Ripon women launch free networking initiativeKnaresborough gift shop to open this weekend

A new home and gift shop is set to open in Knaresborough over the Easter weekend.

Trinket will open on Saturday, March 30 at 11 Castlegate in the former Cave & Castle delicatessen premises.

The independent boutique will sell home fragrance, handbags, throws and cushions, stationery, jewellery and home décor.

The store is owned by partners Claire Gagon and Georgia France who live in Starbeck.

They decided to move to the district last year after they “fell in love with the area”. Prior to their Knaresborough business venture they owned a café bar in Macclesfield but sold it when they decided to move to the Harrogate area.

Ms Gagon said:

“We spotted the shop was empty and made enquiries to acquire it. It has a lot of character and the landlady has given us permission to make use of her lovely shop.”

She added that they renovated the shop to “bring it back to its former glory”.

The Cave & Castlle delicatessen prior to Trinket’s refurbishment

Ms Gagon said:

“The shop needed quite a lot of work doing to it, it had fallen into a state of disrepair. It has been rewired throughout, a new kitchen for our personal use has been installed, new bathroom facilities, repairs to shop front and new signage, new flooring throughout, we have a builder on site to make repairs.

“We have settled in well and our lovely neighbours have been so welcoming. We are going to be open for the easter weekend, hopefully fingers crossed.”

Charlotte Gale, of Knaresborough & District Chamber, added:

“We’re delighted to welcome Trinket to Knaresborough. We’re fortunate to have such a diverse range of independent businesses in the town, with some fantastic new openings during the past year. A new home and gift shop will really compliment the current Castlegate and Green Dragon Yard offering and we wish the owners every success with their new venture”

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Killinghall awnings company wins national business award  

Harrogate business Glawning Ltd has been named microbusiness of the year at the Federation of Small Businesses awards.  

Glawning, which sells awnings and accessories for campervans, was set up in 2013 by husband and wife James and Sarah Martin.

Since then, the company has flourished, and last year turned over more than £500,000.

The annual awards, which celebrate the best of small business and entrepreneurship, attracted more than 3,000 entries from the UK.  

Glawning won the Yorkshire award before defeating 12 other regional finalists at yesterday’s event in Glasgow, which was hosted by TV presenters Clare Balding and JJ Chalmers.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was also there to address the nominees.  

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Ms Martin said:  

“We set up our business after identifying a gap in the market and this award is very much a testament to all the work we have put into creating and launching a product that we ourselves need and use.” 

The company now plans to launch in Europe and the USA this year.

Martin McTague, FSB national chair said:  

“This is an example of a small business that recognised an opening for a new product and worked hard to create something that has been a success amongst the campervan community.

“I wish them success as they continue to innovate and create new products and take on the international markets.” 

 

Success of Harrogate pop-up shop continues

More small independent businesses will be given a chance to run their own town centre shop due to the continued success of the Harrogate Pop-Up.

As pop-ups continue to surge in popularity, spaces for the rest of the year are already filling fast at the store on Cambridge Street.

And a number are set to move in this spring, including a flower shop, a screen printing business and a fashion a beauty boutique.

Kiera McLaughlin, who is involved with organising the pop-up shop, said she was delighted to see so many businesses return to the space.

She said:

“It’s great to see so many local businesses take a chance on our pop-up and see success so great that they want to return.

“Our spring calendar has been immensely popular and we cannot wait to see these businesses open the doors once again. We
hope to welcome even more new faces throughout 2022.”

Freddie’s Flowers are the first to run their pop-up, from now until March 6.

Forme Prints will take over the space from March 14 – 20. Owner Nathan Dalla Riva will be offering a range of his own designed printed t-shirts, jumpers and bags.

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For one week from March 21 to 27, Tag Queen Cosmetics and House of Zana will take over the space. There will be a range of make-up and ladies clothing on offer.

Returning host Martha and Bea, which sells a range of ladies clothing and accessories, will be back in the pop-up shop from March 28 until April 3. Owner Jane has become a familiar face to those visiting the shop.

Speaking about her last pop-up, she said:

“I had a wonderful week and had some really lovely feedback from customers.”

The Dogs Bakery will then follow with a two-week stint, offering a range of dog treats in store.

And finally women’s clothing and accessories business Patricia Eve Ltd will host its first pop-up for two weeks from April 18 until May 1.

Barker Proudlove and Victoria Shopping Centre came up with the idea to rent out the outlet opposite Cafe Nero back in August.

Businesses can rent the space for between one and six weeks and the £400 weekly cost includes rent, business rates, water, electricity and furniture.

The Harrogate Pop Up will soon be launching its calendar for summer reservations. To find out more, visit the website.

Artisan market set to return to Boroughbridge

The Little Bird Artisan Market will be returning to Boroughbridge again this weekend for the second time since lockdown restrictions eased.

Tomorrow the market will sell food and drinks, arts and crafts and homemade gifts. Local live musicians will also be performing throughout the day.

The market of 35 stalls will be held at the Langthorpe Farm Shop with an outside bar. The event is pet-friendly and people are welcome to bring dogs.

The market is scheduled to take place from 10am until 3pm on the first Saturday of each month in Boroughbridge, with other dates at venues across North Yorkshire including Harrogate.

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The last market took place over the first May bank holiday weekend and was a success among locals.

The event was curated by Boroughbridge local Jackie Crozier, who said:

“I genuinely believe in shopping small, shopping within local communities and supporting small businesses to thrive. What better way to do this than supporting a local community outdoor market, with skilled vendors selling high quality goods.”

Project co-ordinator Izzy has advertised for local small businesses to get in touch on their Facebook page regarding taking a stall.