Planning to grow your business
Looking to grow your business is an exciting stage in your business journey. You have built a good customer base and they are receiving your service or product well. However, it can also be intimidating and – similar to starting out – it is important to evaluate, plan and set goals. Here, we look at a variety of areas to think about when looking at growing your business including getting started with planning, ensuring business continuity, expanding your business online, sourcing funding for growth and recruiting new staff.
What to consider when planning for growth
Growing your business may mean new investment or funding. See some of the sources currently available.
Diversifying to secure your business
In difficult times, one effective strategy to secure your business’s future is by introducing new services.
Creating a business continuity plan
All organisations should have a business continuity plan to enable them to function in the case of an emergency.
As you grow, you may need new staff with new skills to help you realise your ambitions.
Find out more about operating and marketing your business online – from social media to e-commerce.
Export Support Roadshows to drive business growth in North Yorkshire
Businesses in North Yorkshire are set to benefit from a series of Export Support Roadshows, designed to drive growth across the region.
York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub Rolls Out New Autumn 2024 Programme to Empower Local Businesses
The York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub has launched its Autumn 2024 Programme, offering a range of tailored support to businesses across the region. Unveiled at C4DI in Northallerton—a vibrant tech hub—this initiative provides crucial assistance in one-to-one specialist support, peer support, start-up guidance, digital transformation, skills development, and investment readiness.
Take the LEAD! Leadership Excellence and Development Programme Launched for North Yorkshire
The Leadership Excellence and Development (LEAD) Programme is tailored for small business owners who want to strengthen their leadership skills and drive business growth. Over six months, this programme covers key areas essential for your success, delivered by experts in their fields through a mix of workshops, coaching, and consultancy.
Social Media Webinar Series Launched: Get Your Socials Sorted
Are you seeking expert guidance to elevate your business's social media presence? Struggling to find the right strategy or wondering if there's an easier way to manage your online platforms? Look no further! This week marks the launch of an exciting six-part social media webinar series led by Caroline Wilson from Hot Toddi, designed to cover all your social media needs comprehensively.
North Yorkshire Stars Programme Announces New Cohort to Propel Businesses Towards Investment Success
The York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, in collaboration with Lifted Ventures, is thrilled to announce the launch of the new cohort for the highly successful 'North Yorkshire Stars' Investment Readiness Programme. Following the significant achievements of the previous cohort, this initiative aims to support and prepare a fresh group of regional start-ups and early-stage businesses for investment opportunities.
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.
Business Support Programme: 1:1 Social Media Support with Catch Design
Following a fully-subscribed programme last year, businesses in the North Yorkshire Council area once again have the chance to supercharge their social media and dial up their digital marketing with fully funded 1:1 bespoke support from industry expert Sue Thompson of Catch Design Management.
North Yorkshire Stars Investment Readiness Programme Concludes with Resounding Success
The York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub achieved a significant milestone with the conclusion of its North Yorkshire Stars investment readiness programme.
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.
Small businesses set to benefit from £1 million in funding
Businesses which form the bedrock of North Yorkshire’s economy have the chance to benefit from £1 million in funding through a new package of capital grants.
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.
Events
07th November 202410:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
7 November Webinar Series: Unlocking Commercial Potential: Strategic Tools and Insights for Business Growth
Join us for an in-depth exploration into commercialisation strategies designed to drive business success. This interactive session will delve into essential topics such as market analysis, customer profiling, and strategic planning techniques. You'll learn how to identify commercial opportunities, engage stakeholders, and create value for your customers, all while assessing the impact of these actions on your brand, both internally and externally.
14th November 20249:30 am - 11:00 amFREE
North Yorkshire Council: Connect Over A Cuppa
‘Connect Over A Cuppa’ Harrogate drop-in sessions help businesses to share new ideas, solve problems, and connect with like-minded businesses.
05th December 202410:00 am - 2:00 pmFREE
Whitby Peer-to-Peer: Your Small Business Board
Does running a business feel isolating and hard at times? Do you struggle to make decisions or overcome challenges? The Small Business Board is designed with ambitious owners in mind and who are ready to take the next step, whatever that may be.
04th February 20259:30 am - 4:30 pmFREE
The Courageous Females Programme
For Women in Business (owners or their teams) who want to reach their potential and enjoy higher levels of confidence and resilience.
04th February 20259:30 am - 4:30 pmFREE
Webinar Recording: Apprenticeships Unmasked – Are they right for my business?
Are you a business owner, or part of a business team looking to boost your workforce? Apprenticeships might be the answer, but there are many myths and misconceptions out there. Our webinar, "Apprenticeships Unmasked - are they right for my business?" is designed to clear up the confusion and provide you with the facts.
04th February 20259:30 am - 4:30 pmFREE
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.
04th February 20259:30 am - 4:30 pmFREE
Screen Tourism Toolkit
A free screen tourism toolkit exploring the opportunities, showing best practice and connecting business with resources and support.
04th February 20259:30 am - 4:30 pmFREE
Glossary of Climate Change Terms for Businesses
A free digital glossary defining the key climate change terms relevant to businesses, to help you understand and engage with sustainability resources and support.
04th February 20259:30 am - 4:30 pmFREE
Grow Yorkshire: Introduction to Food and Drink Commercial Agreement
This Grow Yorkshire webinar, featuring presentations from partnering organisations, will introduce you to the new Crown Commercial Service Food and Drink Agreement and discuss how it can help you join the supply chain.
04th February 20259:30 am - 4:30 pmFREE
Funding Growth
This webinar will provide you with a summary of all the commercial funding options available to businesses, with detail on how to make your business more attractive to funders.
04th February 20259:30 am - 4:30 pmFREE
An introduction to sales
This webinar will help you get sales confident by providing tips and guidance on mastering important communication skills.
04th February 20259:30 am - 4:30 pmFREE
Employer's Apprenticeship Toolkit
Thousands of businesses just like yours are using apprenticeships to help them grow. Download the toolkit to learn how apprenticeship training can link to your business’s aspirations.
04th February 20259:30 am - 4:30 pmFREE
Free Webinar - Customer Retention Marketing
This webinar will provide you with practical tips to help you retain your customers and build a relationship with your audience.
04th February 20259:30 am - 4:30 pmFREE
Free Webinar : Show Me The Money!
This webinar guides you through the funding options that are available to new and early-stage businesses, to help your business thrive now and in the future.
04th February 20259:30 am - 4:30 pmFREE
Free Webinar : Creating and delivering business growth
This webinar explores how to manage and achieve your business' growth aspirations by looking at and prioritising the activities that are key to success.
04th February 20259:30 am - 4:30 pmFREE
Made Smarter
If you’re a manufacturer looking to grow through the use of technology, the Made Smarter programme could help you access advice, support and grant funding.
