This story is sponsored by LCF Law.

Here at LCF Law, we are lawyers you’ll like to work with. With offices located in Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and Ilkley, we are an established member of the Yorkshire legal community.

We support all our colleagues in their career development to maximise their potential. Whether it’s members of legal teams or support staff, we aim to meet colleagues’ aspirations for personal and career development and place great emphasis on training.

We have developed a series of pathways – guides to behaviours and conduct that direct colleagues to what is expected of them to reach the next level of their career progression with LCF Law. We recognise that supporting development gives strength to the firm while helping colleagues to meet their ambitions and aspirations.

At LCF Law we look after the wellbeing of all our colleagues whether physical or mental. We have 12 trained and accredited Mental Health First Aiders throughout the firm as part of that support network. We recognise the vital role that the team plays in the development of the practice and its importance in supporting colleagues careers.

Staff benefits and a prestigious award

To further support staff wellbeing, we provide a number of benefits including the Westfield Health cash plan, Westfield rewards, a 24-hour advice and health line, seven hours of paid wellbeing hours, Perkbox membership, a wellbeing hub and a full day off for your birthday. Happy lawyers are better lawyers. Colleagues who feel respected and appreciated better support their colleagues and our customers.

LCF Law celebrating being listed as a Sunday Times Best Places to Work.

In May 2023, LCF Law was recognised as one of the top employers in the UK after being named in the new Sunday Times Best Places to Work Awards. The prestigious award ranking index anonymously surveyed the opinions of employees from hundreds of businesses operating in every industry sector across the UK.

The Sunday Times 26-question survey was completed by 87% of LCF Law’s team. It measured employee experience using six key drivers – reward and recognition, information sharing, empowerment, instilling pride, job satisfaction and wellbeing. An excellent rating of between 84% and 89% was received in all six drivers

This is what makes us lawyers you’ll like to work with. Our colleagues are the core of LCF.

We are currently recruiting dynamic, high performing professionals at every level across our four Yorkshire offices. For further information, please visit www.lcf.co.uk/about-lcf/careers or contact HR Manager, Rebecca Gosling at rgosling@lcf.co.uk.

Zelst, a Harrogate-based search marketing agency, is expanding to the US after 17-years in business.

The new overseas firm will be based in Dover, Delaware.

The company hopes by the overseas expansion will allow US work and clients to integrate with the UK team more seamlessly.

Director, Peter Van Zelst, said:

“The US economy is a little hotter than ours at present, and it’s a challenge to find highly experienced search and PPC professionals in some areas of the States. We’ve seen a demand for our services, and the different approaches we bring to projects. Establishing a business in the US was the natural next step.

“As one of the north’s longest established and most experienced search marketing agencies, we’re adept at working collaboratively alongside clients and agencies alike, and the East Coast of the US, in particular, is fairly straightforward to service, with its connections and smaller time difference with the UK.”

Harrogate law firm to partner with Yorkshire Dales charity for second year running

 LCF Law has entered its second year of partnership with the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust.

The charity supports the people, landscapes, and wildlife of the Yorkshire Dales.

Since the partnership began, the firm has donated £7,500 to the trust – contributing to 500 trees being planted.

Bridie Johnson-Power, from LCF Law, said:

“Our first volunteering project with the Trust involved us helping to maintain the woodland and clear redundant plastic tubes for recycling at Bargh Wood.

“Then more volunteers ventured out into the Dales to join a mixed group of corporate partners planting 400 trees to extend The Hawes woodland.

“Most recently a group of us volunteered for the woodland maintenance day at Swinesett Hill, and despite the torrential rain, we got a lot done!”

Development officer, Richard Hore, from the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust said:

“It’s been great getting to know some of the LCF Law team, all of whom have been so enthusiastic about volunteering and learning more about our work.

“We know they have enjoyed engaging with our partnership and connecting with nature to improve their wellbeing and that of our planet.”

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Harrogate businesses that sell products and services online are being offered free legal advice.

LCF Law, which is based on Station Parade, is offering the advice as part of an online event during Leeds Digital Festival.

The event will be held on September 21 and aims to offer insights into e-commerce regulations and compliance.

James Sarjanston, head of commercial and digital at LCF Law, said:

“We will explore key topics, including consumer rights, marketing to clients, data protection and upcoming legislation, shedding light on the complexities and challenges faced by e-commerce entrepreneurs.

“Through practical guidance, we will provide invaluable knowledge on implementing effective strategies that ensure compliance, safeguard a business and help to foster long-term growth.”

For more information and to register for the event, visit the Eventbrite page here.

Northern appoints new recruitment head

Northern has appointed a new head of talent acquisition.

The rail operator, which runs services through Harrogate and Knaresborough, has appointed Matthew Moxton to the role.

Matthew Moxton, new head of talent acquisition at Northern.

