Stray Ferret Business Awards: The winners’ reactions

The Stray Ferret Business Awards saw 11 finalists, and one very lucky prize winner, crowned the winners of their categories.

The winners shared their reactions in the LCF LAW Winner’s Lounge.

Rising Star Under 30 Award – sponsored by Thompson’s Chartered Accountants

Winner: Laura Mounsey, Harrogate Family Law

Laura Mounsey is a Director of Harrogate Family Law, the Chair of the advisory board to the Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS), as well as the youngest ever president of the Harrogate & District Law Society.

Her impressive career crowned her the winner of the Rising Star Under 30 Award.

Clare Frisby (L) with Laura Mounsey and Gyles Behbood (R) of Thompson’s Accountants

Laura told the Stray Ferret in the LCF Law Winners Lounge:

“This award means everything to me.

“I was nothing 10 years ago, so it is very honourable to be up here.

“My mum and step-dad are here tonight and I’d really be nothing without them”.

Business Growth Award – sponsored by Raworths

Winner: The Soundproofing Store

The Soundproofing store is the largest online retailer of soundproofing equipment and solutions in the UK – leading the company to win first place in the Business Growth Award.

Clare Frisby (L) with Ian Baker and Simon Morris (R) of Raworths

The team at The Soundproofing Store told us in the LCF Law Winners Lounge:

“It feels great to win. It is an award for the whole company – we feel very proud.

“Beating yourselves every year is what we’ve done, time and time again. It is thanks to our entire team.

“Thank you very much for this award”.

Unsung Hero Award – sponsored by the Big Bamboo Agency

Winner: Chris Ashby, Harrogate BID

Chris Ashby, the Street Ranger for Harrogate BID, keeps the town centre looking spotless.

Chris’s actions in helping save a man’s life in 2022 saw him take home the crown for the Unsung Hero Award.

Clare Frisby (L) with Matthew Chapman of Harrogate BID and Nicola Stamford (R) of Big Bamboo Agency

Matthew Chapman, Manager of Harrogate BID, spoke on behalf of Chris. He told the Stray Ferret in the LCF Law Winners Lounge:

“Chris will be very humbled and very proud to win this award.

“Chris is the glue that brings our team together — he is just so, so nice.

“This one is for Chris!”

Inclusivity Award – sponsored by Kempston Parkes Chartered Surveyors

Winner: Artizan Café and Creative Space

Artizan Café and Creative Space took home first prize for their work.

The café provides employment opportunities for differently-abled people and provides them with vital skills.

Liz Cluderay of the Artizan Café and Creative Space team told the Stray Ferret in the LCF Law Winners Lounge:

“Winning was an incredible feeling of huge pride. My work means a lot to me and the team mean the world to me.

“We have had the most amazing year creating what we have and this is just the icing on the cake”.

The Stray Ferret would like to thank everyone who entered the awards and everyone who attended our event.

Thank you to all our sponsors, including all the businesses supporting our individual categories, and our lead sponsor, Prosperis.

Keep an eye on our site and social media over the coming days to see more news and photographs from the awards ceremony.

Stray Ferret Business Awards: The winners

Despite multiple weather warnings and a rather inconvenient March snowfall, the first Stray Ferret Business Awards was a roaring success.

With nearly 400 guests, a crowd of paparazzi and a lot of laughter, last night’s event was a fitting celebration of business across the Harrogate district.

The Stray Ferret Business Awards showcased a variety of talent from across the area, and 11 finalists were crowned the winners of their categories.

The Harrogate district boasts a high calibre of business, which was reflected in the submissions, but the winners’ entries particularly impressed the judges.

The Winners

 

Dynamic Leader – sponsored by Succession Wealth

Winner: Ian Baker, The Soundproofing Store

Ian Baker is the founder and managing director of The Soundproofing Store.

Ian has led the company to become the largest online retailer of soundproofing equipment and solutions in the UK.

Ian’s employees say “his style of leadership is instrumental in the success of the business and solutions offered to customers”.

