Introducing: Sue Cawthray
Company name: Harrogate Neighbours
Company website: www.hnha.co.uk
Social Media: Instagram

There’s no doubt that the care sector has been challenged throughout the pandemic.

But local care provider Harrogate Neighbours has remained positive thanks to hard work, dedication and commitment from the staff and carers.

This week we caught up with Sue Cawthray to find out more…

When was the company founded and how has it grown? 

Harrogate Neighbours was founded in 1970 and it has tripled in size and turnover over the last 15 years. Throughout the decades, we have built on our strong foundations and continued the mission to provide quality services for older and vulnerable people living in Harrogate and surrounding areas. 

Our services have expanded over the years to include home care and an award-winning hot meal delivery service called the Harrogate & Ripon Food Angels. 

Why do you stand out from your competition? 

At Harrogate Neighbours we provide the full package depending on an individuals’ personal needs. Not only do we have a residential nursing home, Heath Lodge, but we also provide extra care living facilities at The Cuttings, we deliver at-home care and we run a vital meals on wheels delivery service into the community. 

Our team of dedicated care staff are always coming up with creative and engaging ways to work with the wider community to ensure those in need are aware of the full range of services we can offer. 

How has Covid affected your business and how did you cope? 

It has been very challenging due to the length of time we have had to live with it – PPE, testing, challenges on communication from the Government have put pressure on the organisation, but we have learnt to be resilient and innovative on how we deliver our services and support the staff. 

We could not have survived this time without the hard work, commitment and dedication from our wonderful care team and staff. 

Who would you most like to have a drink with and why? 

Jane Macdonald – she is a fab Yorkshire lass and I am sure she would be brilliant with our staff and residents.

What advice would you give the next generation starting their careers? 

Work hard at school and follow your dreams – everything is achievable if you set your mind to it. And, choose a career path you are passionate about – there’s a saying ‘love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ 

Working in care can be incredibly rewarding, especially if you have the support from fellow colleagues and your employer.

Why do you like doing business in Yorkshire? 

The people are amazing, and the pandemic has shown what a supportive community we have, especially in Harrogate. Everyone has been so supportive, like one big family. We are very fortunate to have such amazing people and businesses on our doorstep.

Name your favourite local business and explain what makes them special.  

This is a difficult one, but Rudding Park have been so supportive of Harrogate Neighbours for some years now and nothing is too much trouble for them when we ask for help – from fantastic auction prizes, lending a golf buggy for Santa or providing a member of staff to work in our café!

Would you like to feature your business in the Your Harrogate Business Focus? Email Claire Strachan (claire@clairestrachan.co.uk) for your chance to get involved.

Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.