The Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis, will be held on March 9 at the Pavilions of Harrogate. The event will celebrate success and business excellence across the Harrogate district. It’s a night not to be missed! There’ll be a fabulous prize draw for all attending and Richard Flinton, the incoming Chief Executive of North Yorkshire Council, is guest speaker. You can purchase tickets here.

Harrogate-based environmental services firm Adler and Allan has acquired a West Yorkshire consultancy company.

Aqua Consultants, based in Bradford, provides consultative asset management, engineering, and commercial services to its clients.

The firm has been acquired by Adler and Allan, which has offices on Station Parade in Harrogate.

The company said the acquisition would allow it to become a “turnkey strategic partner” to the utilities and environment sectors.

Henrik Pedersen, chief executive officer at Adler and Allan, said:

“This is our third acquisition in the utilities sector, and fifth in the last 18 months.

“It is a further step in the Group’s ambitious growth plans to support customers with more of their environmental challenges.

“With this latest acquisition, we are cementing our position as a strategic partner to expertly support water companies to maintain their assets through the full lifecycle.”

Ben Shearer, managing director at Aqua Consultants, said:

“We are excited to be joining the Adler and Allan Group.

“The services Adler and Allan offers, and their established position in the utilities and environmental markets, allows us to offer our expert strategic services into more companies, providing a full turnkey package of asset maintenance consultancy and solutions.”

The acquisition follows the previous announcement that drainage solutions specialists Jet Aire Services joined the Adler and Allan Group in November 2021.

Harrogate law firm hires experienced commercial lawyer

A Harrogate law firm has hired an experienced commercial lawyer to its practice.

LCF Law has appointed Anthea Nelson in an effort to strengthen its corporate department.

Anthea Nelson, commercial lawyer at LCF Law.

Ms Nelson has more than 20 years’ experience and most recently worked as an in-house legal director. 

LCF Law partner, Susan Clark, who heads the firm’s corporate and commercial department, said:

“Anthea is an astute lawyer with widespread commercial experience, having worked for several Leeds based law firms and as in-house legal director in industry.

“With a solid understanding of all business matters, she’s an excellent advisor who can take any business through a range of complex contract and commercial negotiations. She is a welcome addition to our team.”

Anthea will predominantly work from LCF Law’s Harrogate office providing legal advice to clients across the whole of the UK.

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

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

A Harrogate law firm has hired a new solicitor in an effort to bolster its disputes team.

LCF Law has hired Will Bates, who has joined the company from fellow Harrogate-firm McCormicks.

Mr Bates has advised companies and individuals on all types of commercial disputes over the last five years since qualifying and has particular expertise in sport related disputes.

He said:

“I wanted to join LCF Law because its disputes and litigation team has a great reputation for being cohesive and effective on behalf of a broad spectrum of clients. 

“The firm is also well-known for encouraging career progression.”

Charles Abraham, head of disputes at LCF Law, said:

“Will will be working on a wide range of commercial disputes, as an Associate solicitor in our six-partner dispute resolution team.

“He has an impressive track-record for getting the best possible outcome for his clients and is also skilled at mediation. He is a welcome addition to our team.”

Harrogate businesses invited to quiz broadband experts

The NYnet connectivity team.

Businesses in Harrogate will have the chance to quiz broadband experts at two drop-in sessions next month.

NYnet’s connectivity team will be at Indulge Café on Hornbeam Park to answer questions from companies and provide information on how to access the company’s high performance full fibre network.

The sessions are open to all businesses in the Harrogate district, including those on Hornbeam Park.

Alastair Taylor, CEO of NYnet, said: 

“These sessions are a chance for local businesses to sit down with our team over coffee and have an informal chat about any issues they might be experiencing with connectivity.

“We can share our knowledge and talk through some of the options for improving their digital performance, including connection to our gigabit full fibre network and applying for match funding through Digital Enterprise.”

The drop-in sessions will be held on Thursday, February 9, from 10.30am to 12.30pm and Tuesday, February 28, from 1pm to 3pm.

Those businesses interested in attending should e-mail sales@nynet.co.uk to register their interest.

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Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal

A Harrogate law firm has welcomed back an experienced conveyancing solicitor to the company.

Liz Webster has returned to LCF Law, where she last worked in 2012.

She said:

“Having started out as a legal executive more than 24 years ago, I worked at firms in Wakefield, Leeds and Bradford before qualifying as a solicitor in 2007 and then becoming a partner at the Wakefield-based firm where I started out.

“I have taken two career breaks to travel and worked for LCF Residential in between but having settled back in Yorkshire, I was keen to return to the firm permanently. The ethos at LCF Residential is unparalleled and the team are first-rate.”

