Alison Laws joins York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub to provide business support in Craven
A new source of free business support is available in Craven. Alison Laws has recently joined the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub as a Business Relationship Manager.
Co-funded by North Yorkshire Council and York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, Alison is working with small to medium businesses from any sector across the Craven district.
Alison said: “Every business is unique and it’s my role to find out what their challenges and opportunities are and to help them reach their goals. I meet businesses and signpost them to the best public and private sector resources in the area. This might include sources of funding, networking opportunities or resources available through the Growth Hub, but it’s always tailored to meet the needs of the individual business.”
Alison brings more than 30 years’ business experience to the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, having worked in senior positions for a number of high street names before running her own business consultancy firm.
Alison added: “Craven has a real wealth of businesses, particularly micro, rural-based operations. I’m already meeting with many of them, either face-to-face or virtually, and I’m looking forward to working with plenty more in the future.”
North Yorkshire Council has welcomed the additional support for businesses in the area.
Councillor Simon Myers, Lead Member for Enterprising Craven, said: “Having the ability to give tailored one to one support according to an individual business situation, circumstance, and needs is key to help with the growth of our business economy in Craven.”
The council also appointed Stefan Sykes, Rural Business Development Manager, as a further boost for the Craven business community.
Craven businesses can link in with Alison by contacting the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub on 0800 246 5045 or by emailing support@businessinspiredgrowth.com.
Further information about the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub is available at www.ynygrowthhub.com.
Strive Live Start-Up Incubator: Expression of Interest for Autumn 2026
Interested in joining a future cohort of Stive Live Start-Up Incubator? Find out more about the programme below, and register your interest to secure the first places when dates are confirmed.
Steps into Digital Voucher Scheme: Business Success Stories
The Steps into Digital Voucher Scheme helped businesses progress their digital transformation by providing one-to-one support that reflected their individual needs. Working with experienced digital providers, businesses were able to identify practical solutions and make meaningful improvements to the way they operated.
ETL Fluid Experts spark productivity boost with automation investment.
A North Yorkshire manufacturer of industrial filtration systems has dramatically improved production times after introducing automation to a key process, with support from Made Smarter. ETL Fluid Experts (ETL) secured almost £15,000 towards an automated wire processing centre, helping eliminate a major bottleneck in the production of wiring looms.
North Yorkshire manufacturers among firms investing £900,000 in digital tech with Made Smarter
From pizza dough and rally cars to signage, packaging and heavy machinery, makers are investing in growth and jobs. North Yorkshire manufacturers are among 19 Yorkshire businesses investing almost £900,000 in digital technologies to improve efficiency, create jobs and support future growth, with support from Made Smarter Yorkshire.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: The First Deadline is Fast Approaching
With the introduction of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA), the biggest change to the Self Assessment system in a generation is now underway. Although the mandatory start date of April 2026 has arrived for the first group of taxpayers, many self-employed individuals and landlords are still unprepared for the new requirements. Now is the time to check whether the rules apply to you and, if they do, ensure you have the right systems in place.
Fully Funded Training for Tourism and Hospitality Businesses - Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering
The York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub are pleased to be partnering with North Yorkshire Council and the City of York Council on an initiative to support hospitality businesses from across the area to benefit from fully funded Food Safety and Hygiene Level 2 training and certification courses
Supporting Start-ups in York and North Yorkshire
Starting a business is exciting, but many first-time business owners are unsure where to begin and how to move forward. The York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub addresses this by providing accessible, fully funded support tailored to those at the earliest stages of their journey and beyond.
Largest crackdown on late payments in over 25 years as landmark Bill enters Parliament
Small businesses will no longer be left chasing money they are already owed, as ministers today [Tuesday 19 May] introduce landmark legislation to end the scourge of late payments and back millions of sole traders, freelancers, and family firms across the country.
Funding reaches £900K in bid to boost exports
The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire has unlocked a new wave of export funding for businesses, taking the total support up to £900,000. The third round of the Get Exporting programme is available for applications today (Monday, May 11) with £265,000 in grants for businesses to tap into.
🚗 The Growth Hub is hitting the road!
After the success of last year's roadshows, the Growth Hub is hitting the road again, traveling the region to bring the best of local business support to a town near you. Partnering with NatWest Accelerator, and joined by Business Support Advisors from North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council, the Growth Hub Roadshow is set to showcase what business support really looks like.
Innovation Supper: Apply to pitch
Join us for a relaxed evening with a light supper and plenty of inspiration, where you’ll have the chance to step into the spotlight and pitch your business idea to win seed funding. Prior to the pitching, you’ll be provided expert pitch training delivered by York St John, so you’re fully prepared to deliver your pitch with confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or already up and running, you’re invited to get involved.
Celebrating a Career Supporting Business Growth
Growth Hub Manager Simon Middleton is stepping into retirement following a long and rewarding career defined by his dedication to the region’s business community. Colleagues, partners and the many businesses he has supported wish Simon the very best for a happy and well-deserved retirement.