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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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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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.
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.
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
Making Values Pay: Sustainability and Staff Engagement
What is the real value to sustainability to an organisation? Is it something to pursue or a waste of money? In this article we explore the benefits and risks of getting to grips with sustainability.
Innovation Supper - Funding Opportunity
York Business School, Patch York and the Growth Hub are delighted to bring you our first ever Innovation Supper. The basic idea is that we provide some supper, and charge a small entry fee, we then invite local community projects to pitch for the proceeds and hold a vote to select the winner - It’s that simple!
Business Essentials – Structure
There is a lot of information around about company formats and the associated rules and tax regimes and a lot has changed in recent years. So, what is the best structure to run your business through? Your choice of business vehicle affects the type of taxes you pay, your liability for business debts and the legal and administrative requirements imposed on the business.
Events
17th April 20259:30 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.
23rd April 20259:30 am - 11:30 amFREE
RICHMOND: Growth Hub Roadshow
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? The Growth Hub roadshow is heading to Tennants Auctioneers in Leyburn, on Wednesday 23 April. Join us for this unique opportunity to see the available support in action and connect with like-minded individuals in your area.
24th April 20257:00 pm - 9:00 pmFREE
April 2025: Strive Live Start-Up Incubator
Having previously supported over 200 early stage businesses in our region, the Growth Hub will once again be working with Enterprise Cube to deliver a cohort of the Strive Live Startup-Up Incubator, which will begin on Thursday 24 April If you are currently running or looking to launch a start-up based in York & North Yorkshire, join this award-winning incubator designed to help grassroots entrepreneurs launch their business. Strive Live blends weekly live online training with regular one-to-one advice and on-demand online learning to make it simple and exciting to start a business. Plus, you could win up to £2,500 in micro grants at the end of the programme.
Resources
Featured Webinar Playlist: Getting Started with Social Media
Don't know where to start with social media? Feeling like you might be missing something? Get instant access to the six-part webinar series delivered by Caroline Wilson of Hot Toddi.
Business Basics Series: Webinar Recordings & Blogs
Delivered by Jo Tomlinson of Business Works UK, these resources provide a guide to key subjects such as bookkeeping, pricing, VAT, company structure, and the responsibilities associated with owning a business.
Featured Webinar Playlist: Making Values Pay
Each session is designed to provide practical insights and actionable takeaways whether you’re looking to strengthen your procurement strategy, enhance your marketing, or boost employee engagement.