Julie Davis, a director at LCF Residential, said:

“We are thrilled to have Liz back. Despite the ever-changing political landscape, the housing market has remained buoyant, with lots of transactions.”

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Harrogate company reaches supply agreement with Romanian security firm

A Harrogate communications firm has reached an agreement with a Romanian security company to supply telephone and workplace technology.

Storm, which is based at Cardale Park, has announced the partnership with Civitas Group, which works with major oil, gas and petrochemicals companies in the country.

The Harrogate-based firm will supply Civitas with workforce management and communications technology, including radio phones known as Push-to-Talk over Cellular.

Luke Wilkinson, founding director of Storm, said:

“We are delighted to be partnering with Civitas Group, a long established and highly respected provider of security services to blue chip clients and their interests across Romania and its fast-growing economy.

“Our agreement represents a new customer and new region for Storm and is another sign of increasing market confidence in the strength and resilience of our world-leading technologies.”

A Harrogate lawyer has issued legal advice to companies wrestling with the thorny issue of whether to give staff time off to watch the World Cup.

Football fever is building after England’s 6-2 opening match defeat of Iran on Monday.

Many games are taking place during UK office hours, prompting firms to consider the best way to handle the situation.

James Austin, a partner and employment law specialist at LCF Law in Harrogate, said many firms wanted to be flexible to foster goodwill but “some staff may feign illness or try to book holidays”.

He said it was sensible for companies to inform staff what is allowed and what is expected, adding:

“It’s important to remember that normal holiday rules apply, but businesses may want to relax the rules if they think they will be quieter during certain matches. It could also be a nice way to reward employees who will be grateful and give even more back to the business in return.”

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Mr Austin said no business had to let staff watch matches but if they allowed them to do so at work they “must check that the required license is in place and carry out a risk assessment”, adding:

“Employees of different nationalities must be treated equally as allowing England fans to watch England games but not allowing Welsh fans to watch Welsh games, for example, could lead to claims of discrimination.

“Employees should be reminded that they are still at work, so are expected to behave professionally and that derogatory comments about different nationalities, or sexist or racist remarks will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action.

“Employers should also carefully consider whether to allow alcohol to be drunk during matches viewed in the workplace and bear in mind the problems this may cause.”

Sick leave and working from home

Mr Austin warned companies to be wary of taking action against staff who phone in sick. He said:

“Whilst managers may have their suspicions about an employee being sick on certain match days, whether any action can be taken will depend on any evidence that they were not truly sick.

He added holding back to work interviews, for all sickness absence, can help deter people from feigning sickness.

He also cautioned firms against being heavy-handed against staff working from home who they suspect are tuned into matches.

“If a business chooses to monitor work output via technology and monitoring system logins, they will need to comply with data protection rules including GDPR. This will involve informing staff in advance of what they intend to do and why, as well as how long they will retain any information.

“An alternative approach could be for managers to send a reminder that watching football during working hours is not acceptable and may result in disciplinary action.”

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Seven Harrogate law firms have been included in the Legal 500 Guide for 2023.

Berwins, LCF Law, McCormicks and Raworths are all listed across a number of areas of law, including corporate and commercial, employment and private client work.

Harrogate Family Law and Stowe Family Law are listed for their work in this area, with Raworths, LCF Law and McCormicks also included.

McCormicks is mentioned for its sports law, Berwins for its IT and telecoms law provision, and Hempsons for its work in healthcare and with charities.

The latest version of the guide was welcomed by Raworths, whose managing partner Simon Morris, pictured above, said:

“We’re extremely proud to be recognised once again in the Legal 500 Guide, as this cements our reputation as one of the leading law firms based in the north of England delivering a genuinely integrated service to business and private clients.

“The guide highlights our commitment to delivering a high-quality service through our genuine team approach. We feel that our personal approach to looking after our clients sets us apart, and it certainly has helped us to build trusted, longstanding relationships with our growing client portfolio.

“Half of our lawyers are referenced in the guide across various practice areas, which is a testament to their knowledge and skills. It is particularly gratifying as the results are based on independent feedback and reiterates our approach which puts clients first.”

Chief executive Paul Berwin said he was particularly pleased the guide described Berwins’ support for clients, adding:

“I am naturally delighted to see the firm recognised in this way. We have some outstanding lawyers and it is a testament to them that their teams have been recognised as regional leaders.

“Essential though this deep expertise is to the way we support clients, what is particularly pleasing to see is the way the guide have identified Berwins’ high standards of service.

