Episodes
Nick Hancock is joined by special guest Phil Airey from Horticap to talk about the Hopkins Cafe and Shop - a beautiful new cafe named in honour of former student Peter Hopkins. Peter was a student at Horticap for around 20 years and it’s his legacy that has made the new facilities possible. Phil also chats future plans for Horticap, the menu’s focus on local produce and there’s some top gardening advice thrown in!
Nick Hancock is joined by ITV and talkSPORT commentator Sam Matterface ahead of England's Euro 2020 semi final clash with Denmark tonight! Sam previews the match and offers a detailed insight into both teams including the threat Denmark offer and how England can win. We also hear how he feels personally about commentating on the semi-final and having so many people across the nation watching the game alongside him, and we get a fascinating insight into the preparations of a top level commentator ahead of one of the biggest occasions in football.
Nick Hancock is joined by Harrogate royalty in the form of ex-England and Leeds footballer Danny Mills! We're previewing the England v Denmark semi-final tomorrow night including how far England can go, the difference fans inside Wembley Stadium will make and why the England players are playing without fear. We also talk about Gareth Southgate's Harrogate connections and how not too long ago he was managing a local Sunday league side!
Nick Hancock chats to Danny Wild, the Principal at Harrogate College, to find out how they're bridging the gap and helping the hospitality industry with staff and skills shortages. We also find out how Harrogate College is supporting local businesses and helping the economy with apprenticeships and shorter courses in customer service and food safety. Plus we're previewing their Open Day on Wednesday to showcase their state-of-the-art facilities!
Nick Hancock chats to Kate Rogata, Director of Supporting Older People (SOP) in Harrogate! Kate tells us all about the charity including how it has grown to support over 280 older people in the area, what their volunteers get up to, plus we hear some wonderful success stories of people they've been able to help, both throughout the pandemic and before.
Nick Hancock is joined by Steven Green - owner of Harrogate Tipple and the star of the Tipple in the Tipi event at the Cedar Court Hotel! Steven talks us through the gin-tasting event which continues to be a sell out, plus we find out the backstory behind Harrogate Tipple, where the idea came from and about the 'blood, sweat and tears' that goes into distilling at their HQ in Ripley.
Nick Hancock is joined by the winner of Netflix's 'Blown Away' series Elliott Walker ahead of his first solo gallery in Harrogate! Elliott talks us through the pressures of appearing on the Netflix show, why it's not the 'Bake Off of sculpting' and gives us his plans for the future following his competition triumph. Elliott also previews his exhibition 'Plenty' which will be held at Messums Yorkshire throughout July!
Nick Hancock is joined by superstar celeb chef Steph Moon to talk about some exciting upcoming shows for foodies… The Harrogate Food & Drink Festival is this weekend, so Steph is previewing that event including the variety of street food on offer, the chef lineups and how she’ll be cooking on the Stray. We also preview the Great Yorkshire Show and get a hint at what Steph will be doing there in a few weeks time, as well as chatting about some changes the show will be making to make it covid safe.
Nick Hancock is joined by Yvonne Campbell, who is the Head of Charity and Business Development Project Manager at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT)! Yvonne tells us all about the charity's upcoming Summer BBQ at Harrogate Railway Athletic FC, as well as other fundraising events throughout the summer, the 'stepping up challenge' and the difficulties of fundraising during lockdown.
Nick Hancock is chatting to Amy Stubbs from the brand new Harrogate Garden Centre on the A61 at Bishop Monkton! Amy talks us through the amazing story behind British Garden Centres, how it started 40 years ago, lockdown gardening and the company’s plans for the future of the centre.
Nick is joined by Hadyn Moorby-Davies, the CEO of Harrogate Skills for Living, to talk about the launch of the Harrogate Chocolate Factory cafe! The initiative aims to support adults with learning difficulties and autism by offering them both employment and the chance to build social skills. Having already launch the Harrogate Chocolate Factory in 2019, the new venture will give the charity a new place to share its chocolate products whilst welcoming visitors for a coffee and some social interaction.
Nick Hancock is joined by Sue Cawthray, the CEO of Harrogate Neighbours, after they were presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service earlier this week - the equivalent of an MBE for a voluntary organisation! Sue tells us what it was like to receive the award, why the Harrogate group were recognised and how the celebrations went on Wednesday.
Nick Hancock is joined by Sally Bendston, founder of Limelight HR in Harrogate, to talk recruitment, staff flexibility, mental health advice to businesses and lessons learnt from the pandemic. Sally also offers an insight into how a local business has dealt with the challenges and how she has been able to support others. Having worked with the BBC, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central in London, Sally compares the differences between Harrogate and London - specifically the people, businesses and forward thinking ideas.
Nick Hancock is joined by Simon Cotton, Managing Director of the HRH Group, for the start of Find a Job week on Your Harrogate! We’re talking the influx of job vacancies across the district and how we’re helping local businesses find the right people for the jobs they have available. We also hear about the specific vacancies at Yorkshire Hotel and the White Hart Hotel including chefs, housekeeping and food and drink staff.
Nick Hancock chats to Sharon Canavar, Chief Exec at Harrogate International Festivals, all about the launch of the In Memoriam Covid tribute on the West Park Stray, the return of events and some normality, Brits’ need for a holiday, anxiety returning to work, and the typical British chat about changes to the weather!
Nick Hancock chats to Associate Producer at Harrogate Theatre Porl Cooper to talk about an exciting few months ahead! Porl previews a few of the best events and performances coming to Harrogate Theatre, plus there's talk of a partnership with Odeon in Harrogate and how technology has helped them reach a bigger and more diverse audience.
Nick Hancock chats to Liam McGroarty, a 17-year-old from Harrogate who started his own advertising business in lockdown! Liam is the founder of Cyber Graphics UK and talks his thoughts behind setting up the business, how his first year has been, the services he provides and why his ‘dreams are finally coming true’!
Nick Hancock is joined by Matthew Chapman, the new Manager of the Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID)! We're asking what is a BID and what does a BID Manager do? Matthew also reveals his plans for the town, his vision for the ‘Disney effect’ in Harrogate, parking and his task of getting people back into shopping locally after Covid.
Nick Hancock is joined by Sammy Lambert, Business Development Charity and Volunteer Manager for Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust! Sammy gives a fascinating insight into life behind the scenes at HTFT, plus her background and what her role involves, appreciation levels for the NHS during the pandemic, lessons learnt, community spirit, the stepping up challenge and an exclusive into an upcoming challenge launching at start of June...
Nick Hancock is joined by Miranda Hargrave, a Foster Enquiry Worker at Fostering North Yorkshire to do some myth-busting around fostering and put right a few wrong perceptions. Do you have to be married and own your own house? Plus Miranda talks us through the whole process and how rewarding it can be for everyone involved.
Nick Hancock is joined by local celeb chef Steph Moon for the return of the Harrogate Spring Flower Show! Steph is previewing her TEN daily cooking demonstrations, what seasonal vegetables she’ll be using, what to do with beetroots and courgettes, and tells us how she’s turning Yorkshire rhubarb into both a meringue dish and an alcoholic cocktail…
We’ve had a peek behind the scenes at Leathley Farm Shop and Cafe in Otley ahead of their big opening day next week! We chat to Owners Rebecca and Chris and their young daughters Emma and Lucy about running a business as a family, how Leathley Farm Shop was born, what customers can expect to see in store, and about their big competition to win a £100 luxury hamper!
Nick Hancock is joined by Lisa Bowerman, Owner of Stump Cross Caverns, on an emotional opening day for the famous caves! Lisa talks us through the joys of reopening having come so close to closing, as well as a special guest from the BBC, the overwhelming ‘Save the Caves’ campaign, the deserving winner of their campervan raffle - plus she tells all about all the new features at the caves and what restrictions will be in place after reopening.
Nick Hancock is joined by Vicky Flintoft, the Harrogate mum who has launched 'Archie's Army' - a fundraising campaign to help her son Archie who suffers with a life-threatening condition. 5-year-old Archie suffers with Diamond Blackfan Anaemia (DBA), a genetic condition in which the bone marrow fails to produce red blood cells, and relies on regular blood transfusions just to stay alive. We hear how Archie and his family are doing, what sort of treatment he has to go through and all about the progress of the heartwarming campaign which the Harrogate district is already getting behind.
Nick Hancock is joined by Kate Rogata, Director of Supporting Older People (SOP) in Harrogate! Kate tells us about the organisation and how they support elderly people through ‘befriending’ - particularly during lockdown when friendship has been needed most. Kate also tells us about the group’s amazing volunteers and their food scheme in which they’ve teamed up with Asda, Tech Buyer and Paul Welsh to provide more than 10,000 meals for people struggling to put food on the table during the pandemic.
Nick Hancock is joined by Helen Forster, Director of new specialist law firm in Harrogate HTF Legal Ltd! Helen is talking setting up her new business during lockdown but also concerns over wills and power of attorney due to Covid and when she recommends is the best age/time to think about a will. We're also discussing the 40% increase in requests for will information during the pandemic and hear some whacky stories around witnessing the signing of documents - including a ladder at a window!
Nick Hancock is joined by Marie and Nancy - the team behind Doodle HR in Harrogate! We're talking their recent move to Princes Square, the buzz in town since reopening day, getting back to work, businesses planning for the next stage, working from home and the benefits of returning to the office for your work/home life balance.
Nick Hancock is joined by Rachael Meyer - a humanist wedding celebrant offering her services in Harrogate, Leeds, North Yorkshire and The Yorkshire Dales! We find out all there is to know about Rachael's humanist ceremonies which include weddings in gardens, changes to funerals, her take on vow renewals and things you may never even realised you could have at your ceremonies...
Nick Hancock is recording this week's podcast at the tipi at Harrogate's Cedar Court Hotel, and he's joined by Managing Director Wayne Topley! Wayne is talking the thinking behind the tipi, the views, the atmosphere, how it's been received and how they're geared up to adapt it depending on the Covid guidance. We're also talking the return of weddings and funerals at Cedar Court Harrogate, Harrogate Town's cup final, live music and a partnership with Harrogate Tipple...
Nick Hancock is joined by Mike Roberts, the man behind LinkedIn101! Mike joins us for a fascinating chat about the power of video messaging, building your personal brand online and also gives some great tips, hints and coaching for sales professionals. We’re talking Zoom backgrounds, what clothes to wear and video call no-no’s, as well as the overwhelming benefits of the advancement in technology when it comes to video calling and messaging.