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’.

Harrogate PR agency Cause UK has achieved the prestigious B Corp certification.

B Corp is a certification awarded for ongoing commitment to meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Cause UK was established in 2010 by sisters Clair and Ann Challenor-Chadwick, and specialises in supporting organisations that have positive impact. Its clients operate in the arts, charity, social enterprise, and public sector. The team also supports ethical businesses.

Clair said:

“B Corp is a rigorous process that demands Cause UK meets the highest standards of social responsibility and environmental stewardship. So, we’re incredibly proud to meet this milestone.”

B Corporations are accredited by B Lab, a non-profit network that works to transform the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. Its international network of organisations supports a collective vision of an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.

B Corp certification is awarded to businesses that strive to balance purpose and profit, using their operations as a force for good.

Harrogate companies that have already achieved the certification include Harrogate Spring Water and lifestyle brand NEOM Organics.

Clair added:

“In 2024, we aim to represent more businesses in order to afford us to support more good causes. We believe most businesses now take responsibility for people and planet, and we’re keen to work with those who share these values as part of our five-year growth strategy.”

Sponsors lend names to Harrogate Town stands

Harrogate Town unveiled two new stands last night for its League Two clash with Wrexham. 

The PIB Insurance stand is brand new and large enough to host a record away crowd, and the new-look Myrings stand now has seating behind the goal in what was previously an all-standing section. 

Ross Barnitt, a senior director at PIB, said:  

“Back in the 2015 season I was fortunate to witness Town achieve their highest ever league finish to secure play-offs in the National League North. At the same time, PIB was formed with its first two employees. 

“In the years that followed, Town have written their own history with impressive promotions to the National League and then the Football League, and PIB have grown to more than 4,000 employees across eight countries. 

“Our shared commitment to supporting local communities and shared passion for excellence makes us very proud to partner with Harrogate Town at this exciting time in their history.” 

Harrogate estate agent Myrings is a long-time supporter of Harrogate Town. Managing director Gemma Myring said: 

“Myrings are extremely proud to unveil the amazing new stand for home supporters. This marks yet another terrific milestone on the Club’s journey into Sky Bet League Two of the Football League along the road to the next promotion. Just in time for their home fixture vs Wrexham too!” 

Read more:

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• Business Breakfast: New chef named at Wild Swan in Minskip
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The Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis, will be held on March 9 at the Pavilions of Harrogate. Early bird tickets are available until February 9. The event will celebrate success and business excellence across the Harrogate district. It’s a night not to be missed! There’ll be a fabulous prize draw for all attending and Richard Flinton, the incoming Chief Executive of North Yorkshire Council, is guest speaker. 

A Harrogate public relations firm has secured three international clients amid a growth in its business.

Cause UK, which is based on Victoria Avenue, helped French-based company Famileo, Pakistan charity CARE Foundation and lobby group Free Tibet with its communications over the past 12 months.

The agency, which represents a number of clients in the Harrogate district and beyond, specialises in generating regional and national media profile for clients.

Clair Challenor-Chadwick, managing director of Cause UK, said: 

“It’s testament to the impact and reputation of our work that our agency was approached by a number of global organisations in the past year or so.”

Harrogate BID to host networking walk

Harrogate Business Improvement District is set to hold a networking walk as part of its next BID club meeting.

Starting at the Harrogate war memorial in the town centre at 5pm on Thursday (February 9), the walk will be led by Harry Satloka from Free Walking Tour Harrogate.

The BID club offer members a regular opportunity to hear from different speakers, find out key information about town centre events and initiatives, and to meet with fellow BID members, directors and the BID team.

The walk will end at the Disappearing Chin, on Beulah Street, for drinks and nibbles.

Bethany Allen, Harrogate BID marketing and business executive, said

“Harry will be taking us on our own private tour, where I’m sure even those who live here will learn something new about our wonderful town.”

BID members wishing to take part should register here.

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• Business Breakfast: New café opens on Harrogate’s Cardale Park

A play exploring the life of one of Harrogate’s most famous citizens premieres at the Royal Hall tomorrow — a theatre he helped to build.

Samson Fox, who died in 1903, was an inventor, philanthropist and Harrogate mayor, whose legacy is evident throughout the town.

The Man Who Captured Sunlight explores Samson’s life and controversial legal battle with author Jerome K Jerome.

Yorkshire actor Joe Standerline stars as the inventor, whose ideas had a major impact around the world.

His greatest creation, the corrugated boiler flue, saved thousands of lives and revolutionised engine construction.

His philanthropic legacy to the arts includes the creation of the Royal Hall and the Royal College of Music in London.

Speaking to the Stray Ferret at the dress rehearsal, Mr Standerline said:

“He takes interesting to another level. I feel a bit boring in comparison. There is definitely pressure to become one of the most uber human beings that has ever walked the planet. The guy was simply amazing.

“I think the people of Harrogate are definitely in for a treat. We’ve put the work in and we now get to play in this astounding theatre. Samson paid for a fair dollop of the place. We are ready now to project this piece.

“It’s part biopic, part period drama. The language in it is absolutely delicious and it’s surprisingly funny.”

As the great grandfather to actors Edward and James Fox, Samson also helped to create the UK’s most famed theatrical acting dynasty.

His grandchildren and great-grandchildren have starred in major TV shows and movies, from Edward Fox in the Day of the Jackal, to Emilia Fox in Silent Witness, and Freddie Fox in The Crown.

