Business support webinars successfully delivered alongside local partners and experts
We have been increasingly delivering free business support webinars through a range of digital channels in response to Covid-19. In May 2020, we formed a working group with North Yorkshire County Council and Make It York to roll out a pilot programme of free webinars.
Through the group, a range of topics were identified based on issues arising from pandemic, as well as demand in other areas such as leadership and social media marketing. From this, a schedule of events were planned over a five-month period to gauge response and demand for such support. From the 18 business support webinars that ran, we achieved over 500 attendees, with further people accessing the recordings via our website post-event.
Such was the success of the scheme, extra funding was allocated to deliver an additional 50 business support webinars and workshops between November 2020 and March 2021. For this, we reached out to a wider network of industry experts from across the region to deliver session covering: the visitor economy; marketing and PR; leadership; employment law; Brexit; wellbeing; and business development.
Speaking of the decision to extend the webinar programme following the successful pilot scheme, Andrew Raby, Growth Hub Manager says:
“We were delighted to be able to extend our programme of free online support for SMEs across the York and North Yorkshire region. The success of our pilot scheme which ran throughout the summer indicated that there was a real appetite for this kind of online support for businesses and individuals who are looking to pivot their business, particularly through digital channels, as well as developing and learning new skills to help them survive and thrive in this economically challenging environment.”
The full programme including the pilot achieved over 1,500 attendees and events have consistently received outstanding feedback. Malton-based nutrition and health coach, Mandy Hildred, attended the three-part workshop on creating a joined-up marketing plan delivered by Intandem Communications. “The course was particularly helpful in getting my new business off the ground”, she remarks. “It has enabled me to feel confident in my approach and build a clear marketing plan.
Using this has helped me to stay on track with my day-to-day activities, which in turn is yielding new clients. The whole marketing process was articulated with such clarity and I would recommend this workshop to anyone, whether they are just starting out or have been in business for some time.”
A new programme of webinars for 2021-22 is due to launch in September. Please keep an eye out on our events for more details or sign up to our newsletter for updates straight to your inbox. You can also watch many of our webinars on demand via our resources page.
Feedback from webinar attendees:
“I’ve done a few webinars during lockdown and this one has been completely stand alone in how helpful, and interesting it has been. It’s been fantastic, great knowledge and great delivery! Thank you!”
“Thank you so much – this it is exactly what I have been looking for for years! I have been so stuck on my business plan, so thanks for the very clear direction.”
“Thank you so much for uplifting and inspiring us!”
Articles
Business Basics – How much is your Business Worth
Being aware of your business's value enables you to determine a fair selling price for some or all of your shares, negotiate efficiently with prospective buyers, and secure beneficial financing deals, among other advantages.
Strive Live Start-Up Incubator: October 2025 (BSL Interpreted)
Following ongoing high demand and supporting hundreds of entrepreneurs, the Growth Hub is planning to once again partner up with Enterprise Cube to deliver a cohort of the Strive Live Start-Up Incubator, scheduled for October 2025. Find out more about more about the programme below, and register your interest to secure the first places when dates are confirmed.
Advice and Support for North Yorkshire Businesses
North Yorkshire Council offer support to businesses across the region. We understand that there may be particular pressures as a result of the Moorland Wildfire. If you need to talk to a business advisor, please email business.nyc@northyorks.gov.uk and one of our colleagues will be in touch. If you’re in the Visitor Economy, Visit North Yorkshire offers specialist support, get in touch by contacting the team.
Events
03rd September 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
🌎 Business Basics Webinar: How much is your Business Worth
Understanding how much your business is worth is really important if you are looking for equity investment, or if you are looking to sell some or all of your business. You don’t want to insult a potential investor by going in too high, but equally, you want to get what your business is worth.
03rd September 202512:00 pm - 3:00 pmFREE
York Retrofit Network
This is the nineth meeting of the York Retrofit Network, which is part of a wider project supported by Innovate UK to create a Retrofit One-Stop-Shop for York. The meetings will occur roughly every two months.
04th September 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
🟡 Webinar: Complete Web design for small businesses and start ups
This practical and engaging webinar is designed to empower small business owners, sole traders, and creatives to make informed decisions about building and maintaining their own websites. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your existing site, this session will provide clear, actionable guidance to help you move forward with confidence.
Resources
Business Basics Series Part 2: Webinar Recordings & Blogs
These resources provide a guide to key subjects such as tax, pricing and all things numbers. Jo Tomlinson is a qualified Management Accountant, certified QuickBooks Advanced ProAdvisor, Making Tax Digital ProAdvisor and 1 of only 11 Certified QuickBooks Trainers’ that work on behalf of QuickBooks, training accountants across the UK.
Webinar Recording: How to get higher in Google: The basics
Want your website to be seen by as many potential customers as possible? Get practical tips from an experienced Search Engine Optimisation professional on how to woo those elusive search engine robots and climb the rankings.
Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund Phase 2 - Webinar Series
This webinar series is designed to provide practical guidance and in-depth support with your application. Applications for Phase Two of the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund are now open, and will close at 5pm on the 31st July.