This story is sponsored by Knaresborough Kitchens.

A Knaresborough business owner began his job on a 6-month contract but, 20 years later, he is still there.

Matt Johnson, Owner of Knaresborough Kitchens, initially took on the role to help his parents short-term after graduating from university. Now married and a father-of-four, Matt has watched the company grow and succeed – and hasn’t looked back since.

Knaresborough Kitchens, located on the town’s high street, was launched in 1996 by Matt’s parents. The company provides timeless and stylish kitchens, ranging from sleek modern units to traditional country-look cupboards.

It also offers customers an entirely bespoke service. Whether you’re searching for your forever kitchen, the highest-technology German units to host friends, or just something different to everyone else, Knaresborough Kitchens can provide you with the kitchen of your dreams, with a smile on their faces.

If there’s one thing Knaresborough Kitchens prides itself on, its quality. It excels in the materials your heart and wallet desires; from classic painted kitchens with Quartz work surfaces, to boiling water taps and state-of-the-art appliances.

The front-runner of the company’s values, however, is customer care. Matt and his team not only compete with national suppliers on price, but as a local family business, they also work customer satisfaction at the forefront of their minds.

Matt told the Stray Ferret:

“We take our roles very seriously and customers are at the forefront of what we do and why we do it.

“We have customers who have become good friends over the years. One local couple have had 3 kitchens from us in 20 years!”

Over the years, the Knaresborough Kitchens team has multiplied and now has three friendly faces to welcome customers. The Office Manager, Janet, has worked for the company for over 20 years, while Designer, Hazel, and Installations Manager, Sam, joined later. All are extremely valuable members of staff.

Following the pandemic, Matt’s parents retired from the business. He said “they went home and never came back!”

Matt added:

“The business was started in 1996 by my parents and I joined after university in 2002. I loved it so much after 6 months I’ve stayed an extra 20 years!

“I spent over 20 years working everyday with my parents and I do miss them being in the business. However, they worked for over 40 years and are finally enjoying well-earned retirement.”

Knaresborough Kitchens has seen significant growth over the years, but has seen its greatest accolade so far just this year: the company bought its showroom premises after 27 years of renting.

Matt added:

“We bought our building from the landlord after 27 years of renting – that was pretty major for us.

“Hopefully that helps makes sure we’re on Knaresborough High Street for another 27 years…”

The company also receives frequent recognition from customers for its relentless efforts, as well as industry-wide features in notable magazines and publications.

Despite the company’s growing success and Matt’s devotion to the company, his focus has shifted from world-wide expansion to local optimisation. For this reason, he made the tough decision to close the York showroom earlier this year. He said:

“In my 20s (before kids) I was very ambitious to expand the business – almost at the expense of anything else. Now I’m in my 40s and I have 4 children under 13, I do like to spend as much time with them as I can.

“That was one of the reasons we closed our York showroom earlier in the year. The lease was running out and it had become rather time consuming and stressful running another showroom 25 miles away. I made the decision, therefore, to close the showroom and be based in Knaresborough all week.

“So, my plans are to keep getting better at what we do and make sure all our customers are happy with our kitchens and service!”

It’s clear Knaresborough Kitchens has gone from strength-to-strength over the last 27 years, but thanks to the team’s dedication to providing the highest-quality kitchens and ultimate customer satisfaction, the company sees no sign of slowing down the success.

To find out more about Knaresborough Kitchens, visit knaresboroughkitchens.co.uk or call 01423 862286. Alternatively, you can pop into the showroom located at the bottom of Knaresborough High Street.

This story is sponsored by the Inter Ceramica Group.

The Harrogate-based family-run company, Revo Kitchens, is revolutionising the kitchen market, by launching its Revo Rapid range of stocked German Kitchens with 60% discount off the RRP.

Revo Kitchens, which is part of the family-run Inter Ceramica Group, has expanded its warehouse facilities on Hornbeam Park and now holds huge quantities of German Kitchens in stock, meaning products are available to take away the same day.

Customers can email through or bring along dimensions and a Revo Rapid Design Adviser uses those dimensions to design their dream kitchen for a fraction of the high street price.

Group Manager Adam Challis says Revo Rapid’s offer is unique to the marketplace:

“Revo has been working on this concept for two years, culminating in a revolutionary supply agreement with one of Germany’s largest kitchen manufacturers. The benefits for the customer are huge!”

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

“To compliment this amazing offering we have specially selected a range of Bosch and Beko appliances, sinks, taps & boiling taps all from stock and all at internet-beating prices. It’s a truly unique and complete offering, at incredible prices

“Our initial range consists of seven different door colours, five worktops styles and 10 door handle styles. Worktops are manufactured by Duropal, another premium German manufacturer, all being laser edged to give an ultra-high-end quality and contemporary look.”

