Business Breakfast: Harrogate law firm makes senior appointmentYorkshire family law expert shares important advice about pensions and divorceBusiness Breakfast: Harrogate Solicitors mark 105 years in businessBusiness Breakfast: New managing partner announced at law firm after 30 years

LCF Law has announced that managing partner Simon Stell, who has led the firm for almost 30 years, is to step down from the role.

The firm has announced that partner and disputes specialist Ragan Montgomery will take the position.

Mr Stell joined LCF Law in 1995, when it was known as Last Cawthra Feather before becoming LCF Law in 2014. He will continue to work with Ms Montgomery to assist with the handover. He will continue with the firm, acting as a mentor.

In her new role, Ms Montgomery will be responsible for overseeing LCF Law’s operations and leading the firm’s client service, growth and development strategies. She has worked at LCF Law since 2003 and is currently operational head of the firm’s Dispute Resolution department.

Ms Montgomery said:

 “After joining the firm 21 years ago as an assistant solicitor, to be appointed managing partner is a huge honour and it’s a challenge that I’m really looking forward to as we strive to build on our enviable reputation in Yorkshire and beyond.

Mr Stell said:

“Over the many years that I have been with LCF Law, there have been lots of changes, but we have always had a firm eye on the future.

“One thing we were certain about was that law would still be a people business and we’ve worked hard to build a great team. I’m proud to remain a part of it in my new role. I very much look forward to supporting Ragan and continuing to be a dedicated contributor to LCF Law’s ongoing success.”

Toy shop opens in Boroughbridge

Coco & Bear Boroughbridge

Coco & Bear, a new toy shop in Boroughbridge has officially opened.

The store sells eco-friendly gifts and sensory items in the former Clairemarie fashion store on Horsefair. The shop is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10-4pm.

Store founder and owner Alyss Jones said:

“I am very excited to have officially opened the doors to my toy shop Coco & Bear. Boroughbridge is a beautiful town, and we are very proud to be a part of such a friendly community. The local support has been amazing. We would love anyone who is passing to pop in and say hello.”

Coco & Bear interior

Creative and digital agency appoint new marketing manager

Josh Dodd, Show & Tell marketing manager.

Yorkshire branding, creative and digital agency, Show + Tell, has announced Josh Dodd as the agency’s marketing manager.

Mr Dodd will be responsible for Show + Tell’s marketing and content strategies, brand development and tactical campaigns.

Previously Mr Dodd was commercial marketing coordinator at CMS Distribution, a supplier of business and consumer technologies.

Charlie Hartley, founder and CEO of Show + Tell said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Josh to the Show + Tell team. His impressive background in B2B marketing and his passion for creativity and innovation make him the perfect fit for this role. It’s a significant hire for us as an agency, and we are confident that Josh will make significant contributions to our marketing efforts and help us achieve our goals for growth and success.”

Mr Dodd said:

“I am thrilled to join the talented team at Show + Tell. The agency’s commitment to creativity, innovation and excellence aligns perfectly with my own values and aspirations, and it’s exciting to be part of an organisation that has just received two industry awards for the Best B2B Website. I’m looking forward to driving impactful marketing initiatives that contribute to the continued success and growth of Show + Tell.”

Harrogate accountants expand firm

Graham and Liz from Wild & Co Chartered Accountants 

Wild & Co Chartered Accountants has expanded its office space in Windsor House over the past two years and doubled the size of its team.

Liz Wild founded the firm in 2009 and now the company has 7 staff and looks after clients in Harrogate, Leeds, Huddersfield, Bradford, Halifax and South Yorkshire.

Ms Wild said:

“We set out to fill a gap for businesses that are looking for a proactive accountancy partner to work with them throughout the year and give them greater visibility over their business numbers.Last year we introduced a Growth Hub for clients with a programme of workshops, webinars and news bulletins to support business growth and we regularly share knowledge about new apps and software that streamline management information.”

“Even though digital accountancy is more widespread now than it was when we started out 15 years ago, we are still one of the few firms embracing all the possibilities it offers and keeping clients fully up-to-date on how technology can move them forward. As we continue to expand our own business, we are looking forward to helping our clients to grow theirs too and to enjoy doing so.”

Have some news to share about your business? Send it to us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

Read more:

Business Breakfast: Masham brewery partners with snooker pro

Masham’s Black Sheep Brewery has announced a partnership with professional snooker player, the ‘Tyneside Terror’ Gary Wilson.