“From day one, we have had two overriding mantras – that care for the client is paramount and that, if we cannot do something well, we won’t do it at all. This outstanding directory recognition, built as it is on the feedback of clients and commentators, affirms the fact that we are being successful in both.”

The prestigious guide, which lists the top legal practices for each region of the UK, is independently researched and uses data from in-house peers.

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Late businessman behind coach donation to Knaresborough special school

A school in Knaresborough has been given a coach thanks to the generosity of a late businessman.

The Forest School received a special Variety Sunshine Coach in memory of Paul Ziff, a Yorkshire philanthropist who was a lifelong supporter and former regional chairman of Variety.

The children’s charity has helped to provide more than 5,700 coaches for SEND schools and other non-profit organisations working with disabled and disadvantaged children and young people across the UK since it was founded in 1949.

At The Forest School, 94% of pupils have speech, language and communication needs, and the specially-adapted minibus will give them the chance to visit new places and gain experiences which will support their development.

Mr Ziff’s widow Lea said:

“Paul had a lifelong passion to help others, and in particular to champion young people and unlock their full potential, no matter what their circumstances or disabilities. That’s why he was so dedicated to working tirelessly for Variety for so many years, having the same aims at heart.

“I chose Forest School to be the recipient of this sunshine coach, as Paul himself suffered from severe aphasia for 20 years so we both knew how challenging language and communication impairments can be.

“I really hope this bright new sunshine coach will broaden horizons for all the children at Forest School and give them the freedom and opportunity to experience many wonderful  educational and recreational days out.”

Paul Ziff’s widow Lea hands over the Sunshine Coach keys to The Forest School

Paul James, co-headteacher at The Forest School, said:

“We are extremely grateful to our sponsor and Variety, the Children’s Charity for providing a Sunshine Coach.

“A donation such as this means our pupils will benefit for many years to come by having transport to allow them to take part in opportunities such as horse riding, swimming, learning in the community, theatre visits and school residentials. Thank you so much.”

Mr Ziff was made chairman of the Leeds committee of Variety from 1975 and continued his support for the charity until his death in 2020, aged 84. As well as helping to organise coaches for schools across the region, he set up numerous events including the sportsman of the year dinner and the first ever woman of the year awards.

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Knaresborough businesses are to be quizzed about the impact of higher energy bills.

Knaresborough Chamber of Trade & Commerce said at its latest meeting it would undertake a survey of local businesses in the coming weeks.

It will attempt to find out how much their bills are increasing by and how much difference recently announced government plans to support them will make.

Peter Lacey, executive member of the chamber, which has about 60 members, said the online survey was likely to go out in the middle of next week and it is hoped members and non-members will respond to provide a fuller picture of the situation confronting businesses in the town.

Harrogate law firm partners with Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust.

LCF Law staff plant hundreds of trees at their first volunteering day.

Harrogate law firm, LCF Law has entered a partnership with the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust.

LCF Law will help the trust, which looks after the Yorkshire Dales, plant 1,000 trees over the next two years.

Simon Stell, managing partner at LCF Law, said:

“We are hugely committed to working sustainably and offsetting our carbon footprint and we also want to leave a long-term legacy.”

Staff at the law firm, which employs 125 people at offices in Harrogate, Bradford, Leeds and Ilkley, will volunteer for the trust as part of the partnership.

In 2021, the trust planted 31,851 trees.

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A Harrogate solicitor has said there is “no legal requirement” for employees to be given a day off for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

The government has announced that Monday’s state funeral will be a national bank holiday.

Consequently, many businesses plan to close and give staff the day off. But there is confusion over whether they are legally obliged to do so.

James Austin, from Harrogate-based LCF Law, today clarified the situation.

Mr Austin, who specialises in employment law, said although it was likely many employees would be given time off, it was not a legal requirement for all employers.

He said:

“For example, employees may be eligible if their contract of employment states that they are entitled to say ‘20 days holiday plus bank holidays’. However, if the contract refers to the employee only being entitled to ‘the usual bank holidays,’ this wouldn’t apply.

“In addition, they might not get the day off if, for example, the contract refers to 28 days’ holiday including ‘bank holidays,’ which could mean an employer simply deducts a day’s holiday from the non-bank holiday entitlement.”

Mr Austin added:

“However, this is a unique national moment so we suspect the majority of employers will give staff the time off, which is what we saw with the Jubilee.

“Where employees are entitled to the day off, but the employer wants them to work, the contract will usually state whether the employer can require this and, if so, whether the employee is entitled to extra pay or time off in lieu.”

