Archive for the ‘News’ Category

One of Harrogate’s fastest-growing accountancy practices has appointed a new senior accountant – doubling staff numbers in just six months.

CCF Accountancy has welcomed Jackie Dowker to the team, on South Park Road, and owner Teresa Bowe says she has further expansion plans later in 2012.

“Jackie joins us from another local practice and her experience is already proving invaluable,” said Teresa. “CCF is going through an intensive period of growth at the moment – we have doubled our turnover in the past year and taken on a lot of new clients, so it’s vital we have someone of her calibre on board.

“If business continues to expand as planned we expect to be making further appointments later on in the year, which is very exciting.”

With a Liverpool office run by Martin Denison and consultant Roy Lancaster looking after business in West Yorkshire, Jackie’s appointment takes the CCF team – which was three-strong in January – up to six.

“We’re growing rapidly but are still committed to our ethos of ‘Customers Come First’ – it’s what we stand for, literally,” said Teresa.

“The main investment has been blood, sweat and tears – and, as you’d expect from an accountant, every move has been planned strategically with careful forecasting and financial management.”

Jackie added: “I’m delighted to join CCF and looking forward to getting to know my new clients and associates. Teresa’s approach matches my own views – customers are the most important part of any business and their interests come first.”

Students’ successes and achievements were celebrated at Rossett School’s recent annual awards evening.

As well as highlighting the good work being done in school, the parents, teachers and guests present heard from Mark Allison, the British man who made national headlines after running 3,100 miles across the United States for charity earlier this year.

Mark, known as ‘Run Geordie Run’, averaged 31 miles per day over 100 days on his route from California to New York City, covering 13 states and through extreme conditions from heat to snow.

“He’s a great role model and I was delighted when he agreed to come and talk at our presentation evening,” said Rossett School’s deputy headteacher, Mr Paul McIntosh.

“We held a raffle on the night which, along with our school contribution, raised £650 which we’re giving to The Children’s Foundation – Mark’s chosen charity. Special thanks must go to Restaurant Bar and Grill in Harrogate for their prize donation of a meal for two.”

Mr McIntosh added: “I’d also like to thank David Morgan and his team at the Holiday Inn in Harrogate. They very kindly put Mark up in the hotel free of charge so that he could be with us – we very much appreciate their support.”

Mark Allinson also spoke about his next challenge – a 2,600-mile ‘jog’ across Australia in 2013.

List of Prizewinners

• Headteacher’s Special Award for Outstanding Academic Performance – Polly Ash
• Robert Pullan Award for Outstanding Progress in Adversity – Ben Freeman
• John  Whittle Award for Outstanding Contribution to School Life – Abigail Marshall
• Year 11 Achievement Coordinators Award – Sophie Fowler
• Sue Bell Award for Literature – James Noble
• Art – Amy Hull
• Business Studies – Sophie Helsby
• Child Development – Emma Corbett
• Drama – Alice Barrott
• English – Jennifer Scott
• Food Technology – Hannah Shepherd
• French – Jade O’Connor
• Geography – Richard Riseley
• Health & Social Care – Leana Taglietti
• History – Jacob Packter
• ICT – Andrew Hastings
• Languages – Jessica Walmsley
• Mathematics – Beatrice Hill
• Mathematics (stats) – Sam Longbottom-Smith
• Music – Will Cook
• Philosophy & Ethics – Polly Ash
• Product Design – Cameron Ogg
• Resistant Materials – Jonny Day
• RS – James Noble
• Science – Nyasha Nyakudya
• Biology – Laura Phillips
• Chemistry – Kieran Chana
• Physics – Alex Hoang
• Spanish – Beatrice Hill
• Sports – Jordan Emsley & Zoe Wotherspoon
• Textiles – Megan Howard
• Vocational – Jake Taylor
• Economics – Ben Longbottom-Smith

A RESTAURANT in the centre of Harrogate is letting customers smoke inside – but says it won’t be breaking the law.

Bed, in Kings Road, is offering the chance for customers to use electronic cigarettes, which only produce water vapour, in its second-floor dining room.

The scheme is the idea of restaurant owner Dave Burns, who said using the alternative cigarettes has helped him break a 28-year habit.

He said: “I feel better. I don’t wake up in the morning feeling like I’m 80 rather than 43 – I genuinely feel healthier.

“You are still addicted to nicotine but you haven’t get all the carcinogens and other things in there.”

As a convert to the cigarettes, which work by heating up water to create a nicotine vapour which the user inhales, Dave is allowing customers to use them in one room of his restaurant to see if the idea is popular.

But with the ban on smoking in enclosed public places having been introduced more than four years ago, he said it could take a while to get used to the sight of people smoking in a restaurant again.

