VIDEO AND GALLERY: successful supercar event at Hornbeam Park

Apollo Capital’s supercars event was received with great fanfare by the local community yesterday.

Held at its headquarters The Lenz at Hornbeam Park, Harrogate, on 17 March, more than 100 supercars turned up to showcase their impressive vehicles to the public.

It’s the first Supercars and Caffeine event that Apollo Capital and partners Petrolheadonism.club has put on together and all of the profits went to Apollo Capital’s 2024 charity sponsor, Saint Michael’s Hospice.

Founded in 2020 by chief executive Andy King and managing director David Moss, Apollo Capital specialises in funding luxury, classic, super and hypercars.

See our interview with Andy above, along with images of the many luxury cars that were at the event below.

Gallery

(Image: Ferrari F12, Josh Scoot @ScootSuperCars)

(Image: McLaren 720S, Josh Scoot @ScootSuperCars)

(Image: McLaren 720S, Josh Scoot @ScootSuperCars)

(Image: Lamborghini Murciélago, Josh Scoot @ScootSuperCars)

(Image: Ferrari F8 Tributo, Josh Scoot @ScootSuperCars)

(Image: Ferrari F355, Josh Scoot @ScootSuperCars)

(Image: Rolls Royce Spectre, Josh Scoot @ScootSuperCars)

(Image: Porsche 992 GT3RS, Josh Scoot @ScootSuperCars)

(Image: McLaren 750S, Josh Scoot @ScootSuperCars)

(Image: Lamborghini Murciélago, Josh Scoot @ScootSuperCars)

(Image: Porsche 992 GT3 RS, Josh Scoot @ScootSuperCars)

(Image: Lamborghini Huracan STO, Josh Scoot @ScootSuperCars)

(Image: Apollo McLaren 600LT, Josh Scoot @ScootSuperCars)

(Image: Lamborghini Murciélago, Josh Scoot @ScootSuperCars)

(Image: Ferrari F8 Tributo, Josh Scoot @ScootSuperCars)

(Image: McLaren 750S, Josh Scoot @ScootSuperCars)

(Image: McLaren 750S, Josh Scoot @ScootSuperCars)

(Image: Rolls Royce Spectre, Josh Scoot @ScootSuperCars)

(Image: group of supercars, Josh Scoot @ScootSuperCars)

(Image: McLaren 750S, Josh Scoot @ScootSuperCars)

(Image: Porsche 992 GT3 RS, Josh Scoot @ScootSuperCars)


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Business Breakfast: Contractor appointed to build 37 affordable homes in Ripon

Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!

Make the most of your efforts by reading our top 10 tips for writing your submission for success.

Entries close on January 19, 2024.


The contract to build 37 affordable homes at the Old Goods Yard on Hutton Bank in Ripon has been awarded to a York company.

Yorkshire Housing has appointed York Science Park-based NuSpace Homes to construct the mixed-tenure homes on the site, which was previously home to warehouses used by companies such as Millennium Windows and Power Plastics.

The scheme will provide 37 homes for rent, rent to buy and shared ownership and is being supported by grant funding from Homes England.

Yorkshire Housing is the biggest housing association based solely in Yorkshire, and owns and manages around 20,000 homes across the region, including older people’s accommodation and homes for low-cost rent.

Outline planning permission for the Hutton Bank site was granted in 2021 by Harrogate Borough Council, which was replaced by North Yorkshire Council in April this year.

The site is in an area that is deemed as having high housing demand, and at the time outline planning was approved Harrogate Borough Council said the proposed development would help “regenerate a gateway site in one of the District’s main settlements”.

Demolition of the existing vacant buildings is set to start soon, and construction of the homes is due to start early in the new year.

Sian Webster, director of development at Yorkshire Housing, said:

“We’re really pleased to be working alongside NuSpace Homes to deliver these quality new homes.

“This development will regenerate a disused brownfield site and give more people the chance to have a place they’re proud to call home.

