HMRC unlikely to receive payment from Harrogate company collapse

Unsecured credits and HMRC are unlikely to receive any payment after the collapsed of failed Harrogate company Amvoc, administrators have said.

The telemarketing company, which was based at Cardale Park, collapsed and was placed into administration in March this year.

In a latest administrators report published this week, Gareth Lewis, Lewis Business Recovery and Insolvency, said it is anticipated funds will be available to pay former staff.

However, HMRC, which is classed as a “secondary preferential creditor”, and unsecured credits are expected to receive no money.

According to the report, employees are owed £233,507.52 in wages, holiday pay and pension contribution arrears.

Meanwhile, HMRC is owed £1.1 million in unpaid VAT, unpaid employees PAYE and national insurance, student loan deductions and industry scheme deductions.

Mr Lewis said in his report that it is unlikely that any repayment will be made.

He said:

“If funds are available to pay a dividend to the secondary preferential creditors, this claim will be adjudicated accordingly.

“However, at present, it is not anticipated that there will be sufficient funds to do so.”

Mr Lewis added that there was “no likelihood” that unsecured creditors, who were previously estimated to be owed £868,267, would receive payment. 

According to the report, equipment from the company’s old offices on Cardale Park, such as computers, desk and chairs, had now been sold.

‘Cash flow difficulties’

Damian Brockway set up Amvoc, the trading name of A Marketing Vocation Ltd, from a small office in Dacre in 2010. It sold telemarketing services, initially in the legal sector, and grew rapidly, moving first to Pateley Bridge and then to large offices at New York Mills near Summerbridge.

It opened a new head office on Cardale Park in Harrogate in 2015, a facility in Leeds in 2018 and an office in Manchester in 2022.  It also had plans to expand to London.

At the time of its collapse, Amvoc employed 230 staff.

Staff were left shocked on March 17 this year when they received a late night email from Mr Brockway saying “all our offices are closed with effect from tonight”. It went on to blame “covid debts”.

Mr Lewis said in his administrator’s report that in September 2017, the company entered into a company voluntary arrangement as a result of “cash flow difficulties” because of the loss of a major customer and “significant bad debt”.

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Government approves plan to convert Harrogate offices into flats

The government has given approval for a Harrogate office block to be converted into flats.

Bramhope Property and Investments Limited tabled the proposal to North Yorkshire Council to convert the the former office block off Clarence Drive known as Simpson Hosue into 12 two-bedroom flats.

It would have seen the ground, first and second floors converted.

However, the authority rejected the plan in May this year on the grounds that the flats would not have enough natural light.

The developer took the decision to the government’s Planning Inspectorate, which deals with planning disputes.

In a decision notice, Mr N Teasdale, planning inspector, said:

“I have no substantive evidence to demonstrate that the rear of the building would be in near constant shade/stygian gloom or that it would prevent solar gain.

“As all habitable rooms tested meet and are in excess of the minimum requirements of the guidelines in relation to daylight and sunlight then it cannot be assumed that future occupiers would complain, apply for tree works or that there would be pressure for removal/pruning.”

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Increasing number of adults need drug support in North Yorkshire

The number of adults with substance abuse problems is increasing in North Yorkshire, according to a report.

It comes as North Yorkshire Council is set to extend the contract for its specialist drug and alcohol support service North Yorkshire Horizons for another five years.

North Yorkshire Horizons was launched in October 2014 with a £3.6m annual contract awarded to charity Humankind to deliver the service, which is rated outstanding by regulator the Care Quality Commission.

It has specialist hubs in Harrogate, Skipton, Selby, Scarborough and Northallerton where people can get advice on drugs or alcohol, receive health treatment and take part in therapy sessions.

Since it was set up, the report says North Yorkshire Horizons has “significantly increased” the numbers of people engaging with the service. As of June 2023, there are 2,500 people taking part in treatment.

The number of people seeking support for drugs other than opiates has also increased by 50%.

North Yorkshire Horizons is largely funded through a government grant but the report warns that drug and alcohol services are more expensive to deliver than they were before the covid pandemic, due to cost-of-living rises and inflation.

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It also says there is an “unmet need” and “increasing profile” of people who experience substance use in the county.

An independent review of drugs led by Dame Carol Black in 2021 warned that investment in drug and alcohol services has reduced significantly over the last decade nationally.

In response, central government has increased spending for local authority-led treatment with North Yorkshire Council receiving an additional £1.4m funding. Another £1m is expected in 2024/25.

The contract with Humankind is set to be extended by Cllr Michael Harrison, Conservative executive member for health and adult services, at a meeting tomorrow.

The report says: 

“Evidence shows that drug and alcohol substance use treatment services are cost effective to the public purse, and clinically effective in terms of outcome for the individual.

“Investing in substance use services not only helps to save lives, but also substantially reduces the economic and social costs of harms associated with harmful patterns of substance use.”

