Business Breakfast: Harrogate BID to host energy saving workshops for businesses

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID) is to hold three workshops around saving energy.

The organisation is partnering with energy consultant Ryan Edwards to look at ways of dealing with rising electricity and gas prices.

There will be three events during the day on Monday, September 19.

The first is being held at Hustle & Co on Prince Albert Terrace at 9.30am, the second on Zoom at 11am and the third at 5.30pm at Starling Café on Oxford Street.

The sessions will last between 30 and 45 minutes.

Business who want to attend the Zoom meeting have been asked to email the BID for the link.

Matthew Chapman, Manager of Harrogate BID, said:

“We are acutely aware of the struggles our members are continually having when it comes to understanding, managing and securing new energy contracts for their businesses.”

He said Mr Edwards has expertise that will be helpful:

“He will be able to help us have a better understanding of what is happening within the energy market, and offer practical advice on securing energy contracts.

“Ryan works with more than 26 UK Suppliers, so can assure you that he can find the very best contracts on the market at this time.

“He can also bulk buy energy by buying all Members energy, at the same time driving the unit prices down significantly. It goes without saying, the more businesses we can get involved, the cheaper the unit.”

Read more:

Richard Levin of Loop Cashmere, Anne Blanden of Finance Yorkshire, Claire Heathcote of Loop Cashmere and Alex McWhirter, chief executive of Finance Yorkshire

Harrogate cashmere company secures Finance Yorkshire investment

Harrogate luxury cashmere brand Loop Cashmere has secured funding from the business loan organisation Finance Yorkshire.

The company makes its products using sustainable yarn from Inner Mongolia.

The £250,000 it has secured has gone towards opening a warehouse in Leeds and appoint a head of marketing.

Claire Heathcote opened the business with Richard Levin two years ago. She said:

“We saw a gap in the market for a sustainable cashmere brand offering contemporary styles made in the softest high-quality cashmere. Sustainability is the heart of brand from the way we source our sustainably accredited yarn, who we select as expert makers to craft our styles, our small production runs and the use of recyclable and compostable packaging.”

Alex McWhirter, chief executive of Finance Yorkshire, said:

“In just two years Loop Cashmere has developed a strong brand with sustainable credentials which will appeal to fashion-conscious customers. We look forward to supporting them in the next chapter of their growth journey.”

Harrogate pub Christies reopens after refurb

Harrogate pub Christies has reopened after closing for a month-long refurbishment.

The watering hole on Kings Road, owned by Punch Pubs and Co, welcomed customers to take a look at the new-look pub last Thursday.

The building has had a fresh coat of paint and builders have been busy giving the bar and outside a makeover.

Despite some changes, new managers Lee and Ben say every effort has been made to ensure the pub keeps its “traditional unique character and pub-like atmosphere”.

For drinkers there is a choice of five draft lagers, four cask ales and a selection of craft beers.

There is also a finger food menu that includes burgers and hot dogs.

Previous landlords Marik Scatchard and Jo Jarvis left the pub in July after over 14 years.

Read more:

 

Police warn Harrogate residents to expect loud noise after ‘unexploded grenade’ found

Police have warned Harrogate residents not to be alarmed by a “loud noise” this afternoon as a controlled explosion is carried out.

Officers have been dealing with a report of a suspected unexploded grenade from the Second World War in a rural area on the outskirts of the town.

Posting on social media around noon, North Yorkshire Police said a controlled explosion would be carried out around half an hour later. The post said:

“Earlier this morning a member of the public contacted us after they found an item, they believed, could have been an unexploded grenade from WW2.

“They were using a metal detector in a rural area on the outskirts of Harrogate at the time of the find.

“A 100 metre cordon has been put in place there has been no need to evacuate homes or businesses due to the rural location.

“Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians are on their way to the scene to make the area safe.”

Read more:

Hot Seat: Leading Bettys in turbulent times

The board room at the top of Bettys on Harrogate’s Parliament Street provides panoramic views of the town centre.

Spectacular as they are, it’s impossible not to look down now without a sense of trepidation.

Recession, cost of living crisis, inflation, recruitment problems and energy bills are rarely out the news and you wonder how many of the shops and businesses will still be around in a few months time.

Simon Eyles, a member of the collaborative chief executive at Bettys since June 2016, says it feels like the most challenging time in his career.

