Inaugural Stray Ferret Digital Marketing Conference proves huge success

Businesses at the Pavilions of Harrogate educated themselves on all things digital at the inaugural Stray Ferret Digital Marketing Conference today.

The event, which was sponsored by Ison Harrison Solicitors and York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, saw industry-wide speakers discuss the importance of a digital presence and the need to invest in digital marketing to optimise businesses.

From SEO strategies and emojis to driving digital growth and social media planning, no stone was left unturned.

Digital agencies Next Chapter and Impression Studio both discussed the importance of standing out in a crowded marketplace, embracing modern technology, and developing a clear digital marketing plan for the best results. Ben Foster of the SEO Works talked delegates through the art of getting to the top of an internet search.

Social media manager Rachel Moore, The Glam Hut’s Mia Williamson and Best Kept Secret Clothing’s Fiona Martin all emphasised the importance of social media. Rachel spoke about aiming to master one platform, while Mia and Fiona said small businesses don’t need to spend huge amounts of money on equipment to make good content.

“Personality shining through and consistency are both key”, they added.

Georgie Pogge-von Strandmann, solicitor and branch manager at Ison Harrison Solicitors, said:

“We’re really pleased to be part of the Stray Ferret Digital Marketing Conference and supporting other businesses in the digital marketing world.”

The Stray Ferret’s Commercial Manager Emma Harris added that in a world consumed by technology, we now more than ever must “embrace digital marketing and all its benefits”.

Lucy Playford, affectionately known as Harrogate Mama, and Chelsea Talbot from Positive Influence Agency gave an in-depth guide into influencer marketing. The pair discussed the positive effects an influencer can have on brands that choose to market through them.

Lauren Cooper and Georgie Harmer from Intandem Communications led a talk on the power of engaging content, while Chloe Byrne from Audience brought the day to a close with an insight into this year’s consumer trends.

Jack Colding from York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub.

Karen Booth, business relationship manager at York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, added:

“We’re so happy to support other businesses here today and to be part of the first Stray Ferret Digital Marketing Conference.”

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Harrogate hospital ‘crumbly concrete’ to cost £20m to eradicate

Health officials have estimated it will cost £20 million to eradicate “crumbly concrete” from Harrogate District Hospital.

RAAC, which stands for reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, is a lightweight material that is less durable than traditional concrete and has a life expectancy of just 30 years before it runs the risk of collapse.

The first section of Harrogate District Hospital was built in 1975 during a period when RAAC was used in the construction of public buildings.

A report about the material at the Lancaster Park Road hospital was discussed at a meeting of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust’s board yesterday at the Crown Plaza hotel.

The report said a full survey of the estate by engineers WSP found 2,500 RAAC panels. It added that remedial works have been completed on 12 “high-risk” panels with some theatres and corridors in the hospital made safe with props.

The report said there will be an annual survey of all RAAC panels and a roof with the concrete will be replaced.  

It said there may also be further propping of panels that are in danger of collapsing.

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To eradicate RAAC from the site, the trust has bid for £20m of funding to NHS England, which includes relocating demolishing and rebuilding a therapy services building.

Whilst there is RAAC present at Harrogate hospital, it is not as prevalent as in other hospitals in Yorkshire such as Airedale in the Bradford district. In May, the government announced it will be completely rebuilt due to RAAC.

Jonathan Coulter, chief executive at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust’s, addressed RAAC in a statement.

He said: 

“There has been a flurry of activity in respect of the management of estate where there is RAAC present. This followed the concerns raised at the end of last month across the education system.

“To be fair, the NHS has been very aware of this issue and risks are being managed, but there is now greater concern and the threshold for risk is being challenged.

“As the board will be aware, we do have some RAAC across the HDH site that we survey regularly, manage, and have a plan for gradual replacement. As part of our capital plans, including our new theatre build, we are reviewing and assessing the potential to tackle this issue more quickly.”

Two arrested after police pursuit near Harrogate

Two people have been arrested after a police pursuit near Harrogate.

Officers said they received a call at 2.15am this morning to reports of a quad bike which was travelling at close proximity with a car. The quad had two people on, who were riding without helmets.

North Yorkshire Police deployed a stinger unit to Harewood bridge, which deflated the tyres of the quad and vehicle.

The car was stopped in Harewood and the two occupants, a 20-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman, were arrested on suspicion of burglary offences.

The quad continued traveling along the A61 towards Leeds and a West Yorkshire Police unit was also successful at stinging the quad’s tyres. A short time later the quad, which is suspected stolen, was found abandoned by officers and recovered.

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The two people who were arrested remain in custody. Police said enquires are continuing to identify the outstanding suspects and the owner of the quad.

Chief Inspector Alex Langley from North Yorkshire Police said:

“I would like to thank the eagle-eyed member of the public for reporting this information to us.

“If something looks not quite right, then it probably isn’t, especially in the early hours of the morning.

“We take all reports of rural crime extremely seriously and will endeavour to deploy police recourses to the area immediately.”

Section of A59 Kex Gill to be closed for resurfacing in October

A section of the A59 at Kex Gill is set to be closed for five weeks in October as a £500,000 resurfacing scheme is carried out.

North Yorkshire Council will carry out the work on the road to the west of Harrogate between Church Hill and Pace Gate.

The road will be closed from Monday, October 9, for the resurfacing to be carried out. Advance warning signs and a signed diversion will be in place.

Work will take place on a section of the A59 which is next to the council’s £68.8 million Kex Gill re-route project.

Council officers will also be carrying out essential stabilising works to the slope of the existing road as well as drainage repairs, gully-clearing, refreshing lining, replacing cat’s eyes and maintenance of the ground monitoring equipment.

Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways and transport at the council, said:

“Keeping our roads in the best condition for the money that we have available is one of the biggest challenges that we face, so the additional government investment is making a huge difference to this year’s highways budget.

“It is allowing us to complete even more works than expected, including this key section of the A59.

“Kex Gill has a history of landslips, and the route has had to be closed a total of 12 times in the past 22 years. We must stabilise the slope near the existing road to avoid any lengthy closures over the next two years whilst the new road is constructed.

“Although there is never a good time to carry out such works, they need to be completed before the inclement winter weather hits.

“We have also timed the other essential works during the five-week period to avoid further closures and have been liaising with neighbouring authorities to ensure an appropriate diversion route has been set up and agreed.”

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The move comes as the council is constructing a new road off the A59 at Kex Gill after a series of landslips.

The Department for Transport is providing grant funding of £56.1 million for the £68.8 million Kex Gill re-alignment project, with the remaining £12.7 million allocated from North Yorkshire Council’s capital reserves.

A new four-kilometre stretch of road will be created, replacing an existing part of the A59 which has been affected by the landslips. 

The re-aligned route will leave the A59 at North Moor Road and re-join the existing road at Blubberhouses. It is due to be completed by autumn 2025.

Hiring: Harrogate’s most luxurious salon wants you!

This story is sponsored by Charlotte Woolley Hairdressing.

The opening of Harrogate’s most luxurious and innovative hair salon is just around the corner, and it’s hiring three hair stylists to join the adventure.

Charlotte Woolley Hairdressing is bringing the town centre the ultimate salon experience and places customer satisfaction at the top of its priority list. From complimentary hand massages and handbag holders to barista-style coffees and iced lemon water, it’s the finishing touches that will make this salon stand-out from the crowd.

The salon will offer all traditional hair services, including cuts and colours, hair-up services, and fashion hair too. Whether it’s a Tik Tok-trending money piece, a butterfly cut or a glamorous bridal up-do, Charlotte Woolley Hairdressing guarantees a sprinkle of luxury with every appointment.

However, it’s bouncy blow-dries that will put founder Charlie Woolley on the map. If you’re dressing to impress for date night, want to look one-million-dollars for a birthday dinner, or just fancy some self-care, Charlotte Woolley Hairdressing will leave you with Hollywood hair and a smile on your face.

If this is the type of salon you’d like to work for, it’s your lucky day! Charlie is recruiting three hair stylists to join her team and takeover the Harrogate hairdressing scene.