Business Breakfast: Harrogate care provider hires learning development manager

Are you already thinking of how to reward your employees this Christmas? Why not choose the Harrogate Gift Card?

The Harrogate Gift Card can be spent in over 100 businesses in Harrogate town centre including retail, hospitality and leisure, whilst keeping the spend locked into the local economy.

Complete a corporate bulk order of over £250 and receive 15% discount from November 1 to 15 with the code ‘HGT15’.

Harrogate-based Vida Healthcare has appointed a new learning development and quality manager.

Arron Bolland will oversee the company’s new training facility, Vida Academy, on Starbeck High Street.

Mr Bolland will be tasked with overseeing the creation and implementation of continuous training programs for all staff roles at Vida Healthcare.

James Rycroft, managing director at Vida Healthcare, said: 

“Arron’s dedication to providing our residents with the best possible care is evident in his career progression throughout his time with us.

“His appointment to head up the Vida Academy team and drive our training and development offering forward was the natural next step for us.

“Vida Academy underscores our commitment to both our residents and staff, and we are looking forward to seeing the impact that Arron has on the career progression opportunities available to all our staff members.”

Harrogate estate agents wins industry awards

Harrogate estate agency Myrings has been recognised at a property industry awards.

The company picked up four accolades at the ESTAS Customer Service Awards 2023 – Gold for Sales in Yorkshire and Landlords in Yorkshire, Best in Postcode, and Agent of the Year.

Myrings staff at the awards.

Myrings staff at the awards.

The awards were based on more than 300,000 customer service ratings on the ESTAS review site, and the winners announced at an event in London hosted by TV property expert Phil Spencer.

Gemma Myring, managing director of Myrings, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled. We have always been very proud of our personal service and this proves we are delivering what we promise.”

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Asda Express to open in Knaresborough tomorrow

A new Asda Express will open its doors in Knaresborough tomorrow.

It will replace the former Co-op on Boroughbridge Road following Asda’s plan to expand into the convenience market and become the UK’s second largest supermarket, behind Tesco.

As part of the plan, the supermarket chain announced last year it had acquired 132 Co-op stores on petrol forecourts in a £438m deal.

Andy Perry, managing director of convenience at Asda, said:

“This conversion programme is an incredibly exciting moment for our business and accelerates our presence in the fast-growing convenience market.

“We look forward to bringing Asda’s great value in fuel and groceries to many more communities across the UK and to welcoming over 2,000 former Co-op colleagues to the Asda family in the coming months.”

Asda opened its first express store in Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham, and London last year. The Knaresborough store is one of 14 to open this week.

It plans to open 300 sites by 2026.

The express store will offer hot and cold takeaway food from brands including Leon and household essentials, and the petrol station will remain in operation.

Asda Express will open its doors tomorrow Friday, November 3.

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Major elements of £11.2 million Harrogate Station Gateway scheme to be scrapped

Two major parts of Harrogate’s £11.2 million Station Gateway project look set to be scrapped.

Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways at North Yorkshire Council, said reducing Station Parade to one lane and pedestrianising James Street would need be dropped from the scheme in order for it “to be successful”.

The move comes as council officials are currently drawing up alternative options for the project after the previous proposals were paused last month.

The original plans included reducing a 300-metre stretch of Station Parade to single lane to make space for cycle lanes and the part-pedestrianisation of James Street.

Cllr Keane Duncan.

However, Cllr Duncan, who is also the Conservative candidate for Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said new proposals for the gateway project required major changes.

He said:

“We need to make fundamental changes to the gateway if we are to secure investment for Harrogate.

“The proposal to reduce Station Parade to a single lane has been the most divisive element. To be successful, we would need Station Parade to remain as two lanes.

“And plans for James Street would need to be removed from the scheme’s scope altogether.”

The council halted the scheme immediately after lawyers acting on behalf of local property firm Hornbeam Park Developments launched a judicial review.

As a result, the authority announced it would draw up alternative options which would focus on “a high quality pedestrian-focussed public realm scheme, with improved access into the bus station, and better traffic flow through co-ordinated signal timings”.

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Full proposals are expected to be put before senior North Yorkshire councillors at a later date.

Cllr Duncan added that the new scheme would still be able to deliver public realm improvements.

He said:

“A new gateway proposal would allow us to move forward with first-class public realm improvements to Station Square, give One Arch the attention it needs and tackle congestion by upgrading the myriad of uncoordinated traffic signals.

“We have a final window of opportunity to produce a deliverable and beneficial scheme. This will not be easy, but I am committed to a cross-party effort. Constructive conversations are already taking place between Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors.

“My hope is to achieve a revised project plan with clear support from the public.

“I hope that residents and businesses can be encouraged by the pragmatic effort under way and the prospect of key changes to the Gateway that would see more controversial elements removed.”

Harrogate district man arrested over ‘Manchester Arena bomber’ costume

Police have made an arrest after reports of a man wearing an offensive costume depicting Manchester Arena bomber, Salman Abedi.

