Automation & Efficiency Webinar Series
Step into digital with Data Stream’s Automation & Efficiency Webinar series. Designed to support small businesses make day-to-day work smoother.
This webinar series provides a straightforward starting point to streamline and reduce day-to-day tasks, through automation and efficiency, across all areas of your business. Every week from Friday 16 January, to Friday 6 March.
This series gives a balanced overview of everything needed to streamline everyday work, through a well-rounded introduction to the digital tools and techniques that make running your business smoother and more manageable. Bringing together practical guidance on organisation, communication, finance, customer management, automation, AI, and data.
You’ll learn how project management tools keep tasks and deadlines organised, and how platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace simplify document sharing, email management, and information storage. The series also introduces tools like Xero to streamline bookkeeping and invoicing, along with CRM options such as HubSpot and Zoho to help manage leads, track conversations, and keep customer information in one place.
As the sessions progress, you’ll explore simple no-code automations that remove repetitive admin, practical AI tools that can sort emails and support everyday processes, and advanced CRM segmentation techniques for more effective customer targeting. The series wraps up with guidance on connecting data across your systems so information becomes easier to access and ready to support better decision-making.
About the provider

Delivered by Data Stream UK, a North Yorkshire based consultancy delivering end-to-end data and AI solutions with a strong emphasis on data literacy, analytical insight and practical implementation support for SMEs.
Data Stream was born out of a profound understanding of the challenges facing businesses in today’s data-driven landscape. They witnessed first hand how companies struggled to navigate the complexities of emerging technologies while grappling with legacy software and a shortage of internal data expertise. It became evident that there was a need for a partner who could bridge the gap between the data-driven future and the present state of businesses. Their mission is to empower businesses with data-driven solutions tailored to their unique objectives.
Steps into Digital focus on the digital transformation of your business at a pace and level that suits you. These workshops have been designed to take you from your 🟢 first step into digital, to your 🟡 next step into digital, giving you the skills you need to 🟣 Step Up & Thrive into Digital.
Explore the series
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify the key features and integrations available across Office 365 and Google Workspace.
- Improve team collaboration through shared drives, co-authoring, and permission management.
- Streamline document and communication workflows to save time and reduce duplication.

Learning Outcomes:
- Select the right accounting tool for your business needs and industry.
- Automate key financial processes such as invoicing and bank reconciliation.
- Generate reports to monitor cash flow, profitability, and business performance.

Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the role of CRM systems in managing customer data and communication.
- Design a basic sales pipeline and track opportunities effectively.
- Automate follow-ups and reporting to increase sales efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Learning Outcomes:
- Identify manual processes that can be automated using no-code tools.
- Build simple workflows that connect different business systems and trigger automated actions.
- Design safe and scalable automations that improve consistency and reduce errors.

Learning Outcomes:
- Identify where AI can enhance automation in everyday business processes.
- Design and test AI-assisted workflows for common tasks like email routing and document processing.
- Evaluate the risks, benefits, and governance considerations of AI-driven automation.

Learning Outcomes:
- Create dynamic customer segments using behavioural and transactional data.
- Personalise marketing and sales outreach for higher conversion rates.
- Apply data governance principles to maintain accurate, compliant CRM data.

Learning Outcomes:
- Map your existing data landscape and identify integration opportunities.
- Plan and implement a centralised data architecture that supports reporting and automation.
- Evaluate tools and strategies for maintaining consistent, high-quality data across systems.

Sign up once, access all sessions
📸 These workshops will be recorded and available on the Growth Hub website after the sessions are delivered. The recordings will be sent out to all who register, regardless of whether you are able to attend on the day or not.
Second registration window now open for tax advisers
Registration is now open for tax advisers in the second phase of the new Modernising and Mandating Tax Adviser Registration (MMTAR) rollout. This applies to any advisers with Self Assessment or Corporation Tax accounts, but without an agent services account (ASA). They have until 18 November 2026 to register.
Sausage maker uses technology to cut energy costs and power future growth
HECK, based in Bedale, produces premium sausages, burgers, mince and meatballs. The family-firm installed a digital Energy Management System (EMS) with support from Made Smarter Yorkshire after soaring electricity prices almost tripled its energy bills.
North Yorkshire brewery taps into technology to fuel growth
Founded in 2013 as a small-batch microbrewery, Harrogate Brewing Company was acquired by Joe and Julie Joyce in 2020 with ambitions to build a larger, more resilient business that could create a long-term future for their family. Just weeks later, the Covid-19 pandemic brought the hospitality industry to a standstill. With its pub customers disappearing almost overnight, the family adapted by launching online sales, home deliveries and a taproom.
New employers: what you need to know about the National Minimum Wage
Taking on your first workers is a milestone moment for any new business. It’s important to pay your workers correctly from day one, as this helps build trust, demonstrates your commitment to treating workers fairly, and lays the foundations for a positive and productive working relationship.
Boost your career with adult learning
A wide range of subjects are available through the Adult Skills Fund, Free Courses for Jobs and Skills Bootcamps, all delivered by expert providers commissioned by the Combined Authority.
Innovation Supper October 2026: 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.
Say ‘I do’ to getting your side hustle tax right
HMRC’s Help for Hustles campaign is here to help side hustlers get their tax right, quickly and easily - whether that’s wedding suppliers, parents earning from a hobby business or content creators making money from posting about the latest trends online.
CardioLogic Diagnostics Wins Innovation Supper
The fifth instalment of Innovation Supper saw Faye Singleton, Director of CardioLogic Diagnostics, take home the funding after delivering a compelling pitch for her life-saving business. Winning Innovation Supper has provided CardioLogic Diagnostics with seed funding that will help tackle one of the business's biggest early challenges: marketing. The prize money will support activities such as attending industry conferences and investing in paid advertising to reach more customers and raise awareness of the importance of accessible cardiac screening.
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.