Mr Wilson is world number 12 and the brewery will be his sponsor for the Tour Championship, which ended yesterday, and this month’s World Championship at the Crucible in Sheffield. Mr Wilson won the first Welsh Open in February, as well as back-to-back Scottish Opens in December.

He said:

“As a fan of northern beers, being sponsored by Black Sheep Brewery holds special significance for me. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the season holds with an iconic Northern brewery now supporting me, game after game.”

Jo Theakston, executive director at Black Sheep Brewery, added:

“We always seek to collaborate with individuals who resonate with our commitment to excellence, which is precisely why we are sponsoring Gary, as he looks to continue his remarkable run of form into the next major tournament.”

Black Sheep Brewery also sponsors local teams such as Harrogate Town AFC and Otley RUFC, as well as England’s inaugural Long Course Weekend, set to be hosted in Masham this summer.

Salon and academy opens in Harrogate 

Sarah Verity (right) and Alex from Harrogate laser clinic 

Northern Beauty has opened on Tower Street in Harrogate. Owner Sarah Verity has been self employed in the beauty industry for eight years after having an epiphany during pregnancy working as an events manager.

The salon employs multiple businesses under one roof and is set to begin training fully accredited beauty courses. Ms Verity said “big things happen when women support women and that’s what I am trying to do here”.

The business began as a chair in a lodge in Ms Verity’s back garden. She said:

“Lockdown is the best thing that ever happened to me. It gave me the push to create something amazing.”

The salon is set to get a halo head spa in the next few weeks. Ms Verity said:

“It is very exciting. I believe it is the first outside of Manchester and people love a new beauty treatment.”

Harrogate law firm plant a tree for every will created 

Senior associate Hana Gwyn and head of personal law Neil Shaw from LCF Law.

LCF Law is set to plant a tree every time a client makes or updates a will. The initiative aims to encourage more people to make a will, whilst also having a positive environmental impact.

It is part of a partnership with Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust, a charity that helps people, landscapes and wildlife of the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding urban areas.

The law firm has already planted 1,000 trees, which will capture an estimated 160 tonnes of carbon over the next 50 years. LCF plans to plant another 1,000 this year.

Neil Shaw from LCF Law said:

“New research from The Association of Lifetime Lawyers shows that almost half of UK adults don’t have a will in place, which is as an alarming figure. The only way to ensure a person’s wishes are carried out is by properly communicating them legally through a will.

“By working with YDMT to plant a tree in the name of every person making or updating a will with us throughout 2024, we will not only be protecting their assets, but creating a sustainable legacy for future generations.”

He added that once a client has made or updated a will they will receive details of the woodland’s location, so they can visit it and see it grow.

Richard Hore, a development officer for Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust said:

“Our growing partnership with LCF Law will play a key role in our woodland creation efforts that help to tackle climate change and nature loss.”

Read more:

Business Breakfast: Harrogate firm wins dealer excellence award

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.

An office supplies company from Harrogate has beaten stiff competition from the south at a national awards ceremony. 

Supplies Web Ltd, which is based at Claro Court Business Centre, won the dealer excellence award for companies that turn over less than £5 million a year at the national BOSS Awards, which were held in Manchester and attended by more than 450 people. 

The BOSS Awards are held annually by the BOSS Federation, which is the trade association for the business supplies industry. 

Paul Graves, director of Supplies Web, said: 

“Delivering a sustainable and ethical solution is imperative to us and we are looking forward to building on this in 2024 and beyond, helping our designated charities, communities, and the planet.” 

Supplies Web beat competitors from across the south-east and East Anglia and was singled out by judges for its strategic approach, combining organic growth, acquisitions, and diversification to achieve achieved a 18% growth from 2022 to 2023.

Judges also highlighted the company’s overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 62% of customers giving a perfect 10/10 in customer surveys.  

Supplies Web started from two home offices in 2009 with a vision to put the customer first, save them money and provide reliability and efficiency.  

Managing director Grahame Barnes said: 

“Rather than just words, we wanted to deliver unique services for businesses of all sizes and solutions that would benefit them. We had the passion and that drove us through the journey.”

New face at Harrogate law firm

LCF Law in Harrogate has appointed a new solicitor to its personal law team.

Nicole Narey previously spent five years at another Yorkshire law firm, where she completed her training and worked as a private client solicitor. She said:

“My role is a varied and interesting one. Within our team of 12 lawyers, we all have our individual disciplines, and mine involves Court of Protection work.

“Assisting people at a difficult time in their lives is highly rewarding and I’m looking forward to developing this aspect of LCF Law’s legal services throughout Harrogate and beyond.”

