Harrogate Business News

Harrogate Buildbase closes

21 July 2020

Buildbase on Prospect Road in Harrogate has closed, it is believed with the loss of 12 jobs.

The business emailed it’s Harrogate Customer base this morning saying:

This email is to inform you that due to the unprecedented and ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic, like many other businesses, Buildbase has had to review the way in which we operate, considering both the current 2020 trading position and the longer term economic outlook.

Unfortunately we have had to make the very difficult decision to close the Buildbase and Electricbase Harrogate branch. Our last day of trading was on Thursday 9th July 2020.

They have thanked their customers for the business and apologized for any inconvenience it may cause. Accounts have been transferred to the York Branch.

The Dog Spa opens in Harrogate

21 July 2020

Business/Harrogate

Holly Hamp has this week opened the Dog Spa in Harrogate.

Holly has worked with dogs for many years – she originally lived in Watford, but then moved to Huddersfield to work with the Dogs Trust as a trainer.

Holly said:

I mostrecenlty worked with the Dogs Trust offering affordable training for dogs.

The move to Harrogate made a lot of sense as I had family in the area and it is a great location to open a business.

I have always wanted to run my own business and it is much in the family to do that – my mother runs Samantha Hamp Beauty and Skincare in the town.

Holly believes that visiting a Dog Spa is also part of the socialisation for your dog and that socialisation is more than them just meeting other dogs.

Holly said:

I love working with puppies and it is important to get them used to different environments.

The work with the Dogs Trust, and before, was a great grounding and allowed me to learn so much about dogs, this is now a move into a different area of dog care.

We are also seeing a real surge of people buying dogs and that is reflected with the demand many groomers are seeing. I am really pleased at the number of pre-booked appointments for the opening week.

I offer a range of services from puppy grooming to a full groom for your pet. Dogs are not cages, and I typically work to a 2-hour time slot.

Holly started her career in 2013, working with domestic and exotic animal organisations in the UK and abroad, these included work for the UK Wolf Conservation Trust, Junquillal Sea Turtle Conservation and the National Animal Welfare Trust.

She worked for a small charity, Stokenchurch Dog Rescue, before moving to the Dogs Trust in Huddersfield and has gained a 2-year Level 3 diploma in Animal Care and Management.

See https://www.thedogspaharrogate.co.uk/

Sykes Grove, Harrogate (off Skipton Road, near to New Park School)

New independent pet accessory shop opens its doors in Harrogate

17 July 2020

Business/Harrogate

Peach & Pooch is a range of pet products, all lovingly drawn, designed and handmade by Yorkshire born-and-bred Harrogate resident, Emily Ong.

From collars and leads to birthday bandanas and personalised portraits, every single item is made from scratch in North Yorkshire.

Peach & Pooch’s first ever shop offers Harrogate’s pet-lovers the chance to treat their animals to one-of-kind pet products that are stylish, original, useful and, most of all, fun.

They open on 25 July 2020 at 25, Regent Parade, HG1 5AZ.

Emily began Peach & Pooch in 2017 after a background in Textile Design. As a passionate pet owner and illustrator, her dream was to design unique products that would make pets and their owners smile.

After building her business online for three years, with all products handmade from her home studio in Harrogate, opening a shop with her business partner, Vicky, in her hometown felt like the right next step.

Emily said:

It has been a huge challenge to embark on a new adventure under the cloud of COVID-19, especially as an independent business that began life in my spare room! However, I know that the people of Harrogate are passionate about their pets, and at a time where we are all making more effort to support small businesses and shop locally, I hope that our little independent can provide some positivity for residents and their furry friends.

We signed the lease on our shop right before lockdown hit, so needless to say the journey to opening has been a bit of a rollercoaster. However, Peach & Pooch was born from passion and I’m a massive believer in if you don’t try, you don’t know. I’m hoping we’ll land on our paws and provide a unique and fun service for Harrogate.

Emily Ong - Peach and Pooch — Emily Ong – Peach and Pooch

In addition to the core range of handmade fabric accessories, Peach & Pooch is also proud to stock select third party items, such as 100% British sourced dog food from Naturaw, luxury treats from The Innocent Pet and puzzle toys from LickiMat.

M&S Ripon opens

16 July 2020

Business/Ripon

The store opened at 8am on 15 July 2020 and the 60-strong team welcomed customers to the store on St Michael’s Retail Park, Rotary Way.

The new store is led by Store Manager, Paul Nicoll, who has worked for the company for 34 years.

Store Manager, Paul Nicoll, said:

We’re delighted to open our new store in Ripon. The last few weeks have been spent putting the finishing touches in store and making sure all our measures are in place to support customers, so they can shop with peace of mind. It’s brilliant to now be open and welcome the community – chatting with customers today it’s fantastic to see them get excited about our new summer products, as well as shop for all the essentials. Our new store also offers Click & Collect, which means customers can shop for the full Clothing & Home collections via M&S.com.

I’d like to say a big thank you to the team, who have been amazing getting the store ready. We’re all so excited to be part of the community and can’t wait to get to know locals better in the coming weeks.

Local customer, Janice Stone, from Bishop Monkton, was one of the first customers through the doors.

Janice said:

I’ve been an avid shopper at M&S for years and used to shop in the former Ripon store. I’m so happy to see M&S back in Ripon and the store looks great. I filled my basket and as the extra cherry on the icing, I won my food shop for free using my Sparks card!

Harrogate Cotswold Outdoor launch appointment booking service

15 July 2020

Business/Harrogate

Ahead of a summer filled with staycations and short getaways in the great outdoors, Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock and Runners Need are excited to launch an in-store appointment service to coincide with stores reopening.

Appointments are free to arrange, in-store or online, and come with no obligation to spend. By booking an appointment, customers get priority in-store service at the pre-arranged time. Appointments are available to book at selected stores which opened on Monday 15 June, with further stores opening in the coming weeks.

In line with government advice, there will be several new store processes and policies in place to help keep customers and in-store experts safe. These include one-way systems, limiting the number of customers in-store at a time and constantly reviewed hygiene measures.

Cotswold Outdoor’s 60-minute Camping Kit List is perfect for those embarking on their first camping trip, while those who have discovered or rekindled their love for running during lockdown will benefit from a 30-minute Gait Analysis at Runners Need, using advanced technologies to match runners with the right shoes to help support every stride and protect against injury.

Cotswold Outdoor:

Adventure Kit List (90 minutes): Designed to prepare people for their expeditions with personalised advice for their activity and destination. From DofE expeditions to Everest Base Camp treks, appointments can be tailored to suit the customer and their requirements.
Camping Kit List (60 minutes): Expert advice on tents, sleeping equipment, accessories and everything else a customer needs for a great camping trip. At certain stores, tents can be pitched inside to show customers exactly what they’re buying.
Electronics Advice (30 minutes): Explanation and demonstration of GPS, smartwatch, fitness tracker and action camera devices.
Outdoor Footwear Fitting (60 minutes): In-store experts measure the customer’s feet and discuss any existing concerns, before finding and fitting the perfect pair of boots/shoes for comfort and support on the trails.
Rucksack Fitting (30 minutes): In-store experts work with customers to determine what features they need from their next rucksack, then select and fit a pack from the range.

As part of the move to reopen stores to the public, the retailers have introduced the following safety measures to keep customers and staff safe in-store:

Observing a queuing system when the store is at capacity
Keeping a 2m distance from other customers and store staff
Adhering to the one-way system laid out in store
Following recommended hygiene practices
Paying by card

New safety measures that will be followed by store staff include:

Increased hand-washing
Additional cleaning procedures
PPE for in-store staff
Social distancing measures behind the counter
Closed fitting rooms
Returns quarantined for 72 hours
Contactless returns processing
E-receipts to avoid receipt contact point
Socially distanced fittings
Encouraging customers to take items home to try on rather than trying in-store

Medical charity enters partnership with online mental health and wellbeing service to provide its members with support

14 July 2020

Business/Harrogate

The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) has gone into partnership with Big White Wall, an online mental health and wellbeing service.

Big White Wall offers anonymous, safe 24/7 peer and professional support with trained healthcare professionals online at all times. It also provides a supportive community and a range of information and wellbeing tools, including self-directed courses covering a selection of topics from improving sleep and quitting smoking to managing anxiety and avoiding procrastination.

Poor mental health amongst healthcare professionals and the effect it has on patient care is one of the most talked about issues in healthcare. This is true now more than ever, as we live through the Coronavirus pandemic.

Dawn Stott, CEO of the Association explains:

As an organisation we take patient outcomes and the wellbeing of all perioperative practitioners very seriously. We’re continually looking for ways to support our members because we know that working within the perioperative environment is extremely rewarding but can also be stressful and bring unique challenges. This is even more apparent in the current circumstances.

The introduction of this new member benefit was driven by the results of AfPP’s Caring for those who Care survey, conducted at the end of last year. The aim of the survey was to improve understanding of the issues faced by perioperative professionals at work. An alarming 86% of responders said they felt concerned about staff wellbeing and the effect it’s having on patient safety. The results indicated that bullying is one of the major factors raising concerns.

Dawn continues:

Since AfPP conducted the survey, we have entered the coronavirus pandemic. It has been widely reported that this is taking its toll on the mental health of many healthcare professionals and we felt it was more important than ever to be able to acknowledge these challenges and provide our members with a resource to help them manage their mental health concerns.

Louise Ashton, marketing lead at the Association added:

Big White Wall is designed to help people get support, take control and feel better. AfPP members can register at Big White Wall to take advantage of the services and the support it provides. Registrations to date have exceeded our expectations with more AfPP members registering all the time. It is a clear demonstration that healthcare professionals need support. We hope that as many of our members as possible will take advantage of the service.

As the leading membership organisation for the perioperative workforce, the Association for Perioperative Practice put patient and staff safety at the heart of all they do.

Their mission is to improve standards of care and patient safety within the perioperative arena by determining correct standards and promoting best practice, facilitating education and practice development, providing professional support services for perioperative practitioners, providing a forum for partnership with industry and shaping healthcare policy in the UK.

To find out more or to join the Association, please visit www.afpp.org.uk

Local photographer helps Harrogate business connect with 70% of customers in striking campaign

12 July 202012 July 2020

Business/Knaresborough

Charlotte Gale Photography (self portrait)

Like many others, commercial photographer Charlotte Gale was forced to adapt her offering

during lockdown and look for new opportunities which didn’t require face to face contact. And so, Yorkshire Corporate Cards was born, a concept designed to help firms easily communicate in a more personalised and appropriate way as lockdown restrictions are eased. The initiative has been well received, with one Harrogate business reporting a 70% response rate to their card campaign.

Having worked in marketing before setting up her photography business 12 years ago, Charlotte recognises the importance of maintaining customer relationships and brand visibility, even under the most difficult of circumstances.

Charlotte said:

I think the key is for businesses to remain flexible and adapt their offering and procedures as the situation evolves. They need to be vocal about their approach too, so that both customers and staff are aware and reassured.

For many businesses, the pace of change in recent weeks has been unprecedented, impacting all areas of operation. Many have been forced to temporarily close their physical doors, but have found new ways of adapting their offering.

Further changes will be needed as lockdown restrictions are relaxed in the coming weeks. Now more than ever it is vital that businesses communicate with their staff, customers and the wider public in a clear and considerate way.

Charlotte has launched a number of new products, under the umbrella ‘Back to Business’, to support businesses in this communication. The first, new brand Yorkshire Corporate Cards, is a personalised Yorkshire themed greetings card and postcard service for businesses. Firms can choose from a wide range of Yorkshire designs for the front of the card, whilst the inside or reverse can be fully customised with logo(s) and text.

Charlottte said:

In this digital age, printed cards can be a great way to stand out from the competition and engage in a more personal way. Businesses can use branded cards to thank their loyal customers and staff, target potential clients and reconnect with lapsed ones.

My cards are an ideal solution for Yorkshire businesses who want to thank customers and staff for their continued support during this difficult time, launch new products or services, communicate modified ways of working or simply say ‘we’re back’.

Angela Russell of Harrogate based Sky Blue Cleaners and Magic Maid sent out postcards to regular commercial and private clients and was thrilled with the results.

Angela said:

It’s been such a difficult time for so many of our customers and we wanted to let them know that we’re thinking of them and we’re here whenever they feel ready to have us back. The response has been fantastic, with 70% of customers getting in touch after receiving the postcard. There have been lots of compliments on the beautiful Stray blossom photo on the front too. A lovely personal touch for our predominantly Harrogate based customers.

You can find out more about Charlotte’s corporate cards at www.yorkshirecoporatecards.com

Black Sheep Brewery helping Yorkshire pubs showcase the county with new look to it first ever lager

10 July 2020

Business/Yorkshire

The new 54-branded pint tankards, which will be available in pubs across Yorkshire

Black Sheep Brewery is continuing its support for Yorkshire pubs with a new look for its first ever lager, which is designed to help showcase the best of the region.

54, a 4.5% ABV premium Helles-style lager named after the line of latitude that passes through Yorkshire and the market town of Masham where it is brewed, has been given a makeover to help promote the region.

The new look lager will provide pubs with an authentic and high-quality brand, which showcases the best of Yorkshire, backed by an online campaign to promote the region and encourage people to visit and experience a true taste of the county.

As lockdown restrictions are eased following the coronavirus pandemic, Black Sheep Brewery believes that staycations will attract more people to Yorkshire and a visit to a local pub.

Through its dedicated @54Lager social media channels on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, 54 will help highlight the broad range of visitor experiences with bespoke content for adventurous travellers to Yorkshire.

When they arrive in Yorkshire pubs, they’ll be greeted at the bar by new keg lenses and specialist glassware in the form of 54-branded pint tankards, designed to create a sense of theatre and make the experience even more enjoyable.

54 is a lager that blends both Yorkshire and German ingredients and methods to create a truly transnational lager of high quality and tradition.

Brewed with water from the Yorkshire Dales and German Pilsner Malt, together with Magnum and Polaris hops and the German noble hop, Tettnang, 54 is top fermented using Black Sheep’s famous Yorkshire Square fermenters, then lagered for a month to intensify the crisp, clean finish.

54 was originally launched in 2017 under the name ‘54° North’ and has performed well in its Yorkshire and North of England heartlands, quickly establishing itself in both the pub and retail markets with its bottled and canned versions securing several off-trade listings nationwide.

Rob Theakston, Managing Director at Black Sheep Brewery, said:

54 is an authentic Yorkshire lager and continues to be a popular choice for pub goers across the county. We are committed to supporting our loyal pubs and despite the challenges of the past few months, we are moving forward to help encourage people to visit a local Yorkshire pub.

There aren’t many Yorkshire lagers out there, and so updating 54’s brand further emphasises its role as a standout Yorkshire product that the region can rightly be proud of while helping to attract people to explore our truly amazing part of the world.

We’re looking forward to working with pubs across Yorkshire, helping them showcase the region and its outstanding hospitality to those who love to travel and enjoy authentic experiences.

Black Sheep Brewery announce the appointment of new ‘home grown’ head brewer

10 July 2020

Business/Yorkshire

Dan Scott-Paul, Head Brewer at Black Sheep Brewery

Black Sheep Brewery has announced the appointment of Dan Scott Paul as its new Head Brewer.

Dan, who first joined Black Sheep in 1998, has held the role of Interim Head Brewer since January, and has now been appointed on a permanent basis to lead the brewing team and drive innovation at the Masham-based brewery.

He has enjoyed a successful 19-year career with Black Sheep, spanning a number of positions starting as a 16-year-old on the cask racking line, which he did alongside his studies at Agricultural College.

Returning in 2002 as Brewing/Process Operator, Dan progressed his career to QA Brewer then Second Brewer, before securing the role of Interim Head Brewer earlier this year. His experience with Black Sheep gives Dan extensive knowledge of the specialist brewing techniques required to brew its core range of beers as well as its creative and diverse portfolio for its seasonal calendar.

Dan, who obtained his IBD Diploma in Brewing in 2013, and is currently in his final year of a five-year Master Brewers course, said:

I feel very privileged to have been appointed Head Brewer at Black Sheep.

As a 16-year-old working on the racking line I wouldn’t have dreamed that one day I would achieve this position, and I want to thank the whole team at the brewery for the support I have had throughout my time here. I am fortunate to have gained a lot of experience with previous Head Brewers, and look forward to taking up the mantle to drive innovation and creative brewing with the support of our amazing production team.

Rob Theakston, managing director at Black Sheep Brewery said:

We’re really excited for Dan to be leading the brewing team. He has been part of the Black Sheep family for almost two decades, and perfectly represents our values, traditions and forward thinking approach.

His knowledge and expertise will allow us to continue to drive innovation and fresh thinking, which is epitomised by our 5 Barrel Project, an initiative led by Dan to create a range of new wave beers that have no constraints on style or ingredients.

Dan has also been instrumental in the development of a number of award-winning beers in his tenure at Black Sheep, so we’re excited to see him continue to push brewing boundaries and create exciting brews.

Alongside his unique style and approach to our iconic brew kit, he will, of course, maintain our core brands and ensuring they continue to be consistent and of the highest quality.

Local Care Company gets the seal of approval

10 July 2020

Business/Harrogate

Sheena and Andrew Van Parys, co-owners, Home Instead Senior Care Harrogate, Ripon & Thirsk

Home Instead Senior Care Harrogate, Ripon & Thirsk has won an award for being one of the Top 20 home care providers in Yorkshire and the Humber. There are 753 home care providers in the region, and this is the fifth time they have won this award.

The award is based on the home care provider’s reviews from the people they care for, plus their friends and relatives. homecare.co.uk is a reviews site, that lists all registered UK home care providers, which helps people search for the right home care provider.

Sheena Van Parys, Co-owner of Home Instead Senior Care Harrogate, Ripon & Thirsk, said:

To win an award based on unbiased feedback from our clients and their families is an honour. The award is testament to the outstanding care delivered by our caregivers. They do wonders to ensure that older people can stay happy and safe at home, which has been even more crucial throughout the pandemic.

With an empathetic nature and passion for the role, our caregivers make a difference, not only to the lives of clients, but to the community as a whole.

Amanda Hopkins, reviews manager of homecare.co.uk, said:

High quality home care is crucial as it enables people to stay living in their own homes and keep their independence, with their home care worker often becoming their friend and companion as well as their lifeline to the outside world.

During the pandemic, their contribution has been invaluable as many vulnerable and elderly people have been forced to self-isolate and to some of these, care workers have been their only link with the rest of society. They have also been able to bring people living at home, food, and the medication they desperately need.

Home Instead Senior Care Harrogate, Ripon & Thirsk has shown that it provides care that is of excellent quality and we would like to congratulate it on being one of the top home care providers in Yorkshire and the Humber.

One of the reviews of Home Instead reads:

Home Instead Harrogate’s service goes way beyond purely practical needs. Management strategies appear well thought-out, and for the most part, highly client focused. Adaptation during the COVID-19 crisis has raised my impressions even further. Individual caregivers are truly exemplary and gold-standard – kind, patient and thoughtful, providing proactive care at a level one might otherwise expect only from family members. The service benefits not only my mother but the whole family who can be confident that she is receiving the best of care from the best of people.

Home Instead takes a unique, person-centred approach to home care, which benefits both clients and the team. Clients are supported to live as independently as possible, by caregivers that they come to know well and who visit for a minimum of an hour at a time.