“It’s still a bit taboo,” said Dave. “It looks bizarre that people look like they are smoking even though they aren’t.

“But all they expel is water vapour which disperses into nothing. There’s no smell and nothing else.”

And for anyone who wants to try the electronic cigarettes – known as “vaping” rather than smoking – Dave is selling the Totally Wicked brand at the restaurant.

The devices can be refilled and recharged using a mains socket or USB and Dave expects they will catch on in the UK as well as they have in the United States.

“Most people who have bought them are like me and are old enough and mature enough to realise that although they enjoy cigarettes, they aren’t good for you.”

Dave is holding his first vaping night on Wednesday, September 7, in the top dining room, which will become a weekly event if it is popular enough.

The rest of the restaurant will be open as normal for other customers.

lThe Department of Health has however said it is not aware of any evidence about the long term safety of e-cigarettes and as such, would suggest that consumers exercise caution.

source: http://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/news/business/legal_smoking_in_a_harrogate_restaurant_1_3670839

Web Design Harrogate with Imyge Net and Web Sites Made Easy.

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Imyge Net provide a bespoke web design service in Harrogate from tailored brochure websites to full bespoke e-commerce solutions and CMS (Content Management Systems) websites.

Web Sites Made Easy have a range of products that offer the nest startup business, sole traders or SME’s on a budget theopportunity to have a professionally design website paid for weekly. For prices and packages go to www.web-sites-made-easy.co.uk

View the Web Design Harrogate page on HarrogateOnline.com

www.a1insurance.co.uk

Tips and Hints from A1 Insurance

Be prepared for the thaw
Date: 8 January 2010

We are here and ready to help. To make a claim, call us on 01937 581417 or look on our website for the contact numbers for insurers helplines 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The cost and personal inconvenience caused by a burst pipe claim can be considerable with claims often running into many thousands of pounds. Just a small fracture can release hundreds of gallons of water into your property; damaging carpets, walls, ceilings and also personal items.

The chance of suffering these losses can be reduced and we would recommend taking the following steps to do this:

General tips:

• Check the location of your stopcock.
• Check whether your boiler needs servicing.
• Check the insulation on your water pipes and cold water tank, those in the attic or other vulnerable spaces should be lagged or similarly protected.
• Modern methods of insulation can be so effective in keeping heat within your property that attics can become very cold, this could cause a pipe to freeze. We therefore recommend you keep your loft hatch open if you have pipes in the attic to keep this area warm.
• Keep doors between heated and unheated rooms open to allow warm air to circulate.
• Keep cupboard doors open below sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.
• Seal any holes or gaps that may be letting cold air into your property.
• Make sure any valleys and gulley’s on your roof are kept clear and free from debris.
• Make sure any external taps are turned off and disconnect any hoses.
• If you discover a frozen pipe don’t wait for it to burst. Turn off your water supply and then slowly thaw the affected pipe by introducing gentle heat to the area e.g. hair dryer, space heater, hot water bottle. DO NOT attempt to thaw the pipe with a blow torch or other open flame such as a cigarette lighter or matches.

What if you are going away or the property will be unoccupied?

• Keep your property heated to reduce the chance of a pipe freezing.
• If you are going away for an extended break drain and shut off your water system.
• Ask somebody to check on your property daily. This may not prevent a loss but early identification of an escape can help reduce the ultimate cost.
• Ensure you have complied with any unoccupancy conditions or warranties listed in your policy. If you need any clarification call us on 01937 581417

What if the worst happens?

• Turn off the water supply at the stopcock. This should prevent any more water escaping into your property.
• Where practical try and catch any excess water in a bucket or other container.
• Do not use any electrics if you believe these may have been affected by the escaping water. You will need to have these checked by a professional electrician.
• Call us immediately on 01937 581417 to report your claim. We have to a wide range of specialists who can assist with the drying out and clean up of your property and also the necessary repairs or replacement.

We are here and ready to help.

HOUSEHOLD CLAIMS HELPLINE NUMBERS

COMPANY TELEPHONE NO

ALLIANZ 0845 0731114

AVIVA 0800 012345

AXA 0870 5561161

BRIT 0800 5876713

BROKER DIRECT 0844 2489310

CON & GENERAL 01274 700700

ECCLESIASTICAL 0845 6038381

EQUITY 0870 240 1568 OR 0870 240 3598

FORTIS 0870 1222021

GROUPAMA 0870 2403093

LEGAL & GENERAL 0845 2700088

MMA 0844 902 0789

NIG 0870 6071626

PARAGON 0115 9349818

PRESTIGE 08450 777666

TOWERGATE 0870 9050683

ZURICH (B-D) 01204 600311

ZURICH (EMERGENCIES) 0845 712 5220

Get your driving lessons in Harrogate with the Harrogate Association of Approved Driving Instructors (H.A.A.D.I.).

H.A.A.D.I. is the Harrogate Association of Approved Driving Instructors, formed in 1971. They are a professional trade association representing driving instructors not just in Harrogate but also surrounding areas including Knaresborough, Whixley, Wetherby, Otley, Pateley Bridge, Ripon, Thirsk and Boroughbridge.

They are a voluntary association of professionals – people who don’t just ‘do the job’, but take an active interest in learning more about training developments and road safety issues, all geared to providing you, the customer, with a better quality service.

Imyge Net and Harrogate Online have developed a new website to give the association an internet presence.

www.haadi.org.uk

One of our long standing customers, PDA, based out in Boroughbridge have a brand new website. Their new website is now live and has information on all their services, as well as an online shop selling new and second hand car equipment, a gallery section showing off their work, a blog, you can even follow them on twitter.

Below are a list of our key services:

Entertainment

• Audio – Amps, Ipod/MP3 connections, sub woofer and amplifier systems
• DVD – roof mounted, dash mounted, visor mounted or placed in the headrests
• Games Consoles – PS2/PS3, XBox, WII
• Freeview

Security

• Alarms – Cobra and Laserline
• Tracking Systems – CobraConnex, CobraTrak 5, CobraTrak Q
• Window Tinting
• Locks – Slam and Dead Locks

Safety

• Parking Sensors – Rear, front and camera systems
• Towbars
• Mobile Phone Kits – Parrot, Sony Errikson, Nokia and THB
• Cruise Control
• Window Tinting

Performance

• ECU Re-Mapping – diesel tuning for more power, torque and ecomony

For more information browse through their site www.pdacar.com  or call 01423 329000.

This report was passed to us through Neighbourhoodwatch and the Police at Swindon.

Newsletter 2nd October 2009

Swindon Police Station Gablecross
Shrivenham Road
South Marston
Swindon
Wiltshire SN3 4RB

Telephone: 0845 408 7000

Swindon Crime Reduction Department
Date: 2nd October 2009

Hi all,
1.This has been passed on via another Force area through our own Fraud Department In Wiltshire Constabulary, and it is a very convincing SCAM.  We have been asked to disseminate the information as widely and was quickly as we can through Neighbourhood Watch, School Safe and others.

This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want. Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it.

This information is worth reading.

By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you’ll be better prepared to protect yourself. One of our employees was called on Wednesday from “VISA”, and I was called on Thursday from “MasterCard”.

The scam works like this: Person calling says, “This is (name), and I’m calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I’m calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank) did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for £497.99 from a Marketing company based in London?” When you say “No”, the caller continues with, “Then we will be issuing a credit to your account.

This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from £297 to £497, just under the £500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?” You say “yes”. The caller continues – “I will be starting a fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 0800 number listed on the back of your card (0800-VISA) and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. “Do you need me to read it again?” Here’s the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works the caller then says, “I need to verify you are in possession of your card.” He’ll ask you to “turn your card over and look for some numbers.” There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he’ll say, “That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?” After you say, “No,” the caller then thanks you and states, “Don’t hesitate to call back if you do”, and hangs up. You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of £497.99 was charged to our card. Long story – short – we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don’t give it to them. Instead, tell them you’ll call VISA or MasterCard directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you’re receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you’ll see charges for purchases you didn’t make, and by then it’s almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report. What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a “Jason Richardson of MasterCard” with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn’t let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening. Please pass this on to all your family and friends. By informing each other, we protect each other.

Paul Phelps PC1102 Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer.

We welcome a new advertiser to www.harrogateonline.com and www.harrogatekidsonline.com -

 2011 Gala

The next Oatlands Pre-School Community Gala is on

Saturday 25th June 2011 on Oatlands Playing Field/Park.

The gala is on from 1.00pm until 4.30pm.

Please come and support this local annual event in the Oatlands area of Harrogate.

Stalls, Games, Tombola, Bouncy Castle, Beat the Goalie, Raffle,

Face Painting, Refreshments, Beer Tent, Entertainment

plus much, much more…

If you can help in any way please call 01423 871846 or more info at

www.harrogateonline.com/oatlandsgala

2010 Gala

Oatlands Gala had it’s 3rd outing this week end. The weather held out this year and we had a fantastic afternoon.

With Phil Willis MP opening the gala and judging the fancy dress competition along with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor in attendance.

There were loads of stalls and games on offer and lots of displays in the main arena to entertain the crowds.

The 3rd Oatlands Gala has raised over £3000 for various local charities.

Huge thanks go to all the sponsors and to Alyson Duffy and Vic Smith-Dunn in organising another fantastic gala.

We look forward to next years events.