This story is sponsored by Coach.

Harrogate’s £1.5m Coach gym is continuing to go from strength-to-strength following its launch in the town a year ago.

The affordable boutique gym boasts more than 200 pieces of state-of-the art equipment, as well as over 200 instructor-led fitness classes across four studios.

Surge Padel, where members can play one of the world’s fastest growing sports, can also be found on the first floor of the building at Hornbeam Park.

Stuart Perrin, owner and CEO of Coach, which opened in January 2022, said:

“Coach is a boutique health and fitness concept, which in a nutshell means everything is very high end. From the fixtures and fittings, to the experience.

“It’s something very different and is the biggest gym in Harrogate by a long way.”

Coach boasts a bar area, which serves bespoke shakes and smoothies. There are also luxury changing rooms, including GHD straighteners and solid oak benches.

The gym itself features a range of equipment – from cardio and resistance machines to free weights, squat racks, battle ropes, tyre flips and a sled.

Mr Perrin said:

“If you’re a real gym-goer, the equipment we have is really quite special. We have the best the brands have to offer, including Nautilus, Schwinn, StairMaster and Concept, all under one roof. We make sure we have the best possible pieces of kit.”

Boutique fitness studios

Coach’s four boutique fitness studios offer something for everyone. They include:

Coach Spin: A spinning studio that can take up to 30 people in a session.

Coach Class: A group exercise studio, which hosts everything from Body Pump to yoga and Pilates. Classes are delivered and programmed by highly-qualified, passionate and respected instructors.

Coach Box: A boxing studio, which can take up to 20 people in a full cardio and bodyweight resistance class, where you learn the fundamentals of boxing in the process.

Coach Evolution: A High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) studio which has 10 treadmills, 10 airbikes and 10 HIIT benches. Coach Evolution is designed using HIIT to give you a full cardiovascular exercise and full-body resistance workout.

Mr Perrin said:

“Within Coach itself we have four studios and we offer a timetable of more than 250 classes a month, which are included in membership if you are on our top tier.”

Coach is offering Stray Ferret readers a free day pass to come and try the facilities, which can be accessed here.

Mr Perrin added:

“Members love the feel, the experience, the quality. Come and try it for yourself with a free day pass.”

Coach Gyms is redefining affordable luxury. Join now from only £18.99 a month. Find out more and join the fitness revolution today!

 This story is sponsored by Coach.

Join the Fitness Revolution with Coach Gyms Harrogate

After operating a health and fitness setting in Harrogate years ago, Stuart Perrin spotted a gap in the market for a luxury gym that doesn’t cost the earth.

The former resident of the town is now the owner and CEO of Coach, the UK’s first affordable boutique gym.

Launching in Leeds in 2020, he went on to open a £1.5m site at Harrogate’s Hornbeam Park in January this year with more in the pipeline.

He said:

“There’s a real gap for a quality product at affordable rates in the town. There was an option to pay a small fortune or next to nothing.

“But there was a huge gap in the middle for people wanting quality but without the high prices.

“Coach itself is a boutique health and fitness concept, which basically means in a nutshell everything is really high-end; fixtures, fittings, experience.

“However, we offer it an affordable price. If you were going to a club like this in London, you would be paying £200 a month. Here you can join for as little as £29.

“It’s something very different and is the biggest gym in Harrogate as well. Since we opened in January, we’ve overtaken every other club from a membership size and perspective quite significantly.”

Coach boasts more than 200 pieces of state-of-the art equipment, as well as over 200 instructor-led fitness classes across four studios.

Surge Padel, where members can play one of the world’s fastest growing sports, can also be found on the first floor.

Mr Perrin added that there was a large focus on providing a female-friendly experience – a segment he feels is under-represented in the current market.

He said:

“Although we’re not a ladies only gym, we are definitely geared towards females when it comes to communication and experience – even down to the lighting.

“The lighting levels in Coach are quite low, a bit like a nightclub. Research went into the exact lighting level we need to achieve to make women feel less self-conscious.”

Since launching in Harrogate on January 21, Mr Perrin said the reception in the town had been “exceptional”.

