I’m extremely proud to be able to take these awards back to Harrogate again.”

DERRICK Kershaw Partnership is bucking the trend in the construction industry with a string of new contract wins and the appointment of a new team member.

The Harrogate property and construction consultancy firm, which celebrates its 50th year in the industry, is providing project management, quantity surveying and CDM co-ordinators for the new sustainable build Regional Agricultural Centre at the Great Yorkshire Showground.

It has also been appointed by Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust to act as cost advisor to the Trust for the Harrogate District Hospital ward remodelling and modernisation scheme and is working on a new fast track modular project at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Trevor Anscombe has recently joined the team as a chartered quantity surveyor having over 30 years experience in the healthcare sector.

HARROGATE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE has secured a further three year deal with Clarion Events to keep the Home and Gift Fair in the town until 2011.

Over 900 suppliers of gift, home and fashion products exhibit at the July event, which attracts around 11,000 visitors each year.

HIC Director Stuart Quin said: “This is great news because this is such an important trade fair and Home and Gift’s visitors can now plan their annual events schedule around these dates.

The combination of social and networking events that take place each year creates a real buzz of activity in the town and local traders will welcome the securing of this prestigious show.”

CHRISTOPHER PHILIPS furniture company is a rapidly growing business set up by Spofforth cabinet maker Chris Verity and former colleague Phil Dawes.

The two worked together for over 15 years making and restoring furniture before deciding to set up their own company in 2007.

“We have already seen rapid growth in the company on the basis of our work for our existing customers,” said Chris.

“We are sure there is a gap in the market for locally produced furniture built to the highest standards and the reaction to our pieces so far, and the growth of our company, has given us every confidence that the business will be a success”

THE COOL DRINKS COMPANY was one of 20 UK companies to win this year’s BT Business Essence of the Entrepreneur competition for small businesses.

The company was launched in Harrogate in 2006 in response to the trend towards healthier lifestyles and the new food and drink standards in schools.

Now supplying its products to schools and colleges, the firm hopes to expand across workplaces and the leisure industry.

Aaron Pout, co-founder of the Cool Drinks Company said: “Whilst our business has won a few awards locally within Yorkshire, winning this competition has helped to achieve national recognition.”