Affirmations

How Hornbeam Park became the perfect place to do business

The staff of wbs.

ON LOCATION will be taking a regular look at business parks in our area. Here, we spotlight on Hornbeam Business Park in Harrogate, together with some of its thriving companies.

LEADING independent firm of chartered accountants and financial advisers wbs was the first firm to move into The Hamlet. It took the entire top floor and has nearly 40 staff based there.

wbs also has an office in Leeds and sought to relocate its Harrogate office from the town centre to a site with good car parking and adjacent to the rail link between Leeds and Harrogate. The move has enabled the firm to increase the range of services it offers and in particular to provide a North Yorkshire base for its wealth management division, wbsGranville.

Staff are enjoying working in superb modern offices with spectacular long distance views across the Crimple Valley. The introduction of a regular bus service to and from the town centre has made commuting easier for staff without cars.

With the opening of the local pub and the fitness centre there has been a growing sense of community in Hornbeam Park.
It is not surprising that wbs found several of its clients had already located in Hornbeam Park – the firm specialises in owner managed businesses, their owners and high net worth individuals. Clients enjoy visiting the new office which provides a quiet and comfortable environment in which to make decisions.

Partner Denis Kaye says: “This building reflects our approach to our business – modern, high quality with excellent services. It inspires confidence without unnecessary or excessive grandeur. We are very happy in The Hamlet.”

PRODUCT Authentication International (PAI) is the leading and one of the most respected Certification Bodies in Food and Agricultural Product Certification in Europe.

Over the past 20 years, the UK has been exposed to many concerning food safety incidents that have emphasised the need for the introduction of robust food standards throughout the food supply chain.

Industry, government and the private sector have worked hard to develop robust food and agricultural production standards that ensure the safety, integrity and traceability of our food.

PAI exists to monitor compliance with these food and agricultural production standards.

In cases where the producer can demonstrate that they comply with these standards PAI issues a Certificate of Compliance.

In order to complete the picture, PAI is accredited for this certification work by the UK Accreditation Authority to recognised international accreditation standards to ensure PAIís work is carried out to the highest standards of technical expertise and impartiality.

PAI now has three principle operating sectors; Food factories, Animal Feed Mills and Farms, with clients mainly in the UK and Italy but also as far afield as Brazil.

PAI has offices in Worthing, Banbury and Italy but the main operational centre is in Hornbeam Park, Harrogate.

PAI staff – Simon Roberts, Tim Lumley, Fiona Lewis, Janette Parker,
Samantha Hanson.

David Parkinson and Dee Crawford of Cartridge World.

CARTRIDGE World originated in Adelaide, South Australia in 1988, and there are now over 130 stores spread throughout Australia and New Zealand.

The concept was launched into the UK market with the first retail store in Kings Road, Harrogate, in February 2001. This first store had a dual purpose, firstly as an opportunity for both local home computer users and businesses to have their printer cartridges refilled and re-manufactured for typically half the cost of a new cartridge with a money-back guarantee that the product will work as good as new.
And secondly it was also the demonstration store for potential franchisees from all over the UK to witness the Cartridge World concept in action. Twenty one months and 69 franchised stores later, Cartridge World is already a national chain and this rapid expansion necessitated a move to much larger office and warehouse premises.

In April of this year they relocated the franchise support centre into a 6,500sq/ft unit at Hornbeam Park and both David Parkinson & Dee Crawford, the Cartridge World directors believe that part of their success is due to the prestigious image the business park and their own premises exude.

“We are particularly impressed with the meticulous detail that has gone into both the evolvement of the park and the ongoing supervision by the management team of Hornbeam Park Developments.

“We have potential franchisees visiting us from all around the UK and it is important that we project a professional, credible image, which is exactly what Hornbeam Park is all about.

“The added bonuses of Hornbeam Park having its own railway station, hotel, gym and kindergarten are great and we can cater for all the needs of our visitors and staff.

“When we moved in to the new premises there were just 5 of us, currently we have 12 staff and more opportunities for additional personnel will be created as we continue to expand’.
And where to from here for Cartridge World?

“As our business continues to grow, we can see a stage when we will be contacting Chris Bentley about a bigger building! “ says David Parkinson.

Dee Crawford can be contacted at Cartridge World Franchise Suppport, Unit 1.3C, Hornbeam Park Oval, Hornbeam Park, Harrogate, HG2 8RB, 01423 878520 and Mark Adamowich at Cartridge World, 46 Kings Road, Harrogate, HG1 5JW, telephone 01423 701704.