The judges agreed that Ian’s innovative, open and creative approach to leadership merited first place.

Highly Commended: Suzanna Prout, Xenonex

Suzanna Prout is the founder and managing director of  Xenonex, which offers leadership coaching and development programmes.

During covid, Suzanna shifted the business to be entirely online, which included online training and bespoke portals where users could access resources and track progress.

Suzanna also led the business to win the CorporateLiveWire Innovation & Excellence Award for Management Training Specialist of the Year – UK.

The judges felt Suzanna demonstrated incredible resilience and established necessary flexibility during challenging times.

Best Independent Retailer – sponsored by York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub

Winner: TravelGate

TravelGate is an independent travel agency in Harrogate, offering clients bespoke expertise and advice on holiday destinations.

As chaos ensued during covid, TravelGate was inundated with policies to follow and holidays to amend. However, the agency remained open throughout several lockdowns to provide support for clients, both locally and abroad.

The judges believed TravelGate’s relentless resilience and ability to adapt to such hardship made it deserving of the award.

Highly Commended: Whittams Hire

Whittams Hire offers luxury motorhome hire to the people of North Yorkshire and beyond.

Since launching in 2018, the company now boasts nine motorhomes and has even opened a coffee shop alongside the office space.

The judges felt the company keeps customer service at its core, – evidenced with a 100% 5-star Google review record – which merited a highly commended.

Highly Commended: Watermark Gallery

Watermark Gallery is a Harrogate art gallery selling original, contemporary and modern British art.

During the pandemic, the gallery offered customers the opportunity to watch live artist exhibitions through the gallery window – growing a large customer base.

In 2020, the gallery also adapted its space into becoming a workshop space to teach and learn.

The judges felt Watermark Gallery’s business growth and dynamic approach to retail was deserving of a highly commended placing.

Digital Innovation – sponsored by ASE Computer Services Ltd

Winner: Strive Group

Strive Group is a connected experience agency in Harrogate.

The company used its Interactive Customer Experience (ICE) software to establish a virtual specification configurator for Volvo.

The immersive software permitted customers to explore the features of the car, including testing the sound system, in aid of the Volvo C40 Recharge launch.

Strive Group’s cutting-edge innovation dazzled the judges.

Employee Development – sponsored by Jones Myers Family Law Solicitors

Winner: Grantley Hall

Grantley Hall is a luxury five-star hotel and wellness retreat near Ripon.

Grantley Hall offers staff an on-site training facility, as well as live-in accommodation, free meals and wellbeing support.

Staff can access additional training services from senior staff members, including Michelin-starred chef, Shaun Rankin.

Grantley Hall stood out to the judges with its five-star staff development programme.

Best Digital Marketing Campaign – sponsored by Next Chapter

Winner: Ogden of Harrogate

Historic jeweller Ogden of Harrogate impressed the judges with its virtual advent calendar.

The campaign enabled the jeweller to bring its annual Christmas catalogue online.

Each day, an animated image featuring the corresponding door was emailed to subscribers, showcasing a piece of jewellery.

The judges were impressed by Ogden’s strategy to marry the digital and traditional retail, delivering impressive results in sales.

Sustainable Business – sponsored by York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub

Winner: EnviroVent (Large Business)

EnviroVent is a designer and manufacturer of sustainable ventilation systems in Harrogate.

The company has recently moved from two separate sites into one zero-carbon building that uses low carbon heating and energy sources.

EnviroVent also aims to plant 5,000 trees a year in partnership with MoreTrees.

The judges were impressed by EniroVent’s clear objectives to becoming entirely net-zero carbon.

Winner: Resurrected Bites (Small Business)

Resurrected Bites is a food waste organisation, with pay-as-you-feel cafés and community groceries in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

The business collects short shelf life and excess food from local producers to distribute via the cafés.

Any food not fit for human consumption is passed onto livestock and peelings are gifted to allotments to make compost.

