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.
Masham brewery T&R Theakston has announced changes to its leadership structure.
Simon Theakston, joint managing director of the family-controlled business, will become company chairman from January 1, 2024.
Mr Theakston will continue to be actively involved in the brewery and supporting the board in his new position.
Meanwhile, Richard Bradbury will assume the role of sole managing director.
Mr Bradbury has been a director of T&R Theakston since 2015 and joint managing director with Mr Theakston since November 2020.
Mr Theakston said:
“This is a natural evolution from how Richard and I currently work together.
“Having jointly charted the company through the challenges of the covid pandemic and the current cost inflation impacts on the brewing and hospitality sectors, this new structure will ensure Theakston’s continued growth as we look forward to its bi-centenary in 2027 and beyond.”
Council offers businesses net zero project grants
Business grants have been made available to firms across North Yorkshire.
As part of the government’s shared prosperity funding, North Yorkshire Council has made grants and support available for companies looking to take on net zero initiatives.
Support will be offered by York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub and grants will be made available for up to £2,000 or 80% of project costs.
More information on the application process can be found on the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub website.
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- Business Breakfast: London firm acquires Harrogate car leasing company
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Business Breakfast: Harrogate rental firm posts ‘solid’ half year results
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 rental company has reported a “solid” first half year of financial results.
Beckwith Knowle-based VP said in a trading update this week that the firm had “continued to trade resiliently” amid a “backdrop of challenging macro-economic conditions”.
Its interim results for the period up to September 30 will be published on November 28.
Anna Bielby, Chief Executive of Vp, said:
“We have delivered a solid performance in the period and are confident that we will continue to achieve our objective of driving demand for our products and services.
“With our strong financial position, we have an excellent track record of successfully navigating volatility in our core markets.
“We continue to closely monitor the impact of weaker markets in housebuilding and general construction; however, we remain confident that the Group will continue to provide shareholders with an attractive level of returns.”
Masham company shortlisted for Yorkshire business awards
A Masham company has been chosen as a finalist at the Yorkshire and Humberside Business Awards.
W E Jameson & Son Ltd was shortlisted for both the agribusiness and wholesaler categories at this year’s ceremony.
Chris and Graham Jameson, directors at W E Jameson & Son Ltd.
This year’s event will be held at The Majestic Hotel in Harrogate on November 10.
Graham Jameson, managing director of the company, said:
“Our family business has been established for 93 years and we are delighted to have been shortlisted for these awards.
“Every member of the Jameson team should be very proud of their efforts in maintaining the family culture of the business, caring for and supporting work colleagues, the community in which we work and the family farming businesses we supply.”
Read more:
- Business Breakfast: Harrogate estate agent expands sales department
- Business Breakfast: Construction firm hires two new directors
- Business Breakfast: Knaresborough company acquires local financial firm
Masham cricketer’s air ambulance rescue to feature on TV tonight
An air ambulance rescue of a Masham cricketer who snapped his ankle while playing is set to feature on a television series tonight.
Brendan Jackson, 15, was playing for Masham Cricket Club’s second team in April this year when he was injured.
During a match at Walton Park Cricket Club near Wetherby, Brendan caught his studs in the crease while bowling his third over. He dislocated his ankle and fractured both bones in his lower leg.
A helicopter from Yorkshire Air Ambulance was dispatched from Topcliffe Air Base in Thirsk to complete the 20-mile journey to the club.
Upon arrival, paramedics administered gas and air to alleviate Brendan’s pain.
Brendan described the crew who arrived on scene as “superheroes”. He said:
“I remember my first reaction vividly; it was a mix of shock and fear. I just looked down, and all I could think was, ‘Oh my word, what has happened, and will I ever be able to play cricket again?’ It was a terrifying moment for me.
“When the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team showed up, it was a massive relief. They were like superheroes, and I’m so grateful for how they were able to take away some of my pain. I can’t thank them enough for being there.”
A still from Helicopter ER, which features Brendan’s rescue.
Brendan was also given Ketamine medication to help relieve the pain, but also give a dissociative effect and help him cope with the traumatic experience.
