Business News in Harrogate – Stay up to date with the latest business news in Harrogate, Knaresborough, and Ripon, featuring company expansions, new shop and restaurant openings, commercial property, investment, employment, tourism, retail, hospitality, and major developments across Harrogate, Knaresborough, and Ripon. Whether you’re a local business owner, investor, or simply interested in the area’s thriving economy, discover the stories shaping one of North Yorkshire’s most dynamic business communities and explore the people and enterprises driving growth across the district.

 

£500,000 Harrogate Vintage Sale: 1,000 Classic Tractors and Collectables Head to the Showground

If you love classic tractors, vintage vehicles, steam engines, or agricultural history, there could be plenty worth seeing in Harrogate this weekend.

Around 1,000 lots worth more than £500,000 are expected to go under the hammer when the Harrogate Vintage Sale returns to the Great Yorkshire Showground on Saturday, 15 August 2026.

Described as the biggest annual vintage auction of its type in the North, the event attracts buyers, sellers, and enthusiasts from across the UK, Ireland, and mainland Europe.

And you don’t necessarily need to be bidding to find something interesting — the huge collection of historic machinery makes this a fascinating event for anyone with a passion for Britain’s farming and transport heritage.

At a glance

What: Harrogate Vintage Sale 2026
When: Saturday, 15 August 2026
Starts: 9am
Where: Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 8NZ
What’s for sale: Around 1,000 lots
Estimated total value: More than £500,000
Highlights: Classic tractors, steam engines, vintage lorries, agricultural machinery, implements, spares and collectibles

The £85,000 machine expected to turn heads

One of the stars of this year’s Harrogate sale is a spectacular 1915 Aveling and Porter Showman’s Engine conversion, known as Albion.

The historic machine has been in the same ownership for 27 years and comes to Harrogate from County Durham.

It carries an estimate of between £75,000 and £85,000, making it one of the most valuable and eye-catching lots in Saturday’s auction.

For steam enthusiasts, it could be one of the machines not to miss.

More than 100 classic tractors

Tractors are at the heart of the Harrogate Vintage Sale, and this year’s auction includes more than 100 examples.

Among those expected to attract attention is a meticulously restored 1979 Massey Ferguson 590, alongside a striking yellow 1965 Massey Ferguson 765.

Other notable tractors include:

• 1974 Massey Ferguson 1200
• 1965 Roadless 65
• 1994 Massey Ferguson 362
• Numerous Massey Ferguson models
• Ford and Fordson tractors
• David Brown tractors
• Classic Ferguson machinery

Whether you’re a serious collector or simply remember seeing these machines working the Yorkshire countryside, there should be plenty to bring back memories.

Look out for this rare 1965 lorry

It’s not all about tractors.

Among the vintage vehicles heading to Harrogate is a 1965 Scammell Highwayman lorry, alongside an extensive selection of agricultural implements, stationary engines, spare parts, and rural bygones.

With so many different lots in one place, part of the appeal is simply discovering what turns up.

Nearly 30 years of vintage sales in Harrogate

Auctioneer Cheffins has been bringing its annual vintage sale to Harrogate for almost three decades.

Bill King, Chairman at Cheffins, said:

“We have been hosting our annual Harrogate Vintage Sale for almost 30 years now, and it has become established as one of the most important events in the calendar for vintage tractor and machinery enthusiasts across the UK and Europe.”

The event regularly attracts buyers and sellers from Britain, Ireland and mainland Europe.

For sellers across the North, it provides an opportunity to put rare machinery and collectables in front of an international audience. For buyers, it’s a chance to hunt for tractors, steam engines, commercial vehicles, implements, and difficult-to-find spares.

Why it could be worth a trip to the Great Yorkshire Showground

The Harrogate Vintage Sale isn’t just about the biggest or most expensive machines.

For enthusiasts, much of the enjoyment comes from walking through the rows, spotting unusual machinery, talking to fellow collectors and discovering pieces of rural history.

