Harrogate-based purpose-built student accommodation company, Homes For Students (HFS), has welcomed a new major shareholder.

International real estate company Far East Orchard Limited has bought a 49% stake in the business in a deal worth £17.6 million.

Founded in 2015, HFS operates over 40,000 beds in more than 50 university towns and cities in the UK and Ireland.

Far East Orchard moved into the development and investment of purpose-built student accommodation in the UK in 2015. Legal firm Raworths, also based in Harrogate, advised HFS on the deal, having represented the company since its inception.

Martin Corbett, chief executive officer for Homes for Students said:

“The shareholders and I are pleased to welcome Far East Orchard as a new principal investor to the Homes for Students team following their purchase of 49% of the share capital from four of our exiting investors.

“Since May 2023, we have been operating Far East Orchard’s PBSA property and already established a successful partnership. We very much look forward to continuing to grow our enterprise together, investing in our people, technology and new business streams.

Far East Orchard was represented by CMS and the exiting investors were advised by Walker Morris and Dentons.

Harrogate architects become a B Corp

S+SA Architects has announced its certification as a B Corporation (or B Corp).

Verified by B Lab the certification assesses the entirety of a business’ operations and currently covers five main impact areas: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers.

Joel Smith, director of S+SA Architects, said:

“Over the past 10 years, our practice has grown, establishing a modern practice ethos that has people at the centre of its purpose. We pursued B Corp Certification to join like-minded businesses meeting high standards of social and environmental impact.”

Harrogate Hotel win TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024

Cedar Court Hotel Harrogate team

Cedar Court Hotel has been recognised in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2024.

Cedar Court Hotel Harrogate hotel has celebrated its second consecutive win, while the Bradford branch recorded its first win.

Wayne Topley, managing director of Cedar Court Hotels, said:

“We are so proud of what our teams have achieved; these awards are a testament to the significant investments and renovations each hotel has undergone and the focus on the teams and our customers that is now very much part of our DNA.”

Oliver Stott, hotel manager for Harrogate, said:

“This has been a real journey. In 2019, the hotel ranked 25th in the Harrogate Market on TripAdvisor. I am so proud of the team and that they receive daily positive recognition for their efforts.”

Yorkshire audiologists introduce new clinic:

Bayfields Opticians and Audiologists has introduced a specialist service as the number of tinnitus cases in the UK continues to rise.

According to Tinnitus UK, prevalence of the condition has increased by 50 per cent in the last 15 years. Bayfields new Tinnitus Clinic, introduced to tackle the condition will include a free 15-minute tinnitus hearing health check.

Patients who are diagnosed with the condition will then be invited to an in-depth 75 minute personalised examination to determine the extent and cause.

Sarah Griffiths, tinnitus specialist audiologist at Bayfields Opticians and Audiologists, said:

“We’re seeing a real increase in clients who are suffering with the effects of tinnitus in recent years, and it’s affecting people of all ages. Modern life and the increased use of technology such as headphones, coupled with a faster paced lifestyle and higher stress levels can all play a role in the development of tinnitus.

Harrogate company become official on-seller of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tickets

Tom Hesketh, Chloe Goodall, Luke Edwards, Joe Aikman from Impulse Decisions at the desert experience

Harrogate-based events company Impulse Decisions is one of only five companies in the UK to be official on-sellers of tickets for this years Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The event takes place on 5th-9th December this year.

Currently based in Windsor House in Harrogate, but moving to new offices soon, Impulse Decisions also offer a range of other sporting events and corporate hospitality in addition to their charity auctions.

Grantley Hall to sponsor Ebor Fashion Lawn 

Megan Nicholls pictured outside Grantley Hall

Grantley Hall, Ripon, is set to be this year’s headline sponsor of the Ebor Fashion Lawn.

The event will take place across The Sky Bet Ebor Festival, from August 21-24 at York Racecourse.

The Ebor Fashion Lawn is a catwalk that’s open to all during the races, offering the opportunity for the most stylishly dressed to show off their outfits, whilst a judging panel will then select the best dressed each day of the festival.

Have some news to share about your business? Send it to us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

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Grantley Hall has won an appeal against a council order preventing it from using a helipad after an alleged planning breach.

The former Harrogate Borough Council issued an enforcement notice in September 2022 against the hotel for using the helipad for take off and landings without planning permission.

However, the luxury hotel, which is located five miles west of Ripon, challenged the order and appealed to the government’s Planning Inspectorate.

In documents submitted to a planning inspector, the hotel argued that there was “clear evidence for the demand for this facility”.

But, the council argued that the helipad location caused damage to the area and the significance of a heritage asset in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Now, a planning inspector has sided with the hotel over the matter and quashed the enforcement order.

