Information Technology
What do you want to learn?
- I want to know more about expanding our IT infrastructure
- I need to ensure we have the right data security practices in place
- I want to find the right software to improve my business processes
- I want to understand more about website design
- I want to know what IT and digital skills training is available
Although there is a lot of free or low-cost software available to meet your general needs as a start-up, your IT and digital needs may become more complex as your business expands and demand grows. In this section, our guidance and resources will help you understand more about the building blocks of expanding your IT infrastructure, what sort of specialist business software could be helpful to you, and how to ensure you are following best practice in data security. While you should not be expected to have the full range of experience and skills of an IT manager, understanding the key principles will help you be more informed when making key decisions.
Get the IT and digital support you need
As businesses grow, the need for more structured, complex IT systems and processes can increase.
A high-quality website is a vital piece of your overall marketing strategy – find out what yours will need.
Stay safe with tips on how to protect your business from threats to your premises and from rising cyber crime.
Ensure you and your team are equipped with the right digital skills by accessing the correct training for you.
Find out what particular advice is applicable to the sorts of software systems you need.
Articles
Business Basics – Project Evaluation
Projects can be anything from taking on a new person, or launching a new product, to building a manufacturing site, or acquiring a business to merge with the current one. How you evaluate each project can vary depending on size and complexity. But undertaking the exercise leads to better decision making and control.
Innovation Supper provides funding boost for First Leaf Farm
The event followed its now well-established format: attendees enjoyed supper while hearing from local entrepreneurs, each given ten minutes to pitch their business idea followed by questions from the audience. At the end of the evening, participants voted to decide which business would receive the proceeds from ticket sales, providing both a financial boost and valuable exposure to an engaged local network.
Building Resilience and Sustainability into your Farming Business
Resilience and sustainability lie at the heart of modern farm business strategies, ensuring that agricultural enterprises can withstand economic shocks, adapt to evolving environmental regulations, and maintain profitability amid climate volatility. By embedding sustainable practices, ranging from energy efficiency to regenerative soil management, farmers not only safeguard their livelihoods but also contribute to broader goals of food security and environmental stewardship.
Events
08th October 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
🌎 Business Basics Webinar: Tax planning – Directors Loans and Dividends
Often business owners will inject cash into a business where they are a Director. This could be when the business is starting out, or to help with cash flow along the way. But how are these cash injections accounted for, and when can they be withdrawn?
10th October 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
🟢 Steps into Digital: Basic Data Literacy Skills
Businesses generate data, through sales, customer interactions or internal operations. Yet many aren’t confident in understanding or applying it. This session introduces what data is, where it comes from and how it can be used to support better business outcomes.
14th October 202510:00 am - 3:00 pmFREE
🟢 [FULLY BOOKED] Steps into Digital: Instagram for Business, A Beginner's Guide (Ripon)
This introductory workshop is designed to help you demystify and gain confidence using the fundamental features of Instagram enabling you optimise and grow your account, business and your confidence at beginner level.
Resources
Webinar Recording: A Grassroots Approach to Thriving Towns
This webinar, funded through the Mayor’s Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund, shares practical tools, inspiring stories, and proven strategies to activate your own high street on small budgets, from the ground up.
Webinar Recordings: LinkedIn Webinar SeriesLinkedIn Webinar Series
This three-part LinkedIn webinar series is designed to support you at every stage of your LinkedIn journey, from building a presence to leveraging the platform for business growth. Starting with Build Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn, Elevate Your LinkedIn, and finally Elevate LinkedIn for Business Growth.
Webinar Recording: IP Readiness for Investment: A Strategic Guide for Early-Stage Businesses
For early-stage businesses, intellectual property is often the most valuable asset on the table. Yet many founders underestimate how closely investors scrutinize IP during due diligence. Delivered by experienced Patent Attorney Melvyn Ansell, this session will explore how to turn your IP into a powerful lever for funding, valuation, and long-term growth.