He said:

“Within that time we have grown the business really fast and it has been really exciting. People come and see the product and unless they want a swimming pool, they wouldn’t join anywhere else. That’s not us being arrogant, I believe the value for money we offer is unrivalled.”

Coach Gyms is redefining affordable luxury. Join now from only £18.99 a month. Find out more and join the fitness revolution today!

Saint Michael’s Hospice is set to hold its annual remembrance service in Harrogate tomorrow.

The hospice, which is based at Hornbeam Park, will hold the event on Saturday (December 11) at Crimple House.

Held every year, the service will feature music, comforting readings and quiet time for reflection alongside the heart-warming moment where the community’s dedicated lights are illuminated together.

Portia Crewe, Knaresborough, has attended the hospice’s Light Up a Life service annually since her father Bill’s passing in 2015.

Bill was cared for by the hospice in the last three weeks of his life.

Bill Crewe and his daughter Portia

Ms Crewe said:

“Since attending the first time, several friends and family now attend, and it has become a staple within our family’s calendar. It was so poignant that we haven’t missed a service since.”

The Light Up Life event at St Michael’s Hospice is now an established Christmas tradition for the Crewe family.

The service will start at the hospice on Saturday from 4pm.

Read more:

• 150-year-old Harrogate church could be turned into house
• Grants up to £3,000 available to Harrogate district community groups

After making a dedication, people will receive a personalised dedication card in the post with a star to place on the tree and help memories of loved ones shine on through the festive season.

For more information, visit the Saint Michael’s Hospice website here.

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.

County council-owned technology firm NYnet has announced that Hornbeam Park is set to become the district’s biggest full fibre business park.

The expansion aims to support the local economy with reliable fibre broadband and guaranteed bandwidth.

The company already delivers full fibre to Saint Michael’s Hospice, which is located at the end of the business park.

The project is supported by the Digital Enterprise Grant which plans to match investments made by businesses at the park.

The CEO of Nynet, Alastair Taylor, said:

“The expansion of our network at Hornbeam Park will mean every business on the site can have access to fast and reliable fibre to the premises, at a price not dissimilar to current non-fibre services.

“The investment we are putting into Hornbeam Park and the service levels businesses will be able to access is excellent news for our region and will help to put Harrogate at the forefront of the UK’s digital economy.”

Nynet Limited was established by the North Yorkshire County Council in 2007. All profits from the company are returned to the council to fund frontline services.

Read more:

• Business Breakfast: Harrogate home care company wins at regional awards
• Business Breakfast: New business networking group set up in Harrogate
• Business Breakfast: Harrogate Christmas window competition set to return

Free breakfast seminars to review agricultural prospects coming to Harrogate

Rural land surveying firm GSC Grays will be hosting a free breakfast seminar to aid farmers this December.

The seminar will take place on December 6 at Pavillions of Harrogate at the Great Yorkshire Showground.

The company will be reviewing the prospects and options for farmers in the area, as well as advising them.

GSC Grays will give advice and support the agricultural industry in the free seminar 

The session comes at a time of need for farmers with basic payment scheme payments ending and inflation rising.

The Harrogate seminar is one of four scheduled across the North of England as part of GSC Grays’ farm business advice service.

The service has been funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under the Future Farming Resilience Fund Scale Up Project. This gives organisations like GSC Grays grants allowing them to offer free business advice.

Farmers can register their interest by email or by calling 03333 059059.

This story is sponsored by Revo Kitchens.

If you are planning on treating yourself to a new kitchen for the New Year, now is the time to take advantage of Revo Kitchens’ incredible opening offers.

The German kitchen superstore launched its 10,000 sq ft showroom at Harrogate’s Hornbeam Park in September.

To celebrate, the company introduced a series of deals, including free worktop upgrades and tile discounts.

Dream kitchen

However, the promotion is set to end on Christmas Eve. So now is the time to visit the showroom and choose your dream kitchen.

Adam Challis, owner of Revo Kitchens, said:

“We have been really busy since we opened and customers have enjoyed receiving the added bonus of our opening offers.

“But all good things must come to an end and the promotion will finish on Christmas Eve.”

However, Mr Challis pointed out that after this date customers still have a great range of finance options.

He said:

“When it comes to having a luxury German kitchen, there is no need to break the bank.

“We can offer varied finance options to suit your needs and finances to make your kitchen affordable to you.

“Our most popular options are the Buy Now Pay Later and 0% interest. A third option is a low deposit (10%) and low interest bearing (5.9% apr) loan available up to four years.”

Revo Kitchens is a new showroom concept created by the family behind Inter Ceramica, which the Challis family launched in Harrogate more than 30 years ago.

It offers Germany’s number one kitchen brand ‘Nolte Kuchen’, alongside an expert design service and superior customer support.

The business is aimed at being a blend of the family company-based caring approach, featuring in-depth knowledge and product quality, alongside the benefits offered by bigger corporate brands. This includes finance options and a delivery team with a large fleet of vehicles.

The kitchens range from £3,000 upwards and finance is available from £29 per month.

Last chance

The opening offers, which are available until December 24, are:

This story is sponsored by Revo Kitchens.

A new German kitchen superstore aimed at making stylish designs an affordable luxury has opened its doors in Harrogate.

Revo Kitchens is a new showroom concept created by the family behind Inter Ceramica, which they launched in Harrogate more than 30 years ago.

It is based in a 10,000 sq ft unit at Hornbeam Park and offers Germany’s number one kitchen brand ‘Nolte Kuchen’, alongside an expert design service and superior customer support.

Adam Challis, owner of Revo Kitchens, said:

“Essentially we splintered off from Inter Ceramica and Revo is it’s own lone-standing concept that is born out of our experience from doing kitchens at Inter Ceramica. We felt it was ready to stand on its own two feet as a really strong offering.”

Family business

Mr Challis is the eldest of three children, along with brother Ed and sister Amy, who work in the business. His entrepreneurial father set-up Inter Ceramica in 1990 and over the years the “Harrogate born and bred” family have all played a part in helping to run the company.

He said:

“My dad is an inspiration. He genuinely leads from the front, never stops and always keeps everyone happy. He is non-stop, but in a very good way. He got this place launched and got us to where we are.

“It is a proper family business, but the Revo side of things is on the next sort of professional level from that. We want it to come across as a really slick operation – because that’s what it is.”

Mr Challis also runs a company called Robica Project Interiors, which is aimed at developers and features tiles and bathrooms from Interceramica and kitchens from Revo.

He said:

“Another exciting pathway from the Revo side is this is only one third of the total showroom space. So we have got a whole other concept to follow for the remaining two thirds.

“It’s being kept secret for now, but it will be extremely unique and we will be the only people doing it. We will be launching it in the New Year and will hopefully be somewhere the people from Harrogate and further afield can come and visit as a bit of a destination.”

The perfect blend

Revo Kitchens is aimed at being a blend of the family company-based caring approach, featuring in-depth knowledge and product quality, alongside the benefits offered by bigger corporate brands. This includes finance options, a delivery team with a large fleet of vehicles and an installation service.

Mr Challis said:

“So it is hopefully ticking every box. I don’t think there is too much more we could have done.”

The German kitchens range from £3,000 upwards and finance is available from £29 per month.

Mr Challis added:

“Some people want to spend £30,000 to £40,000 on a kitchen. Whilst we do offer this, I’d say we lean a lot more towards the affordable side of things. I think that’s what is needed. All the products are amazing quality whatever the budget.

“The idea behind it is, it all arrives pre-built. It is as simple as fitting a kitchen can get. We do genuinely get retail customers who fit the kitchens themselves.”

Latest trends

Mr Challis said colourful kitchens were currently on-trend, with customers wanting a combination of unique colours and natural finishes.

He said:

“We do a lot of the real metal, concrete and wooden doors. Texture is really popular. It’s also fairly even between modern and traditional. Usually it is way more modern, but currently it’s a blend of the two.”

As part of the launch, Revo ran a competition to win a dream kitchen, worth up to £10,000, which was run via social media, in-store and in partnership with the Stray Ferret.