Picture of the helipad in the Grantley Hall grounds, as submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.

B S Rogers, the inspector who oversaw the appeal, said in a report that he recognised that the hotel had already offered conditions for the proposal in a report know as the “Grantley Hall Hotel Helipad Aviation Summary Report”.

These included restricting flights to 72 visits a year, restricting arrival and departures between 9am and 7pm and that the hotel retain flight data and provide this to the council upon request.

Mr Rogers said it was common ground between the two parties that uncontrolled use of the site would “not be acceptable in this highly sensitive location”.

However, he added that compliance with the conditions would mean the helipad would not “unduly harm the historic environment, the natural environment or the living conditions of local residents”.

Mr Rogers said:

“It would provide a small but significant additional benefit to the local economy. As such, the development would not unduly conflict with the provisions of the development plan or of national policy.”

In response to the appeal outcome, Nuno César de Sá, general manager at Grantley Hall, said:

“Grantley Hall is delighted with the outcome of the appeal and the positive impact this will bring to our business.

“As the hotel enters its’ fifth year of operation and with trading going from strength to strength this decision will allow us to continue to attract key clients to the hotel who wish to arrive by helicopter.

“We will work closely with the local authority to fulfil the operational obligations set in place and remain open to constructive feedback and communication with relevant parties to ensure that minimum disruption is caused within our local environment.”

Read more:

• Grantley Hall withdraws helipad plan for third time

• Halls of Ripon to expand through major reconfiguration

Three planning withdrawals

The hotel withdrew plans for the helicopter landing pad for a third time in June 2021 after council officers recommended rejecting the proposal.

Nidderdale AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), Grantley and Sawley Parish Council and several residents objected to the plans, with one local describing the application as “totally unnecessary” and “self-fulfilling”.

The hotel has withdrawn three applications and had another rejected since first asking for permission to use an existing helipad in 2018.

Grantley Hall opened as a hotel after a £70 million refurbishment in 2019.

It was once used by West Riding County Council between 1947 and 1974 as an adult education residential college, as well as a training and conference centre by North Yorkshire County Council.

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’.

Yorkshire Events Centre and Pavilions of Harrogate have announced a new events director.

Richard Moorhouse has been promoted to the role after being venue manager at the centre for the last 12 years.

Mr Moorhouse will be tasked with heading up events and conferencing venues at the Great Yorkshire Showground.

In a post on its social media, Yorkshire Events Centre said:

“Richard has over 20 years’ experience in the industry and previously held operational roles at the Freedom Centre, Hull and in hospitality at Doncaster Racecourse.”

Grantley Hall recognised at hospitality awards

Grantley Hall near Ripon has been recognised at an industry awards ceremony.

The hotel was awarded the “best service” award at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2024.

The awards aim to recognise excellence within the hospitality industry.

Richard Sykes, managing director at Grantley Hall, said:

“Receiving the award for ‘Best Service’ at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2024 is a moment of immense pride for the entire Grantley Hall family.

“This accolade is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, our dedicated team’s passion for hospitality and the genuine care we extend to each and every guest.

“We are deeply honoured by this recognition, as it only strengthens our resolve to continue exceeding the expectations of those we have the privilege to serve and experience the magic of Grantley Hall.”

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The skies above the Harrogate district turned green and red last night as the Northern Lights made another appearance.

The aurora borealis was visible across the country for a second night running.

Photographer Paul Oldham took this stunning image over Grantley Hall, near Ripon, at about 6.30pm.

It was not the first time Mr Oldham has captured the natural light display, which appears during geomagnetic storms.

In September, he took this shot above How Hill in Ripon.

Paul Oldham’s Northern Lights photo in September.

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This story is sponsored by Grantley Hall

If you’re looking for a touch of magic this Christmas, Grantley Hall is on hand to make all your Christmas wishes come true.

As the most wonderful time of the year fast approaches, the five-star options on offer at the hotel will bring friends and families a taste of luxury and is just on the district’s doorstep.

From festive parties and Christmas lunches to festive afternoon tea and New Year celebrations, Christmas at Grantley Hall promises to be nothing short of perfection.

Festive Dining

Grantley Hall, better know as indulgence on our doorstep, will boast range of festive dining options to be enjoyed by locals and hotel guests this Christmas.

Whether you’re looking for a long lunch with friends or a seasonal afternoon tea with family, the hotel can guarantee you will leave with a belly full of Christmas spirit!

Why not kick-start December with a reservation at the festive champagne lunch on 2 December. This lunch combines a three-course lunch crafted by Grantley’s top chefs including a half bottle of Veuve Clicquot per person. Whilst enjoying the delightful food, a DJ and saxophonist will entertain.