Neil Shaw, partner and head of personal law at LCF Law, said:

“Nicole is very personable and professional, and she helps clients ensure their affairs are all in order and safeguarded. Her experience working with the Court of Protection will be an asset to our team and will continue to ensure that we secure the best outcomes for our clients.”

Read more:

 

Business Breakfast: Harrogate law firm hires three new solicitors

Are you already thinking of how to reward your employees this Christmas? Why not choose the Harrogate Gift Card?

The Harrogate Gift Card can be spent in over 100 businesses in Harrogate town centre including retail, hospitality and leisure, whilst keeping the spend locked into the local economy.

Complete a corporate bulk order of over £250 and receive 15% discount from November 1 to 15 with the code ‘HGT15’.

A Harrogate law firm has hired three new solicitors to its team.

LCF Law, which is based on Station Parade, has appointed newly qualified Anisha Kaur, Ennah Hussain and Jemma Hobson to the company.

Ms Hussein completed her training at a high street law firm before joining LCF Law, while Ms Hobson and Ms Kaur completed in-house training contracts.

Neil Shaw, partner and head of personal law at LCF Law, said:

“We make things as straightforward as possible and achieve the best possible outcome for our clients. We also value our team and support them with their progression, so we are delighted that Anisha and Jemma have qualified as solicitors after completing their training with us.

“It’s also a pleasure to welcome Ennah to our 21 strong personal law team and we look forward to advising even more clients across Harrogate and beyond.”

Praise for Mobile Tornado after emergency storm response

Communications company Mobile Tornado have been praised for their role in the evacuation of vulnerable people and pets from their flooded homes. 

The Harrogate-based global company supplies push-to-talk over cellular solutions to organisations that depend on fast, robust and reliable communications between individuals and large groups.

It donated licences for its technologies to Search and Rescue Lincolnshire, helping efforts to locate people cut off by floods during last month’s Storm Babet. 

Paul Woodman, chief executive at Search and Rescue Lincolnshire, said:

“Mobile Tornado has been absolutely invaluable for emergency teams to stay in touch. We are able to see the location of our volunteers, communicate with them in an instant and record everything we do across a wide area.

“Previously, we relied on legacy radio systems which had a limited range and were restricted to line of sight. Mobile Tornado enables us to have county-wide communications without having to purchase very expensive radio equipment. For strategic, intergroup and long-distance communications, it is absolutely great.”

Read more:

 

Business Breakfast: Family business event to feature spa hotel and chocolate-maker

Are you already thinking of how to reward your employees this Christmas? Why not choose the Harrogate Gift Card?

The Harrogate Gift Card can be spent in over 100 businesses in Harrogate town centre including retail, hospitality and leisure, whilst keeping the spend locked into the local economy.

Complete a corporate bulk order of over £250 and receive 15% discount from November 1 to 15 with the code ‘HGT15’.

The Institute of Directors and the Family Business Community have teamed up to hold an event around the theme of “the art of decision-making”.

Sponsored by Harrogate firm LCF Law, the evening event will feature speakers from two North Yorkshire family businesses: Rudding Park, in Harrogate, and Skipton-based Whitakers Chocolates.

Rudding Park director Matthew Mackaness will share insights into his family’s 50 years of ownership of the estate and some of the decisions that had to be made to sustain the growth and ambition of the business.

Rudding Park now has 90 bedrooms and suites, a spa, two restaurants, two golf courses, a private cinema, and conference and events space set in 300 acres of grounds. Earlier this year, it revealed plans to create Yorkshire’s first ever five-star country club at a cost of “between £30 million and £40 million”.

The Whitaker family has been in the chocolate business for over 135 years; they started with a small greengrocer’s shop and now have a factory making over 10 million chocolates per week.

In recent years, managing director William Whitaker had a key decision to make. At this event, he will play back his scenario to a team of business owners and gain their perspectives before revealing the decision he actually made.

‘When you run a family business don’t be afraid to make decisions’ will be held from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday, November 16 at Rudding Park.

Tickets cost £25 and include drinks and canapés throughout the evening. Booking fees apply.

Roosters celebrates anniversary with new supermarket listing

Harrogate‘s Rooster’s Brewing Co is celebrating a decade of selling its flagship IPA with a new supermarket listing.

From today, Waitrose will stock 440ml cans of the international award-winning Baby-Faced Assassin, which is already available at Asda and Morrisons.

