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.

North Yorkshire Council is hosting its first ever North Yorkshire Business Week throughout this week 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.

A special launch event was staged on Monday, June 16, at the Harrogate Convention Centre.

The day brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders and public sector voices to explore what innovation means for North Yorkshire and how they can embrace and drive forward change this year and in the future.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, who gave an opening speech at yesterday’s launch event, said: “North Yorkshire Business Week is a major programme of events that will help provide support for our businesses and will draw on the expertise and experience of entrepreneurs across the county.

“As a council, we are committed to helping all businesses in the county wherever we can, and the business week is a vital move to achieving this.

“There is a diverse range of events that are being held throughout this week, with opportunities for every type of business to learn valuable lessons and access advice and support to help to drive forward their organisations.”

The week-long programme of events is being tailored to all businesses, with a focus on supporting smaller enterprises, which form the bedrock of the economy in North Yorkshire.

Small and micro businesses make up 98 per cent of the county’s economy.

Delegates heard keynote speeches from Paul Cogan, the group finance and resources director at Bettys & Taylors, and Mark Roberts, an award-winning entrepreneur and angel investor.

Mr Roberts, the co-founder of Beer Hawk, a leading Harrogate-based craft beer retailer, said: “North Yorkshire boasts an incredible community of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors who are all willing to go the extra mile for one another.

“I experienced this first-hand during my scale-up journey with Beer Hawk, and it’s why I believe that Yorkshire is the best place to start and grow a business.

“Events such as North Yorkshire Business Week help to unite this community, provide a platform to raise ambition, and offer practical support to help businesses grow. I’m delighted to support it.”

There was also 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.

North Yorkshire Council’s assistant director for place shaping and growth, Kathryn Daly, also spoke at yesterday’s launch event.

She said: “It is so important that we provide support at a time when many businesses are facing often tough circumstances with escalating costs and financial pressures.

“To see so many people attending the first day of North Yorkshire Business Week shows that the support and advice is very much welcomed.

“There are still a few spaces left at other Business Week sessions, so I’d encourage all businesses in North Yorkshire to check out the full programme on our website and get involved this week if they can.”

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 across the county.

A full list of this 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