Business

Business stories in and around Harrogate, North Yorkshire

The Granby Care Home receives Top 20 accolade in carehome.co.uk annual awards 2020

The Granby Resident Sylvia, Home Manager Michelle and resident Rosalind with the Top 20 Award

brighterkind’s The Granby Care Home in Harrogate is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a ‘Top 20 Large Care Home Group 2020’ award by leading care home review website carehome.co.uk. This is the fourth consecutive year that the home has received this accolade.

The annual carehome.co.uk awards are based on reviews from care home residents as well as their friends and family. The Granby has a score of 9.6 out of 10 with reviewers praising the excellent standards of individualised care, the fantastic entertainment programme and the kindness and compassion of the care team.

Home Manager Michelle Poole said:

It’s been a challenging year so far and we are thrilled to receive this award from carehome.co.uk and would like to thank everyone who took the time to review us and of course our passionate and committed team members who help our residents to love every day.

This award is particularly special because it is based on the unbiased opinions of residents living in our home and their family and friends.

The Granby is located at Granby Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, and is currently welcoming new residents with safety and welfare measures in place.



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Whole Caboodle develop revolutionary AI platform for the automotive industry

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The Whole Caboodle in Harrogate have developed CaboodleCode that is  revolutionising the automotive industry with an AI platform that lets dealers know what their website visitors are doing.

The first of its kind, CaboodleCode is an artificial intelligence (AI) website that delivers tailored content together with state-of-the-art customer tracking technology to tell you who is on your site and what they are doing.

Launched during lockdown, this cutting edge platform has already helped many dealerships, with six sites live and a further nine in development. Industry giants including Google, Amazon, Facebook and the BBC use similar technology, but CaboodleCode is the world’s first AI website platform designed specifically for the automotive industry.

Karl Rahmani is Managing Director of The Whole Caboodle, a full-service digital agency based in Harrogate. He has more than 26 years’ experience in the motor industry specifically around automotive marketing.

Karl Rahmani is Managing Director of The Whole Caboodle
Karl Rahmani is Managing Director of The Whole Caboodle

Karl said:

This is the future of dealership websites. Everyone will soon be deploying AI sites; it’s the next generation platform.

Why commission a new site with yesterday’s technology, when you can have tomorrow’s technology right now? Your customers aren’t all the same, so why give them the same online experience?



When people visit the site they give each visitor a unique ID number. It then tracks and follows what visitor looks at and record things like categories, products and offers allowing a picture to be built up of what the visitor is looking for. On subsequent visits the content is tailored and favour result of searches to match what our algorithm believes is relevant to the visitor.

The system essentially takes a digital fingerprint of the customers’ browser and matches that on each visit. So when a user revisits the  the personalisation makes the journey more beneficial for everybody. It can ask questions such as “Welcome back are you looking to buy for yourself today or buying a gift? Because if you are buying for yourself we can show you things in your size” – as an example.

Tailored content is proven to increase conversions by around 20%, so everyone wins; the customer gets a better online experience and the retailer increases sales.

Karl said:

Through the intelligent use of data tracking, analysis and content-tailoring algorithms, CaboodleCode influences what the customer sees. It displays relevant content to each visitor making the site easier to navigate, increasing conversions and lowering marketing costs. And the hard work doesn’t stop there.

CaboodleCode’s unique insight focuses all future communications to ensure messages and offers are properly personalised. This is done automatically and is built into the core capabilities of the site. CaboodleCode has a user-friendly, real-time lead centre that uses a visitor quality scoring system that can identify “just browsing” and “in-market customers”. And, incredibly, it also identifies each visitor by name! You can see a visitor’s entire viewing history, most recent search parameters, and all the vehicles they have viewed. Flags can also be set to alert a dealer when a chosen customer returns to the site and allows dynamic relevant digital interventions to be implemented, such as special offer roadblocks or price reductions alerts while browsing.