LCF Law employs more than 125 people at offices in Harrogate, Leeds, Bradford and Ilkley.

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Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

A Harrogate law firm has appointed a new head for its estates department.

Harriet Thornton will take the position at LCF Law, where she will oversee an 18-strong team.

Ms Thornton will take up the position as head of estates after initially training at the company as a lawyer.

She said:

“I’m particularly proud of the work I have done growing the firm’s leasehold enfranchisement division, helping both landlords and tenants with lease extensions as well as purchases and sales of their freeholds. We created a fixed fee staged costs model so when dealing with collective enfranchisements for blocks of apartments, every leaseholder knows exactly where they stand.

“Working with developers on projects across Leeds, London, Manchester and Harrogate is also particularly rewarding, as I get to assist them at every stage of the project, from site acquisition through to setting up the estate development and subsequent plot sales. I also help developers with purchase and development finance and always take a proactive approach to every project.”

Simon Stell, managing partner at LCF Law, said: 

“Harriet is a very capable and dependable lawyer who is well-liked by clients and colleagues. Having won and been shortlisted for several industry awards over the years, she has carved out an impressive career, built and enviable client list and led the way in providing first rate services that exceed clients’ expectations.”

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Work starts on Ripon Business Park expansion

Work has started on an expansion of a Ripon business park.

The park, which is based off Ripon bypass, looks set to see a further 25,000 sq ft of industrial and trade units built.

Construction is set to be complete by spring next year and FSS Property has been leading the project as its agent.

Adam Crawfurd-Porter, lead agent for the scheme at FSS Property, said:

“I am delighted to support my clients in developing the site further, ensuring a new provision of industrial units to service the needs of the local area.

“I was confident that the scheme we proposed would solicit good interest but to have pre-let over half of the site before building works have commenced is a great result”

FSS Property is taking enquiries on the remaining units on the site. For more information, visit their website.

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Yorkshire based law firm, LCF Law, has appointed three new partners after promoting Roger Raper and James Austin and recruiting experienced private client lawyer, Haroon Qayum.

The trio will be based across the firm’s Harrogate and Leeds offices.

James joined LCF Law in 2017 and is an experienced employment lawyer based at the firm’s Harrogate office.

Haroon now heads up LCF Law’s personal law team in Harrogate, and is experienced in advising families and individuals on all aspects of private client law, including the drafting of wills and trusts, administration of estates, lasting powers of attorney, inheritance and estate tax planning.

Roger has worked in LCF Law’s disputes team, in Leeds city centre, for nine years advising companies and individuals on all types of commercial disputes.

Simon Stell, managing partner at LCF Law, said:

“James and Roger are long serving members of our team who are renowned for offering high quality, straightforward advice to clients that genuinely adds value. They walk in their clients’ shoes and their combined legal experience and client focussed approach makes them valuable members of LCF Law. It is a pleasure to be able to reward their hard work with these promotions.

“Haroon is experienced in advising clients on all aspects of estate planning and non-contentious private client work. He has previously led a successful private client department, and is a welcome addition to our team, as we attract impressive numbers of new clients throughout Harrogate and beyond.”

LCF Law employs more than 125 people and 24 partners across offices in Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and Ilkley.

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Hairdressing group complete 100km walk

Stylists from the Westrow hairdressing group have completed a 100-kilometre walk, raising over £6000 for charity.

The Westrow team walked for three consecutive days via all nine Westrow salons to raise funds for The Principle Trust, a Skipton based children’s charity.

Dubbed The Great Westrow Walk, the event has already raised £6450 which will fund holidays for sixteen families from the Yorkshire region.

The walkers, aged 18 to 59 years, left the Westrow salon in Skipton on Friday 24 June, calling at branches in Ilkley, Bingley, Leeds city centre (two salons), Westpark, Roundhay and Wetherby, before reaching the finish line at the Harrogate salon on Sunday afternoon.

Marc Westerman one of the founders of Westrow and a patron of The Principle Trust, said:

“We want to thank everyone who supported this event; it was a fantastic way to celebrate Westrow’s 35^th anniversary. Every penny raised will help to fund much-needed respite holidays for families across Yorkshire”

The team at Westrow arriving at the Harrogate salon on Station Parade on Sunday afternoon

Ripon Arcade signs contract on final two units

Ripon Arcade is now fully occupied after Yorkshire Physio and Gladrags Ripon signed contracts on the final two units.

The arcade, in the heart of the city, recently underwent a £100,000 refurbishment. The 16,484 sq ft arcade was bought by Bradford-based property development and investment company Frank Marshall Estates off a guide price of £2.2m from the Westcourt Group in 2019.