Baby-Faced Assassin was first brewed as a hobby homebrew recipe by Rooster’s commercial director, Tom Fozard, in 2011 while he was working at a local specialist beer shop in Leeds, and the 6.1% ABV brew gained some notoriety among fellow enthusiasts due to its strength. Later that year, Tom, alongside twin brother Oliver, now Rooster’s head brewer, joined Rooster’s as part of an eventual change of ownership spearheaded by their father, Ian.

The first commercial, cask-only batch of Baby-Faced Assassin was released in November 2013 and eventually added to Rooster’s core range in 2014. It went on to pick up awards at the International Brewing Awards in 2015, 2017 and 2021.

Tom Fozard said:

“Having first created Baby-Faced Assassin as a homebrew recipe back in 2011, I never could have imagined the success the beer would go on to enjoy in the years since. As a small, family-owned, independent brewery, we’re delighted to mark its 10th year of being a Rooster’s beer with the news of its continued success.”

Read more:

 

Why you should work with trusted local solicitors in a changing property market

This story is sponsored by LCF Law.

The importance of using a quality conveyancing solicitor in a slowing property market by Lynn Wilkinson, a director at LCF Residential (pictured above). 

It’s no secret that both house prices and sales activity in the property market are under pressure, predominantly due to rising interest rates pushing up the cost of borrowing.  

However, the Bank of England’s recent decision to hold the base rate at 5.25% was a relief for mortgage holders and fuelled optimism that the market could see an autumn pick-up. 

We work with homebuyers, sellers and estate agents throughout Yorkshire and beyond, as well as with nearly every UK mortgage lender, across all price brackets.  

Although it’s certainly true that the market has been more subdued during 2023, and especially in comparison to the furore that we’ve seen in recent years around the pandemic, it’s not all doom and gloom.  

Around Harrogate and North Yorkshire there has been less of a slowdown than in many other parts of the UK. Homes here are still selling and from what we’re seeing, interest rates are having less of a negative impact the higher up the market you go.  

We’re still working on high numbers of transactions in the local area and in the same way that it’s often when market conditions become sticky that a good estate agent really adds value, the same can be said for a premium conveyancing service.  

Where some conveyancers pile it high and sell it cheap, but often with lots of hidden last minute add-on costs, our clients continually tell us that they value having a named point of contact, local offices that they can visit and crucially price transparency, which is especially true during more uncertain market conditions, when every penny counts.  

A deep knowledge of the local market also means we can provide valuable insights into current conditions, helping clients make more informed decisions. Plus, in a slowing market, the risk of a property not selling or the deal falling through can be higher. We help clients minimise this possibility by advising on contingencies and contract terms, as well as identifying and addressing any possible hiccups before they arise.  

Ultimately, in more testing market conditions, the role of a conveyancing firm becomes even more critical in protecting clients’ interests and achieving a successful property transaction. It’s often our expertise, negotiating skills and ability to manage risks that make a significant difference to our clients.  

Find out why clients value Harrogate’s leading conveyancing solicitors at LCF Residential. Click or tap here to speak to the team and get a quote today.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate estate agent expands sales department

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, October 26 at Banyan in Harrogate from 8am to 10 am. 

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

A Harrogate estate agent has expanded its sales department with two new appointments.

Verity Frearson, which is based on Albert Street, has hired Katie Dolamore and Fiona Moore as its new sales negotiators.

Katie joins the team after spending 16 years as a primary school teacher, while Fiona has worked in both lettings and sales at a local estate agents.

Matthew Stamford, director at Verity Frearson, said:

 “We’re delighted to welcome Katie & Fiona to the team. 

“Although this year hasn’t been without it’s challenges, we’re optimistic that the Harrogate market will continue to be resilient.”

Harrogate law firm to host mock menopause employment tribunal

A Harrogate law firm is to hold a mock employment tribunal to help employers understand legal claims which could be made by employees going through the menopause.

LCF Law, which has an office on Station Parade, will host the free event at Hays Recruitment’s Leeds city centre office on Thursday (October 12).

The demonstration aims to show employers how a tribunal works and to teach them the types of claims that someone going through the menopause may be able to bring and how they might be defended.

James Austin, employment lawyer at LCF Law.

James Austin, partner and employment lawyer at LCF Law.

The session will also cover how to treat an employee if they are going through the menopause, and how to make sure supportive steps are taken, which will help to minimise the number of claims bought against a business.

James Austin, partner at LCF Law, said:

“The mock tribunal will see an employee, who feels she has been discriminated against because she is going through the menopause, bring a claim against her employer.

“We will go through each step of the legal employment tribunal process and attendees will be able to ask questions of the ‘witnesses’ and help decide the outcome of the case.”

Read more: