It is ten years since Harrogate Borough Council restored the stunning Grade II listed Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough into a modern business centre and conference venue.

 

Countless companies have benefited from the centre since it first opened its doors on 5 November 1995.  And the council's aim is to continue to promote Conyngham Hall, the former home of the Mackintosh toffee family, as a thriving small conference venue, as well as one which provides the perfect environment to promote and develop small to medium sized companies in the town.

 

Councillor Mike Gardner, Leader of Harrogate Borough Council and Executive Member for Economic Development said:  "Over the years, we have helped a wide variety of businesses establish themselves in their chosen sector and seen them move on to bigger and better things.  At Conyngham Hall, we can provide accommodation as well as a full administration and office support service. 

 

"In the last decade, the Hall has welcomed conference delegates from all five continents and from places as remote as Ulaan Baatar in Outer Mongolia. One of our staff even tried to learn Swahili in order to welcome a guest.  In that time they have certainly exceeded in flying the flag across the globe for the people of Knaresborough.  I sincerely hope that in the next ten years we will help even more Knaresborough companies grow and prosper and that we will continue to see companies return year after year to use the facilities for conference and training events."

 

After the original redevelopment was carried out, in 1999, the council converted the former stable block into12 innovation workshops aimed at local businesses in the new technology and innovation centre.  ENDS