Held in the middle of the summer show season at one of Yorkshire’s best-known showgrounds, it has become a popular annual gathering for the vintage machinery community.

And with around 1,000 lots expected this year, you’ll want to allow plenty of time to explore.

Planning to go?

The Harrogate Vintage Sale takes place on Saturday, 15 August 2026, with the auction beginning at 9 am at the Great Yorkshire Showground.

Great Yorkshire Showground
Harrogate
North Yorkshire
HG2 8NZ

For more information, contact Cheffins Machinery Sales on 01353 777767 or email machinery@cheffins.co.uk.

What would you take home?

A beautifully restored Massey Ferguson? A vintage lorry? A steam engine? Or perhaps one of the smaller pieces of agricultural history?

With £500,000-worth of machinery and collectables heading under the hammer, Saturday’s Harrogate sale should provide plenty to explore even if you’re only going along for a look.

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Exclusive New Homes Coming to Harrogate as Popular Development Expands

Looking for a new home in Harrogate? A sought-after neighbourhood on Otley Road is about to grow, with just nine energy-efficient family homes set to be built in one of the town’s most desirable locations.

Following the sell-out success of The Pastures, Yorkshire housebuilder Newett Homes has acquired a 1.5-acre site to create an exclusive extension featuring just nine premium homes.

The boutique development, with a gross development value of around £5 million, will offer a mix of three, four and five-bedroom properties designed for modern family living on Harrogate’s popular south-west edge.

Why Buyers Will Love These Homes

Every property has been designed with lower running costs and sustainability in mind, featuring:

• ☀️ Solar panels as standard
• ⚡ Electric vehicle charging points
• 🏡 Spacious three, four and five-bedroom layouts
• 🌳 A quiet, established neighbourhood close to schools, countryside and Harrogate town centre
• 🚗 Excellent commuter links and local amenities nearby

With only nine homes available, the development offers a rare opportunity to buy in an area where new housing opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce.

Investment in the Local Community

As part of the development, Newett Homes will contribute £65,000 towards local infrastructure and community improvements through its planning obligations.

Building on the Success of The Pastures

Will Newett, Chief Executive of Newett Homes, said demand for quality homes in Harrogate remains exceptionally strong.

He said the new development builds on the success of the original Pastures scheme and reflects what today’s buyers are looking for: thoughtfully designed, energy-efficient homes in well-connected locations.

“As a Yorkshire-based housebuilder, there is always a real sense of pride in delivering new communities within our heartland,” he said.

When Can You Move In?

Construction is already underway, with the first homes now available to reserve off-plan through William H Brown.

The first homeowners are expected to move in from February 2027, with the entire development due for completion in May 2027.

Thinking About Moving?

With Harrogate continuing to attract families, professionals and commuters thanks to its excellent schools, green spaces and quality of life, opportunities to buy brand-new homes in established neighbourhoods are increasingly rare.

If you’re searching for an energy-efficient family home in one of North Yorkshire’s most desirable towns, this latest phase of The Pastures could be worth exploring.

For more information or to reserve a property, contact William H Brown Harrogate on 01423 502282.

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New home and interiors store to open in Harrogate as popular Yorkshire retailer expands

Harrogate’s shopping scene is about to get even more stylish.

A popular independent interiors retailer from York has chosen Harrogate for its second store, bringing an exciting mix of designer homeware, furniture, gifts and bespoke interior design services to the town centre.

Upside Down Design, which has built a loyal customer base since opening on Bootham in York in 2017, will soon open a flagship store on West Park, next to Boho Chic.

The expansion is another boost for Harrogate’s growing reputation as one of Yorkshire’s leading destinations for independent shopping.

A new destination for home inspiration

Whether you’re renovating a single room or transforming your entire home, the new Harrogate store promises plenty of inspiration.

Shoppers will discover a carefully curated collection of:

• Contemporary furniture
• Designer lighting
• Stylish home accessories
• Soft furnishings
• Vintage-inspired décor
• Unique gifts and lifestyle products
• Organic cosmetics
• Fashion accessories
• Books, games and stationery

Alongside its retail offering, Upside Down Design will provide professional interior design services, helping customers create beautiful, practical living spaces tailored to their individual style.

Bespoke design services

The Harrogate showroom will also offer personalised home styling, including:

• Interior design consultations
• Room planning and layout advice
• Made-to-measure curtains
• Custom blinds
• Bespoke cushions
• Upholstery services

The combination of retail and expert design advice has made the York store a favourite with homeowners looking for something different from the high street.

Five new jobs created

The expansion is also creating new employment opportunities in Harrogate.

Upside Down Design is currently recruiting for five positions:

• Store Manager
• Assistant Manager
• Three Sales Assistants

Applicants are invited to send a CV and covering letter to shop@upsidedowndesign.co.uk.

A welcome addition to Harrogate’s independent shopping scene

Although an opening date has not yet been confirmed, preparations are well underway and anticipation is already building.

Located on West Park, one of Harrogate’s best-known shopping streets, the new store is expected to attract homeowners, interior design enthusiasts and visitors looking for distinctive home furnishings and thoughtful gifts.

The arrival of Upside Down Design continues the trend of successful independent businesses investing in Harrogate, strengthening the town’s reputation as one of the best places in Yorkshire to shop, browse and discover something unique.

If you’re planning a visit to Harrogate later this year, this is one new store you’ll want to add to your list.

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One of Harrogate’s most-loved family businesses is celebrating an incredible 120 years – and you’re invited

For generations of Harrogate families, a visit to Smiths has been part of creating a home. Now the iconic independent retailer is celebrating an incredible 120 years in business – and everyone is invited to join the party.

If you’ve ever bought a sofa, dining table, bed or piece of furniture from Smiths of Harrogate, there’s a good chance you’re part of its remarkable story.

Next weekend, the family-run business will celebrate 120 years of trading, making it one of Harrogate’s longest-established independent retailers and one of the town’s greatest local success stories.

To mark the milestone, the Dragon Road showroom will throw open its doors for four days of celebrations packed with exclusive offers, live entertainment, expert demonstrations and plenty of birthday treats.

🎉 Why you should visit

Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your home or simply want to support one of Harrogate’s best-loved independent businesses, there’s plenty happening throughout the anniversary weekend.

Visitors can enjoy:

• 🎂 Complimentary birthday cake, tea and coffee
• 🎁 Anniversary competitions and giveaways
• 💷 Exclusive 120th birthday discounts and special promotions
• 🛋️ Extra savings on new furniture orders
• 🎙️ Live broadcast from Pete Egerton and Your Harrogate Radio on Friday (10am–1pm)
• 👨‍🏫 Furniture demonstrations and expert advice from leading manufacturers

A Harrogate business that’s stood the test of time

Founded in 1906 by Frederick Smith, the business began as a small second-hand furniture shop.

Today, five generations later, Smiths has grown into one of North Yorkshire’s best-known independent furniture retailers while remaining proudly family owned.

Its Dragon Road showroom—known to many locals simply as “The Rink”—has helped thousands of families furnish their homes over the decades.

While retail has changed dramatically over the past century, Smiths has continued to evolve without losing the personal service and friendly advice that customers have come to expect.

❤️ “We’re incredibly proud”

Oliver Smith, great-great-grandson of founder Frederick Smith, said:

“We’re incredibly proud to be celebrating 120 years as a family business in Harrogate. It’s a real milestone for us, and we’re very grateful to our customers, colleagues and the local community for their continued support over the years.

“We wanted to mark the occasion by inviting people into the store to celebrate with us and to say thank you.”

A retailer trusted for generations

Smiths has built lasting partnerships with many of Britain’s leading furniture makers and is one of the UK’s longest-established retailers of Ercol furniture.

Its reputation has been built not just on quality products, but on trust, expert advice and a commitment to looking after customers long after they’ve made a purchase.

📅 Don’t miss the celebrations

If you’ve never visited Smiths before, this anniversary weekend is the perfect excuse.

If you’re a long-time customer, it’s a chance to celebrate a business that has been part of Harrogate life for more than a century.

Anniversary Weekend
📍 Smiths of Harrogate, Dragon Road, Harrogate

Friday 3 July – Monday 6 July

Expect birthday celebrations, exclusive offers, competitions, expert demonstrations, refreshments and a warm Yorkshire welcome.

Have you got memories of shopping at Smiths over the years? Share your favourite memories and celebrate 120 years of one of Harrogate’s true independent success stories.

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Strengthening compliance support for Harrogate businesses

Think Compliance partners with Product Partnerships Ltd (PPL)

Harrogate-based Think Compliance has entered an exciting new chapter, joining forces with national compliance specialist Product Partnerships Ltd (PPL) following the acquisition of a majority stake.

For local businesses, this means the same trusted Think Compliance team, now supported by a larger group with deeper resources, broader sector experience and long-term growth plans.

What this means for Harrogate and North Yorkshire firms

✔ Local expertise stays local
Think Compliance continues to operate from Harrogate, working closely with regional clients who value accessible, relationship-led support.

✔ More backing, more capability
Behind the scenes, the team now has access to wider group expertise across regulated sectors and national markets.

✔ Future-proof compliance support
The partnership creates a stronger platform for ongoing investment in people, systems and specialist knowledge.

The focus remains on helping businesses meet their Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) obligations in a way that is clear, practical and proportionate — without unnecessary complexity.

A Harrogate team with real-world experience

Think Compliance’s strength lies in its people.

The Harrogate team includes experienced advisors and consultants who have worked across:

• Banking and financial services

• The Claims Management Regulator

• Lloyd’s of London

This breadth of experience allows them to support local firms with practical, commercially aware compliance guidance — not just box-ticking.

Business News in Harrogate

Why partner with PPL?

PPL is a Leeds-headquartered compliance specialist that supports businesses across the UK, from growing SMEs to household-name brands.A quick snapshot:

• 🏢 Founded 11 years ago in Yorkshire

• 📈 Client base quadrupled since management buyout

• 💷 Over £350m in credit transactions overseen in the past year

• 🤝 Works with brands including Aston Martin, Hyundai, JD Sports and Scottish Power

By welcoming Think Compliance into the group, PPL adds more than 200 clients and strengthens its presence across regulated sectors — while keeping local teams at the heart of delivery.

Part of a wider Yorkshire growth story

The acquisition follows a £10m investment round in early 2025 and sits alongside a series of strategic partnerships, including a recent agreement with Mac Tools, part of the Stanley Black & Decker Group.

Retail industry veteran Peter Cowgill has also joined PPL as a non-executive director, supporting the business as it scales responsibly.

Looking ahead for Harrogate businesses

This partnership brings national capability with a local mindset — giving Harrogate and North Yorkshire firms access to deeper compliance expertise without losing the personal service they rely on.

Based in Harrogate

Backed by a national group

Focused on sustainable, compliant growth

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Business News in Harrogate

Another Blow for Harrogate Russell & Bromley shoppers in Harrogate and York could see a well-known footwear brand disappear from the high street after Russell & Bromley was sold in a £2.5 million rescue deal.

The 150-year-old British shoe brand, Russell & Bromley, has been bought by retail giant Next — but only three UK stores are set to remain open under the new ownership.

That puts the Harrogate shop and York concession among dozens of locations now facing an uncertain future.

Which Russell & Bromley Stores Are at Risk in North Yorkshire?

Russell & Bromley currently operates:

• a standalone store in Harrogate town centre, and

• a concession inside Fenwick in York.

Next has confirmed it will retain only stores in Chelsea, Mayfair and Bluewater in Kent, leaving the remaining 33 stores and nine concessions under review.

No decision has yet been made on the future of the Harrogate or York locations, but both fall outside Next’s retained estate.

Administration Confirmed as Review Continues

Administrators have been appointed to Russell & Bromley Ltd and Russell & Bromley Online Ltd, according to notices published in the London Gazette.

The 147-year-old business employs around 440 people across the UK and Ireland. Administrators Interpath said all remaining stores and concessions are continuing to trade while options are explored.

What Has Been Said About the Takeover?

Next said the acquisition was aimed at safeguarding the long-term future of the brand.This acquisition secures the future of a much-loved British footwear brand and provides the operational stability needed to support its next chapter.”

Russell & Bromley chief executive Andrew Bromley described the sale as a difficult but necessary step.This is the best route to secure the future of the brand, and we would like to thank our staff, customers and partners for their continued support.”

If the Harrogate store or York concession were to close, it would mark another loss for North Yorkshire’s high streets, which have already seen several national retailers scale back physical stores.

For now, shoppers can still visit both locations — but their long-term future remains unclear.

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Business News in Harrogate

New senior role announced as Knaresborough looks to reshape future of its historic market

A major new role has been announced as Knaresborough Town Council moves to strengthen the local economy and secure the future of one of North Yorkshire’s best-known market towns.

The Council is recruiting a Town Development Manager — a newly created position that will play a key role in supporting local businesses, revitalising the town centre, and shaping the next chapter of Knaresborough Market.

A turning point for Knaresborough Market

The announcement follows the Town Council’s successful move last October to take over the running of the historic market, which operates under a Royal Charter granted by King Edward II.

The decision came amid fears the market could be “slowly killed off” after proposals that would have required traders to fund and erect their own stalls — a move widely criticised by traders and residents.

With responsibility now firmly in local hands, the Council says the new role will help unlock the market’s full potential through strategic leadership, commercial development, and rebranding.

“A chance to make a real difference”

Mayor of Knaresborough, Councillor Helen Westmancoat, said the role offers a rare opportunity for someone to help shape the town’s future.This is an exciting opportunity for someone with vision, commercial acumen, and a passion for place-making. Knaresborough is a vibrant and much-loved market town, and we are looking for a community-minded Town Development Manager who can build on our strengths, support local businesses, and help shape a sustainable and prosperous future for the town.”

What the role involves

The Town Development Manager will lead work to:

• Strengthen Knaresborough’s town centre economy

• Support independent traders and local businesses

• Develop a Town Economic Strategy and Market Business Plan

• Deliver events, partnerships, and regeneration projects

• Secure external funding to support economic and community initiatives

The Council is seeking a proactive and commercially minded individual with experience in economic development, markets, regeneration, or town centre management.

Salary and contract details

The role is being offered on a one-year fixed-term contract, with the potential for extension, and includes membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme. The salary range is £40,000–£45,000 pro rata.

How to apply

Applications are now open. Full details and application information are available on the Knaresborough Town Council website:
https://www.knaresboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk/Vacancies_49390.aspx

The deadline for applications is Monday, 23 February 2026.

Business News in Harrogate

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Black Sheep Brewery in a £6.5m rescue and restoration deal.

At a time when Britain’s brewing industry has been buckling under rising costs, squeezed margins and faltering consumer confidence, the rescue of Black Sheep Brewery feels like more than just another distressed deal. It is, arguably, a statement of intent.

The £6.5m acquisition by the newly formed Great British Drinks Company is being framed not as a quick turnaround or asset strip, but as a restoration project — one that aims to preserve Yorkshire’s brewing heritage while giving it the financial backing it has recently lacked.

Backed by the family entrepreneurs behind Paramount Retail Group, Great British Drinks Company was only established this month, yet it has moved quickly to secure a portfolio of well-known craft brands that had found themselves on increasingly unstable ground. Alongside Black Sheep, the deal safeguards breweries including Purity Brewing Co, Brew By Numbers, Brick Brewery, North Brewing Company, Magic Rock Brewing and Fourpure Brewing Co.

In practical terms, the numbers matter. Black Sheep is being acquired for around £4.5m, with more than £2m earmarked for future investment. But the human cost matters too: 145 jobs have been secured at a time when redundancies have become an all-too-familiar feature of the hospitality and brewing sectors.

The deal follows a turbulent period for Keystone Brewing Group, which filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators last year amid intensifying financial pressure. Administrators from FRP Advisory moved swiftly to complete a pre-pack sale, advised by Shoosmiths, ensuring continuity for the businesses and their brands.

What makes this intervention particularly interesting is the long-term posture being adopted by the buyer. Ravi Sharma, co-founder of Great British Drinks Company, has spoken less about rationalisation and more about pride, relationships and rebuilding — language that stands out in an industry increasingly shaped by consolidation and retreat.

There is, of course, irony in the background. Paramount Retail Group already owns Saltaire Brewery, a rival Yorkshire brand acquired in 2024. Yet rather than undermining the narrative, it reinforces a broader point: heritage breweries still have value, but only when paired with capital, operational discipline and patience.

Founded in 1992 by Paul Theakston, Black Sheep Brewery has long punched above its weight, with strong supermarket distribution and national recognition. That it found itself needing rescue is less a failure of the brand than a reflection of how unforgiving the current trading environment has become.

For now, this is a rare piece of good news for a sector that badly needs it. Whether the restoration succeeds will depend on execution rather than sentiment — but for Yorkshire brewing, and for British craft beer more widely, this feels like a foundation being shored up rather than another landmark quietly lost.

Business News in Harrogate

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Harrogate Organics Begins New Chapter Following Local Acquisition

Harrogate-founded wellbeing brand Harrogate Organics Company Limited has entered a new phase of growth after being acquired by Harrogate-based Strive Group Brands Limited.

The acquisition, completed on 6 June 2025 following a period of administration, secures the future of the business and sets out a clear plan for stabilisation and sustainable growth under local ownership.

Rooted in Harrogate’s heritage of health and wellbeing, Harrogate Organics is known for solution-led products supporting everyday needs such as sleep, stress, and relaxation. The brand has built a strong national following, particularly for its award-winning Magnesium Spray.

Since the acquisition

The focus has been on strengthening the foundations of the business, including:

• Closing the town-centre retail shop

• Improving operational efficiencies

• Strengthening supplier relationships

• Returning the company to profitability (achieved in November)

The business now operates as part of Strive Group Limited, which marks its 25th year in business and works with brands including Honda and Papa Johns.

About Strive Group Ltd –  Strive Group (Strive Group Limited/Brands) is a UK-based brand experience and development agency that creates brand strategies, employee experiences, and customer journeys for major clients like Papa Johns and Honda, working across sectors like automotive, retail, and wellness, with a notable recent acquisition of The Harrogate Organics Company in 2025 to expand its wellness portfolio. They are known for delivering immersive brand activations, virtual showrooms, and digital experiences, aiming to build emotional connections for brands.

Managing Director Alistair Grant said the priority was stability before growth, with plans to streamline the product range and improve the customer experience while maintaining quality and sustainability.

What’s next

Over the next 12 months, Harrogate Organics plans to:

• Refresh its website and brand identity

• Invest in staff training

• Launch new products across Magnesium, Skincare, and Supplements

With renewed local ownership and a clearer strategic direction, Harrogate Organics is positioning itself for a stable future—further strengthening Harrogate’s reputation as a home for quality wellbeing brands.

Business News in Harrogate

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Spirit of Harrogate into administration

An award-winning Harrogate gin retailer has entered administration, blaming rising costs and prolonged difficult trading conditions.

Spirit of Harrogate, founded in the North Yorkshire spa town in 2014, is the company behind the popular Slingsby Gin range.

Lewis Business Recovery and Insolvency confirmed it has been instructed to place the firm into administration, with Gareth Lewis and Matthew Russell appointed as proposed joint administrators.

Gareth Lewis said the business is now being actively marketed for sale as a going concern, with the aim of preserving jobs and maximising returns for creditors.

“Unfortunately, like many businesses in this sector, Spirit of Harrogate has struggled with rising costs and challenging trading conditions in recent years,” he said. “It remains one of Harrogate’s iconic independent retailers, and the Slingsby Gin brand is highly respected both locally and nationally.”

The company currently employs five staff.

Spirit of Harrogate was founded by local entrepreneurs Marcus Black and Mike Carthy, who set out to create a premium gin brand celebrating Harrogate’s spa-town heritage. The business quickly established itself as a high-street destination, combining retail with immersive gin experiences that attracted visitors from across the UK.

According to the company’s website, Slingsby Gin is inspired by the discovery of the Tewit Well in 1571 by Sir William Slingsby — a pivotal moment that helped establish Harrogate as a spa destination. The brand sought to capture the “Spirit of Harrogate” by reflecting the area’s restorative history and natural character.

Slingsby Gin is made using water drawn from an underground aquifer in Harrogate and botanicals grown at the nearby Rudding Park Hotel, although the distillation process takes place in Birmingham.

The brand has received national recognition, with its rhubarb gin winning a gold medal at the World Gin Awards in 2023.

Administrators say efforts are ongoing to secure a buyer for the business and its assets.

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Got a business idea? York & North Yorkshire’s own “Dragon’s Den” could fund it

If you’re running a business in York or North Yorkshire and have an idea that’s been sitting on the back burner, a new funding programme could help you bring it to life.

The Mayor has launched Great Ideas — a Dragon’s Den–style business support programme offering grants of up to £60,000, alongside expert mentoring to help ambitious businesses grow.

Who is this for?

Great Ideas is built for real businesses at real stages, whether you’re:

• Testing a brand-new product or service

• Looking to scale an idea you’ve already proven

• Struggling to secure funding to move to the next stage

• Ready to pitch an investment-ready proposal

If you’re based in York or North Yorkshire, this programme is designed with you in mind.

What support can you access?

Successful applicants can benefit from:

• 💷 Grants of up to £60,000

• 🧠 Expert business advice from regional specialists

• 🎯 Intensive one-to-one support

• 🗣️ A chance to pitch your idea to a panel of experts

• 🚀 Practical help turning ideas into commercial reality

The strongest proposals will be invited to present their ideas in a format inspired by Dragon’s Den, where funding decisions are unlocked and tailored support begins.

Business News in Harrogate

A clear signal: the region is backing business

David Skaith says the programme is about removing barriers holding back innovation:York and North Yorkshire has always been home to creators and entrepreneurs, but too many brilliant ideas never get the support they deserve.

Great Ideas gives businesses access to world-class advice and meaningful financial backing. It’s the most ambitious support package we’ve delivered and shows this region is open for business.”

Who’s delivering the programme?

The programme is being delivered by UMi, a national business support organisation with a strong track record in innovation funding and investor readiness.

UMi will run Great Ideas over the next two years, helping businesses navigate funding, refine ideas, and prepare for growth.

Part of a bigger support package

Great Ideas is one of five programmes within the Business Innovation Fund, alongside:

• Sector Activity

• Spin-Outs and Start-Ups

• Get Exporting

• Get Funded (launching soon)

Together, they form a joined-up support pathway for businesses across the region.

Ready to explore?

If you’re curious, considering applying, or just want to see what’s available, the full programme prospectus is available online:

👉 https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk/project/business-innovation-fund/

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