The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.

Over the next few weeks we will reveal what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.

Next up is the Best Employer Award, which is sponsored by Jones Myers.

Best Employers embrace a culture of high performance, stress company values and have systems in place to inspire their workforce to do their best.

This award is designed to showcase your business values and culture which have lead to creating an environment where employees feel respected, safe and supported as well as highlighting the employee successes as a result of company ethos.

Those looking to enter or nominate need to provide details of company values and cuture, including how these have supported employee success.

Does your business deserve to win the Best Employer Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close on January 19. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.

Not even an amber weather warning could stop the Stray Ferret Business Awards in March, with a turnout of nearly 400 people and many smiling faces, we’re looking forward to doing it all again in 2024.

Following the success of our inaugural event, the Stray Ferret Business Awards will be making its return next year – and we’re ready to receive your entries!

Sponsored by local financial advisers Prosperis, the Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024 will take place in the Pavilions of Harrogate on Thursday, March 14.

The awards ceremony will recognise businesses of all sectors and sizes to highlight the best and brightest in the Harrogate district’s business community – including Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Masham and Nidderdale.

The black-tie event will include our all-important awards ceremony, a special Winner’s Lounge sponsored by LCF Law and entertainment throughout the evening

Whether you’ve seen significant business growth, place sustainability at the centre of your core values, or provide great progression for your employees, our awards will shine a light on excellent organisations and individuals.

There are 10 award categories to enter:

• Best Employer – sponsored by Jones Myers
• Best Use of Digital – sponsored by A.S.E Computer Services
• Business Growth – sponsored by Raworths Solicitors
• Business of the Year – sponsored by Reed Boardall
• Inclusivity Award – sponsored by Kempston-Parkes Chartered Surveyors
• Rising Star Under 30 – sponsored by Thompsons Chartered Accountants
• Sustainable Business – sponsored by York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub
• Best Independent Retailer*
• Dynamic Leader*
• Employee Appreciation*

Emma Harris, Commercial Manager of the Stray Ferret, said:

“We were blown away by the success of our inaugural Business Awards ceremony earlier this year and hope the 2024 event will not disappoint.

“The Stray Ferret Business Awards highlights businesses that are making a difference in the community, as well as those who have overcome adversity and are going strong.

“We can’t wait to see the entries.

“It is entirely free to enter and the Stray Ferret will showcase the fantastic work of all finalists and winners, so we encourage you to put your business forward today.

“The Harrogate district may be a small part of the world, but includes hugely successful businesses with talented individuals who we believe deserve to be recognised.”

Entries are now open.

*There are still a small number of sponsorship opportunities available, so don’t miss out on showcasing your business to the district ahead of and on the night of the awards ceremony.

For more information on the Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024, contact advertising@thestrayferret.co.uk .

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The third in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is a lunch event on March 30 from 12.30pm.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

The Yorkshire School of Garden Design is to offer a new Diploma in Planting Design.

The year-long Diploma will be launched at the school’s Spring Open Day this Saturday and is an opportunity for those with a passion for plants to explore a career in garden design.

The school at Harewood House was launched less than a year ago and specialises in teaching professionals the art of garden design.

The course will cover topics ranging from plant taxonomy, through the history of horticulture in design, to the art and science of designing plants in a wide range of settings.

Yorkshire School of Garden Design founder Alistair Baldwin said:

“Our new diploma is the perfect opportunity for budding designers, amateur gardeners, professionals and all those passionate about the fundamentals of planting design.”

“The course will provide a careful blend of creativity, design principles, botany and taxonomy, the sociability of plants in sustainable communities, and insights into the work of the world’s leading practitioners in the world of planting design.

“Our proximity to many of Yorkshire’s finest gardens, landscapes and plant collections, not to mention the glorious gardens at Harewood, will also provide unrivalled opportunities to expand the learning process. Throughout the twelve months, our students will be encouraged to explore and gain first hand insight from our surroundings in the company of experts, supplemented by trips out to first class regional gardens and a study tour in the south of England.”

Read More:

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A partner at Jones Myers has been named ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in Northern Powerhouse Awards.

Kate Banerjee won the award in the Private Client category.  Judges selected Kate, who heads the Harrogate firm’s internationally renowned children’s department, from a shortlist of eleven lawyers across the North of England.

With almost three decades of experience in children law, Kate has expertise in international child abduction. Her specialisms include contact, residence, and adoption.

Kate said:

“I am proud and honoured to receive this prestigious recognition which is attributable to the commitment of our highly experienced and respected team.

“An enormous and heartfelt ‘thank you’ to my colleagues who consistently provide the best bespoke solutions for our valued clients.”      

Kate Banerjee, partner at Jones Myers Solicitors, with her award 

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club!