If a customer wants something outside of the stock range, they can order it, and it will still come with the 60% discount. 

Revo Rapid offers interest-free finance under a 12-month buy-now-pay-later arrangement. Customers can spread the cost even more with a low interest rate 10 year package – meaning a £5,000 kitchen can cost as little as £29 per month.

Mr Challis added on Revo Rapid’s customer support:

“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.

“Whether you are a domestic customer looking for a new kitchen or a trade fitter, builder or developer, Revo Rapid will change the way you look at kitchens. Our showrooms are open to all.”

Find out more: 

You can check out Revo Kitchens’ range of fabulous German kitchens from Nolte on their Revo Rapid website. Alternatively, you can drop into Revo Kitchens’ showroom at Hornbeam Park in Harrogate. 

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.

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.” 

A new kitchen showroom has opened in Harrogate.

Designer Kitchen Direct, which is based in Sheffield, has opened the outlet on Ripon Road.

The company was founded by Mary Major and Dawn Raynor seven years ago and has since expanded to four showrooms and a manufacturing facility in the north east.

It also has showrooms in Staffordshire, Newton Aycliffe and Sheffield.

Gareth Wiseman, a director at Designer Kitchen Direct, said:

“Harrogate was an obvious choice to the directors for a new showroom as Harrogate is a beautiful popular location for retail.

“We chose the location on Ripon Road. It’s a unique spot and building with character with free parking outside.”

A display in the Harrogate showroom.

The showroom will include six displays over two floors.

The Harrogate site will be open seven days a week from 9am until 5pm.

You can find out more here.

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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.

This article is sponsored by Lapicida

From working on each other’s kitchen tables, to launching a stylish new Harrogate design studio, Rachael Webber and Justine Kirkham have come a long way in just three years.

Their business, Stylesmith Interiors, has gone from strength-to-strength, with a surge in demand caused by the pandemic seeing them move to bigger premises on Cold Bath Road.

Modern space

The building, which formerly housed Fit Harrogate and the Joy organic food store, has been transformed into a modern space, which will allow the interior designers to meet clients and network with architects and builders, along with others involved in their projects.

As a retail space, it has been tricky to run a profitable business due to the lack of footfall. Joy closed its doors in August, less than a year after opening its doors.

There’s hope the design studio will be a much better fit, as there isn’t the reliance on passing trade.

The new design studio shows off the duo’s style

Justine said:

“In the middle of lockdown we were accumulating more and more things, as obviously construction carried on. So whereas we thought everything was going to slow down, as it turned out, we were busier than ever. It was great, but also it meant that it was absolute chaos with all the boxes of samples etc.”

The duo soon realised they needed more room, so found a unit at Hornbeam Park.

When they were told the building was going to be demolished and redeveloped after 18 months at the site, it was the push they needed to move to bigger premises.

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After looking at lots of similar office buildings that were tucked away, they realised when everything reopened after lockdown, their clients wanted to visit them in person.

Rachael said:

“This building just happened to come up and we thought it was a bonus that we are visible, but we are not retail so we don’t need the footfall like a retail shop. We are very happy and we love it. “

Experience

Both Justine and Rachael have previously worked for large interior design companies and have 30 years of experience between them. Rachael also has a background in fashion.

The kitchen area downstairs

Justine said:

“What we have realised is you get very much dragged into this corporate set-up where it’s all about sales figures and data and systems and it takes away all the creativity in what you are doing. So when we started talking originally, that was the bit that bugged us.

“We thought it needs to be more client-focused, where it’s all about their experience. So we decided to set-up ourselves.”

“The space shows what we can do. We have kept it very clean and haven’t gone glitzy. It’s much more how most people actually choose for their houses to be. A bit more colour, to push people outside their comfort zones slightly, but without being blingy.”

The kitchen area in the new studio

Understated

“We are not trying to be this super duper London-style – very uber cool. Because that doesn’t work up here. But equally we don’t want to be at the blingy, over-the-top end..

“Some people want this very Scandinavian style. We have got loads of people wanting the slightly industrial style. We are doing a barn conversion at the moment where it is very grand, so we are putting a bit of oomph into that. It all depends on the client.”

Compliment

“For example if you wanted to put in a new kitchen or bathroom, or you are looking at flooring or you wanted to knock a wall down, then we are your gals.

“Everybody is doing extensions and creating open-plan living spaces. When you extend and you suddenly have all these masses of space, that’s when you need someone to help you make that work. This is because more often than not, you end up with a very echoey, cold space.

A studio downstairs houses samples, including material, paint and tiles

Stylish

“The whole point for us is we want to be this much more approachable interior design set-up. So it’s not about feeling worried about walking through the door.

“If people come in we will give them a warm welcome and chat about their project and potentials and what they are thinking of doing. That is key really, it feels really intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. It doesn’t have to be really expensive.