“It is a tough time for the High Street and I do worry where things are going. Every retailer needs to be on top of their game in the next six months time.”

Even Bettys? The queue for the flagship tearoom in Harrogate still snakes around the corner but Harrogate’s best-known brand is not immune to the turbulence.

Its latest accounts, published in July, warned of ‘significant trading challenges’ ahead and revealed that although turnover grew by 8.8% in the year to October 31, 2021, operating profit fell by £1.6m to £15.5m.

Mr Eyles says recent accounts are difficult to read because there have been so many one-off costs due to things like covid but accepts these are tough times.

Read more:

He quotes ex-boxer Mike Tyson’s famous line that ‘everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth’, adding: “It feels like we have been punched in the mouth a lot recently.” But he remains upbeat.

“I’m an optimistic person because if you were a worrier you would get yourself into a pickle right now.

“There’s an insight we have that says ‘there’s nowhere quite like Bettys’. That’s something I want every single customer to feel when they leave.

“We need to ensure our menus keep changing by doing things like making sure we have the best service, more vegetarian options. We don’t need to reinvent ourselves or have a revolution — it’s about how we carefully and skilfully change.”

Northern roots

Born in Stockton-on Tees and now living near Boroughbridge, Mr Eyles has spent his entire student and working life in the north.

He did business studies at Sheffield Hallam University and subsequently held senior marketing and commercial roles with household brands in the food and retail industry, including Asda, McCain and Lurpak.

A Middlesbrough FC fan and former county tennis player who now plays for Boroughbridge Tennis Club, he joined the Bettys & Taylors Group as marketing director for Taylors of Harrogate in 2011.

In 2016 he transferred to his current role at Bettys, which employs about 1,450 staff at its Starbeck bakery and five tearooms. He says:

“This place grabs you. It has deeper connections, deeper history. It can be a weight to carry knowing how precious and valuable it is.”

Simon Eyles, Bettys

Outside Bettys’ flagship tearoom in Harrogate.

Five chief executives

My Eyles is one of five chief executives under Bettys’ unusual collaborative structure. He says:

“I find it a supportive model as the five of us have different perspectives and areas of expertise, meaning that we can make better, rounded balanced decisions.

“We can move at pace when we need to but sometimes it’s better to discuss, listen to each other’s views, in order to make a more informed decision.

“We certainly are not a ‘command and control’ business, as we have all worked in organisations that have this power dynamic and believe that this is a more rounded, considered approach to leadership.”

The leadership isn’t planning any fundamental changes. Bettys will continue to operate five tearooms: Harrogate town centre, RHS Harlow Carr, York, Ilkley and Northallerton. Mr Eyles says:

“We are Yorkshire through and through. There are no plans to open in London or anywhere.”

Harrogate town centre and York are the busiest and attract more tourists for afternoon tea. Harlow Carr, he says, does well on the retail side from people popping in as part of a trip to the RHS gardens whereas Northallerton and Ilkley have loyal local followings seeking tea and cake.

There’s also Bettys’ bakery in Starbeck, which is significantly affected by rising energy costs. My Eyles says:

“We have to work really hard as to how we can absorb those costs.

“You can’t just keep putting prices up, you have to find the right balance and the queues are sign we have got that equation right.”

Christmas build-up begins

September marks the start of Bettys’ build up to Christmas, which is its busiest time of year.

The window displays and products are planned and the Christmas catalogue will soon be published.

Bettys Christmas

Last year’s Christmas window display in Harrogate.

Last year the company reported its highest ever sales figures for a Christmas period. Online sales have doubled since the pandemic.

The premium market Bettys serves is to some extent insulated from the recession but equally many people are more cutting back on treats.

Recruitment remains a major headache, especially for kitchen staff. Brexit, he says, is having a delayed effect and making recruitment harder. It’s also prompted the company to stop trading in Europe:

“We ship a lot to the United States and Australia but the complexities that are involved with shipping to Europe means that we are not doing it because it’s not worth it for us. I don’t think Brexit has done us any favours.”

Bettys was founded in 1919 by Frederick Belmont, of Switzerland, whose family still owns the company. Mr Eyles, who has a 14-year-old daughter and two labradors, says the family is not involved in day-to-day business but are regularly updated and make strategic decisions.

“Bettys will be thriving for years to come. We will have evolved but at the heart of it we will always be a magical experience.