After his leg was put in a splint, he was transferred to Harrogate District Hospital for surgery.
Diane Sharp, Brendan’s mother, said she remembered the incident as a “traumatic day”. She said:
“I didn’t see his leg initially; I just thought he had tripped. But once I heard him shouting in agony, I knew I had to rush over and keep him as calm as possible until more help arrived.”
The rescue by Yorkshire Air Ambulance is set to feature on an episode of television series Helicopter ER tonight.
The new series will be broadcast on Quest at 9pm.
Read more:
- North Yorkshire fire service to charge businesses for false alarm calls
- Masham community scheme pioneers wool insulation
Masham Sheep Fair to make annual return this weekend
The annual Masham Sheep Fair will return this weekend.
The two-day event, which began over 30 years ago, commemorates the market town’s long history of sheep farming.
Founded by Susan Cunliffe-Lister, it was intended to be a one-off event to raise money for farmers in Africa but has become one of the biggest events in the Harrogate district.
Pic credit: Guy Carpenter
The fair began raising money for Yorkshire-based charities and has since amassed nearly £160,000.
Until the First World War, up to 70,000 sheep would be bought and sold in Masham every year.
Read more:
Visitors can expect a wide range of activities. From school exhibitions, flower festivals and wool competitions, to sheep shows, brewery tours and sheepdog displays, the weekend promises fun for all the family.
It is free to attend and will be held around the Market Place, with activities beginning at 10am tomorrow and on Sunday.
A full breakdown of the weekend can be found here.
Business Breakfast: Swinton Estate restaurant to undergo £500,000 refurbishmentA restaurant at Swinton Park Hotel is set to undergo a £500,000 refurbishment.
Samuel’s Restaurant, which is based at the Swinton Estate in Masham, will revamp its kitchen by January 2024.
The refurbishment will see it update the entire kitchen, equipment and workflows to reduce its carbon footprint and create a new state-of-the-art facility.
Head chef, Ruth Hansom, has also extended her six-month residency until the end of the year to help oversee the refurbishment.
Andrew Mackay, general manager at the restaurant, said:
“This is a very exciting time for the team at Samuel’s Restaurant, where they will have access to a brand new kitchen in which to prepare the finest Yorkshire food.
“We are incredibly grateful to Ruth for staying on to help us see this project through, and we’re confident that our ambitious plans will continue to attract and retain the best established and up-and-coming chefs to the estate.”
Grantley Hall launches motorsport concierge service
Grantley Hall near Ripon has launched a new motorsport concierge service.
Called Grantley Motorsport, the service will offer guests bespoke packages for track days, in-house professional simulator hire, automotive events and VIP experiences to top-tier motorsport events.
The scheme has been launched in partnership with Hype Motorsport, which will provide access to professional instructors as part of the service.
Richard Sykes, managing director of Grantley Hall, said:
“At Grantley Hall, we continually strive to provide our guests with extraordinary and unforgettable experiences.
“Grantley Motorsport is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence. From our on-site professional racing simulator suite, right through to VIP motorsport events, we aim to deliver an unparalleled journey into the world of motorsport, ensuring our guests create cherished memories to last a lifetime.”
Masham cashmere business unveils new store
A second-hand cashmere business in Masham opened its new shop this week.
Nearly New Cashmere Co. spent four years trading on Leyburn Road but has now opened a bigger site on Common Head Lane.
The company, which launched in 2015, said it was “in desperate need for new premises” following a successful year of trade.
It has become the UK’s largest selection of second-hand cashmere products and has reworked 20,000 cashmere items in 2023.
The brand sells a range of restored cashmere jumpers, accessories, and vintage silk scarves too.
It also offers a care service where customers can take their cashmere to be repaired or washed.
Founder, Ali Orr, began selling cashmere at stalls and fairs before establishing a retail and online presence. She said:
“It’s important to me that Nearly New Cashmere Co. is an advocate for rural enterprise and growth.
“A significant part of our growth so far can be attributed to our investment in local people. We’re excited to celebrate the next step with our immediate team and our community.”
Nearly New Cashmere Co. is open Wednesday – Saturday, from 10am – 4.30pm.