The judges felt that Resurrected Bites is solving an important issue by aiming to fill bellies instead of bins.

Rising Star Under 30 – sponsored by Thompsons Chartered Accountants

Winner: Laura Mounsey, Harrogate Family Law

Laura Mounsey qualified as a solicitor with Harrogate Family Law four years ago and is already a director of the firm. An equity stake in a legal firm usually takes at least 10 years to achieve.

Laura is the chair of the advisory board to the Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS), as well as the youngest ever president of the Harrogate & District Law Society.

Laura’s clients describe her as “extraordinarily approachable and knowledgeable”.

Laura’s incredibly impressive career stood out to the judges. They agreed she would continue to rise throughout her career.

Highly Commended: Tiffany Snowden, Willow Heritage

Tiffany Snowden is the lead heritage consultant and director of Harrogate environmental consultancy Blue Willow Heritage.

Tiffany is just one of 500 women in the UK to be granted membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CifA), the highest level of accreditation that the most senior archaeology body in the UK offers.

Tiffany was also invited to join the Association for Studies in the Conservation of Historic Buildings (ASCHB), the UK’s premier body for the study of architectural preservation.

In just two years, Tiffany has led Blue Willow Heritage to become one of the top small heritage consultancies in Britain.

Tiffany dazzled the judges with her career to date and they believe she is certainly one to watch.

Highly Commended: James Owen Thomas, JOT’s Gallery

James Owen Thomas is an environmental artist and owner of JOT’s Gallery.

James was diagnosed with autism aged three and has since used this, as well as his love for the environment, as a means of inspiration for his art.

James is an ambassador the Tree Council, supporting its Force For Nature campaign.

James’s artwork has helped raise funds for The Alzheimer’s Society, Autism Trust, Disability Action Yorkshire, National Autistic Society and many more.

The judges believed James is a star in the making.

Business Growth – sponsored by Raworths Solicitors

Winner: The Soundproofing Store

The Soundproofing Store has seen consistent growth over the last eight years.

The company has recently established a commercial client sector, which resulted in significant growth in revenue and network.

The Soundproofing Store also created the only soundproofing floor mat without the need for an over boarding layer. Sales of the mat amassed to over 11,000.

The judges noted that The Soundproofing Store’s product and service innovation has led it to such significant growth.

Highly Commended: Bamber & Brown

Bamber & Brown is a hotspot for takeaway coffee that trades out of a converted horse box.

Since 2021, the company has seen significant financial growth, developed horse shelter into a pizza van and has recently acquired a premises license, which will be used to create a prosecco bar.

The judges loved Bamber & Brown’s story and were impressed by its exponential growth in just 18 months.

Highly Commended: TMR Foods

TMR Foods supplies premium quality fish and seafood across Yorkshire.

During covid, the new business began doing private deliveries, which resulted in a loyal customer base.

TMR has since added two more vans onto the roads, established a base in Ripon to work from, and is now developing pre-packed ranges to supply to retailers.

TMR Foods’ resilience throughout covid and subsequent growth stood out to the judges.

Unsung Hero – sponsored by Bigbamboo

Winner: Chris Ashby, Harrogate BID

In 2021, Harrogate BID recruited Chris Ashby to keep Harrogate town centre clean.

As the town’s street ranger, Chris Ashby has removed 126 graffiti tags, improved 38 building façades, and disposed of 57 used needles.

His actions in July 2022 hit the headlines, when he rescued a man who was trying to take his own life in the early hours of the morning.

The judges were very impressed by Chris’s commitment to maintaining the town’s beauty, but felt his actions in helping save a man’s life meant he was undoubtedly the Stray Ferret’s Unsung Hero.

Highly commended: Kayti Mewis, Mumbler

Kayti joined Mumbler as volunteer after moving to Harrogate and is now the content creator and social media manager.

Kayti has added value across the whole company, including working in the sales sector, creating inspiration for parents during lockdown and is even due to co-present the Harrogate Mumbler Awards in November.

