Vp Archives - The Stray Ferret

Business Breakfast: MP visits Harrogate company in support of IT campaign

Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!

Make the most of your efforts by reading our top 10 tips for writing your submission for success.

Entries close on January 19, 2024.

Andrew Jones MP has visited a Harrogate IT company in support of a digital waste campaign.

Mr Jones visited Techbuyers’ headquarters on Hornbeam Park, where he signed the IT Repairs and Reuse Declaration.

The campaign urges the UK government to enhance legislation concerning the extension of IT product lifespans.

The Techbuyer team offered a tour of their facilities with a particular focus on their e-waste and repairs departments, highlighting the work they do to extend the lifespan of technology and divert IT hardware from landfill.

Astrid Wynne, head of sustainability and public sector at Techbuyer, said:

“There is a lot of waste associated with the delivery of our digital services. The best way to avoid this is to think about electronic equipment as a long-term investment – something to take care of and repair when necessary.

“In order to this, we need to change the way the market works. Legislation is an essential part of this.”

Harrogate company reports improved revenues in interim results

A Harrogate rental company has reported improved revenues in its interim results.

Beckwith Knowle-based VP posted £190.9m for the six months ended September 30, up from £186.5m in the same period last year.

The company described the results for the first half of the financial year as “solid”.

Jeremy Pilkington, chairman of VP, said:

“We have delivered a solid performance with continuing sector leading returns in the period reflecting the strength of our diverse business offering. We are particularly pleased to have maintained net margin and a strong return on average capital employed, demonstrating high quality of earnings in difficult market conditions.

“Having multiple sector exposure diversifies our revenue streams and has contributed to the robust performance in the period, with infrastructure demand remaining supportive, and whilst there are immediate challenges within general construction, I am confident that the actions taken will be of benefit in the medium term. The group continues to produce strong operating cash flows and maintains a solid financial base, having refinanced our RCF in November on similar terms for a further three years, and we are well positioned for growth.”

Business Breakfast: Harrogate rental company appoints chief financial officer

Are you already thinking of how to reward your employees this Christmas? Why not choose the Harrogate Gift Card?

The Harrogate Gift Card can be spent in over 100 businesses in Harrogate town centre including retail, hospitality and leisure, whilst keeping the spend locked into the local economy.

Complete a corporate bulk order of over £250 and receive 15% discount from November 1 to 15 with the code ‘HGT15’.

A Harrogate equipment rental company has appointed a new chief financial officer.

Beckwith Knowle-based VP has announced that Kieth Winstanley will join its board from January 2024.

Mr Winstanley qualified as a chartered accountant with PwC and recently held senior finance leadership roles at KCOM Group plc and Lookers plc.

Anna Bielby, chief executive of VP, said:

“I am delighted to be welcoming Keith to Vp as CFO and I look forward to working with him again.

“Keith has significant finance experience which will be instrumental in driving Vp forwards.”

Harrogate care company recognised at regional awards.

A Harrogate and Ripon care company has been recognised at an industry award.

Continued Care won two awards at the regional finals of the Great British Care awards, which was held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds.

Staff member Nichola Noble won in the care assessor award category, while Samantha Lathley was highly commended in the frontline leader award.

Both will go to the national finals in 2024.

Samantha Harrison, director at Continued Care, said:

“Nichola is once again a worthy winner of her award. Well done to Samantha too, and to all our staff who were nominated.

“The most special thing about these awards is that the finalists were all put forward by the people they care for and work with.”

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.”

Business Breakfast: Harrogate rental company chief executive to retire

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is an after work drinks event on Thursday, August 31 at The West Park Hotel in Harrogate between 5-7pm.

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 confirmed its chief executive will retire next month.

Neil Stothard, who is CEO at Beckwith Knowle-based VP, has informed the firm’s board of his decision to step down on September 30.

Mr Stothard joined the company as group finance director in 1997. He later became managing director in 2004 before taking up the post as chief executive.

In a board statement, VP confirmed that Anna Bielby, who is currently chief financial officer, will take over as chief executive on September 1 and work with Mr Stothard to ensure an “orderly handover”.

Jeremy Pilkington, chairman of the company, said:

“I want to record my personal thanks to Neil for his service to the company and me since joining Vp in 1997 as group finance director and in 2004 assuming the role of managing director and subsequently chief executive.

“Working with Neil to exit the general plant hire sector to focus on a specialist rental offering created the platform for our continued success and growth.

“Neil’s dedication and strong leadership has been central to Vp’s prosperity and enables us to look to the future with confidence and optimism.”

Yorkshire Ambulance Service apprenticeship scheme rated as ‘good’

An apprenticeship scheme at Yorkshire Ambulance Service has been rated as good by inspectors.

Ofsted inspected the scheme in June and found that it had good quality of education, as well as outstanding personal development.

Inspectors rated it as good overall.

The trust currently has 587 apprentices, including ambulance support workers, associate ambulance practitioners and paramedic degree apprentices.

It also employs apprentices in corporate services such as finance, operational support, learning and development.

Dawn Adams, associate director of education and organisational development (Interim) for Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said:

“I am exceptionally proud of our apprenticeship provision in YAS. Our achievement rates are strong and distinction rates are excellent.”

Business Breakfast: Harrogate company in ‘strong financial position’ despite interest rate hike

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is an after work drinks event on Thursday, August 31 at The West Park Hotel in Harrogate between 5-7pm.

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 said the firm remains in “strong financial position” despite a hike in interest rates this past month.

Vp, which is based at Central House on Beckwith Knowle, recorded a 6% increase in revenue to £371.5m for the year ending March 2023.

In a statement to its annual general meeting, Jeremy Pilkington, chairman of the company, said the group “remains in a strong financial position”.

He added that he expected company results for the upcoming financial year to be in line with board expectations despite “market headwinds” and the Bank of England’s decision to hike interest rates to 5.25%.

Mr Pilkington said:

“We remain focused on the quality of our equipment and excellent service delivery to our customers with an ongoing drive to deliver sustainable solutions to our customer base.

“The group remains in a strong financial position with an excellent track record of delivery. Despite both market headwinds and increases in interest rates, we continue to see opportunities and expect performance for the current financial year to be in line with board expectations.”

Black Sheep launches beer in partnership with Rob Burrow

Black Sheep Brewery has launched a new beer in partnership with Rob Burrow MBE.

The brewery, which is based in Masham, released Burrow Blonde to raise funds for Rob Burrow 7 Discretionary Trust and the Rob Burrow Racing Club.

A total of 10p from every pint and bottle sold is donated to charity.

Picture (from left) Phil Hawthorne, The Good Racing Co, Alex Brandon-Davies, Senior Brewer at Black Sheep Brewery and Rob Burrow and Lindsey Burrow.

Barrie McDermott, Sky Sports pundit and former Leeds Rhinos teammate of Rob, said:

“I’m incredibly proud to support the launch of Burrow’s Blonde, a fantastic beer for a fantastic cause, it’s yet another way to get behind our little mate Rob Burrow and his family in their battle against MND.”

Rob’s wife, Lindsey Burrow, said:

“We’re really excited to be working with Black Sheep Brewery and launching Burrow’s Blonde. It’s a great opportunity for people to support Rob by simply buying a beer and enjoying a drink with loved ones.”

Business Breakfast: Harrogate business meeting to focus on marketing

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. Our next networking event is lunch at Manahatta, on June 29th at 12.30pm.

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 business meeting is set to focus on marketing next week.

Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce will be holding the event on Monday (June 12) at the Crown Hotel.

Speakers at the meeting will include include representatives from Artus Digital Marketing, Berwins Solicitors and Cicada Communications.

As part of the monthly meeting’s regular charity slot, George McNaught, local events co-ordinator from The Guide Dogs Charity will also be speaking.

Martin Mann, acting chief executive at the chamber of commerce, said:

“Marketing is such an important focus for businesses, which can sometimes be overlooked or dismissed during tough financial times, so we are dedicating our June meeting to this important subject.”

Sue Kramer, president of the chamber, added:

“As part of our monthly meeting format, we now regularly hear from a local charity, and we look forward to hearing from The Guide Dogs Charity, which has been in existence sine 1931, providing assistance dogs to blind or partially sighted people.”

Doors to the event open at 5.30pm with the meeting proper commencing at 6.15pm.

First time visitors and members are asked to register their attendance on the chamber website here.

Harrogate rental firm reports ‘solid’ trade results

A Harrogate rental firm has reported “solid trading” results as part of its full year report.

Vp, which is based at Central House on Beckwith Knowle, recorded a 6% increase in revenue to £371.5m from £350.9m on the previous year.

The results cover the year ended March 31, 2023.

Meanwhile, the firm reported an adjusted profit before tax, amortisation, impairment of intangible assets and exceptional items of £40.5m.

This was up from £38.9m on 2021/22.

Responding to the results, Jeremy Pilkington, chairman of Vp plc, said:

“We are pleased to report another solid year of trading with good progress made across all key metrics, with the Group successfully navigating a highly volatile macroeconomic backdrop.

“The group’s return on average capital employed of 14.4% continues to demonstrate our excellent quality of earnings and resilience in times of supply chain disruption and slowing growth in some markets. In line with our dividend policy and underpinning our confidence in the business, we are pleased to propose a final dividend of 26.5 pence per share, making a total for the year of 37.5 pence.

“We remain confident that the group will continue to provide shareholders with an attractive level of returns. Vp has an excellent track record and we believe the current market challenges will bring into view profitable growth opportunities.”

Business Breakfast: Harrogate property specialists move to new office

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The fourth in our series of networking events, with Banyan Bar & Kitchen, is a breakfast event on April 27 from 8am.

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

Land and property specialist Strutt and Parker has moved to new offices in Harrogate town centre.

The business, which has been based in Princes Square for nearly 50 years, has moved to a new premises at Westgate House on Albert Street.