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- Bishop Thornton couple celebrate 70 years of marriage
Business Breakfast: Goldsborough Hall appoints new Head Chef
Goldsborough Hall hotel in Knaresborough has appointed Daniel Ife as the hotel’s new Head Chef.
He joined the team over six years ago and helped the previous head chefs achieve a 3AA rosette and a feature in the Michelin guide.
Owner of Goldsborough Hall, Mark Oglesby said:
“Behind the scenes, Daniel has been running the kitchens at Goldsborough Hall now for many years, so we are very proud that he has finally agreed to take on the role of Head Chef.
“Over the many years he has been with us he has demonstrated passion and creativity which has helped to win us many prestigious awards.
“With his wealth of experience and innovative approach, we are confident that Daniel will continue to lead our dining experience to new heights.’
Mr Ife added:
“My style is seasonally driven, using modern techniques and styles with a classic French undertone.
“It is a real privilege to create dishes that befit the majesty of the hall’s historic dining room, where former Kings and Queens have dined.”
Masham brewery secures listings in 100 M&S stores across UK
T&R Theakston, in Masham, has secured a listing to supply Theakston Old Peculier ale to 100 M&S stores across the UK.
The brewery has seen a value growth of 4.5% in the Off Trade market versus a bottle ale market decline of 6%.
Following the deal with M&S, the ale is now stocked in all UK major supermarket chains.
Simon Theakston, joint managing director, said:
“Theakston Old Peculier is a flagship beer for us and for the town of Masham, with its name a tribute to the unique ecclesiastical status of the town as a ‘Court of the Peculier’, first established in medieval times.
“It’s great to see the continued growth in popularity Old Peculier underpinning its status as one of the country’s most well-known and loved ales.
“As a result of this new M&S listing, it’s fantastic to be able say this beautiful brew is now listed in all UK major supermarkets, meaning that fans have the opportunity to enjoy the taste of Old Peculier from both their local pub and within the comfort of their own home.”
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- Business Breakfast: Harrogate care provider opens new training centre
- Business Breakfast: Knaresborough businesses sponsor Knaresborough Celtics FC
Masham woman sets up fundraiser for bus driver involved in fatal A61 collision
A woman from Masham has set up a fundraising page for the bus driver seriously injured in a fatal collision on the A61 Ripon Road this month.
Daria Bartienieva, 35, her son, Ihor Bartienieva, aged 6, and Daria’s step-daughter, Anastasiia Bartienieva, 15, died after a three-vehicle crash that involved a double decker 36 bus on the road near South Stainley on September 3.
It was the second fatal collision on the road on consecutive weekends.
Katie Sills, 23, told the Stray Ferret she had followed the fundraiser for 15-year-old Liza Bartienieva, who was orphaned following the accident.
It has so far raised more than £41,000 and Ms Sills decided to launch a similar appeal for the driver of the 36 bus known as ‘Bob’ because she had not seen anything being done on his behalf.
Ms Sills said she does not know Bob but wanted to help in any capacity she could:
“I just thought to myself ‘he’s a man with a family, bills and probably rent or a mortgage’.
“I’m not entirely sure what the money will be used for, but I imagine just everyday living if he’s not working.
“What he saw would’ve been absolutely horrendous and now he’s left with physical and mental trauma.”
After setting up the GoFundMe page on Sunday, which has now raised over £2,000, a friend of the bus driver reached out to Ms Sills.
“His friend said he’d seen my post about the fundraiser and that the man does not have social media, so he passed on my phone number and he text me not long after.”
The man told Ms Sills “I cannot thank you enough for your kindness and consideration”. She said:
“He told me in the text that the only reason he was working that Sunday was so he could take a day off to drive his son to university the following week.
“He also said he’d always be indebted to me.”
The initial target was £1,000 but now that has been surpassed, Ms Sills said she’d like to keep the page up to raise as much as she can.
A fun day will also be held at Ripon Bowling Club this Sunday to continue raising money for those affected by the collision – including the bus driver and Liza.
It will include cake stalls, a raffle, a live DJ and a magician.
