Research and innovation
Meet Emma
I’m Emma Rollason-Taylor, one of the Business Relationship Managers here at the Growth Hub.
I manage the Enterprise Centre based at York St John University, and I specialise in supporting start-ups to take their first steps in the tech, digital and creative sectors here in York.
Here at the Enterprise Centre, we offer co-working or virtual office space (meaning you can use our premises as a registered business address) to start-ups.
By joining us at the Enterprise Centre, you’ll become part of a friendly community of innovative early-stage businesses, all doing cutting-edge work.
What do you want to learn about?
- I’m looking to find out more about funding and partnering for research
- I want to support innovation in my business
In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed and customer needs change regularly, businesses must continuously adapt and innovate to remain competitive. Research funding and partnerships are the lifeblood of innovation, providing the necessary financial resources and external expertise to explore new ideas, develop groundbreaking products or services, and stay ahead of the curve.
But innovation cannot thrive in isolation. It requires a supportive culture within the organisation that encourages creativity, embraces risk-taking, and values continuous learning. In this section, we help you understand where to start with research and how to find the funding and organisations to help make it happen, and how you can start to build the internal processes to support new ideas.
Develop new ideas for your business
Find out how research into new services and products can support your business – and how this can be funded.
Build a culture of innovation in your business and benefit from new ideas and an empowered workforce.
Local business support helps York business lead revolution in microscope technology
A pioneering York business is leading the way in cutting-edge microscope technology, thanks to local business support from City of York Council and the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
York St John University’s Enterprise Centre Fuels Creative Business Growth with Hijinks Studios Launch
A group of York St John University graduates have launched an exciting new business venture, Hijinks Studios, with the support of the University’s Enterprise Centre. Specialising in bespoke animated content, Hijinks Studios promises to bring a fun and engaging style to clients in York and beyond.
Made Smarter Adoption Awards recognise digital transformation champions among UK SME manufacturers
Yorkshire and Humber winners Choc Affair head for inaugural Made Smarter Adoption awards in June.
Choc Affair Wins Prestigious Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber Award
The region's manufacturers took centre stage at Insider's 2024 Made in Yorkshire Awards. The prestigious event celebrated Yorkshire and Humber's world-class companies and their impact. One of the big winners was Choc Affair, the beloved York chocolatier renowned for its ethical and award-winning creations. Choc Affair clinched the top spot in the Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber Awards.
York Chocolatier’s Secret Ingredient Leads to Sweet Success
Choc Affair Ltd., a beloved York-based chocolate manufacturer known for its ethical and award-winning creations, has achieved a significant in capacity to produce their handmade delights.
Woodworking Wonders: Tom Addison's Furniture Flourishes with Support from Growth Hub
In the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Tom Addison, maker, and designer at Tom Addison Fine Furniture, is celebrating significant growth and success with vital support from the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
Skills Bootcamps unlocking digital opportunities for businesses
A North Yorkshire business owner is boosting her brand thanks to digital skills training.
DJ Assembly Powers Up Productivity with £20k Made Smarter Grant
DJ Assembly, a thriving independent business, has secured a maximum grant of £20,000 from the Made Smarter programme. This funding will enable the company to acquire a Detech machine, a significant upgrade that will boost efficiency, productivity, and product quality.
Brilliant business support boosts Richmondshire’s Trimble Group
Trimble Group CEO Toby Trimble has hailed ‘game-changing’ Richmondshire business support, which is helping them flourish.
Tadweld Receives £20k Support for Innovation and Growth
Tadweld, a long-established welding and fabrication company based in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, is pleased to announce the support it has received through the Made Smarter programme, including a £20k grant aimed at enhancing digital capabilities and fostering innovation within businesses.
Bright Future for Harrogate Brewing Company with Growth Hub Support
Harrogate Brewing Company, a family-owned business with a decade-long legacy, is celebrating a ‘six-fold increase’ in turnover with comprehensive support provided by the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
Made Smarter Fuels Innovation with £20k grant
Period Mouldings Limited has been awarded £20,000 from the Made Smarter programme to revolutionise its production capabilities through digital innovation.
Events
28th November 20249:30 am - 11:30 amFREE
28 November: Innovating with Data: Northallerton
This fast-moving breakfast seminar from the Hartree Centre North East Hub will cover a wide range of topics related to data-driven innovation, including an introduction to data, an exploration of data sources and analysis, building a ML model, an introduction to LLMs, case studies, and implementation strategies.
28th November 20249:30 am - 11:30 amFREE
Fire up your Food and Drink business with Make it! toolkits
A free video toolkit to help growing food and drink businesses in York and North Yorkshire. Essential ingredients for food and drink business success.
28th November 20249:30 am - 11:30 amFREE
Free webinar: How micro and small business leaders can be key to economic recovery
This free webinar for micro and small businesses provides practical advice and insights on how to navigate and shape the future beyond Covid.
28th November 20249:30 am - 11:30 amFREE
Free webinar: KTPs – how to get academic insight and experience into your business
Effective management and leadership can be the difference between companies that thrive and those that fail.