Sally Haslewood, founder of Mumbler, said:

“To be honest, I don’t know what I would have done if she’d turned down the role, as she had fast become my right-hand woman.”

The judges felt Kayti’s work is exactly why the Unsung Hero award was established – she is a vital cog in the functioning of Mumbler.

Inclusivity Award – sponsored by Kempston-Parkes Chartered Surveyors

Winner: Artizan Café and Creative Space

Artizan Café and Creative Space is a Harrogate café and workshop staffed entirely by adults with learning difficulties.

The café provides them with work experience and employment opportunities.

The staff learn vital skills such as food preparation, customer service, handling money, food hygiene and more.

The judges felt Artizan Café and Creative Space allows differently-abled people to fulfil a dream of paid employment.

Highly Commended: Horticap

Horticap is a Harrogate charity that has provided training in outdoor skills to adults with learning disabilities for nearly 40 years.

Horticap students can learn about garden maintenance, social skills, craft work and hospitality.

Horticap aims to immerse its students into society and provide them with skills that can be replicated at home and towards new career paths.

The judges commended both Horticap’s long-standing service and the significant impact the charity makes on the students’ lives.

The Stray Ferret would like to thank everyone who entered the awards and everyone who attended yesterday’s event.

Thank you to all our sponsors, including all the businesses supporting our individual categories, and our lead sponsor, Prosperis.

Keep an eye on our site and social media over the coming days to see more news and photographs from the awards ceremony.

Stray Ferret Business Awards: Rising Star Under 30 Award

The Rising Star Under 30 Award is sponsored by Thompson’s Chartered Accountants.

Thompsons in Harrogate provides key accountancy and taxation solutions to small and medium-sized businesses across England.

Thompsons has offered specialist advice across a range of sectors specific to business, growth plans, exit strategies and targets, for over 30 years.

The Rising Star under 30 Award is designed to highlight young business talent across the Harrogate who will be making waves in the years to come.

Finalists

Tiffany Snowden, Blue Willow Heritage:

Tiffany Snowden has excelled in what has traditionally been a male dominated profession.

She is Lead Heritage Consultant and Director of Harrogate environmental consultancy, Blue Willow Heritage.

Tiffany is just one of 500 women in the UK to be granted Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CifA), the highest level of accreditation that the most senior archaeology body in the UK offers.

Tiffany was also invited to join the Association for Studies in the Conservation of Historic Buildings (ASCHB), the UK’s premier body for the study of architectural preservation.

In just two years, Tiffany has led Blue Willow Heritage to become one of the top small heritage consultancies in Britain. The company is a preferred consultant for several respected planning and architectural firms within the UK, for North Yorkshire County Council and the Gotwick Manor Estate in Surrey.

Tiffany Snowden said:

“It’s an absolute honour to be shortlisted as a rising star, especially as a woman working in a male-dominated field.

“Being recognised in this way is not only a huge personal achievement, but also invaluable to help raise the profile of women in construction-related industries.”

Joe Andrew, Cocoa Joe’s:

Joe Andrew has literally brought the world of chocolate to Pateley Bridge as the Founder of Cocoa Joe’s, a retailer selling premium chocolate drinks.

Joe launched Cocoa Joe’s in 2019 after moving home from university. Four years later, the Pateley Bridge shop boasts the highest average customer review of any business in the UK, with the York branch ranking second.

Cocoa Joe’s uses luxury solid chocolate from all around the world. Customers are able to choose a chocolate, learn a little about the country of origin and see their bespoke drink form before their eyes.

Joe Andrew said:

“I’m absolutely over the moon to have made the shortlist, there has been a lot of very impressive applicants this year, so it still feels slightly surreal!

“This has been a great way to begin 2023 and will certainly be spurring me on as we begin to expand both our menu and range of products over the course of the coming year.”

Laura Mounsey, Harrogate Family Law:

Laura Mounsey only qualified as a solicitor with Harrogate Family Law four years ago and is already a director of the company.  An equity stake in a law firm usually takes at least 10 years to achieve.

