The Harrogate business group providing in-person meetings in an ‘increasingly virtual society’

(Above: Harrogate Business Group)

According to data from the Office of National Statistics, there were more businesses created in North Yorkshire in 2023 than any previous year – and 1,556 of that record-breaking number can be found in Harrogate.  

With such an influx of new companies and entrepreneurs, is there still a feeling of community amongst local businesses? After all, the benefits of connecting within the local area are numerous and multi-faceted including finding support, fulfilment and offering an organic way to expand a professional network. 

One group that seeks to encourage this is the Harrogate Business Group. It holds networking and development workshops that aim to empower entrepreneurs of all ages, and helps them to build a strong community in Harrogate.

The challenges of being online 

While owning and running an independent business has many positives, in an increasingly digital world it can also be challenging. 

With the business world migrating online, it can become an isolated place; inundated by social media content that only celebrates success or presents a carefully curated highlight reel, it’s easy to see how obstacles can feel harder to navigate. 

 Valuing face-to-face relationships 

The Harrogate Business Group places great emphasis on in-person meetings. Its regular Breakfast Networking Events are one of the ways the organisation provides a platform for this. 

Taking place every Friday over breakfast at Cedar Court Hotel, business owners, representatives and entrepreneurs can meet and share their advice and experiences face-to-face, rather than virtually.  

Speaking at the last event which took place on Friday, May 10, Martin Taylor, owner of Xi Communications said:   

“It’s so easy to get lulled into doing everything online. 

“As a small business, it can give you a huge advantage if you actually take the time to see your customer, or phone them, to build that relationship.” 

Networking event (Image: Harrogate Business Group)

‘One-to-one brings you so much more’ 

Rachel O’Rourke, HR consultant for Mint HR, highlighted that while she feels building relationships in person takes time, she certainly reaps the rewards.  

She added: 

“The virtual world has enabled people to expect things quickly. People want instant access and instant information.” 

Tom Lawrence, owner of TLC Properties, commented: 

“One-to-one brings you so much more. Not just about what it can do for your business, but what it can do within your business; advice, friendship, company. We are all social people.” 

A diverse background 

The group has a wide range of business backgrounds, from HR and marketing, to consultancy and accountancy. The variety allows members to learn from each other about every aspect of business, while also creating meaningful relationships. 

Chris White, owner of Green Ink explained: 

“It’s a learning curve for everybody. If I have a problem, I can speak to them about it because they have had the same issue.” 

Future events 

Alongside its breakfast events, the Harrogate Business Group also offers speed business clinics, where entrepreneurs and members of the public can meet a business professional from the group and receive advice, guidance or simply make new connections. 

The next clinic is being held on Friday, June 7.  

It is also holding a pitch your business idea event on July 5 for those looking to broaden their business opportunities. Tickets are available on a discretional donation policy, with all proceeds going to charity.  

Building relationships (Image: Harrogate Business Group)

The ripple effect: What are the benefits? 

According to the group who attended the Breakfast Networking Events on Friday, May 10, the increase in local businesses being created across Harrogate – especially by the younger generation – is evident. 

Micheal Grant, chairman of the group and owner of Minford Chartered Accountants commented: 

“There are a lot of younger entrepreneurs that are coming through which is fantastic.” 

His advice to young business owners would be that networks like the Harrogate Business Group are a great way to ‘get out and meet people, and push outside your comfort zone.’ 

Tom added: 

“[The group is] a bit like dropping a pebble in a pond. The ripples go out and you don’t know where they are going to go.” 

Everyone commended the group’s efforts at creating such a friendly atmosphere, concluding that being part of it provides camaraderie, emotional support, and a sense of personal and professional fulfilment – a precious commodity in today’s increasingly virtual and isolated society. 

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TEST Lifestyle ArticleTEST postTEST At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatumAt vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatumQuoteSed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiamPhoto of the week: a pair of hares in Roecliffe

This week’s photograph was taken by Peter Durkin from Boroughbridge, capturing two hares he spotted in Roecliffe.

Photo of the Week takes centre stage in our new-look nightly email newsletter. The newsletter drops into your inbox every evening at 6pm with all the day’s stories and more. To subscribe, click here.

(Image: Peter Durkin)

Photo of the Week celebrates the Harrogate district. It could be anything from family life to capturing the district’s beauty. We are interested in amateur and professional photographs, in a landscape format.

Send your photographs to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk for a chance to be featured next week. We reserve the right to adjust and crop images to fit into our format.

Harrogate barista shares tips for making the perfect cup of coffee

It’s fair to say we’re a nation of coffee drinkers in the UK – in fact, a 2021 survey conducted by the British Coffee Association found we drink 98 million cups per day.

But not all coffee is created equal, and the difference between a hastily made instant coffee and one presented by a barista can feel worlds apart.

Ezra Henry, from Heal, a wellness spa and café in Montpellier Quarter of Harrogate, has shared some top tips for ensuring your next cup is your best caffeine fix to date.

Start with fresh beans

Instant coffee certainly has its place – but if you’re looking to discover more types and flavours, according to Ezra there’s a clear place to start.

“The most important thing is to buy fresh beans. No matter what type of coffee you’re making, if you get pre-ground the coffee goes off really quickly.

“I’d recommend people get a cheap hand grinder to grind their own, as it’ll help everything taste really fresh. No matter which method you’re using, that’s highly recommended.

“I try to get single origin coffee where I can – Ethiopian is a good place to start. Lots of people think coffee is very bitter but Ethiopian and Kenyan can be very fruity, so that’s a good place to start getting into drinking it.”

Texturising milk is key

(Image: Pexels)

To achieve a silky-smooth texture for speciality drinks like flat whites, cappuccinos and lattes, Ezra recommends learning how to properly texturise the milk. Normally milk in these drinks will always be foamed, and introducing air and heat enhances the texture and taste.

“It can really change the way you drink the coffee and taste it – getting the milk just perfect is the best thing for me.

“Fill up your jug with milk, prep your steam wand and put the tip of the wand just at the top of the jug to create the foam. Then lower the wand into the jug.

“That’s how you can create more foam, by steaming the milk just at the top. It’s also important not to make the milk too hot. If the milk jug is too hot to touch, that’s when you can run into problems such as burning the milk or making it too frothy.”

The right temperature for this is generally considered between 60-65°C – but it’s a balancing act, and this technique can be one of the hardest barista skills to master.

Practice makes perfect – and that includes drinking it

Heal is located in Harrogate’s Montpellier Quarter

Youtube videos detailing step-by-step methods to grinding, texturising, pouring and more are an invaluable part of honing barista skills – and even caffeine aficionados can still learn something new.

But trying different types of coffee is also key to understand what your preferences are. This is something that Ezra feels is an important part of appreciating the drink, especially for those who still aren’t sure about the taste.

“I’d recommend trying a flat white first – it’s got milk in but it’s a shorter, stronger latte so you can taste the coffee a bit more.

“Once you feel like you’ve got used to the strength, drinking espressos is a great way to really experience the flavour profiles. Coffee is an exciting industry to be in – there’s so many different varieties.”

Heal is located at 6 Montpellier Gardens, Harrogate.

(Lead image: Pexels)

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Weekend walks in North Yorkshire – with a pub en route

It’s hard to beat the feeling of getting out into the countryside to get some fresh air, stretch your legs and take in some quintessential Yorkshire scenery.

Add to that the possibility of visiting a local pub for a pint or some hearty food, and you’ve got a winning weekend combination.

Welburn, Castle Howard and The Crown & Cushion

Castle Howard (Image: Pixabay)

The route: Starting and ending outside The Crown & Cushion pub in the pretty village of Welburn there are several circular walks that pass through woodlands and the land belonging to Castle Howard  – the estate website suggests longer and shorter routes, which are available to download as pdfs.

With sweeping scenery across the Howardian Hills, the estate boasts several follies, set amongst the arable farmland and gently undulating terrain.

The pub: The Crown & Cushion serves ‘fresh, locally sourced and seasonally led food’, according to its website.

Boasting a large beer garden and a dog-friendly policy, it’s a popular destination for both lunchtime walkers and fine diners.

Spofforth, Kirkby Overblow and The Castle Inn

Spofforth Castle

The route: The charming village of Spofforth is located between Wetherby and Harrogate and connects to many outlying villages by footpaths and bridleways.

Crossing farmlands and through the woods to Kirkby Overblow – which boasts several pubs of its own – the route can also be lengthened to incorporate another ancient village, Sicklinghall.

There are many walks that follow this route, including suggested directions from All Trails, and a blog by the Walking Englishman.

The pub: The Castle Inn in Spofforth is a classic example of an upmarket country pub, with rooms, an event space and a spacious outdoor area.

Sunday roasts are served with a signature giant Yorkshire pudding, and cask ales are sourced from a range of local breweries, including Leeds Brewery, Theakston and Timothy Taylor’s.

Staveley Nature Reserve and The Royal Oak Inn

Staveley Nature Reserve

The route: Staveley Nature Reserve, located between the villages of Staveley and Minskip, offers a large network of footpaths, covering 79 hectares of wetlands.

Parking is free, either in the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust car park or along Minskip Road, and many of the trails are accessible by both buggies and wheelchairs, and clearly signposted along the way.

The area is a haven for wildlife; a huge variety of birds such as ringed plovers, avocet and sand oystercatchers can be seen, as well as foxes, roe deer, otters, and grazing Highland cattle.

The pub: The Royal Oak Inn is located in the village of Staveley itself. On colder days, there is often a roaring fire for dogs and owners alike to enjoy, and the menu features traditional pub fare, such as pies, curry and fish and chips.

Burnsall, Hebden and The Red Lion

Wharfedale (Image: Pixabay)

The route: In picturesque Wharfedale, Burnsall is nestled between a circle of fells and the River Wharfe, with a history dating back to the Viking era.

Parking can be found on the west side of the river, and a permissive footpath winds its way down the riverbank for one mile, before reaching stepping stones that cross to the opposite bank, and to the village of Hebden.

To get back to Burnsall, follow the path along Hebden Beck, offering a quieter return journey than the riverside which can be popular with visitors in summer. Both the Yorkshire Dales National Park and The Red Lion itself have a suggested route on their respective websites.

The pub: A 16th century coaching inn, The Red Lion is not only a Burnsall institution, but a well-known watering hole in the Yorkshire Dales.

The beer terrace is a busy spot on a sunny day, and there’s a wide range of food and drink offerings, including brunch, as well as the firm favourites.

Knaresborough, and The Half Moon Inn

The Half Moon pub in Knaresborough.

The Half Moon pub in Knaresborough

The route: Knaresborough is often bustling with visitors and boaters in the summer months, but venturing further out of the historic town centre allows you to enjoy views of the River Nidd, without the crowds.

Strolling the length of the waterside you’ll pass the Shrine of Our Lady in the Crag, interesting rock garden sculptures and the impressively manicured lawns of the riverside houses.

To extend your journey, you can walk in the woodlands to Old Bilton, before looping back into Knaresborough. Visit Harrogate and All Trails both have versions of this route on their websites.

The pub: A family owned, independently run free house, The Half Moon Inn specialises in wood-fired pizza, grazing boards sourced from local producers, and a selection of local ales.

Perched at the end of Low Bridge, a short walk along Knaresborough’s riverside, the pub benefits from being slightly further out from the hubbub – although it’s certainly still a popular spot.

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