The winner, who entered via the Stray Ferret, was announced as Angela Ratcliffe, who lives near Wetherby. Her name was drawn from more than 1,000 entries.

She said:

“I still can’t quite believe it. We are really looking forward to working with Revo on planning our new kitchen. A kitchen refurb has been on the to-do list for a long time and is well overdue. This win will make it a reality. We can’t wait to get this project going.”

Excited to finally get the family-friendly showroom up and running after lots of planning and hard work, Mr Challis said:

“It means a huge deal to us to open. It’s what we have been picturing. I think it will do really well and I think the next phase of the plan is even bigger and better and we can’t wait to launch that. We are really excited and really proud.”

Opening offers

Revo Kitchens is currently running the following opening offers:

• For kitchens priced over £12,000, including VAT, customers can choose from a free upgrade from laminate to quartz worktops, a free Quooker tap, a free Bosch wine cooler or a £1,000 discount off tiles at Inter Ceramica.
• For kitchens priced over £6,000, including VAT, customers can choose from  a £500 discount off tiles at Inter Ceramica or free 40mm Nolte bespoke laminate worktops.

Harrogate is set to host some of the country’s best padel tennis players for a major tournament.

Surge Padel launched in the space above Coach gym at Hornbeam Park in January as the UK’s largest premium indoor padel tennis centre — it has six indoor courts.

Padel tennis is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. Surge Padel has sought to put Harrogate at the centre of that growing interest with its modern facilities.

Home Of Padel, the UK’s top padel event organiser, selected Surge Padel for its next competition on October 8 and 9.

The winner will take home a £3,000 prize.

Read more:

• Ripon Tennis Centre opens new £180,000 padel tennis courts
• First glance at Harrogate’s new £1.5m padel and gym centre

HOP has worked with Surge Padel before for its new-to-advanced players and women-only tournaments. But this is the first time the professional tournament has come to Harrogate.

John Leach, Team GB’s padel coach, and Javi Serrats, who has had success in the professional padel game, are behind HOP.

Mr Serrats said:

“Padel is played on a court the third of the size of a standard tennis court. The mass appeal of it is that any age and ability can play.

“The tournament in October is an official event counting towards UK rankings and includes £3,000 of prize money. The tournament will showcase the best padel players in the country.”

A campaign for anyone wishing to rediscover or start cycling is arriving in Harrogate this month.

Ten free workshops for adults will take place in Harrogate in August and September as part of the Big Bike Revival 2022; aiming to break down barriers to cycling, improve bike confidence and help people cycle more safely on the roads.

Free bikes and helmets can also be pre-booked in advance and locations include Cardale Park, Hornbeam Park, OneWellness Clubs, on Mowbray Square, St Marks Church and the Great Yorkshire Showground.

Places are filling fast, according to organisers Cycling UK, so anyone inspired to get more active by the Lionesses, Tour De France or Commonwealth Games is advised to book early.

Read more:

• Beech Grove decision leaves Harrogate in slow lane for cycling
• New cycling plans for Harrogate to be drawn up next month

Workshops will be delivered by accredited British Cycling coach, Kate Auld, from The Personal Cyclist, which is based in Harrogate.

She said:

“These sessions are about encouraging and supporting everyone to try cycling again. I wanted to get behind this important campaign to help everyone rediscover the joys of cycling in daily life; from getting fitter to saving money on fuel.”

According to latest research by Cycling UK, leisure cycling increased from 35% to 55% during 2020 and 42% of people in England own or have access to a bike. In 2020 this rose to 47%.

To book contact Kate on 07779 152750 or email: thepersonalcyclist@gmail.com.

The full programme:

BIKE CONFIDENCE SESSIONS:

• Tuesday, August 1 at 12pm, Cardale Park
• Tuesday, August 20 at 12pm, OneWellness Clubs
• Wednesday, September 7 at 10am, St Marks Church
• Thursday, September 8 at 1pm, Hornbeam Park
• Tuesday, September 13 at 12pm, Great Yorkshire Showground

SOCIAL CYCLE DATES:

• Wednesday, August 17 at 12pm, from Cardale Park
• Wednesday, August 31 at 12pm, from One Wellness Clubs
• Thursday, September 8 at 10am, from St Marks Church (WAITLIST)
• Friday, September 9 at 1pm, from Hornbeam Park
• Wednesday, September 14 at 12pm, from the Great Yorkshire Showground

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Newtons Solicitors is to move to larger premises in Ripon.