His advice for companies struggling to survive?

“If you freeze and wait for things to settle down, that is a big risk. You need to be proactive.”

 

 

County council ‘monitoring’ major projects amid soaring inflation

North Yorkshire County Council officials have said they are monitoring the cost of major projects amid soaring inflation levels.

The council was this week forced to plug a £7.2 million shortfall for its Kex Gill realignment after the overall cost of the scheme soared due to inflation.

The project is now set to cost £68.6 million – a 12% hike from its original figure.

The Stray Ferret asked the county council whether it now expected to find more funding for other projects, such as the £11.2 million Harrogate Station Gateway scheme and the second phase of the Otley Road cycle route.

Gary Fielding, director of strategic resources at the council, said:

“We can’t speculate about future inflation rates and global and national impacts on the economy, but like other organisations and businesses we continue to monitor costs and market conditions when embarking on projects.

“At present inflation is a pressure across the board and North Yorkshire County Council will continue to work to mitigate the impact it has.”

The A59 at Kex Gill, which is to be realigned after historic problems with landslips.

The A59 at Kex Gill, which is to be realigned after historic problems with landslips.

Mr Fielding this week warned senior councillors that the authority faced “high risks” as the cost of projects, such as Kex Gill, increased in price.

He told councillors that the “burden of risk” would fall on the council should any “unforeseen events” see additional cost for schemes.

This additional cost would come at a time when government funding is either being cut or capped.

Mr Fielding said:

“In terms of capital, you are seeing two things happening in general and I think it is right that members are aware of the risks.

“We have got allocations in government funding across the board actually reducing in quantum for the forthcoming period and in parallel with that we have got inflation rates taking off.

“So what you have actually got is a much reduced spending power going forward and a higher profile of risk based upon major schemes where the burden of risk will fall 100% with the council.”

Otley Road and Station Gateway

The comments come as the county council looks to press ahead with some of its major highways schemes.

The authority is due to procure a contractor for the second phase of the Otley Road cycle route this month.

The cost for the first phase of the scheme was £827,000.

Read more:

However, soaring inflation could see the figure for the second phase be higher than anticipated.

Melissa Burnham, highway area manager at the county council, told the Stray Ferret last month:

“Final detailed designs for phase two of the Otley Road cycle route are due to be approved within the next few weeks, with the contract expected to go out to tender during August.

“It is expected the contract will be awarded to the successful provider during the autumn.”

Inflation and the cost of living crisis has also raised concern over Harrogate’s Station Gateway project.

While the county council would not be drawn on any potential increases to the cost of the scheme, officials said previously that cheaper materials could be used.

Both county council and Harrogate Borough Council officials have remained committed to the scheme and recently pledged a further £300,000 to the project.

Harrogate bowls clubs feature in national campaign

Bowls clubs in Harrogate have featured in a national campaign to raise participation levels.

The All to Play For initiative was launched during the Commonwealth Games in an effort to broaden the people taking part in the sport.

The Harrogate Amateur Bowling Association featured heavily in the campaign with filming taking place at the Black Swan Bowling Club, Devonshire Place, Harrogate and also at Wetherby Bowling Club, Grange Park, Wetherby.

Dave Rowson, secretary of the HABA, said:

“We were delighted to be selected for the National Play Bowls campaign and see some of our local clubs and players included.

“We are grateful to the support from North Yorkshire Sport and Sport England and hope we can encourage as many people in the local areas to Try Bowls.

“It really is a sport for all and can be played by families and individuals of all ages.”

Part of the campaign included shooting a promotional video, which includes shots from players in Harrogate taking part in the sport.

You can watch the video by Bowls England below.

 

The campaign comes as bowls clubs in the Harrogate district joined together in a bid to recover from the covid pandemic.

All 16 clubs that play in the Harrogate league came together after it became clear that some were at risk of folding.

Read more:

The clubs recently received funding from North Yorkshire Sport and Sport England in order to come up with a plan to increase participation.

The league has also trained 10 coaches, bought new equipment and put on “Try Bowls” sessions as part of the effort.

The HABA will also be hosting a charity bowls event on Sunday (August 28) in aid of the Robert Ogden centre.

For more information on how to get involved with the open bowl sessions, email habasect@gmail.com.

