Launch of Harrogate office for radio station as it links up with local business

New online radio station for Harrogate will launch soon​

HG1 Radio, which the team behind York’s feelgood station, YO1 Radio, launched in Harrogate last summer, has opened its new studio base in the town as part of a partnership with a local business.

Once the new studios have been fully commissioned and tested - and Government restrictions on Covid permit it - the radio station's presentation team will be able to host their shows ‘live’ from their Harrogate office.

The new studios have been built within the Doors Direct showroom on Claro Road, and will provide space for the station’s news, marketing, promotions and sales team – once Covid-19 restrictions allow – alongside HG1’s team of presenters.

HG1 Radio's managing director, Dave Parker, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been able to team up with a high-profile and well-respected Harrogate-based business.

"It makes perfect sense to have our base within the local business community – and Sean and his team at Doors Direct have been incredibly welcoming, supportive and helpful."

He added: “As soon as we are able to do so, we will be operating very much on an ‘open house’ basis for other local businesses and community groups to pay us a visit to see how everything works and to meet the team behind the station.

"It is frustrating that we can’t hold a launch event open day at the moment – but rest-assured the invites will be going out just as soon as it is safe and sensible to do so.”

At the moment, HG1 Radio's team of presenters are working mainly from home-based studios. But Mr Parker said there was no substitute for being in the studio.

Sean Clarke, owner of Doors Direct, which has been operating for over 40 years and has had its main showroom on Claro Road for the last 21 years, said he was excited to welcome HG1 Radio.

He said: “It is really exciting to have a radio station based within our business. It adds a whole new dimension to everything – and I’m looking forward to being able to show it off to customers and other businesses."

He added: “We’ve even been able to incorporate some of our more innovative products into the facilities – including a studio door with special frosted glass, linked to the presenter microphone. There is no chance of them being put off by anyone peering through the glass!”

HG1 Radio has been on the air since July 2020 – and the team behind the station bring with them experience and expertise from across the radio industry, including former presenters and news team members from the now defunct Stray FM.

The station currently broadcasts online, via its website and associated ‘App’ and media players.

An additional move onto DAB is planned in the near future to provide wider listening opportunities – and new website and social media platforms will be on stream from early February.

More details about HG1 Radio, including information on how to listen and how to get involved with the station, can be found at www.hg1radio.co.uk or by searching for HG1 Radio on Facebook and Twitter.

For more information about Doors Direct, visit their website at www.doorsdirect.co.uk

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