Mr Moxton, who is from Boston Spa and was the company’s legal and general executive, will now be responsible for recrutiment.

Lisa Leighton, people director at Northern, said: 

“Matthew brings with him a wealth of experience from multiple sectors including engineering, construction, logistics and other support functions.

“He has an impressive track record in employee mentoring and coaching as well as developing a high-performance culture and we’re thrilled to add him to Northern’s first class HR team.”

Mr Moxton added:

“I am delighted to be joining the team at Northern. I see a wonderful opportunity to build on the great work that has already started and to enhance the talent attraction and on-boarding within the business.”

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The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, 27 July at Banyan in Harrogate between 8-10am. 

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories.  Tickets will be available later this week. 

At the most recent Stray Ferret Business Club lunch, LCF Law spoke about the firm’s approach to staff wellbeing.

The Yorkshire-based legal firm which employs 170 people was recognised by the Sunday Times as one of the best places to work in the UK.

Rebecca Gosling, HR Lead for LCF Law, gave a presentation on how the company achieved an “excellent” ranking in welfare.

LCF scored 86% and above in all pillars of the wellbeing survey, including spiritual and emotional wellbeing, physical wellbeing, and financial wellbeing – 18% above the industry average.

All staff members have 24/7 access to helplines, specialist training on career progression, frequent group activities and even recognition portals in which colleagues can thank and praise one another.

Rebecca said:

“Companies don’t have to throw loads of money at staff wellbeing to be successful.

“I don’t think we would retain staff if we ever went backwards in terms of staff welfare – which we never will, anyway.”

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Paul Atkins of Leisure Park Internet Solutions

Holiday home WIFI specialist in Harrogate becomes employee-owned

Harrogate-based Leisure Park Internet Solutions has recently become an employee-owned business after 10 years of trading.

The company provides WIFI services to over 100 holiday parks throughout the UK and has developed its own “direct to van” solution to provide faster broadband for holidaymakers.

In a deal backed by a SME loan from Mercia Asset Management, founder, Paul Atkins, has transferred his shares into an Employee Ownership Trust which will own the business on behalf of 15 team members. Mr Atkins will continue his role as Managing Director for the foreseeable future.

The company has almost doubled its turnover in the two years to March 2023.

Mr Atkins said:

“I’m proud of the progress that the business has achieved to date and look forward to leading its expansion in the years to come.

“However, as we celebrate our tenth anniversary, I also felt I needed to consider its long-term future. Employee ownership seemed to be the most appropriate option while at the same time recognising the commitment of our team.”

The next Stray Ferret Business Club will focus on staff wellbeing and work culture.

The lunch at Manahatta on June 29 will hear a talk from Rebecca Gosling, HR Lead for LCF Law in Harrogate. The firm was recently named by the Sunday Times as one of the UK’s best places to work. 

The aim of the monthly Stray Ferret Business Club events is to network, share knowledge and business ideas.

Rebecca said:

“Creating a culture of wellbeing in the workplace is not just a luxury, it underpins our HR strategy.

“We are delighted with our achievement in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work accolade. This is a reflection of our focus on our people and culture.

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to share LCF’s wellbeing focus with like – minded professionals.”

Tickets for the lunch are available here.

Cycling store focuses on women riders

Specialized Concept cycling store in Harrogate is to become the first store outside London to stock MAAP clothing.

Specialized said it was keen to support the growing number of women riders – 40% of the MAAP range in store will be women’s cycling apparel.

Assistant manager Felix Geldart said

“We see MAAP as a premium brand and I think it will represent a lot of the riders that we have coming into the shop.

“We’re having more of a focus on women than we have done previously – over the past few years we’ve seen more groups and avenues for women to get involved in cycling.”

Specialized is supporting the inaugural 2023 Women Race North Road Race league, across the North East, North West and Yorkshire.

The store is hosting a series of activities this weekend to celebrate MAAP’s arrival.

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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 law firm has announced it has extended a partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society for another year.

LCF Law, which is based on Station Parade, will work with the charity to help create wills for people who wish to donate to the society in their will.

The firm has worked with the Alzheimer’s Society for several years and works with dozens of people every year to draw up their will for free, in exchange for a donation to the charity.

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

“After promoting this partnership to many organisations and community groups throughout Wharfedale, we have had plenty of interest from local people keen to donate or leave a bigger legacy in their will to the charity.

“We also have a similar partnership with Cancer Research and it’s a great way of supporting two charities that make a real difference to so many people.”

Harrogate Town awarded family excellence status

Harrogate Town has been awarded English Football League Family Excellence status for the first time.

The scheme recognises the continuous improvement and best practice that emerges across the league and rewards clubs for their efforts in attracting and retaining young supporters.

It will see the club receive two visit assessments each season, in order to determine the quality of the family matchday experiences they provide.