To be considered, applicants must have at least two-years salon experience and be at least Level 2 or Level 3-qualified. An established client base is also preferred.

Charlie Woolley told the Stray Ferret:

“I’m so excited about this new business venture – it’s been a long-time coming!

“I think there’s a gap in the market for luxury hairdressing here in Harrogate and Charlotte Woolley Hairdressing is going to be the most luxurious salon in the town.

“Now, I’m just looking for the right team to share this journey with.”

Renovations are well underway at the salon!

Charlie not only wants to deliver the highest-quality service to her clients, but also the best working environment for her staff.

She added:

“I want both my clients and my employees to feel exceptionally special.”

With 20 years of hairdressing experience under her belt, Charlie is looking for driven, bubbly, and creative individuals that are willing to learn and share her strive for success.

Employees will also have plenty of opportunities to further develop their careers and will be given the chance to attend industry courses. These will include specialised Wella courses, as well as advanced cutting and colour courses.

The three lucky applicants will be employed as full-time staff. Staff will, however, be given the chance to work flexible hours around the core days of Tuesday – Saturday.

Charlie is determined to make the salon a “fun and fair” place to work. She added:

“At the end of the day, I’ve got a business to run.

“However, I always treat people how I want to be treated. I’m a very fair person and I want my staff to feel happy in their jobs.”

Staff nights out and networking events will also be a regular occurrence for successful applicants.

Charlie is offering a competitive base salary of £25,000 – £35,000 per annum plus commission.

Those interested can apply for the role on The Stray Ferret jobs page.

The salon will open early November and interviews will be held after application.

Good luck!

To find out more about Charlotte Woolley Hairdressing, visit charlottewoolleyhairdressing.co.uk or follow the salon on Instagram and Facebook.

 

Government rejects plan for 20-metre 5G mast overlooking the Stray

A government inspector has rejected a bid to erect a 20-metre high 5G mast overlooking the Stray in Harrogate.

The inspector acknowledged the mast would boost poor 5G coverage in Harrogate but ruled it would also be “a conspicuous and intrusive feature in the surrounding area”.

CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd, which operates Three Mobile, wanted to build the mast at Granby Park, which is adjacent to the Stray by Skipton Road.

The now-defunct Harrogate Borough Council rejected the plan because of concerns about its visual impact not only on the Stray but also on Skipton Road and Claro Road in February.

CK Hutchison Networks took the decision to the government’s Planning Inspectorate, which adjudicates on disputes.

It argued the mast would not have a detrimental impact on the street scene and the 20 metre height was the “absolute minimum height which can be deployed to bring the benefits of 5G”.

But in a judgement published yesterday, inspector F Harrison said the mast would be “starkly incongruous” and “an intrusive feature in the surrounding area”.

The inspector added:

“I am not satisfied that alternative sites have been properly explored.”

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Harrogate Town to host football development sessions at Rossett Sports Centre

Harrogate Town is set to host player development sessions at Rossett Sports Centre.

The club has announced the centre has become official partner of Town’s player development centre.

It means pupils will have the opportunity to be coached by PDC coaches including first team captain Josh Falkingham, former Bradford City defender and now the club’s professional development phase coach Rory McArdle and academy manager Josh Law.

The player development scheme aims to enhance the talents of young footballers in the local community. 

As part of the partnership, regular football sessions will now be held at the school.

Tim Milburn, Rossett headteacher, said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Rossett School to work alongside Harrogate Town, a professional sports team, to develop young players while we also work hard to develop our young people as well within the school. 

“This partnership also gives our children to work with some fantastic role models from the club while our staff also play a key role in the development of the young people who pass through.”

Sarah Barry, Harrogate Town chief executive, said:

“We are really excited to be partnering with Rossett Sports Centre and Rossett School moving forward. As institutions both parties are known for their dedication to educational and sporting excellence as well as their fantastic community engagement.

“This partnership will help us provide a platform for young people to develop their skills, build confidence and enjoy playing football with a team of highly qualified and experienced coaches, including professional athletes.”

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Harrogate bonfire to return to the Stray this year

The organisers of the Harrogate bonfire have confirmed it will return to the Stray this year.

Harrogate and District Round Table said a traditional bonfire and fireworks display will be on offer at the event on November 4.

Visitors can look forward to live performances on the pop-up stage throughout the night — with Three Strikes Band already confirmed — and more to be announced.

There will also be a range food options, including traditional burgers and hotdogs, as well as a bar serving alcohol and soft drinks.

Organisers will be raising money for Harrogate Homeless Project for a second year running.

Matthew Firth, one of the Harrogate Round Table team, said they chose to fundraise for the homelessness charity again this year “because it is a great charity” and praised it for its efforts to end rough sleeping in the town.

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Last year, the organisers decided against holding a bonfire at the event due to costs and logistics but reversed the decision just weeks before Bonfire Night.

It reportedly costs over £13,000 to put on, with £5,000 spent on fireworks alone.

The schedule

The Harrogate Bonfire will take place on Saturday, November 4.

It will open at 4.30pm and entertainment will begin at 5pm.

The bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm and fireworks will follow at around 7.15pm.

Organisers expect the event to end at 8.30pm.

The event is free to attend and will be held on the Stray, near St Aidan’s Church of England High School.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate accountancy firm hires 14 new trainees

A Harrogate accountancy firm has hired a string of trainees in its “biggest ever intake” of graduates and school leavers.

Saffrey, which is based on North Park Road, appointed 14 new starters this autumn as part of a recruitment drive.

The company said the new hires mark a “significant investment in the next generation of advisors”.

The move comes as the firm, which also has offices in London and Manchester, launched a rebrand this past month, which included a change of name.

Michelle Rapson, senior manager in the Yorkshire audit team at Saffrey, said: 

“This latest investment in people will broaden the diversity of our team and create opportunities for personal growth throughout the business.

“We are already seeing last year’s trainees step up to the next level with the support of senior colleagues, who are committed to helping each individual reach their personal potential.”

Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall wins AA award

The Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall has won a prestigious award this past week.

The fine dining restaurant, which is based at the estate near Ripon, was awarded the AA Four Rosette Award.

Held at a ceremony at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, the AA Hospitality Awards aim to celebrate excellence within the hospitality industry.

On receiving the award, Shaun Rankin said:

“I’m delighted that Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall has been awarded the prestigious AA Four Rosette Award.

“This is a testament to the dedication and passion of our incredible team. It’s a reminder that excellence is not a destination, but a continuous journey of crafting unforgettable dining experiences, one plate at a time.”

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Gyles Brandreth endures sleepless night in ’tilting’ Harrogate hotel bed

TV personality Gyles Brandreth has bemoaned the state of a Harrogate hotel after enduring a sleepless night on a tilting bed.

The author and raconteur appeared at the Royal Hall last night for his one-man show Gyles Brandreth Can’t Stop Talking.

His prolific tweets indicated the evening went well — until it was time for bed.

At about 7am this morning, he posted the following unappealing image and said:

“The view from right here right now … very little sleep on a bed that tilted to the left so that I had to cling on all night. The hotel is in King’s Road but has no number so in the dark we couldn’t find it. Taxi couldn’t find it either. Eventually we did. Rather wish we hadn’t.”

In response to a tweet suggesting he should have called reception, he said:

“There was no reception. At midnight we tried to book in to the Crowne Plaza opposite, but it was full.”

Mr Brandreth declined calls to name and shame the establishment to his 208,000 followers.

After his show last night he hailed the “warm and wonderful audience” and said it was “a privilege to be be on the stage that both Ken Dodd & Marlene Dietrich once appeared on. Not together. (Though wouldn’t that have been glorious?)”.

He later praised The Ivy for its “delicious post-show supper: cheese soufflé followed by iced berries”.

Mr Brandreth added:

“Normally at this time of night, we’re perched on the edge of our bed in the local Premier Inn with a Pret sandwich. Tonight we’re in Harrogate being treated to this …. Thank you.”

However, his night appeared to go downhill once he left The Ivy.

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