The event will run from 1pm to 5pm.
It is free to attend but asks people to donate what they can.
Read more:
- Ripon fundraising tops £31,000 for orphaned Ukrainian teenager
- Police name victims of fatal A61 crash near Ripon
The Stray Ferret Business Awards to make its return in 2024
Not even an amber weather warning could stop the Stray Ferret Business Awards in March, with a turnout of nearly 400 people and many smiling faces, we’re looking forward to doing it all again in 2024.
Following the success of our inaugural event, the Stray Ferret Business Awards will be making its return next year – and we’re ready to receive your entries!
Sponsored by local financial advisers Prosperis, the Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024 will take place in the Pavilions of Harrogate on Thursday, March 14.
The awards ceremony will recognise businesses of all sectors and sizes to highlight the best and brightest in the Harrogate district’s business community – including Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Masham and Nidderdale.
The black-tie event will include our all-important awards ceremony, a special Winner’s Lounge sponsored by LCF Law and entertainment throughout the evening
Whether you’ve seen significant business growth, place sustainability at the centre of your core values, or provide great progression for your employees, our awards will shine a light on excellent organisations and individuals.
There are 10 award categories to enter:
- Best Employer – sponsored by Jones Myers
- Best Use of Digital – sponsored by A.S.E Computer Services
- Business Growth – sponsored by Raworths Solicitors
- Business of the Year – sponsored by Reed Boardall
- Inclusivity Award – sponsored by Kempston-Parkes Chartered Surveyors
- Rising Star Under 30 – sponsored by Thompsons Chartered Accountants
- Sustainable Business – sponsored by York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub
- Best Independent Retailer*
- Dynamic Leader*
- Employee Appreciation*
Emma Harris, Commercial Manager of the Stray Ferret, said:
“We were blown away by the success of our inaugural Business Awards ceremony earlier this year and hope the 2024 event will not disappoint.
“The Stray Ferret Business Awards highlights businesses that are making a difference in the community, as well as those who have overcome adversity and are going strong.
“We can’t wait to see the entries.
“It is entirely free to enter and the Stray Ferret will showcase the fantastic work of all finalists and winners, so we encourage you to put your business forward today.
“The Harrogate district may be a small part of the world, but includes hugely successful businesses with talented individuals who we believe deserve to be recognised.”
*There are still a small number of sponsorship opportunities available, so don’t miss out on showcasing your business to the district ahead of and on the night of the awards ceremony.
For more information on the Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024, contact advertising@thestrayferret.co.uk .
Masham pre-school rated ‘inadequate’ by OfstedA Masham pre-school has been rated inadequate by government inspector Ofsted due to “weaknesses in the leadership and management that compromise children’s safety and welfare”.
Acorns Pre-School, which caters for 23 children aged two to nine, received its first inspection for six years on July 6.
The pre-school was rated ‘good’ for quality of education and behaviour and attitudes in a report published today.
But its overall ‘inadequate’ rating was due to ‘inadequate’ gradings for leadership and management and personal development
The report said not all staff who work directly with children had an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check in place. It also described the safeguarding arrangements as “not effective”, adding:
“Supervision, coaching and mentoring of staff is not effective. Managers do not regularly monitor the quality of education delivered to children.”
‘Children are happy’
The report praised many aspects of Acorns Pre-School, which is based in Mashamshire Community Office on Little Market Place. It said:
“Despite weaknesses, children are happy to arrive and enter the pre-school confidently, ready to start their day.
“Staff are caring, kind and nurturing towards children. Children show that they feel secure, as they form relationships with staff and friendships with their peers from an early age.”
Children behave well and staff are positive role models who support children to be independent and confident, the report adds. Partnership with parents is described as a strength of the pre-school.
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- Rev Jane Ball installed as new vicar for Masham group of parishes
Val Horstool, manager of Acorns Pre-School, said the overall rating was predominantly due to one new member of staff not having a DBS check at the time of the Ofsted visit.
Ms Horstool said:
“That has been resolved and we have complied with everything they wanted us to do.”
She added she expected the assessment to be upgraded when inspectors returned in the next six months.