On the award, Hamilton Mattock, fan engagement manager, said:

“We are really pleased to receive the Family Excellence status; this is a testament to all the hard work everyone within the club has put into making Harrogate Town a family friendly experience on a matchday.

“This is only the beginning of the journey as we strive to continue to improve our supporters match day experience while continuing to improve on our facilities and touchpoints.”

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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.

Two Harrogate businesses have been recognised in the Sunday Times “best places to work” guide.

Cloud Nine and LCF Law made the list, which surveys the opinions of employees from hundreds of businesses operating in every industry sector across the UK.

Both firms were recognised in the medium-sized companies category, which looks at businesses who employ between 50 and 249 people.

Some 200 companies are listed in the Sunday Times guide, including Brewdog, Pizza Express and David Lloyd Leisure.

Martin Rae, chief executive at Cloud Nine.

Martin Rae, chief executive at Cloud Nine, said:

“We have an exceptional team who deserve a great place to work. This is why we have recently spent a lot of time focusing on and investing in the whole experience our employees have here at Cloud Nine.”

Simon Stell, managing partner at LCF Law, said:

“These nationwide awards select the best places to work based solely on the results of an employee survey. Not only is the process incredibly insightful, but it’s also a great way of benchmarking our culture, our colleague engagement and how valued our team feel.”

Knaresborough car dealership signs insurance

A Knaresborough car dealership has agreed a major insurance deal with a national company.

Redline Specialist Cars, which is based at St James Business Park, has signed the deal with Provenance Insurance Brokers.

It will allow Redline clients to obtain private client motor insurance and associated insurance services through the Redline Specialist Insurance brand.

John Graeme, finance director at Redline, said:

“The team at Provenance went to great lengths to understand our business and culture, and we’re excited to build a long and successful partnership, bringing our clients market-leading protection for themselves and their prized possessions – from cars, houses, fine art, jewellery, commercial insurance and even extending to bespoke life insurance cover.”

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It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The fourth in our series of networking events, with Banyan Bar & Kitchen, is a breakfast event on April 27 from 8am.

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

Harrogate law firm, LCF Law, has appointed a new business development and marketing director.

Nick Greenwood has spent the past 25 years working for banking, accountancy, and legal firms across Yorkshire.

In his new role, Mr Greenwood will head a broad spectrum of business development and marketing projects at LCF Law and oversee the firm’s overall growth strategy.

He said:

“I started my career at Barclays as a branch manager in both the Leeds and Bradford flagship branches, soon progressing through SME into corporate banking and agriculture, supporting all types of businesses with their financial needs.

“After that, I became part of the senior leadership team at a mid-tier accountancy firm as head of sectors, and then moved to a business development role at a 48 partner law firm supporting its achievement to become one of the most profitable law firms in the east of England.

“Whether it be providing finance, accountancy, or legal services, the key is always to focus on how firms can solve problems for their clients and deliver cost-effective solutions that help them achieve their business and personal goals.”

Simon Stell, managing partner at LCF Law, said:

“We have significant growth aspirations and Nick’s expertise and enthusiasm will help us to deliver those. At the heart of any good business are its people. We recruit great people and help them to achieve their potential and career ambitions. The addition of Nick to the team will help the business and our lawyers meet our goals..

“Nick’s appointment will help us to reach even more clients across a broad spectrum including the manufacturing, agricultural, healthcare, digital and charity sectors.”

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Harrogate BID funds town spring clean

Harrogate’s Business Improvement District has completed a spring clean as part of its business objective to keep the town ‘safe, clean and welcoming’.

The 150-hour long clean-up operation saw hot steam and pressure jet washing of pavements on Cambridge Street, Beulah Street, Oxford Street, Cambridge Road, James Street, Parliament Street, West Park, John Street, The Ginnel, Montpellier Mews, Kings Road and Station Parade.

The work was backed up by Chris Ashby, the BID’s in-house street ranger, who recently won the Unsung Hero Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023, in recognition of his hard work and dedication to keeping the town spotless.

Matthew Chapman, BID manager, said:

“First impressions really do count, which is why we ensure our streets are cleaned on a regular basis.

“It is clear to see from the before and after pictures that the deep cleans make a huge difference to the aesthetic appearance of the town for all who visit it.

“I would encourage all businesses who are part of the BID community to make the most of the additional services the street ranger team offers over and above the deep cleaning.

“We provide reactive support for improvements to properties within the BID radius, to make sure they look professional, clean and inviting. Anyone wanting to make the most of this offering should email info@harrogatebid.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.

LCF Law held a party at Piccolino in Harrogate to say farewell to partner Tim Axe, who will retire at Easter after 30 years as a lawyer in Harrogate.

Planning specialist Mr Axe is a partner in the law firm, which has offices in The Exchange building on Station Parade in Harrogate as well as in Leeds, Bradford and Ilkley.