“There’s a need for more affordable homes across Yorkshire, and this scheme takes us a step closer to reaching our target of building 8,000 new homes across the county.”

It is hoped that the first homes will be ready to move into early in 2025, and the site will be completed by December the same year.

Charity given cash from financial services profits

A charity based in Harrogate has received a £1,000 Christmas gift from the Benefact Group.

The British Thyroid Foundation, which is based at Hornbeam Park, was nominated to win a share of £120,000 by members of the public as part of the Benefact Group’s annual 12 days of giving Christmas campaign.

Founded in 1887, the Gloucester-based Benefact Group is an international group of financial services businesses that gives all available profits to charities and good causes.

The British Thyroid Foundation, which supports people to live better with thyroid disease, was one of two causes chosen for Benefact Group awards in North Yorkshire; the other was Fulford St Oswald’s C E Primary School Parent Teacher Association.

Mark Hews, group chief executive of Benefact Group, said:

“We are thrilled to be giving £120,000 to 120 fantastic charitable causes across the country and I’d like to thank every single North Yorkshire resident that took the time to nominate a charity close to their hearts. We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.

“Benefact Group is the third largest corporate donor in the UK and has an ambition to be the biggest. Owned by a charity, Benefact Trust, all of its available profits go to good causes, and the more the Group grows, the more the Group can give.”


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Boy, 16, arrested after teenager beaten-up at Hornbeam Park

A boy has been arrested after a youth was beaten-up at Hornbeam Park in Harrogate.

North Yorkshire Police today appealed for witnesses to the attack, which happened at Hornbeam Park railway bridge at about 3pm on Monday 23 October.

According to police, a victim in his mid-teens was assaulted by two suspects.

A force statement added:

“He was punched a number of times and needed medical treatment.

“One boy, aged 16 from the Harrogate area, was arrested in connection with the assault. He has been released on bail while enquiries continue.”

Anyone with information can email Ruby.Rutter@northyorkshire.police.uk or dial 101 and ask for PC511 Rutter.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The incident number is 12230201575.


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Business Breakfast: NEOM appoints new CEO

NEOM, the home fragrance brand that has grown to international prominence from its Harrogate HQ, has appointed a new chief executive.

Isabel Malbois, who was previously managing director at the company, takes over from co-founder Oliver Mennell, who will stay on as non-executive chair. Fellow co-founder Nicola Elliott remains as creative director.

Isabel joined NEOM – whose name comes from its founders’ initials – as global commercial director in 2021, after successful stints at L’Oréal, Urban Decay and Giorgio Armani. She said:

“I’ve thoroughly loved working closely with Nicola and Oliver and the passionate and smart NEOM team over the past two years and I’m super excited about my new role as CEO. NEOM is a very much-loved wellbeing brand.

She added:

“I look forward to continuing to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Nicola day to day and having Oliver close to the business in his new role as chair to keep driving the company onwards and upwards.”

Oliver Mennell and Nicola Elliott founded NEOM in 2005, launching a range of natural fragrances designed to improve sleep, lower stress, boost energy and lift mood. Within a few years, their products had been adopted by celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Sienna Miller and Kate Moss.

Now based at Hornbeam Park, it has achieved B Corp certification – an internationally recognised standard for sustainability – and in its last annual accounts recorded post-tax profits of over £3 million.


Hospital rated ‘good’ by CQC

A mental health hospital in Harrogate has been praised for the “outstanding” caring nature of its staff by inspectors from the Care Quality Commission.

The regulator’s report on Cygnet Hospital Harrogate praised the high standard of care offered at the service and highlighted many areas of positive practice, saying the hospital had embedded a “person-centred” culture.

The service, on Ripon Road, is part of the Cygnet Health Care division, and offers a care service for men and women suffering with acute mental health.

The inspection, which took place in August, looked at all key lines of enquiry: safety, care, responsiveness, leadership and effectiveness. The service was awarded a Good rating overall, with Outstanding in the Caring domain.

Hospital manager Gavin Clark said:

“We’re all absolutely delighted with a good overall from the recent inspection, but to get an outstanding in the Caring domain was the cherry on top.

