Business Breakfast: Harrogate and Ripon estate agents strike gold at British Property AwardsHarrogate’s Verity Frearson scoops fifth consecutive gold at prestigious awardsBusiness Breakfast: Estate agent’s award win puts firm in top 3%

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Harrogate estate agent Verity Frearson has won gold at the Best Estate Agent Guide Awards in London.

The EA Masters event is the biggest estate agency leadership conference, exhibition and awards ceremony in the UK, and is attended by more than 1,500 of the leading estate and letting agents and suppliers from across the UK.

Each year, the awards recognise the top talent in the estate agency sector, assessing 15,000 estate and letting agencies across the country. According to a spokesperson, it is the only awards scheme that estate agents don’t pay to enter.

Matthew Stamford, director at Verity Frearson said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to have won the Best Agent Guide Award four years in a row.

“The Best Agent Guide is produced by the Property Academy, supported by Rightmove, and is by far the largest and most comprehensive awards scheme in UK agency.

“Winning this puts us in the top 3% of agents in the UK!”

Mr Stamford and fellow director James Verity attended the glittering event held at Battersea Park in London last week.

Mr Verity said:

“Matthew and I were so proud to collect the awards on behalf of our absolutely fantastic team. It’s a testament to all their hard work and dedication to the company and we can’t thank them enough.”

Lawyer up for northern award

Carmelita Ardren, who is head of family at Raworths Solicitors in Harrogate, has been shortlisted for Private Client Lawyer of the Year in the prestigious Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards.

The awards recognise the array of legal talent across the North and are based on The Legal 500’s extensive independent research for its annual directory.

The nomination comes on the back of a raft of inclusions for Raworths’ team members in the latest Legal 500 guide, which describes Raworths’ Family team as “the leading practice in Harrogate”.

Carmelita said:

“I am honoured to be shortlisted for this award and it’s a real testament to every member of the Family team at Raworths, which consistently delivers high-quality client service and a personal approach tailored to each client.”

Raworths provides integrated commercial and private client services and employs more than 70 people at its offices on Station Parade.

The awards will take place on March 13, 2024 at The Royal Armouries in Leeds.

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate environmental firm appoints director

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 environmental company has appointed a new director.

Adler and Allan, which is based on Victoria Avenue, has hired David Jarvis as operations and commercial director.

Mr Jarvis will take up the role in the company’s newly formed water division and will be tasked with overseeing the firm’s growth strategy.

He said:

“I am impressed by Adler and Allan’s purpose, vision, and plans for growth within the water sector.

“There is nothing I enjoy more than getting my PPE on and spending time out on site with teams delivering essential services, keeping taps wet and manholes dry.”

Harrogate estate agents backs food bank challenge

A Harrogate estate agents is backing a campaign to donate one tonne of food to local food banks.

Verity Frearson is supporting Harrogate’s Supplies Web Ltd, which is aiming to complete the challenge.

It would see one tonne of food delivered to food banks in Harrogate and High Wycombe, where Supplies Web Ltd has its southern branch.

Matthew Stamford (Director VF), Paul Graves (Director SW) & Mark Hague (Business Development Manager SW).

Matthew Stamford (director VF), Paul Graves (director SW) and Mark Hague (business development manager SW).

Matthew Stamford, a director at Verity Frearson, said the firm took on the challenge after being contacted by Paul Graves, a director at Supplies Web Ltd.

He said:

“When Paul contacted us to see if we’d be interested in getting involved in their food bank challenge we jumped at the chance.

“As a business, we have made ongoing commitment to give back to the local community and to help the people who need the most support.”

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate estate agent expands sales department

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 estate agent has expanded its sales department with two new appointments.

Verity Frearson, which is based on Albert Street, has hired Katie Dolamore and Fiona Moore as its new sales negotiators.

Katie joins the team after spending 16 years as a primary school teacher, while Fiona has worked in both lettings and sales at a local estate agents.

Matthew Stamford, director at Verity Frearson, said:

 “We’re delighted to welcome Katie & Fiona to the team. 

“Although this year hasn’t been without it’s challenges, we’re optimistic that the Harrogate market will continue to be resilient.”

Harrogate law firm to host mock menopause employment tribunal

A Harrogate law firm is to hold a mock employment tribunal to help employers understand legal claims which could be made by employees going through the menopause.

LCF Law, which has an office on Station Parade, will host the free event at Hays Recruitment’s Leeds city centre office on Thursday (October 12).

The demonstration aims to show employers how a tribunal works and to teach them the types of claims that someone going through the menopause may be able to bring and how they might be defended.

