Council leisure company Brimhams Active is to spend at least £8,000 of public money on a staff awards ceremony this weekend.

Brimhams operates all leisure provision in the Harrogate district on behalf of North Yorkshire Council, including leisure centres in Harrogate, Ripon Knaresborough and Pateley Bridge, as well as Starbeck Baths.

A source alerted the Stray Ferret to Sunday’s event at the Pavilions of Harrogate. They added:

“I would think as a North Yorkshire Council-owned company, the council taxpayers’ money they have left at the end of a financial year would go back to the council rather than finding an excuse to spend it, particularly given the increases we’ve all had on our council tax bills this week.”

The new Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre

The Stray Ferret contacted North Yorkshire Council for further details of the event, including the cost.

Mark Tweedie, managing director of Brimhams Active, initially said costs had been “kept to a minimum by suppliers sponsoring the awards” but did not disclose a figure.

He added:

“Our annual people awards event is a fabulous opportunity to recognise and celebrate effort and achievement.

“The event itself helps our people who work day-to-day across different facilities to come together and connect. It plays a huge part in boosting morale, which in turn helps enhance workforce productivity.

“Up to 200 members of our team will attend the awards event at the Pavilions of Harrogate.”

When pressed for a figure, Mr Tweedie said:

“The venue hire and food is charged at £40 per person and we have 200 people attending. We are very careful in how we manage our budget. We believe this is a sound, proportionate investment in our people that helps to optimise people recruitment, retention and productivity for a business with a circa £8 million turnover.

“This investment serves to acknowledge and celebrate outstanding team and individual efforts that have delivered remarkable results, including overachieving in relation to footfall and budget and achievement of national accreditations (Quest and Water Wellbeing) within 2.5 years of the company’s inception.”

He added “the decorations are provided by staff” and the photographer and DJ were “providing their services in kind”.

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Brimhams to be abolished

Brimhams Active, which was set-up up by the now defunct Harrogate Borough Council, is due to be abolished after executive councillors decided to bring leisure provision back in-house in January.

The council’s current portfolio, which includes 19 leisure centres, 16 swimming pools, three wellbeing hubs, a nursery and Harrogate’s Turkish Baths, is run by five different operators.

But despite councillors stating the existing Brimhams model is “particularly advanced”, the leisure shake-up will see all these services moved to a single in-house operation.

The local authority believes the new structure will see a greater focus on health and wellbeing, provide more opportunities for people to participate and will focus on addressing inequalities.

It hopes the transition will be complete by 2028.

Businesses at the Pavilions of Harrogate educated themselves on all things digital at the inaugural Stray Ferret Digital Marketing Conference today.

The event, which was sponsored by Ison Harrison Solicitors and York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, saw industry-wide speakers discuss the importance of a digital presence and the need to invest in digital marketing to optimise businesses.

From SEO strategies and emojis to driving digital growth and social media planning, no stone was left unturned.

Digital agencies Next Chapter and Impression Studio both discussed the importance of standing out in a crowded marketplace, embracing modern technology, and developing a clear digital marketing plan for the best results. Ben Foster of the SEO Works talked delegates through the art of getting to the top of an internet search.

Social media manager Rachel Moore, The Glam Hut’s Mia Williamson and Best Kept Secret Clothing’s Fiona Martin all emphasised the importance of social media. Rachel spoke about aiming to master one platform, while Mia and Fiona said small businesses don’t need to spend huge amounts of money on equipment to make good content.

“Personality shining through and consistency are both key”, they added.

Georgie Pogge-von Strandmann, solicitor and branch manager at Ison Harrison Solicitors, said:

“We’re really pleased to be part of the Stray Ferret Digital Marketing Conference and supporting other businesses in the digital marketing world.”

The Stray Ferret’s Commercial Manager Emma Harris added that in a world consumed by technology, we now more than ever must “embrace digital marketing and all its benefits”.

Lucy Playford, affectionately known as Harrogate Mama, and Chelsea Talbot from Positive Influence Agency gave an in-depth guide into influencer marketing. The pair discussed the positive effects an influencer can have on brands that choose to market through them.

Lauren Cooper and Georgie Harmer from Intandem Communications led a talk on the power of engaging content, while Chloe Byrne from Audience brought the day to a close with an insight into this year’s consumer trends.

Jack Colding from York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub.

Karen Booth, business relationship manager at York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, added:

“We’re so happy to support other businesses here today and to be part of the first Stray Ferret Digital Marketing Conference.”

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Not even an amber weather warning could stop the Stray Ferret Business Awards in March, with a turnout of nearly 400 people and many smiling faces, we’re looking forward to doing it all again in 2024.

Following the success of our inaugural event, the Stray Ferret Business Awards will be making its return next year – and we’re ready to receive your entries!

Sponsored by local financial advisers Prosperis, the Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024 will take place in the Pavilions of Harrogate on Thursday, March 14.

The awards ceremony will recognise businesses of all sectors and sizes to highlight the best and brightest in the Harrogate district’s business community – including Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Masham and Nidderdale.

The black-tie event will include our all-important awards ceremony, a special Winner’s Lounge sponsored by LCF Law and entertainment throughout the evening

Whether you’ve seen significant business growth, place sustainability at the centre of your core values, or provide great progression for your employees, our awards will shine a light on excellent organisations and individuals.

There are 10 award categories to enter:

• Best Employer – sponsored by Jones Myers
• Best Use of Digital – sponsored by A.S.E Computer Services
• Business Growth – sponsored by Raworths Solicitors
• Business of the Year – sponsored by Reed Boardall
• Inclusivity Award – sponsored by Kempston-Parkes Chartered Surveyors
• Rising Star Under 30 – sponsored by Thompsons Chartered Accountants
• Sustainable Business – sponsored by York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub
• Best Independent Retailer*
• Dynamic Leader*
• Employee Appreciation*

Emma Harris, Commercial Manager of the Stray Ferret, said:

“We were blown away by the success of our inaugural Business Awards ceremony earlier this year and hope the 2024 event will not disappoint.

“The Stray Ferret Business Awards highlights businesses that are making a difference in the community, as well as those who have overcome adversity and are going strong.

“We can’t wait to see the entries.

“It is entirely free to enter and the Stray Ferret will showcase the fantastic work of all finalists and winners, so we encourage you to put your business forward today.

“The Harrogate district may be a small part of the world, but includes hugely successful businesses with talented individuals who we believe deserve to be recognised.”

Entries are now open.

*There are still a small number of sponsorship opportunities available, so don’t miss out on showcasing your business to the district ahead of and on the night of the awards ceremony.

For more information on the Stray Ferret Business Awards 2024, contact advertising@thestrayferret.co.uk .

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The third in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is a lunch event on March 30 from 12.30pm.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

The Pavilions of Harrogate has secured new high-end retail events for this year.

The venue, which is based at the Great Yorkshire Showground, has announced it is set to host the Sweaty Betty Sale, Joules Sale and the Boden Sale.

In the first quarter of the year Pavilions will host 150 events ranging from retail sales, to funerals, dinners and conferences.

The Sweaty Betty Sale starts at 1:30pm on Monday 20th March to Wednesday 22nd March, the Joules Sale will opens on Thursday 23rd to Saturday 25th March. The Boden Sale will be held on Wednesday 20th September and Thursday 21st September.

Heather Parry, managing director of Pavilions of Harrogate and the Yorkshire Event Centre, said: 

“Event organisers tell us they are impressed by the venues, our commitment to sustainability and the passion and dedication of our wonderful team. We are proud of our track record and continue to strive for excellence in all we do. 

“We are excited that 2023 will be our most successful year ever in both our venues.”

Raworths announces food bank as charity partner

Simon Morris, managing partner of Raworths and Dawn Cussons, manager of Harrogate District Foodbank. Credit: Raworths

A Harrogate law firm has chosen Harrogate District Foodbank has its charity partner for 2023.

Raworths staff will fundraise for the foodbank after voting for it to become the firm’s chosen charity.

Harrogate District Foodbank opened in 2013 and is funded by local churches, community groups and individuals, operating under the umbrella of national organisation, the Trussell Trust.

Simon Morris, managing partner at Raworths, said 

“People may not expect Harrogate to need a foodbank as it has a reputation as an affluent area, but the reality is, there are also areas which need extra support. 

“In fact, everyone is feeling the pinch and looking to rein in their spending which also impacts charities. We believe this charity’s services are invaluable, so we really want to support and help where we can.”

Dawn Cussons, manager of Harrogate District Foodbank, said 

“We’re delighted that Raworths chose us as their charity partner this year.

“We depend heavily on the generosity of our local community for donations, funds and, of course, our incredible volunteers whom we rely upon for everything from our warehouse and deliveries to signposting volunteers and welcomers.”

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