It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The third in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is a lunch event on March 30 from 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 workplace company with offices in Harrogate has hired a new director as part of plans to grow the company.

Wizu Workspace, which has offices on Station Parade, has appointed Chris Mapp as its commercial director.

The company, which hires out co-working and office space, made the appointment as part of plans to expand in the north of England.

Tom Almas, chief executive of Wizu, said:

“Chris’ hire represents a significant step forward for the next chapter of Wizu. As we continue with our growth plans, bringing on board the right senior leadership is crucial to the future success of the business. 

“Chris’ wealth of experience and commercial expertise in flex space sector will be invaluable to us as we look to expand our footprint and offer even more innovative solutions to our members.”

Mr Mapp will be tasked with leading the company commercial strategy and building relationships with key partners.

He said:

“As a seasoned ‘flex-pert’ with experience in commercial, operational, HR, and marketing functions, I’m excited to join Wizu at such a pivotal time in their growth journey.”

Myers Group opens new Boroughbridge branch

Boroughbridge site

Myers Group has opened a new supply branch in Boroughbridge.

The builders merchants has opened the new store on Old Goods Yard off Milby Road.

The three-acre site comes as part of a £4 million investment by Myers Group.

The company said:

“As well as our comprehensive core stock range we will be making the most of the additional space with a broader timber, roofing and brick offer supported by three delivery vehicles to ensure our new customers have access to the legendary Myers delivery service.

“The site also boasts a large kitchen and bathroom showroom with in-house designers making it a true one-stop shop for both trade and DIY customers.”

Read more:

• Business Breakfast: Knaresborough fire and security company merges with national firm
• Stray Ferret Business Awards: The winners

This article is sponsored by Wizu Workspace.

Wizu Workspace, the North’s most exciting flexible workspace provider, has opened its doors at the iconic Royal House, one of Harrogate’s most prestigious addresses.

The spacious period building is the ideal place for any local business looking to grow. The stunning workspace offers private offices, co-working membership, meeting rooms and event space – all available on a flexible basis.

Wizu have created a comfortable, friendly environment that combines modern and traditional elements – perfect for growing small and large businesses alike.

Meet the Wizu team

When you walk through the doors at Royal House, the first people you’ll meet are Kitty Lewis and Grace Franklin, full-time hosts at the Harrogate site.

A beautiful communal space.

They’ll make you feel instantly at home: Kitty’s approach is to focus on customer service and creating a warm welcome. She said:

“I’ve always worked in hospitality, and that’s how I see Wizu. We look after our members and give them the best workday we can – every day.

“Most of our staff come from a hospitality background, which shows in our customer loyalty and retention.”

Among those is Jamie Lea, who brings ten years’ experience in five-star hotels (including The Dorchester in London) to his role as community manager. He said:

“I wanted something where I could use my hospitality experience. So I’ve swapped bedroom guests for office members! I’m still running events and the reception desk, but we deliver service differently to a hotel – it’s much more informal and relaxed.”

A culture of service 

Tom Almas, managing director and co-founder, believes that workspace – when done well – can inspire people to enhance their productivity and creativity:

“Many business owners are stuck in soul-destroying, uninspiring workspace, which leads to dull, repetitive workdays for them and their teams.

“At Wizu, we do things differently. We don’t tie people into long leases. We create bright, beautifully-designed workspaces, so our members can stay productive, creative and energised – and go further as individuals and businesses as a result.”

A relaxed and friendly atmosphere

The team work hard to make their members feel at home.

One of the meeting rooms you could take advantage of.

Music quietly plays in the kitchen and co-working space, which Kitty says has “a relaxed coffee shop vibe.” For those who want a quiet space to concentrate, there are private working pods to escape to and get work done.

This approach – to give its members more than an office – is core to Wizu’s design philosophy.

They’ve also created a community where members collaborate and often work together. Kitty said:

“What’s interesting is that our members have set the tone themselves. It’s great to see them chatting and helping each other out.”

Demand for space has been huge

Wizu offer several membership packages, such as ’50 hours for £60′ in the co-working space. Private offices are priced at £300 + VAT per desk/month.  Virtual office packages start from £40 plus VAT/month.

Part of the co-working space.

The fees are all-inclusive: there is no need to arrange broadband or cover heating bills. Even the furniture is included.

This flexible, inclusive package is clearly needed in Harrogate: since it opened its doors in the spring, demand has exceeded all expectations.

Over 65% of all offices have been sold, with interest in the co-working space and meeting rooms far higher than anyone predicted.

John Guggenheim, co-founder, said:

“The rising trend of businesses looking to work flexibly, coupled with our knowledge of the North, made Harrogate a perfect fit for us.

“We’re delighted with how we’ve been welcomed, and we look forward to playing our part in growing Harrogate’s dynamic economy.”

This beautiful building, with its quality interiors, professional team and flexible terms, is a fantastic addition to the Harrogate business scene.

To find out more about Wizu Workspace or to book a free two-day trial in the co-working space, call Royal House on 01423 574110.

A Harrogate training centre for people in the hair and beauty industry has received praise from Ofsted in its latest inspection.

Rating Intuitions Ltd ‘good’, inspectors said the “high-quality training” was delivered by staff who have “care and passion”.

The business has recently moved to a new model of delivering training, with most of its lessons delivered one-to-one or in small groups in the salons where apprentices are training.

Ofsted inspectors said:

“Apprentices studying the level two hair professional standard, who are new to the profession, quickly develop their understanding of the high standards of professional behaviours expected in the salons in which they work.

“They behave professionally, and are mature, polite, courteous and respectful to other staff, educators and clients.

“Educators encourage learners and apprentices to take pride in their work, and this is evident in learners’ well-presented portfolios. They are effective role models and have a wide range of industry experience, which inspires learners and apprentices.

“Educators ensure that their appearance reflects professional industry standards, and this reinforces the expectation of apprentices to adhere to the expected standards of dress code in their salons.”

Inspectors said trainees were quick to improve their skills and were pleased with what they achieved even at an early stage of their training.

Read more:

• Ofsted finds ‘good’ village school near Knaresborough is ‘like a second home’
• ‘Welcoming’ Spofforth school rated ‘good’ by Ofsted

However, they recommended staff could do more to develop their other skills, such as by correcting spelling in all written work and giving more comprehensive careers guidance.

The report added:

“Targets set by educators following frequent and comprehensive reviews of work are focused, and apprentices are clear about the progress that they are making.

“Educators clearly identify strengths and areas for improvement, and apprentices know what they need to do next. They share the information with employers in comprehensive reports.

“Apprentices are supported well by their employers, which contributes to the good progress that they make.”

Now based in Wizu Workspace at Royal House on Station Parade, Intuitions was founded almost 30 years ago. It has been run by Michelle Oliver since 2000 and has grown significantly during that time.

Intuitions Ltd has a new home on Station Parade, but delivers most of its training in salons.

Following the challenges of covid, Ms Oliver told the Stray Ferret the new model of delivering training has been well-received.

“We’re enjoying delivering the new model. It’s nice to be able to go into a business and see the learners using their skills in a real setting.

“That’s what we’re here for – to create the hairdresser for the salons. That’s the beauty of apprenticeships: they’re in the workplace, earning money – not much, but it could be £200 a week, which is a lot when you’ve just left school.

“They’re seeing professional people working alongside them and learning from them all the time.”

Ms Oliver said her own experience of working in a salon while training showed her the value of learning how to behave in a workplace and how to engage with clients.

She said she hoped the supportive comments from Ofsted and the professional standards on show from the learners might encourage more people, as well as local high schools, to do more to promote apprenticeships as a potential career path for their students.