James Austin, employment lawyer at LCF Law.

James Austin, partner and employment lawyer at LCF Law.

The session will also cover how to treat an employee if they are going through the menopause, and how to make sure supportive steps are taken, which will help to minimise the number of claims bought against a business.

James Austin, partner at LCF Law, said:

“The mock tribunal will see an employee, who feels she has been discriminated against because she is going through the menopause, bring a claim against her employer.

“We will go through each step of the legal employment tribunal process and attendees will be able to ask questions of the ‘witnesses’ and help decide the outcome of the case.”

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate care provider opens new training centre

Harrogate-based Vida Healthcare has opened a new training centre.

The 2,500 square foot centre, which is on Starbeck High Street, will be used to help train staff at the dementia care provider.

The site will form part of the company’s Vida Healthcare Academy, which will host training and recruitment fairs.

It will offer a range of courses, from the induction programme for new starters to specialist training courses and apprenticeships.

James Rycroft, managing director at Vida Healthcare, said:  

“Our team is our greatest asset and the new centre will ensure we can provide significant professional growth and development opportunities throughout their time with us.

“This will also ensure we can continue to provide residents with the highest  quality of compassionate care.”

Harrogate estate agent sponsors local hockey club

A Harrogate estate agent has agreed to extend its sponsorship Harrogate Hockey Club.

Verity Frearson, which is based on Albert Street, has agreed the deal which will run until 2026.

Matt Stamford, director at Verity Frearson, pictured with Josh Lyon of Harrogate Hockey Club.

Matt Stamford, director at Verity Frearson, pictured with Josh Lyon of Harrogate Hockey Club.

The agreement covers sponsorship of all home and away senior shirts and signage around the club facility, as well as weekly coverage on social media.

Matt Stamford, director at Verity Frearson, said:

“Having been main club sponsor since 2017, we know what a fantastic, inclusive, family-friendly organisation Harrogate Hockey Club are, and their core values align very well with our own.

“We look forward to continuing our positive partnership and here’s to a successful season ahead.”

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate agency appointed to oversee London real estate PR

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. Our next networking event is after-work drinks at Manahatta, on May 25th at 5:30.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

A Harrogate marketing agency has been appointed to oversee communications for a London real estate firm.

Boultbee Brooks has hired The Big Bamboo Agency, which is based at Windsor House, to handle its marketing activity, including social media management, strategic communications and public relations.

The London firm manages both commercial and residential properties across the UK.

James Whitcher, managing director at Boultbee Brooks, said: 

“We were impressed by the work accomplished for one of our properties and with Big Bamboo’s expertise in the property and energy industry, they are the ideal partner for us.”

Nicola Stamford, founding director at Big Bamboo, said: 

“We look forward to continuing working with James and the team, as our relationship with Boultbee grows.

“As Boultbee Brooks is already an established leader in its field, we have the fantastic role of amplifying the brand even further.”

Harrogate estate agents agrees cricket club sponsorship

Harrogate estate agent Verity Frearson has agreed to sponsor Harrogate Cricket Club’s junior boys’ side.

The firm, which is based on Albert Street, has reached a three-year deal with the club.

(Left) Verity Frearson's Matthew Stamford with Austin Smirthwaite and Henry Yallup and HCC co-chair Steve Clark.

(Left) Verity Frearson’s Matthew Stamford with Austin Smirthwaite and Henry Yallup and HCC co-chair Steve Clark.

As part of the agreement, the Verity Frearson logo will feature across the boys shirts and advertising banners will be in place at the St Georges Road Cricket Ground.

Matthew Stamford, director at Verity Frearson, said:

“As a business we’ve always been keen to support grass roots sports within our town, so when we heard that the junior boys section at Harrogate Cricket Club were looking for sponsorship we were happy to get involved. 

“The whole ethos at Harrogate Cricket Club fits in really well with the Verity Frearson brand. Their inclusive attitude and family-friendly following is right up our street.”

Steve Clark, co-chair at Harrogate Cricket Club, said: 

“We are really grateful for the support of Verity Frearson enabling the club to continue to support and grow a thriving junior boys section.

“Verity Frearson’s commitment to the junior boys section means we can now purchase additional cricket equipment and further invest in the boys’ training.”

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Business Breakfast: Ripon BID to fund free parking to boost Xmas shopping

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Ripon BID, in partnership with Harrogate Borough Council, is to fund free car parking on selected dates in the run up to Christmas.

The aim is to encourage shoppers from further afield to visit Ripon for all their Christmas shopping needs.