“That the report recognises the contribution of multiple departments in this and not just clinical teams felt a real validation of the entire staff group’s efforts. I feel so proud of everyone and would like to thank all of my staff for their hard work and dedication towards providing high-quality, compassionate care.”


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Harrogate brewery hosts UK’s high profile comedians

A Harrogate brewery has become a hotspot to see some of the UK’s most high profile comedians.

Rooster’s Brewing Co, which is based at Hornbeam Park, has played host to the likes of Jon Richardson, Matt Forde and Maisie Adams in the last 12 months.

This past week, Lucy Beaumont, who is known for her appearances on Taskmaster and Meet The Richardsons, played an intimate performance in the brewery’s taproom ahead of her nationwide tour.

Much of the draw comes down to the monthly comedy night held on the last Thursday of every month, called Really Funny Comedy.

Britain’s Got Talent finalist, Micky P Kerr, works closely with the brewery to organise the event, which has seen the likes of Josh Pugh, Kiri Pritchard-Mclean and social media star Troy Hawke perform.

Tom Fozard, commercial director at Rooster’s, used to host comedy gigs while at university.

He said the feedback from comics who perform at the brewery has been encouraging.

Mr Fozard said:

“I used to host comedy gigs with a local promoter while working for my university Students’ Union longer ago than I care to remember, so getting to work alongside Micky P Kerr and attract the talent we have done in such a short space of time is incredibly fun and rewarding.

“The feedback we’re getting from the comics has also been great, so I know what we’re doing is being well received both from a gig-goer’s point of view, but also backstage. Everyone also gets to enjoy a decent pint or two with their comedy too, which is an added bonus.”


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New charity shop and cafe to open in Harrogate

A new charity shop and café is to open at Hornbeam Park in Harrogate next week.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is opening the shop and café at its new centre on Hornbeam Square West.

Income will fund services such as the charity’s health and wellbeing programme for people with cancer called Active Together, which will be available at the same centre from November.

Tony Graham, director of retail at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said:

“Our beautifully stocked shop will offer a unique experience where people can purchase high quality pre-loved fashion, accessories, home-ware, books and records.

“Thanks to supporters’ kind donations, the shop offers a range of desirable products – from vintage collectables and high-end labels to nearly-new fashion.”

The new Café Hornbeam

 

Staff and volunteers celebrate the opening of the shop and café.

The charity said its Café Hornbeam will serve healthy breakfasts as well as waffles, sandwiches and salads. Harrogate-based bakery Baltzersen’s will provide the pastries and cakes.

The shop will open from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

The café will open from 8am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.


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Trains stopped amid ‘concerns for safety’ of teenager on Crimple Valley viaduct

Trains on the Harrogate line were stopped this morning after emergency services were called to deal with concerns for the safety of a teenager on Crimple Valley viaduct.

The concerns were first reported to police just after 5.30am, and both North Yorkshire Police and British Transport Police attended the scene.

They were joined by staff from Yorkshire Ambulance Service, while North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service was on stand-by to help if needed.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said:

“Police negotiators brought [it] to a safe conclusion just before 8.30am.

“A man aged in his late teens was checked over my paramedics and he is receiving medical support.”

Train services on the line had to be replaced by buses for a number of hours while police dealt with the incident.

The line is now clear, though Northern said delays to services could last “for some time due to displaced trains and crew”.


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Harrogate Brazilian jiu-jitsu school raises £4,000 in memory of former student

A Brazilian jiu-jitsu school in Harrogate has raised more than £4,000 for local suicide prevention charity The Jordan Legacy.

Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Self Defence organised a fundraising day in memory of former student Alastair McKenzie, who took his life last year.

Those attending were invited to make donations to attend workshops by guest black belt instructors.

Gracie Barra Harrogate BJJ jiu jitsu

There was also a bake sale and a sale of second hand BJJ kit, and Steve Phillip, founder and director of The Jordan Legacy, gave a talk.

