompson’s Chartered Accountants

Winner: Laura Mounsey, Harrogate Family Law

Laura Mounsey is a Director of Harrogate Family Law, the Chair of the advisory board to the Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS), as well as the youngest ever president of the Harrogate & District Law Society.

Her impressive career crowned her the winner of the Rising Star Under 30 Award.

Clare Frisby (L) with Laura Mounsey and Gyles Behbood (R) of Thompson’s Accountants

Laura told the Stray Ferret in the LCF Law Winners Lounge:

“This award means everything to me.

“I was nothing 10 years ago, so it is very honourable to be up here.

“My mum and step-dad are here tonight and I’d really be nothing without them”.

Business Growth Award – sponsored by Raworths

Winner: The Soundproofing Store

The Soundproofing store is the largest online retailer of soundproofing equipment and solutions in the UK – leading the company to win first place in the Business Growth Award.

Clare Frisby (L) with Ian Baker and Simon Morris (R) of Raworths

The team at The Soundproofing Store told us in the LCF Law Winners Lounge:

“It feels great to win. It is an award for the whole company – we feel very proud.

“Beating yourselves every year is what we’ve done, time and time again. It is thanks to our entire team.

“Thank you very much for this award”.

Unsung Hero Award – sponsored by the Big Bamboo Agency

Winner: Chris Ashby, Harrogate BID

Chris Ashby, the Street Ranger for Harrogate BID, keeps the town centre looking spotless.

Chris’s actions in helping save a man’s life in 2022 saw him take home the crown for the Unsung Hero Award.

Clare Frisby (L) with Matthew Chapman of Harrogate BID and Nicola Stamford (R) of Big Bamboo Agency

Matthew Chapman, Manager of Harrogate BID, spoke on behalf of Chris. He told the Stray Ferret in the LCF Law Winners Lounge:

“Chris will be very humbled and very proud to win this award.

“Chris is the glue that brings our team together — he is just so, so nice.

“This one is for Chris!”

Inclusivity Award – sponsored by Kempston Parkes Chartered Surveyors

Winner: Artizan Café and Creative Space

Artizan Café and Creative Space took home first prize for their work.

The café provides employment opportunities for differently-abled people and provides them with vital skills.

Liz Cluderay of the Artizan Café and Creative Space team told the Stray Ferret in the LCF Law Winners Lounge:

“Winning was an incredible feeling of huge pride. My work means a lot to me and the team mean the world to me.

“We have had the most amazing year creating what we have and this is just the icing on the cake”.

The Stray Ferret would like to thank everyone who entered the awards and everyone who attended our event.

Thank you to all our sponsors, including all the businesses supporting our individual categories, and our lead sponsor, Prosperis.

Keep an eye on our site and social media over the coming days to see more news and photographs from the awards ceremony.