New music festival to mark composer’s link to Nidderdale village

A new music festival will be held in a Nidderdale village to celebrate the work of a famed Victorian composer.

St Thomas à Becket Parish Church in Hampsthwaite will host the two-day event after discovering Amy Woodforde-Finden was buried in its churchyard, with a marble monument created by sculptor George Wade.

Amy, who was born in Chile, died in 1919.

As well as two concerts featuring her music on Friday, October 7 and Saturday, October 8, the event will include a guided tour of ‘Amy’s Hampsthwaite’.

A spokesperson for the event said:

“Amy Woodforde-Finden’s success was particularly remarkable in the context of a male-dominated society, where women had no right to vote.

“Amy is best known for her set of Indian Love Lyrics. Her Kashmiri Song proved an instant and lasting hit and became one of the highest selling pieces of sheet music ever published at the time!

“Amy’s music perfectly captured the mood and morals of the time, and in recent years, her works have enjoyed a new appreciation, due to a revival and interest in neglected female composers.”

Read more:

The opening night will feature renowned soloist Patricia Hammond, who will travel from London to perform a song recital of Amy’s music.

Amy Woodforde-Finden

Amy Woodforde-Finden

Patricia, who specialises in women composers of the Victorian and Edwardian eras, will be accompanied by the church’s director of music and mastermind of the inaugural festival, Thomas Flessenkaemper.

On the Saturday evening, members of the church will be joined by those from across the benefice of Felliscliffe, Killinghall and Birstwith, as well as local schoolchildren and musicians from the wider area.

They will perform a selection of pieces including Amy’s Pagoda of Flowers, which organisers believe is being recorded for the first time.

Tickets are available from the festival website at £12 for each concert or £20 for both. Concessions are £10 and children under 18 go free.

‘Rodent dropping’ Harrogate care home no longer registered

The Harrogate care home where rodent droppings were found is no longer registered by the Care Quality Commission.

Government inspectors put Mary Fisher House in special measures this year after discovering rodent droppings in the kitchen and finding some medicine practices to be “unsafe”.

The CQC report detailing the findings, which also said bedrooms “smelt strongly of urine”, was published in April.

The health and social care regulator subsequently said it had “taken action to protect the safety and welfare of people living at the home” by moving them them to other homes.

But it added its legal processes did not allow it to go into further detail at the time because care provider Svivekcaregroup Limited could appeal its findings.

An updated version of the report, released this month after the appeal deadline passed, revealed the CQC had issued notice of a proposal to cancel the home’s registration.

Read more:

A CQC spokeswoman told the Stray Ferret enforcement action “did not proceed to the final stage”. When the Stray Ferret asked why not, the spokeswoman said:

“The service is now closed, and no longer active on the CQC’s register. No one is living on site, and as far as CQC is concerned the matter is concluded.”

In June, Svivekcaregroup indicated the home, which catered for up to 24 residents on Cold Bath Road, was likely to reopen.

The Stray Ferret has attempted to contact Svivekcaregroup to ask if it still planned to re-open Mary Fisher House or had other plans for the building but has not received a response.

Woman denies attempted murder in Bilton

A 44-year-old woman denied attempted murder in Bilton when she appeared in court today.

Clare Bailey, of The Riddings, Dudley, appeared before Leeds Crown Court this morning to face the charge.

Ms Bailey, who appeared by via video link from Low Newton Prison, near Durham, spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth before entering a plea of not guilty.

She is alleged to have attempted to murder the named woman at a house on Byland Road, Bilton, on Thursday, June 23, this year.

The court set a trial date of December 12, 2022, which is scheduled to last for five days.

Read more:

 

August Bank Holiday 2022: Events happening this weekend in the Harrogate District

The August Bank Holiday weekend is upon us and it’s our last long weekend until Christmas.

If you haven’t decided how you will be spending it, here’s a guide to some of the events taking place in the Harrogate district.

There’s a wide range of events happening from live music to children’s activities. They offer a perfect excuse for families and friends to get together while the sun is still shining.

Jurassic Crazy Golf, Victoria Shopping Centre Piazza, Harrogate

Some of the Jurassic Crazy Golf holes which will appear in Harrogate.

Some of the Jurassic Crazy Golf holes.

This nine-hole mini golf course combines crazy golf with dinosaurs and is accompanied by an educational Dino Trail around the town centre.

