L-R: Sue Alexander, Chris Newton, Geoff
Mochrie and Frances Maxwell
York Handmade supports the
county’s young bricklayers
York Handmade Brick Company has taken part in a drive to boost
the number of budding brickies in Yorkshire.
Alne-based York Handmade, teamed up with the Brick
Development Association (BDA) at the #LOVEBRICK roadshow at
York College last year.
Wensleydale solicitor retires after 42
years practice
L-R: Laurence and Philippa Beardmore with Head of York and North
Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Susie Cawood
Espresso growth bubbles for
artisan coffee roaster
An astonishing fortyfold turnover growth has been achieved by a York artisan
coffee business in two-and-a-half years with help from the Chamber.
York Coffee Emporium has increased its turnover from £11,000, when husbandand-wife business partners, Laurence and Philippa Beardmore, acquired the
business in 2011, to a projected £500,000 turnover this financial year, £80,000
of which has already been re-invested to acquire the latest coffee roasting
technology, a packaging machine and to upgrade the premises to enhance
customer service.
Laurence Beardmore, said: “The market for high-quality artisan coffees is
expanding and we’re capitalising on this. We know we’ll have to keep doing things
better to continue our expansion.
“A significant proportion of our growth - about a quarter - has come through
joining York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.
“The introductions we have made at networking events is far better than coldcalling as we’ve met decision makers and, once they have visited us and smelled
and tasted our freshly-roasted coffee, most of the hard work has been done.”
Geoff Mochrie of Newtons Solicitors Leyburn office,
has retired after more than 42 years practice.
Geoff trained as a solicitor in Hull, qualified in 1978
and then practised in partnership in Leyburn until
2009 when he started his own practice, Geoffrey
Mochrie Solicitors.
A widely-experienced general practice solicitor,
Geoff Mochrie latterly specialised in residential and
commercial property and was involved in hundreds
of transactions throughout the Yorkshire Dales.
Geoff says: “I have received many messages of good
wishes from clients and professional colleagues
which have been humbling. I shall miss them all as
many have become firm friends.”
Senior solicitor Sue Alexander, from Clark Willis,
Darlington, will take over Geoff’s property, wills and
probate work.
Lindum wins major schemes with help
from the Chamber
A new Yorkshire
construction business
which launched only two
years ago is involved in
some of York’s major
construction schemes,
thanks to help from York
and North Yorkshire
Chamber.
Lindum had only two staff
when it opened its York
Neil Coote
office in September 2012
but now has a 20-strong
team and will contribute £7 million to the local
economy this financial year after winning business
helped by introductions through the Chamber.
BHP continues on growth track
BHP Chartered
Accountants,
incorporating BHP
Barron & Barron, which
has grown by more
than 50% over the last
three years, continues
to expand.
The firm has 15 new
trainees studying
8
towards AAT and
ATT qualifications.
In addition to this, a
further four students
have joined the firm
for their graduate
placement year.
Lisa Leighton, staff
partner commented:
“This year has seen
our biggest intake
of new trainees ever,
which is a direct
result of the firm’s
growth plan. We are
committed to offering
the best service to our
clients, and as such
are dedicated to the
continued development
of our staff.”
YORK & NORTH YORKSHIRE MEMBERS
Mark Laksevics of York Handmade, explained: “We were delighted
to demonstrate the art of brick-making and laying to students at
York College and answer their questions.
“Unfortunately, the number of skilled bricklayers in the UK is at an
all-time low, following the credit crisis in 2008 and the downturn
in the construction industry. Now the industry is in a phase of
recovery and growth, the need for more apprenticeship schemes
is essential to avoid a fall in output.”
Two new apprentices for Coles
Two young apprentices are cutting their teeth in the
legal world after being employed by Coles Solicitors.
Lauren Almond and Annabel Charlton are the newest
apprentices to be taken on at the company which
employs 45 staff across eight practices in Yorkshire.
They are based in the Northallerton office but are
providing support to the other practices in York,
Ripon, Settle, Thirsk, Yarm, Guisborough and the
newly acquired Market Weighton.
Intandem Communications moves into
York City Centre
Intandem Communications has moved to new
premises in the heart of York city centre. The
move comes as the company’s client list develops
to include more city centre-based companies and
reflects the growing trend for professional service
companies to choose a city location.
Your Local Link Media Group has been accredited as
a Living Wage employer.
The Living Wage commitment will see everyone
working at Your Local Link Media Group, regardless
of whether they are permanent employees or thirdparty contractors and suppliers, receive a minimum
hourly wage of £7.65 – significantly higher than the
national minimum wage of £6.31.
Gini Guttery, Managing Director at Your Local Link
Media Group, comments: “I want to be a responsible
employer as I care deeply about the people who work
within the company, and their future and welfare”.
Harrowells helps vets come together
Harrowells Solicitors of York have advised on a
major deal involving Minster Veterinary Practice and
Westpoint Veterinary Group.
Philip Lewis Ogden, who advised on the negotiation
of the merger and ancillary documents, says: “Minster
Veterinary Practice is a major force in animal care
in the largely rural area of York and North Yorkshire
and the other areas where it is based. We have been
pleased to advise on this important transaction
which will enable both businesses to combine their
strengths and prosper as a result.”
Lindum York director, Neil Coot