Laura is the Chair of the Advisory Board to the Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS). This includes implementing the Domestic Abuse Act and shaping their policies on perpetrator schemes.

Laura is also the youngest ever president of the Harrogate & District Law Society. She has organised advocacy training via the local Judge, networking training and wellbeing sessions to support those struggling with working from home post-pandemic.

Laura’s clients describe her as “extraordinarily approachable and knowledgeable”.

Laura Mounsey said:

“I was honoured to find out that my team had submitted me for this award. I was even more surprised and overjoyed when I found out that I am shortlisted, especially in what I expect is a very competitive category.

“I feel very lucky to be where I am.”

James Owen Thomas, JOT’s Gallery:

James Owen Thomas is an environmental artist and owner of JOT’s Gallery.

James was diagnosed with autism aged three and has since used this, as well as his love for the environment, as a means of inspiration for his art.  James uses recycled materials to create his artwork.

James is an ambassador the Tree Council, supporting their ‘Force For Nature’ campaign. He was nominated by the Tree Council for COP26 and then selected as a One Step Greener Ambassador for the UN Climate Change Conference 2021: “Together For Our Planet.”

In 2022,  James’s artwork helped raise funds for The Alzheimer’s Society, Autism Trust, Disability Action Yorkshire, Horticap, Shelter, National Autistic Society, Harrogate Homeless Project and The Caudwell Children’s Charity.

James Owen Thomas said:

“It’s an honour to be shortlisted as a rising star. I’ve been working hard to create a sustainable practice by creating art using discarded materials, running workshops in the community, taking on commissions and opening my own gallery.

“I have faced several challenges during my life, but I see my autism as a gift – it gives me the strength to be different”.

The Stray Ferret Business Award event sponsor is Prosperis. To find more and to purchase tickets for the big night, click here.

Laura’s Law: Pandemic or not, deciding to divorce is always scary

Laura’s Law is a monthly legal column written by family lawyer Laura Mounsey. Laura is a partner at Harrogate Family Law. She specialises in dealing with divorced couples and people who have been in abusive relationships. Her role involves protecting her clients’ assets and income if they want to live with someone or get married, and resolving disagreements about children.

This week Laura advises on whether there is a “right” time to divorce. 

New Year, new start?

2020 was challenging year for most people, with the unprecedented stress of dealing with a global pandemic. Many have not only been fearful of what the future holds outside of their home but also, the future inside their home.

A lot have shared with me that:

Even though the pandemic pushed these individuals to realise that their marital difficulties needed to be dealt with, holding onto the certainty of an unhealthy marriage seemed more comfortable than the uncertainty of separating in an unfamiliar world.

Often, individuals would tell me that they were too anxious about what getting divorced would look like in 2020 even though they knew that, for the sake of their family, they did need to make that change. They were fearful that they would have nowhere to live because of the state of the housing market, they would not be able to pay their bills because of the financial downturn, the impact on the children would be too difficult to handle with home-schooling, and their ex would keep their children from them because of the pandemic.

In my experience, anyone who is thinking about getting divorced is scared about what the future will hold. That is no different in a pandemic. But whether we are in a pandemic or not, there is no lightbulb moment and there is no perfect time.

The hardest part tends to be making the decision about whether to make that call or not. It is easy to delay and delay, convincing yourself there will be a better time. But how much worse are things going to get in the meantime?

If you think splitting up is inevitable, waiting can cause more damage to your relationship. How much harder is it going to be to get through everything as painlessly as possible if there is more to fix when you eventually decide that you are “ready”?

Speak with someone impartial like a counsellor and lawyer who are not here to sell you on any outcome, just help you take a step back and decide whether this is what you want. And if it isn’t what you want, what are you going to do about it?

Laura’s Law: Is your ex weaponising your children?

Laura’s Law is a monthly legal column, written by family lawyer, Laura Mounsey. Laura is a partner at Harrogate Family Law. She specialises in dealing with divorced couples and people who have been in abusive relationships. Her role involves protecting her clients’ assets and income if they want to live with someone or get married and resolving disagreements about children.

