Growth Hub Manager Simon Middleton is stepping into retirement following a long and rewarding career defined by his dedication to the region’s business community. 

Over his career, Simon has been central to business support across York and North Yorkshire, bringing a wealth of experience and a genuine commitment to helping businesses grow and succeed. His leadership of the Growth Hub delivery team has been instrumental in strengthening the support available to businesses across the region. 

Alongside his professional roles, Simon also served as a Board Member for York Professionals, demonstrating his commitment to strengthening the region’s professional networks and supporting the wider economic development of the area. 

In 2022, Simon stepped into the role of Growth Hub Delivery Manager, leading the team and focusing on the quality and impact of the support provided to businesses of all shapes and sizes across York and North Yorkshire.  Under his leadership, the Growth Hub continued to build strong relationships with the regional business community, ensuring they could access the support they needed to grow. 

Throughout his career, Simon has been a genuine rock for the business community. His deep understanding of the regional economy, combined with a people-first approach, ensured businesses felt championed.

Colleagues, partners and the many businesses he has supported wish Simon the very best for a happy and well-deserved retirement: 

“Just a huge amount of gratitude and admiration for Simon as a manager, mentor, and just a fantastic person! Even before I had started in his team at the Growth Hub, Simon welcomed me in and always had enthusiasm for new ideas and conversations. He has been brilliant source of encouragement, a reliable cheerleader, and truly, and naturally, cares about people in such a unique way. It’s been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work with you, Simon, thank you for everything and I really look forward to seeing what you get up to next!” – Harriet Stainton, Growth Hub Delivery Manager. 

“Thank you, Simon for giving me the opportunity in Oct 2022 to get back into work again working for you and the Growth Hub. I have loved every minute, and I am grateful you gave me the opportunity to come and work with you and the team in the Y&NY region a place close to my heart… Also, if you are interested Leeds United are doing ok as well!” – Mike Pennington, Business Relationship Manager for Growth Hub and Made Smarter. 

“Since I joined the Growth Hub, Simon has been a key part of the team and everything you could hope for in a colleague. He has made a significant impact not only within the team but across the wider business support landscape, first as a BRM and later as manager of the Growth Hub. For new starters especially, Simon’s depth of knowledge in business support and finance was invaluable. His guidance helped us all to grow in confidence and deliver a better, more considered service. Even now, whenever I’m approaching something at work, I can still hear Simon’s voice reminding us to stay grounded, avoid over-complicating things, and apply a bit of Yorkshire common sense. His business focused approach to delivery will leave a legacy, and his absence will certainly be felt. I wish him all the very best in his post–Growth Hub life. Your calmness, clarity, and no-nonsense approach have set a standard the rest of us will keep aiming for.” – Joseph Midgley, Growth Hub Contracts and Relationships Officer. 

“Simon was a friendly face when I joined the Growth Hub, always willing to help and answer questions from a novice in public sector. When he became my line manager, I knew he would be someone I could rely on, and he proved this again and again. It’s been a privilege working with him, and I know this sentiment is shared by colleagues and businesses across the region. So, thank you for all your hard work, Simon. I wish you the very best.” – Faye Greer-Pickup, Growth Hub Delivery Officer. 

“Working with Simon over the past few years has been a privilege. Simon has been a great mentor and manager who has shown me a lot of pastoral care and taught me a lot about building lasting relationships within the business community. His legacy and the friends that he has made continues to influence the values that we hold as a team.” – Emma Rollason-Taylor, Growth Hub Business Relationship Manager. 

“For me, Simon has always been a great colleague, and as my line manager, supportive, engaging and a source of valuable information and ideas, whenever needed. His management of the Growth hub has seen it develop and become, I believe, one of the best in the country.  Since his illness, he has shown the same stoicism, and determination to make the best of what life has presented him with and continues to be an example to us all.” – Nick White, Growth Hub Business Relationship Manager 

“In the short time I worked with Simon, his passion and enthusiasm really stood out. He had a genuine impact on how I approached my role and helped shape my confidence early on. It’s something I’ve continued to appreciate since. Simon is truly a force to be reckoned with, and it was a real pleasure to have had the chance to work with him.” – Amy Pettler, Communications Officer. 

“I’ll never forget what a positive force Simon was in everything he did with the Growth Hub and how much he cared for people both in and out of work. No matter what the challenges were he always came out with a smile on his face as I’m sure he will continue to do.” – Mark Rolland, Communications Officer. 

“I am so grateful to Simon for all the help he gave me when I started.  He provided invaluable expertise and support in delivering the business SPF programmes and was always kind.  He is already greatly missed.” – Alexis Collins, Delivery Officer. 

“Simon, it has been an absolute pleasure to get to know you and to have had the opportunity to work with you – you are a fountain of knowledge and have a contact list to rival all others! I am so grateful for the wisdom you shared, and for all the encouragement you gave along the way. Looking forward to hearing of the adventures you have ahead of you – possibly not 110 miles of adventure! – but I’ve no doubt you’ll take on your next challenge with the same grit and determination!” – Jo Rodwell, Senior Business Advisor for North Yorkshire Council. 

“I had the pleasure of working with Simon over the years on various projects, especially the SPF grants. He was always my ‘go‑to’ person whenever I needed help or advice. No matter how busy he was, he always took the time to talk through a case and support the decisions made. It truly was a privilege to work alongside him.” – Claire Lowe, Senior Business Advisor for North Yorkshire Council. 

“From the old BSYNY days in York, to Leeds and the LEP meeting then back again across York and North Yorkshire, Simon could never quite escape me and I’m so glad he didn’t!  Simon, you’ve been one of the kindest, most generous people to work with. Your willingness to share your knowledge, support colleagues and go above and beyond for clients has made such a difference to so many. You’ll be hugely missed, but you leave behind a legacy of positivity, collaboration, and genuine support.  We will all miss you but wish you all the very best.” – Heidi Green, Senior Business Advisor for North Yorkshire Council. 

“I worked with Simon when he was a Business Growth Manager in York, in fact Simon recruited me, and I learnt from the best. The support was there and he was always happy to have a chat and share my excitement at meeting another fab York business! He will be missed in so many ways and at so many levels. You don’t meet many ‘good uns’ but he is certainly one of them!” – Louise Saw, Business Growth Manager for City of York Council.  

“Simon, we don’t even know where to start in terms of the impact and difference you have made to us over the years.  You always completely got businesses in our region but because you went out of your way to meet them and understand their needs.  Your totally “make it happen” attitude, positivity and knowledge were just a winning formula.  You have always been an inspiration, a gift and you are very much missed in our business community.   We wish you much love and thank you for all you have done over the years.” – Michelle Mook, and the Pro-Development team. 

“I first met Simon in York many years ago when he was working with the Business Enterprise Fund. It was immediately obvious that he was knowledgeable about the local business community, but also that he genuinely wanted the best for the region. He was always generous with his time and ready to make relevant introductions. He was a perfect appointment for Growth Hub and proved himself to be open, approachable and driven. His absence has been felt by many people, and I wish him a long and happy retirement.” – Glyn Selway, Project Manager for RTC North. 

“I really enjoyed working with Simon; his passion for supporting SMEs sat at the heart of all his work and he had a knack of understanding exactly what was holding back each of the businesses which he and his team worked with. His transparency, positivity and straight forwardness made doing business with Simon easy, with no egos getting in the way. We wish him all the very best in his ongoing recovery and retirement.” – Helen Oldham, Lifted ventures.  

“Simon led the Growth Hub in such a collaborative way, working with funding and providers to deliver the best for the business community. He was so approachable and happy to offer an ear. As a provider on LEAD 1 I always enjoyed interactions with Simon. I wish him and his family all the best for the future.” – Andy Knowles, Assetiam. 

“Simon was the best pair of hands we could have asked for, as he took leadership of the Growth Hub….his insight, groundedness, and sheer hard work, created a programme and a team that had a major and positive impact on every business they touched. He should be considered priceless. His legacy is not only the businesses touched, York and North Yorkshire’s national reputation, but also the team of people he leaves who are picking up the gauntlet with pride. Thank you, Simon.” – Sue Jefferson.