(Above: Harrogate Business Group)

According to data from the Office of National Statistics, there were more businesses created in North Yorkshire in 2023 than any previous year – and 1,556 of that record-breaking number can be found in Harrogate.  

With such an influx of new companies and entrepreneurs, is there still a feeling of community amongst local businesses? After all, the benefits of connecting within the local area are numerous and multi-faceted including finding support, fulfilment and offering an organic way to expand a professional network. 

One group that seeks to encourage this is the Harrogate Business Group. It holds networking and development workshops that aim to empower entrepreneurs of all ages, and helps them to build a strong community in Harrogate.

The challenges of being online 

While owning and running an independent business has many positives, in an increasingly digital world it can also be challenging. 

With the business world migrating online, it can become an isolated place; inundated by social media content that only celebrates success or presents a carefully curated highlight reel, it’s easy to see how obstacles can feel harder to navigate. 

 Valuing face-to-face relationships 

The Harrogate Business Group places great emphasis on in-person meetings. Its regular Breakfast Networking Events are one of the ways the organisation provides a platform for this. 

Taking place every Friday over breakfast at Cedar Court Hotel, business owners, representatives and entrepreneurs can meet and share their advice and experiences face-to-face, rather than virtually.  

Speaking at the last event which took place on Friday, May 10, Martin Taylor, owner of Xi Communications said:   

“It’s so easy to get lulled into doing everything online. 

“As a small business, it can give you a huge advantage if you actually take the time to see your customer, or phone them, to build that relationship.” 

Networking event (Image: Harrogate Business Group)

‘One-to-one brings you so much more’ 

Rachel O’Rourke, HR consultant for Mint HR, highlighted that while she feels building relationships in person takes time, she certainly reaps the rewards.  

She added: 

“The virtual world has enabled people to expect things quickly. People want instant access and instant information.” 

Tom Lawrence, owner of TLC Properties, commented: 

“One-to-one brings you so much more. Not just about what it can do for your business, but what it can do within your business; advice, friendship, company. We are all social people.” 

A diverse background 

The group has a wide range of business backgrounds, from HR and marketing, to consultancy and accountancy. The variety allows members to learn from each other about every aspect of business, while also creating meaningful relationships. 

Chris White, owner of Green Ink explained: 

“It’s a learning curve for everybody. If I have a problem, I can speak to them about it because they have had the same issue.” 

Future events 

Alongside its breakfast events, the Harrogate Business Group also offers speed business clinics, where entrepreneurs and members of the public can meet a business professional from the group and receive advice, guidance or simply make new connections. 

The next clinic is being held on Friday, June 7.  

It is also holding a pitch your business idea event on July 5 for those looking to broaden their business opportunities. Tickets are available on a discretional donation policy, with all proceeds going to charity.  

Building relationships (Image: Harrogate Business Group)

The ripple effect: What are the benefits? 

According to the group who attended the Breakfast Networking Events on Friday, May 10, the increase in local businesses being created across Harrogate – especially by the younger generation – is evident. 

Micheal Grant, chairman of the group and owner of Minford Chartered Accountants commented: 

“There are a lot of younger entrepreneurs that are coming through which is fantastic.” 

His advice to young business owners would be that networks like the Harrogate Business Group are a great way to ‘get out and meet people, and push outside your comfort zone.’ 

Tom added: 

“[The group is] a bit like dropping a pebble in a pond. The ripples go out and you don’t know where they are going to go.” 

Everyone commended the group’s efforts at creating such a friendly atmosphere, concluding that being part of it provides camaraderie, emotional support, and a sense of personal and professional fulfilment – a precious commodity in today’s increasingly virtual and isolated society. 

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Starling Bar played host to the final Stray Ferret Business Club event of the year, which included great camaraderie, intellectual challenges and heartfelt generosity.

The main event was an engaging Christmas quiz that tested the knowledge of those in attendance. Questions such as “How many gifts are there in the 12 days of Christmas song?”, “What is the name of the Grinch’s dog?” before moving onto a round all about local news from the past year.

Taking the winning team prize was the ‘IDK (I don’t know)’ team comprising Mel and Phil O’Boyle, Connor Creaghan and Ian Ladley who were rewarded with a delightful Mr. Stanley’s goodie bag, overflowing with lots of sweet goodies!

Winning quiz team ‘IDK’ Connor Creaghan, Phil and Mel O’Boyle and Ian Ladley.

The raffle proved successful thanks to the amazing prizes donated from local businesses, raising an astounding £500 for the Stray Ferret Christmas appeal dedicated to supporting Dementia Forward.

Prizes included a Jules B diffuser, Cloud Nine straighteners, £25 Starling Independent voucher, two hours of court time at Surge Padel,  a family ticket to Leeds Knights Ice Hockey match, two tickets to Harlow Carr’s Glow Event, a Betty’s goodie bag, Sophie Allport Kitchen bundle and a £55 voucher for the Inn Collection Group.