Read more:

• Famous acting family set for play premiere in Harrogate
• Royal Hall Proms returns to Harrogate next month

Freddie Fox will attend the matinee performance and take part in an audience Q&A. The actor Joanna David, Freddie’s mother, will also attend.

Freddie Fox (photo by Tavistock Wood) and Samson Fox.

Mr Standerline, who has appeared in TV series such as ITV’s Victoria, joked:

“I’ll just say I’m perfectly fine with it. There’s no pressure at all performing in front of one of the greatest acting dynasties in the whole history of cinema and the theatre.”

Mr Standerline said the people of Harrogate had been extremely welcoming. He added:

“It’s been great spending the last few weeks here, integrating ourselves into the community that we are representing. It is a responsibility and we are taking it seriously and we can’t wait to get people in these seats.”

Born into poverty

Samson was born into poverty in Bradford in 1838 and worked in the mills from the age of nine. An impresario of his day, he famously ‘bottled the sun’ as Harrogate’s streets became the first thoroughfares in the world to be lit with his Fox Water-Gas.

Samson Fox and his family.

The play, written by Doctor Who writer Gavin Collinson, charts Samson’s meteoric rise, followed by the 19th century libel trial involving the author and editor, Jerome K Jerome.

Mr Collinson told the Stray Ferret:

“What I wanted to do is show his human side, show his family, show his heart. I wanted to show everything he risked, which was his considerable fortune, to clear his name. I also wanted to look into his ambiguities. Was he a good man? Hopefully that’s something the play explores.

“When the opportunity came up to tell his story, it was something I couldn’t refuse.

“The Fox family have read the script and they were incredibly kind. I hope they enjoy it tomorrow.

“I’m in awe of all the cast. I just sit there and write the lines but they bring it to life.

“I hope the people in Harrogate will enjoy the play. It’s a cast of Northern voices. There’s a reality and celebration of where we are from and I hope people embrace that.”

Cause UK, the Harrogate-based creative agency, has produced and sponsored  the play.

The Man Who Captured Sunlight premieres in Harrogate’s Royal Hall tomorrow, with the matinee at 2.30pm and evening performance at 7pm. Buy tickets here.

Four culture organisations in the Harrogate district have been awarded further funding as part of the government’s culture recovery fund.

Arts Council England granted the funding as part of a further £300 million worth of financial support for culture and art organisations.

The government announced a £1.57 billion fund last year which aimed to support cultural and heritage sectors from the economic impact of covid.

Read more: 

• Ripon cultural organisations receive £170,000 lifeline
• Harewood House awarded funding boost
• Harrogate Theatre awarded £250,000 survival boost

Among those to be awarded a grant is Cause UK, which has secured £35,000 in funding.

The agency hosted Ken Loach and Brian Blessed in Harrogate on behalf of the Harrogate Film Festival, as well as family events at the Royal Hall with Steve Backshall and Chris Packham

Clair Challenor-Chadwick, managing director of Cause UK, said:

“As a vibrant agency for 10 years, Cause UK had strong growth pre-covid, thanks to our growing cultural portfolio. Obviously, that was all put on hold with covid.

“A significant part of our work is also as a support agency to arts, public sector and charities. We’ve supported organisations as diverse as Besbrode Pianos, Ilkley Literature Festival, The Barnsley Civic, Harrogate Convention Centre, the Wesley Centre in Malton and the Himalayan Sculpture Park.

“We’re proud our work has had significant impact, helping clients to win awards, increase visitor and audience reach, engage sponsors, and attract investment.”

Harrogate Theatre with stands empty in the town centre.

Meanwhile, Harrogate International Festivals has been awarded £80,000 and Harrogate Theatre secured £91,078.

Ripon Museum Trust has also been granted £69,350.

The chief executive of Harrogate Theatre Trust, David Bown, gave his reaction to the grant:

“We are thrilled to receive this funding from the Cultural Recovery Fund. It will allow us to move forward with increasing confidence as we launch our Raise the Roof season by bringing drama, comedy and music to community venues throughout the district in what will be challenging times as restrictions are relaxed.”

The cultural recovery fund is targeted at organisations which work in music, theatre, dance, combined arts, visual arts, museums or literature.

The funding has been awarded by Arts Council England, Historic England, National Lottery Heritage Fund and the British Film Institute

Oliver Dowden, culture secretary, said: 

“Our record-breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they’ve ever faced. 

“Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors – helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”

Visitors to Brimham Rocks were treated to an impromptu concert this week designed to highlight the importance of nature and arts at a time of crisis.

Cause UK, which does marketing for Nidderdale AONB, worked with Leeds firm Besbrode Pianos to get the concert grand piano firmly in place at the beauty spot.

Pianist Kevin James received applause and requests for encores during his Monday afternoon recital. Most listeners had not heard live music for six months.

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Those lucky enough to be there are unlikely to hear live music again anytime soon due to social distancing measures.

Visitors to Brimham Rocks got a real treat on Monday afternoon.

Clair Challenor-Chadwick, managing director of Cause UK, said:

“The whole of the UK is stressed out of its mind from the pandemic. As we work in the arts and across the green agenda, the piano idea was a way to highlight how much we need both right now – how we should value it, why we should safeguard it.”

The arts and nature are both under threat in the UK. More than 40% of species are in decline and many live events are not viable to run.

The concert occurred ahead of Landscapes for Life Week, which starts on September 19 and aims to reconnect people with nature at AONBs in England and Wales.