The second in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is an After Work Drinks event on February 23 from 5.30pm. Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district, get your tickets now by clicking or tapping here.

Leeds-based law firm, Jones Myers, has appointed Brittany Dyer as a children law paralegal in its Harrogate office.

As part of the children’s department, Ms Dyer will deal with all aspects of private and public children law.

Jones Myers partner, Kate Banerjee, who leads the department of 13, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Brittany to our growing team as we continue to further develop and expand our bespoke services”.

Ms Dyer’s arrival follows the appointment of Neil Dring, who joined the Harrogate office in the role of senior solicitor and consultant.

Ms Dyer said:

“Jones Myers is a niche and highly respected family law firm which leads the way in areas including international child abduction and is at the forefront of new areas of law.”

Jones Myers launched in 1992 and has won the award for Family Law Firm of the Year North three years consecutively form 2020-2022.

The image shows (left to right) Brittany Dyer, Lisa Russell, Emma Weatherill, Neil Dring and Kate Banerjee

Read More: 

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Harrogate insurance company acquired

 PIB Group Limited has acquired Jigsaw Insurance Services Plc, which has its headquarters in Harrogate.

Jigsaw, formed in 2000 and now employing more than 130 employees, specialises in motor, breakdown and pet insurance.

Neil Richards-Smith will continue in his post as managing director.

Mr Richards-Smith said:

“The values that we hold dear to us for our customers and people are well aligned to those of PIB, so we already have a huge amount of synergy and similarities that we feel makes the perfect match”.

Nick Mountifield, chief executive for schemes and affinities division at PIB, said:

“Over the past 20 years, Neil and the team have built an excellent business and earned a loyal customer base. Their deep expertise in their specialist areas is an obvious draw for PIB as well as their genuine concern for their people, customers and integrity that is firmly engrained in their culture.”

The Stray Ferret Business Awards will be held on March 9 at the Pavilions of Harrogate. The event will be a celebratory night with prize draw and afterparty.

Richard Flinton, the chief executive of the new North Yorkshire Council is the guest speaker. Early bird ticket prices are available until February 9 and available to buy here. Bring your team, network and have fun. 

A Knaresborough-based housing developer has appointed a new director to its senior team.

Matthew Gibson has been promoted to land director at Wharfedale Homes.

Mr Gibson joined the firm in 2021 and had been working as land manager within the company.

Previously he has worked with leading listed property companies Barratt Homes, Avant Homes and McCarthy and Stone.

John Edwards, managing director of Wharfedale Homes, said:

“Since he joined us, Matt has been integral to our continued growth and it is testament to his hard work that he has earned this promotion.  

“His new role will help us grow our pipeline of sites and increase the number of completed homes we deliver each year.”

Mr Gibson added:

“I’m really excited to head up the land and planning function and provide strategic input as the company successfully navigates through the ever changing political and planning environment.”

Harrogate firm expands legal team

(Left to right) Brittany Dyer, Lisa Russell, Emma Weatherill, Neil Dring and Kate Banerjee.

Harrogate law firm Jones Myers has expanded its team with the appointment of a new children law paralegal.

Brittany Dyer has joined the company to work within its children’s department.

It follows the appointment of Neil Dring, who was brought in to head the Harrogate office on Victoria Avenue.

Ms Dyer said:

“Jones Myers is a niche and highly respected family law firm which leads the way in areas including international child abduction and is at the forefront of new areas of law. 

“I am very much looking forward to being part of a talented team who are acknowledged leaders in their field.”

Kate Banerjee, partner at Jones Myers, said:

“The reputation of our Department continues to attract clients on a regional, national, and international scale.

“We are delighted to welcome Brittany to our growing team as we continue to further develop and expand our bespoke services.”

Read more:

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• Business Breakfast: Harrogate’s Windsor House opens pilates studio for tenants
• Business Breakfast: Bettys of Harrogate wins national retailer award

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.

In these final few days before entries close, we are revealing the last of what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.

The final category up is the Best Digital Marketing Campaign Award, which is sponsored by Next Chapter.

Digital is clearly the way forward. This award recognises the work of businesses that have run incredible campaigns on purely digital campaigns.

Companies looking to enter need to provide information on the digital marketing plan, including its aims and objectives. Also provide statistical information on why the campaign was a success.

Does your business deserve to win the Best Digital Marketing Campaign Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close at 12pm on January 16. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.

In this final week before entries close, we are revealing the last of what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.

Next up is the Best Employee Development Award, which is sponsored by Jones Myers, Family Law Solicitors.

This award is designed to highlight businesses that develop their employees, giving them the best start for a new career.

Those looking to enter this award need to give details of the business values and culture that lead to the creation of the training programme and highlight employee successes that came as a result.

Do you know a person that deserves to win the Best Employee Development Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close on January 16. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.