Nick Bramley, senior director at the firm, said the move will help Strutt and Parker continue to offer a “high quality” service in the district.

He said:

“This is an exciting opportunity for us as a team and reinforces Strutt & Parker long-standing commitment to the town of Harrogate and our business operation across the North of England.

“The location of the new office is fantastic and the space on offer will provide a first-class working environment for our growing team. Having a new office which our team and clients enjoy spending time in will help us to continue to deliver high-quality estate agency and rural services across Yorkshire and neighbouring counties.”

The new office will have 16 staff led by director James Wort who has been helping buyers and sellers move for nearly 25 years.

The Harrogate office also offers land management services to estates, farms and other rural business owners.

Harrogate rental company reports ‘good progress’ despite inflation

A Harrogate-based rental company has reported “good progress” since its last round of results.

In a trading update, Vp, which is based at Central House on Beckwith Knowle, said the firm has shown “resilience and growth” despite soaring inflation and volatile markets.

The update added that it expects to report results for the full year in line with the board’s expectations.

In its last round of results which covered the six months up to September 2022, Vp reported revenues of £186.5 million compared with £176.1 million on the same period last year.

Neil Stothard, chief executive of Vp, said:

“Since we reported our interim results last November, the group has continued to make good progress across our core markets and we are pleased that our performance for the full year will be in line with the Board’s expectations.

“In the period, we have worked hard to successfully mitigate cost inflationary pressures and we believe that the group is well placed to optimise performance in the current environment. We are confident that we will continue to deliver value growth for our shareholders and will be able to react quickly to both challenges and opportunities as specific markets recover.”

Business breakfast: Experienced lawyer joins Harrogate firm’s life team

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.

Experienced lawyer joins Harrogate firm’s life team

A new senior lawyer has joined Harrogate law firm Berwins.

Liam O’Neill has been appointed as head of life at the practice, having previously been a partner in another firm of solicitors.

He brings 25 years of experience to the role and is a full member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists as well as STEP, the global body for practitioners helping families to plan for their futures.

Mr O’Neill said:

“I’m proud to have joined such as well-respected team in what is a very progressive firm. Expansion across the region and recent investments made in the business means that Berwins is well placed to thrive in the coming years and I’m excited to be part of that.”

Berwins managing director Paul Berwin added:

“The appointment of such an outstanding legal professional is a significant development for us. Technically excellent, Liam’s deep expertise – particularly in matters relating to will disputes – adds a great deal to an already outstanding department.”

Profits soar at Harrogate equipment rental company

An equipment rental specialist based in Harrogate has posted strong growth in its sales and profits.

Vp, which has its headquarters at Central House on Beckwith Knowle, recorded increased revenues of £350.9m compared to £308m in 2021.

Its pre-tax profits also rose by 67% to £38.9m from £23.3m.

A formal sale of the company was launched earlier this year, but Vp describes operations as “business as usual” until it has an update for its shareholders.

Neil Stothard, chief executive of Vp plc, said:

“The quality of the recovery in our trading performance is extremely pleasing and these results demonstrate a significant increase in profitability and a material recovery in the quality of those profits. These strong results have been largely supported by the core markets which we serve.

“Over the last financial year, I am particularly pleased with our ESG [environmental, social and governance] initiatives where we have continued to invest in apprenticeships and our employees as well as our commitment to the environment.

“Throughout the year we continued to invest in our ambition to be net carbon zero by 2050 with all our businesses continuing to introduce new greener equipment solutions to their customers.”

Harrogate firm posts turnover of £300m in ‘year of unprecedented challenges’

Harrogate building equipment rental company Vp has reported a turnover of £308 million and profits of £23.3 million, down from £48.1 million in the previous year.

Vp, which has its headquarters at Central House on Otley Road, said following the pandemic it took steps to reduce costs and save cash including closing or merging 25 of its locations.

The company said trading in the current financial year has started strongly, with the infrastructure sector expected to grow and the housebuilding and construction sectors showing signs of sustained improvement.

Jeremy Pilkington, chairman of Vp plc, said:

“I am pleased to be reporting a set of results that are ahead of our expectations in a year that has seen unprecedented challenges for the business and its customers. The past twelve months saw a focus on cash management which delivered a significant reduction in net debt.

“We have exited the year at nearly pre-Covid levels which is a better recovery than we anticipated at the beginning of the pandemic.”

Harrogate company reports improved revenues in interim results

Read more:

Harrogate care company recognised at regional awards.

Read more:

Masham company shortlisted for Yorkshire business awards

Read more:

Yorkshire Ambulance Service apprenticeship scheme rated as ‘good’

Read more:

Black Sheep launches beer in partnership with Rob Burrow

Read more:

Harrogate rental firm reports ‘solid’ trade results

Read More:

Harrogate rental company reports ‘good progress’ despite inflation

Read More:

Experienced lawyer joins Harrogate firm’s life team

Read more:

Profits soar at Harrogate equipment rental company

Read more: