This story is sponsored by Strive Group.

A connected experience agency in Harrogate is looking to take on more staff to help it expand its services to new clients. 

Strive Group, which works mainly with household names in the automotive sector, is recruiting initially for inside sales positions, based at its head office off Wetherby Road.

The company has several customer-focused teams, all supporting their clients with their customer experience journeys. Whether this be supporting customers through the process of buying a vehicle online, creating lead generation and opportunities for Volvo Corporate Sales, or booking in MOTs and services, and making mystery shopper calls.

Strive is now looking to expand its offering to other automotive manufacturers and is recruiting for Inside Sales Executives.

Helen Falgate, head of employee relations at Strive, said: 

“More customers are buying online now, so we take them through the retail journey, from initial enquiry right through to final purchase. It’s all completed remotely, but they always have just one point of contact, and we ensure that it’s a very personal service.”

Strive currently employs more than 60 people, and works with well-known brands including Volvo and Honda. But Helen said no experience or knowledge of working with cars was necessary for the new roles, as they depend more on having the right attitude: 

“There’s a lot of trust involved. That’s why the people we employ are absolutely essential. They need to be people who want to do their best for the customer. 

“People who have worked in retail and hospitality are often good at this, as they know how to be personable and build up a relationship with someone. Everybody we employ, we employ for their character. 

“But we don’t just want them to be good for us – we want us to be good for them. It’s a case of getting the right quality of people, rather than just getting the right quantity.” 

Strive employee Sarah Chandler, who works in inside sales for client Volvo Cars.

Sarah Chandler has a background in recruitment and started working at Strive in March 2022 as a contact centre executive. In June, she moved to inside sales, and now works with the Volvo team. She said: 

“I never knew much about cars, but Strive helped me build up my knowledge so that I am able to answer any questions a customer might ask. If you’re prepared to put something in, Strive will help you develop in your career as much as you want to progress.

“The rewards are good too. The targets are for the whole team, and very achievable – I’ve earned my bonus every month I’ve been here.

She added:

“This is the most positive environment I’ve ever worked in. It doesn’t feel like there’s a hierarchy – it might sound like a cliché, but it genuinely feels like a family here.” 

For more information about the roles on offer and to apply for any of the posts, go to Strive Group’s careers page by clicking or tapping here.

This story is sponsored by Gail’s Stitch In Time.

A Harrogate grandmother who swapped her office desk for a sewing machine says changing her career has fulfilled a long-held dream. 

Gail Byrne was head of HR for a local car dealership, but had been sewing as a hobby for decades. During the Covid lockdowns she started taking on small jobs, and then last year she finally launched her own business, Gail’s Stitch in Time. 

Working from home, she does “anything a sewing machine can do”, making dresses, cushions, curtains, and even Roman blinds, doing alterations, and using all kinds of material, from lace to leather. 

She said: 

“I just wanted a change – I didn’t want to be firing people anymore! My mum died when she was 60, and I’m now 55; I thought if I carried on in my old job I might just never to do what I really want to do. 

“I’ve been sewing as a hobby for 30 years, but I never thought I was good enough to do it as a job. But I started Stitch in Time last November and have never looked back. I’ve never been happier, both mentally and physically.” 

Gail has converted her dining room into a workroom, complete with changing room for fittings.

Gail has completely dedicated her dining room to the business, and has even turned a walk-in cupboard into a very “glitzy and bridal” changing room for clients when they come round for fittings. Recent jobs have included a hanging rail for a Campervan and a fabulous prom dress for her granddaughter. But she says she doesn’t have a favourite kind of job. She said: 

“The best bit is getting an email from a client saying that what I’ve made fits perfectly, or that it’s exactly what they wanted. There’s no feeling like it.” 

Since striking out on her own, Glasgow-born Gail has been busy backing up her experience with a sewing course which she passed with a distinction last year. Since then, she has been doing jobs for clients of all kinds, who are attracted by the quality of her work, competitive rates, and her friendly, local service. But she says she’s not in it for the money. 

She said: 

“Once I’m working, I forget what time it is. My husband even has to phone me from work to remind me to eat something for lunch! 

“There’s less stress and pressure, and I love to make people happy. Just seeing the smile on their face when they see what I’ve made makes it all worthwhile.” 

Find out more: 

If you have clothes that need altering, or would like something made to fit you perfectly, check out Gail’s website at www.gailstitch.com, email her at info@gailstitch.com, or call her to discuss your requirements on 07742 429281. 

People in the Harrogate district are being urged to consider a change of career to become foster carers — with the lure of payments and allowances that can add up to the equivalent of £41,000 a year.

North Yorkshire County Council said this week it was seeking more foster carers, and that the role came with “highly attractive rewards” as well as the satisfaction of helping children from the most challenged backgrounds.

It said the level of payments meant it was possible for recruits to opt out of their current careers for a change of life that also made a difference to the community.

About 310 fostering households in North Yorkshire provide a range of types of foster placements on behalf of the county council.

Candidates are found by Fostering North Yorkshire, which provides training and access to a fostering social worker. Back-up is also available from other specialist carers and fostering staff.

Harrogate foster carer Annette said:

“Fostering is so rewarding and it feels wonderful to watch the children develop and know what a difference you have made — it really does change lives.”

‘We were apprehensive at first’

A couple called Aisha and Chris became foster carers after their children left home for university. Aisha had worked with children in residential care so she had a suitable background.

She said:

“I have to admit we were quite apprehensive in the run up to the first young person who joined our family as we weren’t sure exactly what to expect or if we would know how to handle it.

“Now, looking back, I am so glad we made the move into specialist care. There have certainly been difficult times and we have heard about some really disturbing things that young people should never have to go through.

“But the change and growth in the children we have looked after, when they are offered a stable, caring, environment, is incredible to see.”

Read more:

• North Yorkshire County Council plans £56 council tax hike
• Harrogate cat charity ‘desperate’; for new fosterers

Recruitment drive

Fostering North Yorkshire Service Manager Alan Tucker said:

“Fostering North Yorkshire is always keen to hear from those with an interest in becoming involved in any type of fostering and the service is currently running a recruitment drive for specialist carers – we hope to recruit at least four additional specialist foster carers across the county.

“Specialist carers will already have significant experience of working with or caring for young people who have experienced early childhood trauma that can lead on to challenging behaviour in later life. Due to the demanding nature of the role it also comes with a generous allowance of up to £41k per annum.”

North Yorkshire County Councillor Janet Sanderson, executive member for children’s services, said:

“Any kind of fostering is a great way of helping society as well as specific young people, but specialist foster carers give an even more special service.

“That is why we need people who have experience, either working with or caring for young people with complex needs.

“The people we are looking for will be caring and compassionate, but with the ability and wherewithal to offer the intensive support the young people in their care are likely to need.

“This is not a role to under-estimate and that is reflected in the remuneration we are able to offer.”

More information is available here.