Matthew Chapman, manager at Harrogate BID which commissioned the course and trail, said:

“With the school summer holidays nearing an end, parents maybe scratching their heads thinking what to do to entertain their children.

“Well, we have the answer – jurassic golf! And what could be me more fun than a combination of dinosaurs and crazy golf?”

The Dino Trail is a fun, educational trail where people can find answers to jurassic-themed questions by scanning a QR code on a poster, displayed in shop windows.

The answer will then appear on their phones.

As people complete the trail, they will also be collecting letters that form a simple, themed anagram. Users can then submit the anagram/answer via the LoyalFree app for an additional chance to win a prize draw.

Those wishing to play a round of golf can turn up on the day or book at the jurassic golf website here.

The cost is adults £3, children £2.50, family of four (two adults and two children) £10 and one adult and one child £5.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, jurassicgolf.co.uk/harrogate

Fireworks Championships, Newby Hall, Ripon

A dazzling night of fireworks at Newby Hall and Gardens, which sees three teams create stunning displays choreographed to music and the audience voting for a winner on the night via SMS.

The event also includes a final display by SmartPyro to round off the night. Watch from a picnic rug or camping chair against the stunning backdrop of 17th century house and its impressive grounds

There will also be a drone light show, courtesy of DroneSwarm, funfair rides, music and food and drink.

Mat Lawrence, managing director at event organiser MLE Pyrotechnics, said:

“It’s an honour to return to Newby Hall for another year of our Firework Champions event. We’ve got a tonne of great entertainment in store thanks to our three competitors, as well as a spectacular closing display. It’s going to be a great day out for families.”

Gates open for entry at 4pm, alongside pre-show entertainment. The DroneSwarm light show takes place at twilight and the main event begins at 9.30pm, with SMS voting at 10.15pm. The larger closing display takes place at 10:30pm and the results are announced at 10.40pm.

Book your ticket here.

Saturday, fireworkchampions.co.uk

Read more:

Leeds Festival, Wetherby

Leeds Festival is once again set to take over Bramham Park, near Wetherby.

Thousands of people are expected at Bramham for the three-day event, which starts on Friday and is headlined this year by the likes of Arctic Monkeys, The 1975, Dave, Halsey, Bring Me the Horizon and Megan Thee Stallion.

Last year’s new format continues, with two main stages instead of the previous one.

Friday to Monday, leedsfestival.com

Family Fun Day at Ripon Races

The final family fun day of the season is taking place at Ripon Races on Bank Holiday Monday. It will also be hosting the only listed race of the season, the EBF Ripon Champion Two-Year Old Trophy. Pack a picnic basket and blanket and enjoy lots of free fun for the children in the course enclosure including:

Monday, ripon-races.co.uk/family-days

Free entertainment on the Market Square, Ripon

Ripon City Council’s season of complimentary summer events for residents and visitors will finish on a high tomorrow (Saturday), with a full-size ferris wheel operating on Market Square from 2pm until 8pm.

City council leader Andrew Williams, said:

“This is the first time that the council has had a ferris wheel for families to enjoy as part of its fairground attractions.

“It will be alongside a climbing wall for older children and a ride for younger children.”

Climbing Wall on Ripon Market Square

A climbing wall will be among the attractions

All rides will be free of charge, like the evening of musical entertainment starting at 6.30pm, when Ripon singer-songwriter Freddie Cleary takes the stage.

He will be followed by tribute acts singing the hits of Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, Olly Murs and country and western favourites.

Performances will go on until 11pm with a break from the contemporary sounds at 9pm, when attendees will be able to see one of Ripon’s team of Hornblowers, setting the watch.

On Sunday and Monday the Market Square will host another Little Bird Artisan Market. Open from 10am until 3pm, it will again include stalls selling goods ranging from food to home furnishings, produced by local and Yorkshire-based traders.

Saturday and Sunday.

Pop-up parties, Knaresborough Castle and Ripon Spa Gardens

Harrogate Borough Council has organised these summer events for the whole family to enjoy.

The events are all free and are a chance for young people to enjoy juggling and circus shows, magicians, character meet and greets, and mini discos.

They follow a party held in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens earlier this month, which was a huge success.

 

Knaresborough Castle on Friday, August 26 between 11am and 4pm

Ripon Spa Gardens on Saturday, August 27 between 11am and 3pm

Friday and Saturday