The festive season is nearly upon us, and what better way to kick off the fun than by attending a Christmas networking event at Starling Bar and Kitchen in Harrogate on November 30th.

This promises to be an evening filled with laughter, good company, and the spirit of giving, all in support of the Christmas appeal for Dementia Forward.

The highlight of the evening will be a fun Christmas quiz, adding a competitive edge to the networking experience. Gather your colleagues and friends to form teams and put your Christmas knowledge to the test. The winning team will not only earn bragging rights but will also each take home a delectable hamper filled with Mr. Stanley’s fudge and sweet goodies. It’s the perfect way to blend merriment with a touch of friendly competition.

In the true spirit of giving, the event will also feature a raffle with an array of fantastic prizes generously donated by local companies.

The proceeds from the raffle will contribute to the Christmas appeal for Dementia Forward, making this evening not just about professional connections but also about making a positive impact in the community.

Among the coveted prizes up for grabs are Cloud Nine hair straighteners, ensuring you’ll be in style for all Christmas events. The Inn Collection Group has contributed a £55 dinner voucher, providing the perfect excuse for a festive night out. If you’re looking to bring the holiday spirit into your home, Jules B has donated a luxurious Dr. Vranjes Firenze diffuser worth a whopping £350.

For those seeking a more active experience, there’s the opportunity to win 2 hours free at Surge Padel, a thrilling and engaging sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. Sports enthusiasts will also appreciate the family ticket to watch the Leeds Knights, a fantastic ice hockey team that promises an exciting evening for all.

For a touch of magic, win 2 tickets to the enchanting Harlow Carr Christmas Glow event, where the gardens come alive with festive lights and decorations. Finally, the Christmas bundle from Sophie Allport is a delightful addition, ensuring your home is adorned with charming and seasonal decorations.

Starling Bar and Kitchen is the perfect venue for this festive gathering, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for networking and celebration in the heart of Harrogate.

Gather your colleagues and friends, and join us at Starlings Bar and Kitchen for a night of networking, laughter, and giving.

Click or tap here to register your ticket now, as space is limited.

The company behind one of Harrogate’s largest business events is set to be wound up after appointing liquidators this week.

Brand Yorkshire Limited, which runs the annual Brand Yorkshire conference, passed a resolution for winding up yesterday.

It has appointed business recovery specialist firm Leonard Curtis, based in Leeds, to deal with the liquidation.

The company was founded in 2010 and its sole director is Richard Norman.

After being cancelled in 2020 because of the covid pandemic, the Brand Yorkshire conference – held at Pavilions of Harrogate – returned in 2021.

The event was held for the 12th time on October 6 last year.

It featured almost 60 businesses in the exhibition halls, as well as a programme of speakers, and around 1,000 visitors attended.

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Until recently, the Brand Yorkshire website was advertising its 2023 event for October 5. However, the website has been taken down, with a holding page saying it is “under maintenance”.

The Stray Ferret contacted Mr Norman but he declined to comment.

Compulsory strike-off action against the company began in February, after the company failed to file its 2021-22 accounts by the deadline of December 31 last year.

However, on March 10, a statement was issued by Companies House which said:

“Action under section 1000 of the Companies Act 2006 has been temporarily suspended as an objection to the striking off has been received by the registrar.”

The Stray Ferret is to host its monthly Business Club meeting this Thursday.  The breakfast meeting is one of the Club’s most well attended events.

The meeting will start at 8am at Banyan on John Street.

The Business Club Breakfast is an opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, share ideas, and explore potential collaborations – and enjoy a coffee and bacon sandwich.

Get your tickets now by clicking or tapping here.

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Rooster’s Brewing Co. has pledged to donate 10p from every pint of its White Rose beer to a Harrogate charity.

The brewery based at Hornbeam Park aims to raise £850.00 to support Harrogate & District Community Action (HADCA) which supports communities, charities and volunteers throughout the Harrogate District of North Yorkshire.

Brewed to coincide with Yorkshire Day on August 1 st , Rooster’s, owned by Ian Fozard and his sons, Tom and Oliver, has brewed White Rose every year since 2011, choosing a different local cause each year.  The firm has donated over £10,000 for a variety of local charities over this period.

Tom Fozard, Rooster’s Commercial Director said:

“Rooster’s is pleased to be able to play a small part in helping a local charity such as Harrogate & District Community Action carry out the vital services they provide.

“The challenges that many people are facing on a day to day basis right now, especially the energy crisis that has fuelled a substantial rise in the cost of living has lead to a growing need for support in lots of different ways.

“It’s also comforting to know that, with White Rose only being available as a cask beer served in pubs, drinkers will also be able to support the hospitality industry with each pint supped too.”

Karen Weaver, HADCA Strategic Lead, said:

“We’re delighted that Rooster’s have chosen to support HADCA as the charity to benefit from the sale of the special limited release White Rose this year. Since 1988 HADCA has been connecting and supporting local charities, volunteers and people across Harrogate district communities.