The event supported The Jordan Legacy because Alastair’s widow Tina has been working with the not-for-profit organisation, which aims to reduce suicides by providing support. It easily surpassed the £1,500 fundraising target.

Head instructor Lewis Matthews said the day aimed to bring people together and show the importance of having a team around you as well as raise money in memory of Alastair.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is one of the world’s fastest growing sports and Gracie Barra Harrogate, which is based at The Zone on Hornbeam Park, now has about 300 members.

Gracie Barra Harrogate BJJ sel defence

It is running a free women’s self-defence workshop on Sunday, June 25.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu combines grappling and ground work to control and restrain opponents, making it a perfect fit for self defence.

Registration for the two-hour workshop, which is expected to be followed by more similar events this year, is available here.

CrossFit Harrogate prepares for charity challenge

Thirty members of Crossfit Harrogate will take on the national three peaks challenge this weekend to raise money for four charities.

The super-fit bunch will attempt to scale the three highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales — Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon — in 24 hours.

It involves walking 23 miles and climbing more than 3,000 metres, which is twice the ascent of the Yorkshire three peaks. Participants also have to drive 460 miles.

The challenge will raise money and awareness for Harrogate Homeless Project, Saint Michael’s Hospice, Williams Syndrome Association and Artizan International.

Beth Crewe, who is among those taking part, said:

“The gym is raising funds for four charities, three of which are local, which all have special places in the hearts of the members.

“We decided to take on this challenge to not only push ourselves physically and mentally but to help make a difference to those in need of support from these amazing charities at this difficult time.”

More than £4,600 has already been pledged towards the £5,000 target. You can donate here.


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Business Breakfast: Harrogate family launches UK’s first stocked German kitchen business

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 Harrogate family has launched the UK’s first stocked German kitchen business, called Revo Rapid.

Revo Rapid follows the higher end, bespoke side of the company called Revo Kitchens which opened at the same unit on Hornbeam Park in October last year.

The Challis family has been working on Revo Rapid for the last two years – negotiating a major deal with one of Germany’s largest kitchen manufacturers, while expanding its warehouse facilities.

It means customers can go to the showroom with their kitchen measurements and go home that day with fully built kitchen units ready to be installed.

Revo Rapid and Revo Kitchens are both part of the Inter Ceramica group, which launched in Harrogate more than 30 years ago.

Adam Challis, manager at the Inter Ceramica Group, said:

“By shipping huge volumes directly, we can offer a permanent 60% discount off all kitchen furniture, including our worktops.

“Our team of professionals are always on hand to help with design and offer advice, making sure that our customers get the very best service and support.”


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The initial range of Revo Rapid’s kitchens has seven different door colours, five worktop style and 10 door handle styles.

Mr Challis is the eldest of three children, along with brother Ed and sister Amy, who all work in the business.

His entrepreneurial father Robin set-up Inter Ceramica with his wife Rebecca, and over the years the “Harrogate born and bred” family have all played a part in helping to run the company.


Care company moves head offices in Harrogate

West Park Care has moved its head offices in Harrogate.

The company, which was launched in 2018, was previously based at Spa Bottom Farm near Follifoot but has now relocated to officers behind the Stratstone Mini Garage off Wetherby Road.

Staff outside the West Park Care offices on Wetherby Road.

Staff outside the West Park Care offices on Wetherby Road.

The move has enabled all the team to be located on the same floor, ensuring all the departments have direct access to each other, and there is room for further growth.

Tom Page, managing director of West Park Care, said:

“We are delighted to be able to expand the business after only a few years, and the additional office space will not only enable this to happen, but also provide facilities for more in depth on-site training.  

“We have created a training room, ensuring that training to use specific equipment can be done onsite as part of the development of the carers we employ, all of whom are on permanent contracts not zero hours. We place as much importance on the benefits to our staff as we do to the individuals we care for. 

“This person-centred approach to the whole business has gained us the reputation that we now thrive on, and we hope to continue our expansion into other areas in Yorkshire over the next few years.”