The Harrogate-based firm has nine offices across Yorkshire and the North East; it employs 90 staff and has an annual fee income of £6m.  It’s current Ripon office is based on Kirkgate.

Managing director Chris Newton told the Stray Ferret:

“An opportunity arose to purchase our own premises in Ripon. The Ripon office is very good for business.

“We saw a good new location in Market Square and seized the opportunity. It’s the old Yorkshire Bank office and needs a lot of refurbishment work. That work is underway and we hope to be in by November in time for Christmas. “

Six staff work at the current Kirkgate Ripon office. Mr Newton said he hoped that number would expand with the new premises.

The interior of the building on Market Square

Read More:

New charity store in Harrogate

The charity has secured the site of the former Porters store on Oxford Street as part of its plans to open shops on every high street in Yorkshire.

Yorkshire Cancer Research has been based in the spa town of Harrogate since 1978.

Funds raised at the shop will help fund research to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer in Yorkshire.

Juliet Glendinning, director of Yorkshire Cancer Research said:

“Harrogate has been home to Yorkshire Cancer Research for over four decades, and we have always felt very lucky to be an integral part of this beautiful town…

“With the opening of a new shop in the heart of the town, we look forward to becoming an even bigger part of the fabric of Harrogate.

“Our charity shops play a vital role in raising funds to support pioneering research, and the new store means we can offer volunteering and employment opportunities while contributing to the local high street.”

The new shop will be run by manager Kate Morris, who said:

“I am so excited about the opening of a Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Harrogate. It is so great working for Yorkshire Cancer Research, knowing that we are playing a part in raising money to fund vital research and really having an impact on the lives of people with cancer, right here in Yorkshire.”

While the shop is being prepared for opening, good quality clothes, homewares, toys, books, small electrical and furniture can be dropped off at the charity’s donation centre at i2D Hornbeam Park Oval, Harrogate, HG2 8RB. The donation centre is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Harrogate College has been awarded £16m of government funding to replace its main building on Hornbeam Park.

The college, which serves the Harrogate district, is one of five education institutions in Yorkshire to receive funding from the Department for Education’s Further Education Capital Transformation Fund.

The £1.5 billion fund was set up last year to upgrade further education colleges over the next five years.

It means the Harrogate district will get a new a purpose-built space for technical and vocational education.

The new energy-efficient building will include a workshop providing facilities aligned to industry needs. It will complement the college’s existing tech centre, which is home to its motor vehicle, electrical, joinery and welding workshops.

An existing £4m budget will be used to pay for the demolition of the old college building.

A statement by the college today said the move will support priority growth sectors for Harrogate and North Yorkshire such as advanced manufacturing, low carbon construction, retrofit, sustainable energy and bioeconomy, health science and hospitality.

Danny Wild

Danny Wild, principal at Harrogate College, welcomed the funding and said it will go a long way in improving the college’s facilities.

“Being able to work towards having a net zero carbon building, alongside a learning environment that will help our students progress on to university or the workplace is central to our strategic priorities, and this funding will be central in supporting us to achieve this.

“The development will also help us deliver a wide range of T Level qualifications, which will not only close the skills gaps, but will reinforce the government’s nationwide plan to strengthen technical education and give it the credibility it deserves.

“This upgrade will strengthen the work we are doing with businesses in the district to deliver an employer-led curriculum, alongside supporting the council’s aims to prioritise and support ‘good growth’ in the district, and achieve a sustainable economy.”

As part of the project, there are also plans to install green electric based heating systems, as well as a soft landscaped social hub, which will improve biodiversity on site.

The government says the investment will ensure that colleges are “great places to learn and students have access to modern, fit-for-purpose facilities”.