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Sir William takes up presidency of Yorkshire Agricultural Society

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Sir-William-Worsley

North Yorkshire landowner Sir William Worsley has become the new President of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

Sir William, who runs and lives at his family’s award-winning Hovingham Estate in the Howardian Hills, is a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies and of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and is a Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire.

Earlier this year, Sir William was appointed as Chair of the Forestry Commission. He is also Lay Canon of York Minster and Chair of the Howardian Hills AONB Joint Advisory Committee. He also serves on the North Yorkshire Rural Commission. He has previously served as the Government’s Tree Champion and has chaired the National Forest Company.

Sir William has also held office as President of the CLA, the Country Land and Business Association and as a member of the North York Moors National Park Authority.

Nigel Pulling, Chief Executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, said:

We are delighted to welcome Sir William as our new President and look forward to working with him as we plan for the Great Yorkshire Show’s return in 2021.

Sir William succeeds Charlotte Bromet, who handed over the President’s Crook in a short and socially distanced ceremony held at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate. The handover marked the finale of the Great Yorkshire Virtual Show earlier this summer, an online first for the Society which attracted viewers from more than 40 countries.

Sir William said:

I am hugely privileged to become President of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. For a Yorkshire landowner, it is probably the greatest honour you can be given.

It is sad that we have not had the Great Yorkshire Show this year, but we very much intend to make up for it next year. The Show is a very special county event and I used to enjoy stewarding at it many years ago.

Agriculture and Forestry are really important industries in Yorkshire and we need to ensure that they are celebrated, that new support schemes are right and that their introduction is properly managed.

The Society’s new President Elect is Margaret Chapman, the Great Yorkshire Show’s long-serving Chief Cattle Steward.



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Harrogate Tipple wins global award for Downton Abbey gin & whisky products

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Co-founders of Harrogate Tipple, husband and wife Steven and Sally Green, with the Licensing International Excellence Award 2020 for Best Newcomer

North Yorkshire distiller Harrogate Tipple has won a prestigious global award for its Downton Abbey range, having been named Best Newcomer in the Licensing International Excellence Awards 2020.

The winners were unveiled at a ceremony (usually held in Las Vegas) which this year took place virtually in front of a crowd of close to 1,000 licensing and retail executives from around the world. Hundreds of entries were received and narrowed down to a field of 175 nominees and eventually to just 23 winners that were announced last month, including Harrogate Tipple, the distiller of Harrogate Gin and Rum along with the Downton Abbey gin and whisky range.

The Licensing International Excellence Awards, which have been running for 35 years, highlight the achievements and accomplishments of the global brand licensing industry. The Best Newcomer award recognises ‘a company, property, product, service, platform or experience new to the licensing business, which has demonstrated success in its first year and shows promise for future growth’. Also honored at the event was licensing powerhouse Martha Stewart, who was inducted into the Licensing Hall of Fame.

Harrogate Tipple, the independent craft distillery that is part owned by master distiller Tom Nichol, was set up in 2016 by husband and wife, Steven and Sally Green, who launched the Downton Abbey range last year. Housed in a converted barn close to the Ripley Castle Estate near Harrogate, it has an ethos of local provenance with many of its botanicals grown in the estate’s kitchen gardens and Victorian hothouse as well as using the spa town’s famous spring water.



Steve said:

These awards have become like the Oscars of the licensing world, so it’s a huge honour to have our Downton Abbey drinks range recognised by them. We received news that we were finalists earlier this year, alongside some huge and well-known nominees, so being shortlisted was a privilege in itself.

Although we were gutted to miss out on the usual glamorous Las Vegas awards ceremony, we were thrilled to still be a part of the awards from the comfort of our Ripley distillery.

 

Sally said:

Our Downton Abbey drinks are a relatively new addition to our Harrogate Tipple family, but after all of the care, love and research we have devoted to every aspect of our Downton Abbey collection, it’s extremely rewarding to have achieved international recognition for the team’s hard work.

Licensing International is the leading trade organisation for the global licensing industry and its mission is to foster the growth and expansion of licensing around the world, raise the level of professionalism for licensing practitioners, and create greater awareness of the benefits of licensing to the business community at large.



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Harrogate hotel group take temperature checking to the next level

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Simon Cotton, Managing Director at the HRH Group

Two Harrogate hotels have today revealed the installation of advanced technology contactless temperature checkers in their lobbies and restaurants in a move to take their Covid-19 safety procedures to the next level.

In addition to the increase in protocols already in place, including advanced cleaning regimes, screens and PPE, the management have gone one step further at The HRH Group, who own The Fat Badger, Scran Restaurant, The White Hart Hotel and The Yorkshire, by installing contactless wrist temperature readers at the entrances of all of their properties.

The new machine allows guests and customers to check their own body temperatures by scanning their wrists on entry in the property. With the technology being contactless it allows guests to scan themselves as they enter, reducing touchpoints of staff administering a thermometer and the need to be close enough to receive an accurate reading.



Simon Cotton, Managing Director at the HRH Group said:

We take the health and safety of our guests extremely seriously and with the reports of cases on the rise across the UK we have decided that now is the time to increase the Covid-19 secure measures we already have in place. The wrist reader is more reliable than the forehead scanner and so this new machine allows us to accurately identify any unwell customers before they stay, dine or drink with us.

Whilst there is a very serious message behind the installation, we have found that our customers are already having fun using the scanning machine checking to see who is ‘cooler’ than who in their group. Who knew a temperature checker would bring out everyone’s competitive side!

The HRH Group have also installed the temperature checkers at all of their eight properties across North Yorkshire. The group own The Marmadukes Townhouse Hotel, The Lamb & Lion Inn and The Guy Fawkes Inn in York and The Fat Badger, The White Hart Hotel, The Yorkshire Hotel and Scran Restaurant in Harrogate and The Black Horse Inn at Kirby Fleetham.



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Toolstation opens in Ripon

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Toolstation Ripon

Toolstation, one of the UK’s fastest growing and largest suppliers of tools and more is pleased to announce the opening of its Ripon store. The store opened on Monday 14th September 2020.

The opening of the new store has created seven new jobs in the area, and is the latest store opening as part of Toolstation’s ambitious expansion plan to roll out 60 more stores across the UK by the end of 2020.

Store manager Thomas Muir said:

We are pleased to be opening the new store and supporting local tradespeople DIYers and home builders with tools and more in Ripon. We recognise the importance of challenging times and our knowledgeable team are committed to providing local customers with a reliable and convenient service for the essentials they need to tackle any task.

Toolstation Ripon store located at Unit 4c, Business Park, Charter Rd, Ripon HG4 1AJ



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Harrogate body transformation business booming

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A Yorkshire personal trainer who specialises in body transformations has acquired his first fitness studio due to a high demand in people wanting to achieve their health and fitness goals following lockdown.

Personal Trainer Mike Green, from Jennyfields in Harrogate, has been a personal trainer for 10-years. Mike runs Green Health PT has seen a surge of people wanting to follow his exercise and diet plans in order to get back into shape following the uncertainty of this past year.

 Mike said:

This past year has hit us all hard but one thing we can take control of is feeling good in ourselves and I think the surge in demand is due to a lot of people realising in lockdown how important our health is.

Whilst the fitness industry has suffered, I have been fortunate that I have loyal clients online and offline who have been training with me on a range of programmes to transform their bodies.

I specialise in helping busy people get lean and to boost their confidence and to feel strong in themselves.

After posting ‘before and after’ transformations of his clients on social media, Mike has seen an increasing number of people want his services, so much so, he decided to acquire his own Personal Training studio in Hornbeam Park where offline clients can come for their one-to-one training in the safety and privacy of his studio.