From edible Christmas trees and chocolate reindeer to French fancies and glittering bauble cakes, the Festive Afternoon Tea will truly make you wish it was Christmas everyday.

Experience a magical Grantley Hall Christmas

Après at the Orchard

The Après alpine winter wonderland at the Orchard is reopening on 4 November. Dine in a cosy winter themed restaurant whilst enjoying the new menu as well as indulge in the Möet & Chandon champagne cocktails which have been created specifically to pair with the menu. Book to attend the spectacular launch event on 3 November.

The hughely popular Sunday sessions will be returning over the winter months.

Christmas Parties

Picture this: Champagne flowing, friends laughing and snowflakes glistening. Well, with Grantley Hall’s Christmas Parties, that can soon become a reality.

Who needs to travel when the Grantley Suite can become a magical winter wonderland?

With a private bar, dance floor and terrace area, up to 150 guests can dance the night away and celebrate the party season in style.

If that wasn’t enough, guests can expect a four-course dinner including Braised Blade of Limousin Beef and a Glazed Raspberry Délice in between the partying.

Let Grantley Hall work its magic and make it a Christmas to remember with their seasonal celebrations.

All Christmas bookings can be made now on Grantley Hall’s website or by emailing either dine@grantleyhall.co.uk or events@grantleyhall.co.uk.

New Year’s Eve Gala Ball

As a fairy Godmother once said: you will go to the ball.

Ditch the midnight countdown from your sofa and get your glad rags on, as the Grantley Hall New Year’s Eve Gala Ball fast approaches!

Expect an evening of exquisite food, including Dressed Crab and Yorkshire Salt Aged Beef Fillet, flowing drinks and only the happiest of memories.

This dazzling event will whisk you and your loved ones into 2024 with the sounds of a traditional pipes, a live firework display and even more bubbly at midnight.

Just a short taxi ride from Harrogate and Ripon, embrace the luxury on offer at Grantley Hall — after all, that level of enjoyment is hard to put a price on.

Celebrate the arrival of 2024 in style at the Grantley Hall New Year’s Eve House Party!

For those looking to go the extra mile this Christmas or New Year, Grantley Hall also offers two or three-night stays with its Christmas House Party and New Year House Party Packages — who says you have to travel far for ultimate grandeur?

The packages include five-star accommodation, food and spa access, with added bonuses of National Trust visits and entertainment.

So, whether you’re looking for a festive getaway, a family affair or just a good old knees up, Grantley Hall is guaranteed to bring you and your loved ones a Christmas or New Year that is nothing short of perfection.

Find out more about the packages or non-residential options available at Grantley Hall at grantleyhall.co.uk

The Stray Ferret was the proud media partner for St Wilfrid’s Stars with our coverage kindly sponsored by Grantley Hall and Little Bird Made.

For Peter Wilkinson, it was an evening of cheers and tears when he was announced as an award winner at the St Wilfrid’s Stars ceremony in Ripon Cathedral.

Each day, during term time,  he is on duty morning and afternoon at the busy junction of Kirkby Road/Trinity Lane and Church Lane, to ensure that children and parents of Holy Trinity, St Wilfrid’s Outwood Academy and Ripon Grammar are able to cross the road safely.

Peter Wilkinson (third from left) is pictured with the Mayor of Ripon, councillor Sid Hawke, who presented the community award and David Ingham, of event organisers Ripon Together, who accepted Brian Lumley’s trophy from the, Dean of Ripon the Very Revd John Dobson.

A lollipop man for three years, Mr Wilkinson was cheered and applauded when his name was read out. He told the Stray Ferret:

“I wasn’t expecting to receive an award and it proved an emotional evening for me and my wife Estelle

“We both had tears in our eyes and I would like to thank whoever it was that nominated me.”

Brian Lumley, who mans the crossing patrol on Bondgate Green, which is primarily used by parents and children on their way to and from Cathedral School, also received an award, but could not be present to accept it.

He and Mr Wilkinson were among the city’s unsung heroes who received recognition for the contribution that they make to community life in Ripon.

An estimated 400 people gathered to see the distinctive St Wilfrid’s Stars award trophies, produced by Jennyruth Workshops, presented to the winners of 11 categories.

There was also musical entertainment provided by three soloists from Ripon Grammar School and the energetic All for One Ripon Choir.

The awards, sponsored by Little Bird Made artisan markets and Grantley Hall and named in honour of Ripon’s patron saint  Wilfrid, was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Mrs Jo Ropner, who is pictured presenting the Individual Young Person Award to Harry Wilkinson, one of Ripon YMCA’s Young Leaders.

She said:

“Harry is a young carer, who does not let his own health conditions hold him back from helping others. He is a great role model.”