“We champion community action using our Volunteering Directory and provide a fully searchable ‘Where To Turn’ directory of support and activities supporting good health and wellbeing”

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. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

A new promotion and networking event is being launched in Ripon to help companies connect and trade with each other.

Moot Ripon will follow a ‘business market’ format with exhibition stands of companies showcasing what they offer. The one-day event in October is open to all businesses in the area who are looking for local B2B opportunities.

Following advice from Ripon BID, the Federation for Small Businesses (FSB) and the North Yorkshire Growth Hub (LEP), the event is being organised by Ripon-based marketing and events firm Colour It In.

Managing director Mark Lancaster said:

“The Ripon area has a wealth of companies of all sizes operating across a huge variety of sectors.

“We wanted to bring them all together to get to know each other, re-establish connections, and do business together in a traditional face-to-face environment.”

Mr Lancaster is a former president of the Harrogate District Chamber of Trade and helped launch the Harrogate Business Market in 2005. He said he created Moot Ripon after struggling to find a similar local exhibition-style event to showcase his company to other businesses in the area.

Moot Ripon takes place at Ripon Racecourse on October 2.

Businesses of all sizes are invited to exhibit or attend the event but they must be based in the Ripon, Thirsk, Northallerton, Bedale, Masham, Pateley Bridge, Boroughbridge, Knaresborough and Harrogate areas.

Exhibitor spaces start from £250, and visitor entry is free.

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The owners and founders of Crown Jewellers In Harrogate have been nominated for an award by Professional Jeweller Magazine.

Crown Jewellers on Commercial Street is one of six companies in the country to be nominated for ‘Jewellery Team of the Year’.  Steve and Sue Kramer were nominated anonymously.  The winners are decided by retailers and suppliers who will cast their votes at the end of the month. Winners will then be announced in September.

Steve Kramer said:

“This is a fantastic accolade for Sue and I, one which we were surprised and delighted by. To be nominated independently for this award by our peers is testament to our hard work and dedication over the years.

“We genuinely love working together, even after all these years, and looking after our customers too – many of whom we have known now for a very long time! In fact, we have been invited to many of their weddings which is an honour!”

As well as running Crown Jewellers, Sue Kramer is president of the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce and plays a lead role in promoting the Commercial Street family of shops.

A judging panel made up of leaders from top local businesses and organisations have shortlisted finalists for the Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023, sponsored by Prosperis.

It wasn’t a simple task, with more than 100 entries across 10 categories, which highlighted the strength of the local business community.

Our four judges were Marcus Boardall, chief executive of Reed Boardall, Black Sheep Brewery chief executive Charlene Lyons, Cloud Nine founder and chief executive Martin Rae, and James Farrar, chief operating officer of York and North Yorkshire LEP.

The judging panel met at West Park Hotel in Harrogate in the morning and debated well into the afternoon.

On Friday, January 20, the Stray Ferret will announce the shortlist for each of the 10 categories.

From growing businesses to the up-and-coming stars of the future, the categories are designed to allow businesses to showcase their strengths.

The glittering, black tie awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 9 at Pavilions of Harrogate. To book your tickets, click or tap here.

More pictures from the judging day:

There were lots of entries for the judges to get through.

Our judges enjoyed debating about each of the entrants.

Marcus Boardall of Reed Boardall and Martin Rae of Cloud Nine.

James Farrar of the York and North Yorkshire LEP and Charlene Lyons of Black Sheep Brewery.

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.

In these final few days before entries close, we are revealing the last of what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.

The final category up is the Best Digital Marketing Campaign Award, which is sponsored by Next Chapter.

Digital is clearly the way forward. This award recognises the work of businesses that have run incredible campaigns on purely digital campaigns.

Companies looking to enter need to provide information on the digital marketing plan, including its aims and objectives. Also provide statistical information on why the campaign was a success.

Does your business deserve to win the Best Digital Marketing Campaign Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close at 12pm on January 16. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.

In this final week before entries close, we are revealing the last of what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.

Next up is the Best Employee Development Award, which is sponsored by Jones Myers, Family Law Solicitors.

This award is designed to highlight businesses that develop their employees, giving them the best start for a new career.

Those looking to enter this award need to give details of the business values and culture that lead to the creation of the training programme and highlight employee successes that came as a result.

Do you know a person that deserves to win the Best Employee Development Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close on January 16. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.

In this final week before entries close, we are revealing the last of what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.

Next up is the Unsung Hero Award, which is sponsored by Big Bamboo.

This award is designed to shine a light on those people who are truly the glue of the team.

These people are not only integral to the day to day, but they also bring a personal touch that makes the business that bit brighter.

Those looking to nominate for the Unsung Hero Award need to provide details of the contribution and the impact this person has made as well as details of the person’s background and current position.

Do you know a person that deserves to win the Unsung Hero Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close on January 16. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.