First North Yorkshire Business Week to promote innovation and growth
A celebration of North Yorkshire’s diverse and innovative businesses and a week of opportunity to share best practice and learn vital skills to help enterprise grow will take place next month.

North Yorkshire Council is hosting its first ever North Yorkshire Business Week from June 16 to 20 and will work with a range of partners to deliver a varied programme of free face-to-face and online events, all themed around innovation and growth.
It gets underway with a special launch event on Monday, June 16, at the Harrogate Convention Centre. The day will bring together entrepreneurs, business leaders and public sector voices to explore what innovation means for North Yorkshire and how they can embrace and drive change this year and in the future. The event runs from 12.45pm to 5pm.
Delegates will hear keynote speeches from Paul Cogan, the group finance and resources director at Bettys & Taylors, and Mark Roberts, an award-winning entrepreneur and angel investor. There will be an interactive question and answer panel, networking opportunities, and a business support expo for businesses to learn about the help available to them, including funding opportunities.
An event at Scarborough Spa on Thursday (June 19) will be specifically focused on the challenges and opportunities within the maritime and renewables sector. There will be a selection of guest speakers discussing a range of subjects including skills, innovation and renewables. The sector’s links to leisure and tourism will also be explored. Exhibitor stands will provide an opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services, and there will be opportunities for networking between sessions.

The week’s programme also includes practical workshops led by experts, on topics such as business growth, finance, marketing and innovation, which will be tailored to the needs and ambitions of North Yorkshire businesses. Experienced senior business advisors from the council’s Business North Yorkshire team and representatives from other regional business support organisations will host drop-in advice sessions.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, said: “We are proud to host our first North Yorkshire Business Week, which aims to showcase local and regional businesses, bring sectors together and share best practice to help drive innovation and growth.
“Whether you’re looking to connect with fellow business owners, gain insights and be inspired by specialists or access tailored support, there will be something for every business type and sector.
“We’re particularly looking forward to welcoming businesses from across the county to our launch event, which will explore innovation in its broadest sense, looking at the importance of an innovative mindset, culture and collaboration alongside the more familiar advancements in technology.”
Sue Thompson of Catch Design Management, based in Stokesley, who is attending the event said: “As a long-standing local business, I am delighted to participate in the upcoming North Yorkshire Business Week, a pivotal event that will support our region’s vibrant and innovative business landscape.
“I look forward to engaging with fellow entrepreneurs, sharing insights, and exploring collaborative opportunities that will drive our collective success, and showcasing the importance of social media to businesses’ growth and potential.
“Together, we can harness the power of innovation to build a sustainable and prosperous future for North Yorkshire.”
A full list of the week’s events, which are open to people from businesses of all sizes and sectors, with booking details, is available at www.northyorks.gov.uk/nybusinessweek
Businesses wanting to contact the Business North Yorkshire team directly can email: business.nyc@northyorks.gov.uk
Industrial Strategy to provide over £150m to reinforce UK as services superpower
The UK’s modern Industrial Strategy will invest over £150 million in five transformative AI and technology programmes to help UK Professional and Business Services (PBS) sectors such as legal, management consulting and accountancy soar.
Are you paying your interns at least the National Minimum Wage?
If you are considering hiring an intern, it’s important to find out whether they are entitled to be paid the National Minimum Wage (NMW).
Meet your High Street Coordinator: Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund
If you’re unsure whether your project idea is a good fit for the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets fund, have any questions or simply need support, please get in touch with your local High Street Coordinator to discuss your proposal.
Innovation Supper – Apply to pitch
After the incredible success of the previous event, we’re thrilled to announce the return of Innovation Supper, and once again, we’re inviting you apply to pitch. If you are interested in your chance to get some great business advice and take away some funding to grow, then please fill in the application and return to us by 4 September 2025.
UK organisations stand to benefit from new data protection laws
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA) has now received Royal Assent. This new legislation updates key aspects of data protection law, making it easier for UK businesses to protect people’s personal information while growing and innovating their products and services.
Launch of week-long programme to help businesses to thrive
Businesses across North Yorkshire are being given key advice and the chance to develop their enterprises with the launch of the first event of its kind in the county that has been heralded as a “vital move” to supporting the economy.
Digital Adoption Grant - Apply Now
The Digital Inclusion Capital Grant aims to support businesses to adopt new technologies and resources, in order to increase innovation and productivity. The fund opened for applications on Monday 16 June 2025 and will close at 5pm on Monday 14 July 2025.
Leadership Excellence and Development Programme Launched for North Yorkshire
The Leadership Excellence and Development (LEAD) Programme is tailored for small business owners who want to strengthen their leadership skills and drive business growth. Over six months, this programme covers key areas essential for your success, delivered by experts in their fields through a mix of workshops, coaching, and consultancy.
Strive Live Start-Up Incubator: September 2025 (Register your interest)
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, tentatively scheduled for September 2025. Find out more about more about the programme below, and register your interest to secure the first places when dates are confirmed.
YNY Equity Hub: Are you investor ready?
Soon we'll be launching the YNY Equity Hub - take a look at the available resources to ensure you're investor ready. The platform will offer a user-friendly portal where businesses can effectively present their investment opportunities and highlight their growth potential to investors nationwide.
£1.9 million to be invested in making York and North Yorkshire businesses more sustainable
Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith is investing £1.9m of UKSPF funds to help decarbonise businesses in the region.
Successful Applicants Announced For Phase One of Mayor’s High Street Fund
The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, has announced the successful applicants from Phase One of the Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund.