A FIRM of landscape architects and ecologists has swapped the bustle of a town centre location for more peaceful surroundings at a business park between Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Smeeden and Foreman has taken the lease on the ground floor of Somerset House at Scotton Business Centre after relocating from East Parade in Harrogate.

The new space totals 1,800ft sq, and Smeeden and Foreman’s director Mark Smeeden said it emabled the company to be based on one floor rather than spread across four.

He added: “There are some things we miss about the facilities of Harrogate itself but we certainly don’t miss either the traffic or the parking restrictions!”

Smeeden and Foreman’s team of landscape architects, urban designers, ecologists and horticulturalists works throughout the country for clients in both the public and private sectors and on schemes from marinas to supermarkets.

The letting agents were Carter Jonas. Chris Hartnell of Carter Jonas said: “We are delighted that Smeeden and Foreman have relocated to Scotton Business Centre to take advantage of the peaceful surrounds, modern office space and ample car parking.”

The business park offers both small and large suites in two main buildings totalling 8,000ft sq, with flexible arrangements available.

AN APPRENTICE at a Harrogate firm has reached the finals of the Heating & Ventilation Industry Awards.

Rory Percival has been shortlisted in the Apprentice of the Year category in the competition. He recently completed his three year apprenticeship with ventilation manufacturer, EnviroVent, and now works as a fully fledged product development engineer at the company’s head office on Hornbeam Park.

EnviroVent’s chairman, Ron Russell-Hobbs, said. “Rory can be described as a model apprentice. He has worked diligently to understand the demands of our industry, especially in regard to product development, and through this effort he has increased his knowledge and effectiveness to the point that he is assured of a successful career.

“As a result of his success, we have now recruited another apprentice which in these difficult times should send a message to the Government that apprenticeship places create positives for the economy.”

Rory began his apprenticeship as part of EnviroVent’s research and development team. Over the last three years, he has gained experience in product development, installation and system design. He also played an important role in liaising with external bodies such as the Buildings Research Establishment (BRE) to ensure EnviroVent’s latest products meet legislation and achieve the required certification.

The winners of the Heating & Ventilation Industry Awards will be announced at a ceremony in London on April 26.