Managing partner Simon Stell paid tribute to Mr Axe, who plans to go travelling with his wife in a camper van.

Harrogate finance firm appoints new commercial officer

A Harrogate financial firm has hired a new chief commercial officer.

Dan Baines has joined Tower Street Finance and has been tasked with spearheading the firm’s growth in the probate lending sector.

Dan Baines, new chief commercial officer at Tower Street Finance.

Mr Baines is widely credited as being a driving force behind Age Partnership’s rise to market leadership in the equity release sector and was also a founding director of award-winning equity release provider, Pure Retirement.

He said:

“I’m delighted to be joining the team at Tower Street and look forward to helping this exciting market to reach its potential.

“As was the case with the equity release sector some 15 years ago, I see in the probate-lending market an innovative product set that can significantly improve the lives of customers.

“Probate lending is already the fastest-growing UK consumer credit market, and this is despite consumer awareness still being low.”

Robert Husband, chief executive officer of Tower Street Finance, added: 

“We are thrilled to have Dan come on board at this exciting time in our development.

“We have already experienced significant growth and made good strides towards building this new and innovative sector. Dan brings a wealth of experience which will help us to continue this journey.”

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Ripon Cathedral‘s proposed £6 million building poses a threat to the future of the Old Deanery and should not be approved, it has been claimed.

The cathedral has submitted a planning application to Harrogate Borough Council to create an annex that would include a song school, refectory, retail unit and toilets on Minster Gardens.

The nearby Old Deanery is governed by the Chapter of Ripon Cathedral, which agreed a 20-year lease on the property to Layton Hills Hotels in 2021.

Layton Hills Hotels now holds events at the Old Deanery and plans to re-open it as a hotel and restaurant.

The Old Deanery is just metres from the cathedral.

Now LCF Law, which has offices in Harrogate and is acting on behalf of Layton Hills Hotels, has written to the council claiming the proposal threatens the future of the business.

LCF Law also questions why the Old Deanery does not appear to have been assessed as a site for the new development because, it says, the building has the space and facilities to accommodate such a scheme.

Masterplan

The law firm also claims that since signing the lease, Layton Hills Hotel has seen a masterplan developed by the cathedral six years ago that includes “not only the current development but also hotel and housing on land close by, including in the garden of the Old Deanery on land comprised within the leased area”.

It adds:

“However, in discussions for the lease for the Old Deanery, no mention was made to Layton Hills Hotel about any of these commercial proposals which, if permitted, would be in direct competition with the Old Deanery.

“This is somewhat surprising, not least because the Old Deanery, a grade 2* listed building, would have been available for use by the Chapter to satisfy the alleged need for additional space and facilities.”

The Old Deanery currently caters for events, such as weddings. Photo: Tim Hardy

The letter goes on to say the leaseholders are concerned about what impact drinks receptions and evening events at the new cathedral building might have on the Old Deanery. It adds:

“If Layton Hills Hotel had been notified by the Chapter about its future plans, including the possibility of the development of an events’ venue in direct competition with its business and immediately adjoining it, then it is unlikely that it would have entered into the lease of the Old Deanery as its future is directly threatened by it.

“Layton Hills Hotel are concerned that the proposal may be used for commercial ventures which go above and beyond a visitor facility for the cathedral and will be used to hold events in direct competition to the operation of the Old Deanery.”

LCF Law’s letter also raises wider concerns about the planning application, including the loss of trees in Minster Gardens.

It concludes:

“The proposal will cause significant harm notably through the loss of trees, the loss of open space and the adverse impact it will have on the setting of four listed buildings of great importance.

“It is therefore contrary to both local and national planning policy. It should therefore be refused without an exceptional justification with public benefit at its heart which has not been provided.

“There has been no convincing justification for why the uses must be combined in a single building of such scale.”

Ripon Cathedral says the new building will attract more visitors to the city.

The Stray Ferret asked the cathedral for a response to LCF Law’s letter. A cathedral spokesperson said it didn’t feel it was appropriate to comment on individual responses while the planning process took place.

However, a cathedral website about the project says:

“The proposed new building will provide key facilities to ensure it can continue to play its role in the life of the city, diocese (of Leeds) and region and enable it to host more events, exhibitions, and concerts, which will attract increased numbers of people to the city, to the benefit of all.

“We understand people’s concerns around the removal of 11 trees, but the building will deliver a range of much needed facilities for the people of Ripon and visitors, along with the cathedral community, and the loss of these trees will be offset by the planting of 300 trees at Studley Royal where land has been made available to us.

“Extra storage space will mean that the cathedral will be able to declutter its internal space, which will enable historic parts of the cathedral, currently not viewed, to be accessible to the public.

“There will be an increase in the conservation area and biodiversity of the cathedral estate.”