Personal Trainer Mike Green, Green Health PT
Green Health PT

 

Former footballer Mike has also seen a rise in couples and families wanting to train together in his studio and at home online.

Mike said:

I have been working in gyms training people for years and then I started training people in their own homes and even in my back garden.

But with people reluctant to return to gyms as well as a surge of people determined to transform their body and minds, I decided to set up my own PT studio so that my growing client base could access my services in-house as well as it being a great setting to record videos and content for all my online customers who train with me to suit them from wherever they want

Keeping fit with a loved one or in a group is a great way to motivate yourself and one another as well as making you more accountable and keeping you on track.

It’s also a great way to build and strengthen relationships as well as making you feel strong and confident.

I can tailor the plans and programmes to suit anybody regardless of their schedule, background or goals. I love working with a wide range of people of all ages and sizes, I just want people to achieve the results they crave.



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How Stean Gorge reduce asking price

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How Stean owners, Stan and Ann Beer, at the exact location depicted in Gallon’s painting

Operating as a visitor attraction for over one hundred years, the business specialises in offering a comprehensive range of outdoor pursuits, team-building days, family and school trips and has gained a reputation for being one of the best places to visit in Yorkshire. It features natural caves, flowing ravines and rocks that are ideal for climbing enthusiasts.

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co has reduced the freehold asking price of How Stean Gorge, an outdoor activity centre with a licensed cafe situated within the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Additionally, tourist attractions including Masham, Grassington and Pateley Bridge are all within close proximity and the larger towns of Richmond and Harrogate are within easy reach.

In addition to the Gorge itself, the site comprises; a licensed café and shop, which includes a spacious dining area with seating for up to 50 customers.  A unique feature within the café includes a partial glass floor overlooking the gorge below, which makes for a spectacular dining experience.

The site is also licensed for 26 camping pitches and includes hot showers, changing facilities and storage for activity equipment. The whole site extends to approximately 4.5 acres and planning consent has been granted for seven Swiss chalets.

The current owners of The Gorge, Stan and Ann Beer made the decision to sell in order to pursue retirement and brought the property to market through Christie & Co in December 2019.

The site was closed during the COVID-19 lockdown, however since reopening on 4th July business has been booming, with turnover up by circa £12,000 against the same period in 2019. The restaurant has been able to run at full capacity as it is spacious and allows for social distancing in line with government requirements. Demand for the campsite is currently exceeding capacity, whilst outdoor activity bookings have almost doubled. The business has adapted their sessions to allow for social distancing and/or smaller group bookings.

Commenting on these robust trading levels Stan said:

We’re really encouraged by how busy the site has been since re-opening post-lockdown and it is showing no signs of slowing down. We recently recruited a chef from The Yorke Arms at Pateley Bridge – he brings a wealth of quality catering experience and we are working hard to improve our restaurant, now offering Bistro evenings. In addition to this, there is increased demand for small group functions in the restaurant which are a welcome addition to the business.

All that said, we have operated the site as a family for a number of years now and my wife and I are very keen to pass it onto a new owner and enjoy our retirement. We have a great team of staff and lots of loyal customers, and we have thoroughly enjoyed our time here.

David Cash, Associate Director at Christie & Co, is handling the sale and comments:

Post-lockdown and whilst the nation continues to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeing increased demand from purchasers for hospitality businesses at the coast and in the countryside. Many are looking for an alternative lifestyle, whilst capitalising on the success of such businesses as staycations gather popularity.

How Stean Gorge benefits from planning permission to build seven Swiss Style Chalets on site, which could sleep up to twelve people each. The permission allows for one of the chalets to be used as a permanent residence for an owner or staff, so not only could somebody purchase a great business, they could live in a fantastic part of the Yorkshire Dales alongside a spectacular landmark in How Stean Gorge.

How Stean Gorge is now on the market with an asking price of £699,995, with offers being invited for the freehold.



