About us

Meet the Team

We’re passionate about helping businesses of all sizes thrive in our dynamic region. Our team of experienced professionals can provide you with the support and resources you need to succeed. We work closely with our colleagues at City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council to bring you the best local business support has to offer.

Contact us today to learn more about how York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub can help your business. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

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Photograph of Simon Middleton

Simon Middleton

Growth Hub Delivery Manager

I manage the delivery of the Growth Hub’s support. Talk to me about what you can offer our business community.

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Faye Greer-Pickup

Growth Hub Delivery Officer

I manage the help desk and support pre-start businesses. Talk to me to get your business started.

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Photograph of Joseph Midgley

Joseph Midgley

Growth Hub Contracts and Relationships Officer

I run the delivery of programmes for the Growth Hub. Talk to me if you want to join our supplier register.

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Nicholas White

Business Relationship Manager

I deliver business support to all types of businesses with a specialism in Agriculture and Farming. Talk to me if your business is based in Richmondshire.

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Adrian O’Neill

Business Relationship Manager

I am the skills specialist for the Growth Hub. Talk to me about building your workforce.

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Harriet Stainton

Business Relationship Manager

I am the specialist for digital transformation. Talk to me to support your digital growth and take your business to new heights!

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Karen Booth

Business Relationship Manager

I provide support tailored to start up businesses. Talk to me if you are in the early stages of running your business based in the Harrogate area.

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Emma Rollason-Taylor

Business Relationship Manager

I run the York St John Enterprise Centre. Talk to me about opportunities for your business here on campus.

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Jack Colding

Business Relationship Manager

I am the specialist for environment and sustainability. Talk to me to save money on your waste and energy bills.

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Mike Pennington

Business Relationship Manager

I manage the Made Smarter Programme. Talk to me for Tech support, digital road mapping and possible grant support to digitise your manufacturing business.

By its very geography, York and North Yorkshire is home to a diverse range of businesses.

Regardless of size or sector, the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub is here to provide free and impartial business support. We are government-funded but locally based, which means that we provide tailored support based around the needs of our unique region. 

How we’ve helped other businesses like yours

Click on the videos below to see how we have helped other businesses in the region or read more of our case studies here.

Screengrab for case study video titled 'How we helped Sylatech'
Screengrab for a case study video called 'How we helped Hetty and Betty' showing the title

What is a Growth Hub?

York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub

We’re one of 38 Growth Hubs set up by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Helping you access support and funding

Accessing funding and finance for your business can be confusing and overwhelming at times. You can contact our helpdesk and our team will be able to assess your business needs and introduce you to the providers of the appropriate support. You can contact them by emailing support@ynygrowthhub.com.

Remaining local

We know your time is limited and you need to access information quickly. Our website provides information on local support schemes in relation to skills, finance, sustainability, import and export, and more. In addition, we have details of events across the region and you can find out how we’ve supported other local businesses to expand their set up.

Good for you, great for York and North Yorkshire

Ensuring your business has everything it needs to succeed is not only great for you but also for our regional economy, so getting you the support you need and at the right time is our key priority.

“It’s about creating conversations, not paperwork. When running a small business, time is one of your most valuable assets and mistakes are costly. We want small business owners to be able to quickly find someone they can trust.”

David Kerfoot MBE, Chairman, Kerfoot Group

Articles

Events

26th February 20254:00 pm - 5:30 pmFREE

Social Enterprise Support: Kick Off 2 

Join us on Wed 26th Feb to explore your social entrepreneur ambitions. We will talk you through the different elements of this support programme, including free workshops, network sessions, peer support and chance to apply for £500 seed funding. Meet the team and hear from fellow entrepreneurs.

Resources

Posted on February 17, 2025 |

Webinar: Unlock the Power of Apprenticeships

Are you a business owner, or part of a business team looking to boost your workforce? Apprenticeships could be the game-changer you’re looking for, but there’s a lot of myths and misconceptions out there. Join our lunchtime webinar and get the facts you need to make an informed decision. Don’t let misconceptions hold you and your business back.