North Yorkshire Police said yesterday that it had received complaints about a man wearing the costume on social media.

Officers have since arrested a Harrogate district man in his 40s in connection with the incident.

In a statement, the force added:

“The man was arrested on 1 November on suspicion of a number of offences including using a public communication network to send offensive messages.”

In an update this morning, police said the man was released on conditional police bail to allow for further enquiries to be carried out.

Abedi killed 22 people in a suicide attack at Manchester Arena on May 22, 2017.

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Cats Protection charity store to open in Harrogate tomorrow

Cats Protection, the largest cat welfare charity in the UK, will open a Harrogate store tomorrow.

The boutique-inspired store, located on Oxford Street, will sell designer clothes to raise money for the charity.

Store manager, Joanna Swinburn, said people can expect the likes of Paul Smith and Kenzo to be stocked for both men and women.

She added:

“The aim was for it not to look like a typical charity shop.

“There was a need for a boutique store in Harrogate; there’s lots of run-of-the-mill charity shops – there’s nothing different.”

The charity, which launched in 1927, helps to re-home unwanted and stray cats.

The Harrogate shop will be the fourth of its kind – with others in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Ealing.

Ms Swinburn added:

“The reception to the store opening has been amazing.

“Since we put the mannequins in the window, lots of people have knocked on the door and asked what the store will be.”

Cats Protection Harrogate will open its doors tomorrow at 10am. There will be prosecco and cakes on offer for the official opening.

It will be open 7 days a week from 10am – 5pm.

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Knaresborough netballer sets second world record

An amateur netball player from Knaresborough has set a world record for the most goals scored in one minute.

Sue Hobson, 45, doubled the existing record after scoring 40 goals – or one every 1.5 seconds – smashing the minimum target of 20 set by Guinness World Records.

Ms Hobson has been a goal shooter for Harlow Hawks in the Harrogate and District league for 25 years.

She said:

“I think I’ve scored about 10,000 goals for Hawks across the years and I just love it! It’s definitely my happy place.

“I never get bored of shooting goals, whether it’s in league games, training or just in my garden.”

The attempt was held at Ms Hobson’s former school, King James’s, where she was joined by her family who kept the balls flowing for her.

The strict rules also required two independent witnesses or timekeepers and qualified netball umpires to be present.

All equipment had to meet the World Netball regulations and Ms Hobson’s attempt had to be filmed for verification by Guinness World Records.

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Ms Hobson also set the world record for the most netball goals scored in one hour – scoring 1,252 — three years ago.

She set herself the challenge after practicing in lockdown. Ms Hobson added:

“Getting the first world record gave me the bug and everyone in my team and at netball matches kept asking me when I was going to do another.”

Ms Hobson raised £2,440 for Saint Michael’s Hospice during her first world record, and is now fundraising for the British Heart Foundation, which supported her father following a heart-attack in 2021.

“It feels great to be a double world record holder, and being able to raise money for charity makes it even more rewarding.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in helping me with my world record. My family, umpires Sharon Hardisty and Hayley Blaymires, and King James’s School for the use of the sports hall on the day and for practice beforehand.

“It brought back memories for us all being at the school again and it was really special to be able to set the world record there.”

Business Breakfast: Harrogate consultancy firm hires new associate directors

Are you already thinking of how to reward your employees this Christmas? Why not choose the Harrogate Gift Card?

The Harrogate Gift Card can be spent in over 100 businesses in Harrogate town centre including retail, hospitality and leisure, whilst keeping the spend locked into the local economy.

Complete a corporate bulk order of over £250 and receive 15% discount from November 1 to 15 with the code ‘HGT15’.

A Harrogate consultancy firm has announce two new appointments as part of growth at the company.

Harlow Consulting, which is based at Cardale Park, has hired James Legard and Carolyn Black as associate directors.

Mr Legard has joined the firm from Purcell Architecture, while Ms Black has been appointed from the public sector in Scotland.

Jennifer Brennan, director at Harlow, said:

“We are delighted that two such strong candidates have chosen to join our growing team. James is adept at interpreting complex information to produce clear, actionable recommendations. He’s also particularly skilled in the fields of construction and heritage, which are important and growing research areas for us.

“Carolyn is a great fit for us, in terms of both her experience and values. Her diverse and expert skill set in social research will greatly strengthen our ability to deliver for our Scottish clients.

“Her understanding of the needs of the public and third sectors will be especially valuable in forwarding our mission to undertake projects with positive social impacts.”

Harrogate chamber event to focus on carbon emissions 

Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce is set to hold its next meeting on November 13.

The event will focus on the way in which businesses can reduce their carbon footprint.

Zero Carbon Harrogate will introduce practical steps that businesses can take to tackle carbon emissions, including what resources and support are available.

The event will be held at Harrogate College from 5.30pm. More information is available on the EventBrite page.

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