This week Laura advises on what to do if your ex is weaponising your children.

 

If you are in the process of separating (or thinking about doing so), you may be terrified about losing your children. You may be worried that your ex will be so intent on ‘revenge’, that they will try to weaponise your children against you.

Typically, by the time that people ask for my help, they tell me that their:

  1. Children’s opinion of them has become very negative
  2. Children are acting out against them and rejecting them
  3. Ex keeps taking their children away from them
  4. Ex has made all sorts of allegations about them as a parent

It isn’t uncommon for children to struggle with their parents’ separation. However, sometimes your ex may throw your children into the middle of a conflict by manipulating their view of you and burdening them by having to ‘choose a side’. Being bombarded with such responsibility and pressure can cause them significant distress.

Read More: 

It is not fair for your ex to try to damage your children’s relationship with you. However, it can and does happen. It’s likely to get worse the longer you leave it. Sadly, I have seen an increase in this behaviour during the pandemic lockdown. Particularly where children have been withheld from seeing one of their parents.

Often, if you approach your ex on your own and challenge them about the way that they are treating your children, they will deny it. This often backfires and allows your ex to spin your concerns against you, as if you are in the wrong. This can leave you feeling trapped without a way out.

Does this sound familiar?

When you separate, your children need you both more than ever and that should be a priority. However, your ex may see your children as a way to get what they want, regardless of what damage they may cause getting there.

It isn’t impossible to deal with your ex’s behaviour however it is time critical because the more you delay, the more damage may be done. To disarm your ex, for your children’s sake as well as your own, it is vital that you reach out.

You should also consider:

  1. Telling your ex in writing about your concerns and set out why
  2. Keeping a log of what has been happening
  3. Asking for professional support for you and/or the children

This is particularly important, now that we are in another lockdown. Even though we cannot meet in person for now, you can still reach out and get help. The court is also still open, so you are not alone.

To find out more about Laura and her speciality in family law, click here.

COLUMN: Are you married to a narcissist?

This legal column is written by family lawyer, Laura Mounsey. Laura is a partner at Harrogate Family Law. She specialises in dealing with divorced couples and people who have been in abusive relationships. Her role involves protecting her clients’ assets and income if they want to live with someone or get married and resolving disagreements about children. In this column, she discusses the red flags to look out for that indicate you may be married to a narcissist and how to get out.

I have experienced the trauma of divorcing a narcissist first-hand. I am now a lawyer who specialises in helping people who are terrified of standing up to them.

Typically, I find that many of my clients have been conditioned to think that they have no self-worth. They have been controlled and bullied for years. They believe that any wrongdoing is their fault and that they do not deserve any better. The idea of saying “enough is enough” paralyses them with fear; so worn down, they feel trapped with no way out.

Over time, I have heard many people who sit in front of me say that their ex is:

They tell them what to do and what not to do. They are scolded for “stepping out of line”. However, the rules always change, and they never win. Instead, they live their lives walking on eggshells.

They think they are superior and expect that others cater to, and admire, them. Even though they have inflated self-esteem, beneath it, hides crippling insecurities which cause them to lash out.

They are obsessed with what other people think about them. They will put others down to make themselves seem better than they are. They are obsessed with attention and will often play the victim if needed.

They will often lie and pin people against each other. They will isolate people and are prepared to do anything to get what they want. Often, they undermine others around them so much that they start to question their own judgement, not their ex.

Does this ring any alarm bells?

Leaving a narcissist is daunting. A client once told me that her ex would do everything in his power to destroy her so that she ended up in a shoe box on the Stray with nothing but her children.

But she held her nerve and took the plunge, broke free and now has a very comfortable life that is all hers.

If, like her, you know deep down that you need to leave but you do not know what to do, the best thing that you can do is get specialist advice from a divorce lawyer who knows what you are dealing with.

Read More: