Fancy trying your hand at running your very own market stall – absolutely free for one day?

North Yorkshire Council are offering you the chance to try your hand at running your own market stall. First-time traders can run a stall absolutely free for one day, from now until the end of September. Take your pick from one of the vibrant markets in Thirsk, Northallerton, Ripon, Knaresborough, Pickering, Helmsley, and Whitby.

Why get involved?

  • Free one day pitch – perfect opportunity for newcomers to experience market trading without any cost
  • Variety of locations – take your pick from one of the vibrant market towns in Thirsk, Northallerton, Ripon, Knaresborough, Pickering, Helmsley, and Whitby
  • Supportive community – connect with fellow traders and market enthusiasts
  • Boost your business – gain exposure and build your customer base

You’ll be able to take up this opportunity at one of the markets listed above until 30 September 2025.

This offer is also open to existing market traders who would like to try trading at another location.

Applications must be submitted at least one week before your chosen date to allow time for arrangements. To ensure a smooth and successful experience, applications must provide: proof of right to work in the UK, public Liability Insurance, photo ID and food hygiene certificates if applicable. The site is self-set, which means you would need to bring your own gazebo, frame or tables.

Export magic as York business nears 1 million sales milestone

A York-based business owner is set to export 1 million drinks to the US this year and wants more of the region’s businesses to follow in his footsteps. Phil Pinder from the Potions Cauldron will be one of the experts taking part in the export roadshows this month, organised by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.  The team will visit venues across two weeks including Tadcaster, Harrogate, Scarborough, York, Catterick and Skipton.

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.

[FULL] 1-2-1 SEO Support: Tailored advice to help your website rank higher in Google

These sessions offer practical, one-to-one SEO support that’s all about your business. Many business owners have already attended SEO courses or watched tutorials but still struggle when it comes to applying what they’ve learned to their own website. This support is designed to look at your site, your goals and discuss specific actions you can take to make real improvements.

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.