Free parking will be available from 3pm-6pm on the following Fridays November 25 and December 2 , 9 and 16  in the Cathedral, St Marygate & Marshall Way car parks.

The BID is also sponsoring live seasonal music in the Market Square on the above dates between 3- 6pm to add to the festive spirit.

Councillor Phil Ireland, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for carbon reduction and sustainability, said:

“I am delighted that Harrogate Borough Council can support Ripon BID to offer free parking in Cathedral, St Marygate and Marshall Way car parks between 3pm and 6pm on the four Friday’s running up to Christmas.

We want to encourage people to shop locally and I hope that scheme gives them a good incentive to do so.”

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Harrogate estate agent, Verity Frearson, have sponsored of one of the town’s junior football teams.

The company is sponsoring Pannal Ash’s U11s Jaguars and Leopards teams.

Thanks to the deal, the young players, who play in the Harrogate and District Junior Football League, are now sporting new kits for the 2022/23 season bearing the company’s name.

Verity Frearson Director, Matthew Stamford, said:

“We are delighted to sponsor the U11s teams.

“Our company’s link to Harrogate stretches back 100 years, and whilst our association to the football club is more recent, it is nevertheless a strong one.

“We were asked if we would consider sponsoring the teams, which we jumped at the chance to do. It is so important that companies support local grassroots clubs, as often they are the ones that train the talent of the future.”

Pannal Ash’s U11 team, Jaguars, sport the new Verity Frearson kit

Business Breakfast: Harrogate firm launches management programme

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Harrogate-based dementia care provider Vida Healthcare has launched a leadership programme to help advance the careers of its staff.

Vida has a team of 470 employees across three care homes. The new aspiring leaders course is designed for staff who are looking to advance their careers in the company and move into leadership or management roles, or those in management who wish to refresh their skills and knowledge.

Programme leader Helen Daly, Vida’s learning development manager, said:

 “My aim as the coordinator of our education initiatives and programmes at Vida Healthcare is to ensure a clear focus on clinical leadership and a robust evidence base to deliver positive outcomes.

“We launched the ALP to give every voice at Vida the chance to be heard, and to invest in our colleagues with crucial career development opportunities at a time when many sectors are struggling to support their people.”

A total of 24 members of staff have already completed the programme.

Ms Daly added:

“Becoming a manager has always been considered the natural next step for any individual who is progressing in their career. However not all managers are born with the ability to be great leaders. Some of the best only excel once they’re taught the skills they need to oversee a complex and dynamic workforce.

“We provide opportunities to learn new management skills and learn how to support other team members in their own career development.

“We launched the ALP programme to support our employees in management roles and hone their skills, particularly those who are new to a more senior role and may feel the pressure to perform well but lack the training they need.”

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Verity Frearson wins double gold

Matthew Stamford and James Verity who collected the awards in London.

Harrogate estate agent, Verity Frearson, has won double gold at this year’s Best Estate Agents Guide Awards, which recognises achievements in the UK estate agency sector.

Verity Frearson, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, was one of only 2% of agents in the UK to be recognised.

The gold awards were given for the company’s success in both sales and lettings.

Director Matthew Stamford said:

“We are delighted to have been recognised as one of the top 2% of agents in the country, for our work on both sales and lettings of properties in and around the Harrogate district.

“Our company’s link to Harrogate stretches back 100 years – we have always had a solid market position, and it’s awards like this that remind us, what amazing work our team does.”

Harrogate gym to lift one million kilos in memory of Jamie Leese

Members of a Harrogate gym are to attempt to lift one million kilograms to raise money in memory of former client Jamie Leese.

Jamie died in May aged 30 following a long battle with a brain tumour. After his diagnosis at the age of 21, he trained regularly at Fitness Garage with personal trainer Guy Lister.

From midday on October 8, Fitness Garage personal trainers, clients, family and friends will take part in the Lift For Jamie challenge to raise money for Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity.

They will work in pairs to lift their choice of weights — whether that is deadlifts, bench presses or squats.

The event is designed to be inclusive with no time limits or weight requirements for participants.

Andy Gardner, co-owner of Fitness Garage said:

“As a community, we wanted to come together to remember Jamie.

“Given his regular workouts for the nine years he was undergoing treatment, a weightlifting challenge seemed like a fitting tribute to Jamie whilst also raising funds for a charity that was close to his heart and that of his family.”

The event aims to raise £2,500 for the local charity, which supported Jamie during his treatment.

Harrogate district estate agents Verity Frearson are supported the event through their 100 Days of Giving campaign, which supports local causes as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations.

You can donate here.

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