Man with ‘history of domestic incidents’ who assaulted woman in Harrogate bar avoids jailNew bar set to open in Harrogate’s former ManahattaHarrogate cocktail bar closesBusiness Breakfast: LCF Law gives insight into award-winning employee wellbeing programme

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.”

 

Man admits assault and having knuckleduster in Harrogate bar

A man has admitted assaulting two women and possessing a knuckleduster in Harrogate.

Adam Smith, 40, pleaded guilty to the charges at Harrogate Magistrates Court yesterday.

Smith, of Bunting Drive, Tockwith assaulted a named woman and a female police officer on The Ginnel on April 15 this year.

He also admitted having a knuckleduster in Manahatta, which is also on The Ginnel.

Magistrates gave Smith a community order, which required him to abstain from alcohol for 120 days and carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.

He was also fined £349.

Court documents said the defendant’s guilty plea was taken into account when imposing sentence.

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Cut-price deals for diners during Harrogate district’s first Restaurant Week

Several restaurants and bars will be offering cut-price deals next month as part of the Harrogate district’s first Restaurant Week.

The offers include three courses for £20 at Harrogate’s West Park Hotel and lunch and a drink for £10 at The Inn at Cheltenham Parade in Harrogate. Other venues taking part include Manahatta and Cosy Club in Harrogate and The Inn South Stainley, which is offering two cocktails for £10.

Restaurant Week, organised by tourism organisation Destination Harrogate, will take place from February 6 to 10.

Manahatta

Manahatta is among those taking part. Photo credit: Think Harrogate

Businesses that sign up will offer set-price menus to customers who quote the offer. It is hoped the initiative will enable them to attract new customers and get a publicity boost.

John McGivern, destination events manager for Destination Harrogate, which is part of Harrogate Borough Council, urged people to “book in and tuck in”, adding:

“Excellent food and drink is a firm offer within the Harrogate district’s visitor experience, and through focusing on our tourism strengths, we’re showcasing our best stories to attract more visitors and to set us apart from our competitors.

“The initiative also supports our commitment to sustainable tourism, encouraging visits during times of the year when, traditionally, visitor numbers have been lower. Spreading visitor footfall across the year lowers impact to the environment, and offers new opportunities to our local businesses, along with great deals for our visitors and residents alike.”

A list of restaurants taking part is available here.

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Police release CCTV image following assault at Harrogate bar

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to following an assault in Harrogate.

Officers said the incident happened at Manahatta bar, which is situated on the Ginnel, off Parliament Street, between 11.30pm on December 3 and 12.59am on December 4.

It involved the suspect punching the victim a number of times to the face while in the bar.

A North Yorkshire Police statement said:

“Police are asking members of the public to get in touch if they recognise the male in the image as they believe he will have information that will help the investigation.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for PC Dryden or email leon.dryden@northyorkshire.police.uk

“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Please quote North Yorkshire Police reference number 12210254998.”

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