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Coastal & Country vow to restore the glory days of North Yorkshire Inn

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The Crown Inn

The Crown Inn, a beautiful 16th century coaching inn, situated in the heart of the picturesque North Yorkshire village of Roecliffe, near Boroughbridge, has re-opened.

The Crown, which went into voluntary liquidation last year, has been bought by the flourishing Coastal & Country Inns group, for an undisclosed sum.

It has been sensitively refurbished by Coastal & Country and is now set to return to its former glory.

Chris Hannon, managing director of the Manchester-based Coastal & Country, explained:

When we heard that the Crown was for sale, having fallen on hard times, we knew this was too good an opportunity to miss. This very special inn had enjoyed a golden period under the 11-year stewardship of Karl and Amanda Mainey and it is our mission to restore those glory days.

We are determined to make the Crown the beating heart of Roecliffe again, creating an award-winning inn where the residents can enjoy a quiet pint or two and the local community feels comfortable and at home.

At the same time, we are looking to re-establish the Crown’s reputation for excellent food and drink in relaxed and informal surroundings, making it a destination location for food lovers across the county,” he explained. “We also have five en-suite double bedrooms for those who want to stay overnight or for short breaks.

It goes without saying, in these challenging Covid-19 times, that we are implementing strict social distancing rules and taking the utmost care with hygiene. Everyone who visits us will feel safe.

The Crown Inn
The Crown Inn

The new management team at the Crown are Lukas and Veronicka Alman, who have moved from Coastal & Country’s Peak District Inn, the Devonshire Arms at Hartington. Lukas previous ran a hotel in the Highlands for the group.



Mr Hannon explained that the Crown Inn fitted in perfectly with the group’s culture and ethos and was an ideal addition to its portfolio, adding that Coastal & Country Inns had just completed the restoration of the Owl Inn at Hawnby, near Helmsley, where the group holds the long leasehold on behalf of Mexborough Estates.

Chris Hannon added:

These are extremely exciting times for Coastal & Country as we extend our portfolio – and the restoration of the Crown’s excellent reputation, including for gorgeous weddings, is at the forefront of our plans.

We are already using local produce to create flexible and seasonal menus there, whilst also introducing a wide range of beers, gins, spirits and cocktails. Underpinning this will be a genuinely warm welcome for everyone, from local residents, to food and drink enthusiasts and to tourists from further afield.

For us it is important that each of our inns has a unique design, a mix of modern, comfortable, beautiful and practical antique furniture. Each inn must have open fires to welcome you on a chilly day and, when the sun makes an appearance, our gardens and outside spaces are somewhere beautiful to be.

The Coastal and Country Inns portfolio now comprises the Crown at Roecliffe; the Devonshire Arms at Hartington, near Buxton; the Owl at Hawnby; and the New Inn at Great Limber, near Grimsby.



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Leading hoteliers boost portfolio with historic Harrogate hotel

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The UK’s leading independent hotel management company has added a much-loved North Yorkshire hotel to its growing portfolio of properties.

RBH has taken on operations at the Crown Hotel, which sits in the heart of Harrogate, in the Montpellier Quarter.

The Crown Hotel represents the second Fragrance Group hotel to come under RBH’s management – joining The Imperial Hotel Blackpool, which RBH has operated on behalf of the Singapore-based property developer since acquisition of the hotel in early 2017.

Andrew Robb, RBH’s Chief Business Development Officer
Andrew Robb, RBH’s Chief Business Development Officer

 

Andrew Robb, RBH’s Chief Business Development Officer, said:

We are delighted to continue our partnership with Fragrance Group by taking on operations at The Crown Hotel Harrogate.

The historic hotel is an exciting addition to our growing portfolio and we look forward to working closely with the hotel team to drive performance across the business and deliver a first class experience for guests.

The 114-bed Crown Hotel is one of Harrogate’s oldest, with a history dating back 300 years.

The Crown Hotel joins RBH’s existing portfolio of 45 branded and independent hotels across the UK.



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