Earlier this month Ms Ropner was a member of the judging panel chaired by the Dean and including  the Mayor, Ripon BID Chair Richard Compton, Tamsin O’Brien director of the Stray Ferret and Paul Matless of Ripon YMCA, which had the difficult task of selecting winners from the hundreds of nominations received.

Dean John, said:

“Ripon Together launched the awards last year as part of the cathedral’s 1,350th anniversary celebrations and now, in our second year we have established a tradition and a way of using St Wilfrid’s star symbol as a way of thanking the very many stars that we have in our community, for the work they do in making Ripon a better place to live.

“A great deal of that work is carried out by volunteers of all ages and we are grateful for what they do.”

Category winners

Other winners were: Ripon Scenic Cruises, which attracts thousands of visitors a year to the city’s canal.  Founder Richard Willis received the Tourism Award from Tamsin O’Brien. (pictured below).

Ms O’Brien also presented the Culture Award to Nick Thompson, in recognition of his work, over the past seven years, in bringing nationally and internationally-known musicians to perform in Ripon.

The Business Award was made by the Lord Lieutenant to Rebecca Crallan (pictured below) owner and founder of The GreenHouse in North Street, for the innovative approach that she has taken to promoting her eco and environmentally-friendly products to customers.

The Mayor presented the Environment Award to members of the Lower Ure Conservation Trust (pictured below) whose work over many years, has included development of the biodiversity-rich Nosterfield Nature Reserve.

He also presented the Young People’s Group Award to members of Ripon Grammar School Sixth form (pictured below) in recognition of their outstanding community volunteering work carried out as part of the school’s Plus One Programme.

Ripon Swimming Club, which, for more than 80 years, has been involved in teaching people of all ages to swim, was presented with the Sport award by Dean John.

The award for the not-for-profit organisation that has made a difference to local people in the past year, was presented  to Ripon YMCA team by Richard Compton (pictured below, right).

The Individual Supporter of Youth Award was won by Ripon Library outreach librarian Claire Thompson, for the many initiatives that she has undertaken to encourage the community to use the library’s facilities.

Ms Thompson could not be present at last night’s ceremony and the trophy was received on her behalf by colleague Louise Monkman, pictured below with Mr Compton.

The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented jointly by the Lord Lieutenant and the Dean, but its recipient, Simon Hewitt, could not be present and it was received on his behalf by fellow Ripon Together member Mick Stanley.

Mr Hewitt was recognised for his wide-ranging voluntary work that has included the establishment of community events that have become regular fixtures on the city’s calendar, such as the highly-successful Ripon Theatre Festival and Funfest, which provides free summer activities for local children

Main picture: Award winners and judges are pictured at the St Wilfrid’s Stars presentation evening.

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, October 26 at Banyan in Harrogate from 8am to 10 am. 

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

Harrogate creative agency, Impression Studio, has announced ambitious plans for growth that will take the agency and its sister business, Next Chapter, to £1m turnover by the end of the financial year 2025.

 The creative agency and digital products agency has 17 staff across two brands; Impression and sister agency, Next Chapter, which specialises in digital marketing.

The business is looking to create 5 additional positions across the board.

CEO and founder Charlie Hartley said:

“We’ve experienced encouraging and sustainable growth within the last 2 years, expanding our international client base and spreading our wings further throughout the UK with the addition of FLOCC earlier this year, which has given us access to exciting businesses in East Anglia.

“Of course, we’re Yorkshire born and bred and we’ve been thrilled to grow in our home county, with the addition of 3 new team members recently and exciting projects like Betty’s and Taylors Group, the company behind the iconic Yorkshire Tea brand. We have ambitious plans to ramp up our sales and marketing activity significantly and hope this will help us reach the £1m turnover mark within the next couple of years, as well as grow the team. It’s an exciting time and we have brilliant people on the journey.”

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Grantley Hall to host recruitment event

Luxury hotel Grantley Hall, near Ripon, is to hold a recruitment night on Monday, October 23.

The ‘Come join our Party’ event marks a fresh approach by the hotel to recruitment.

The hotel says the night promises an ‘unforgettable experience for attendees’ and includes a cocktail masterclass, canapés, mini-massages and the opportunity to meet senior staff  to hear about the different events that are held at Grantley Hall.

In March, Grantley won the Employee Development Award at the Stray Ferret’s Business Awards.

Grantley Hall general manager, Nuno César De Sá, said:

“We’re excited to open our doors to potential team members and showcase the incredible opportunities available at Grantley Hall.

“Our ‘Come Join Our Party’ event is not just about recruiting, it’s about inviting individuals to be a part of a remarkable journey, where they can flourish personally and professionally.”

The event starts at 4pm. For further contact: careers@grantleyhall.co.uk.