York Business Festival
Book your place here
Wednesday 14 to Thursday 15 October 2026
York Business Festival returns to offer free practical support, insights and networking for businesses across the region.
York St John University brings together business leaders, industry professionals and academic experts for inspiring two-day programme
York St John University is proud to announce a packed programme for York Business Festival this October. Taking place across two days, attendees gain direct access to the expertise of academics and researchers from York Business School and the wider University as well as a host of invited speakers and facilitators.
The festival is on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 October with all sessions taking place on the York St John University campus on Lord Mayor’s Walk in York. The programme has around 20 different talks, workshops, exhibitions and networking opportunities.
York Business Festival is organised by York Business School at York St John University in partnership with York Press, and supported by City of York Council, York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, Make it York and York BID.
All events are free of charge but booking is essential. Full programme details and booking is available now via York Business Festival | York St John University
Programme
All sessions take place at York St John University campus. You can see where different rooms are located on the campus map.
Day 1 – Wednesday 14 October – 9.00am to 6.00pm
- 9.00am to 9.30am: Registration and morning coffee
- 9.30am to 10.45am: Dave Callan, Founder ONTO Coaching
- 10.45am to 11.15am: Morning break
- 11.15am to 12.30pm: Meet the Buyers/ Financial Prudence: Creating Choices for Growth
- 12.30pm to 1.30pm: Lunch | Networking | Expo stands
- 1.30pm to 2.40pm : Why your brand story matters/ Building York’s Creative Economy
- 2.40pm to 3.00pm: Afternoon Break
- 3.00pm to 4.15pm: Building talent, not just recruiting it/ How AI is changing marketing
- 4.15pm to 6.00pm: York Business Festival networking drinks
Day 2 – Thursday 15 October – 9.00am to 8.00pm
- 9.00am to 9.30am: Registration and morning coffee
- 9.30am to 10.45am: Sir Richard Harpin, Founder Homeserve and Growth Partner
- 10.45am to 11:15am: Morning break | networking with keynote speaker
- 11.15am to 12.30pm: What’s your leadership secret? / How to commit the perfect business crime
- 12.30pm to 1.30pm:Lunch | Networking | Expo stands
- 1.30pm to 2.40pm: Top 5 AI myths/ Employment Rights Act 2025 – what does it mean for employers?
- 2:40pm to 3:00pm: Afternoon Break
- 3:00pm to 4:15pm: 7 ways to generate more customers online / Start-up business success
- 6:00pm to 8:00pm: Innovation supper
Find out more
York Business Festival
York St John University is proud to announce a packed programme for York Business Festival this October. Taking place across two days, attendees gain direct access to the expertise of academics and researchers from York Business School and the wider University as well as a host of invited speakers and facilitators.
Brew York invests in a more sustainable future
When rising CO2 prices began putting pressure on Brew York, the team started looking for a more sustainable way to operate and reduce their reliance on external CO2 supplies. With support from City of York Council and the Growth Hub, Brew York secured grant funding towards new nitrogen generation technology, through the Business Sustainability Programme.
Apprenticeship funding scheme opens new opportunities for employers in York and North Yorkshire
Employers across York and North Yorkshire are invited to take advantage of a new Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme launched by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, creating new opportunities to invest in skills and support long-term business growth.
Innovation Supper: Meet the Dragons
Emerging entrepreneurs from across York and North Yorkshire will be pitching their business ideas to an engaged audience of like-minded business professionals at next month’s Innovation Supper. A panel of experienced business professionals are set to provide a wealth of business knowledge and insight, asking questions and offering invaluable feedback to those taking the stage.
Fully funded workplace training and development for North Yorkshire employers
Employers across North Yorkshire can now access free learning and development opportunities designed to help create more inclusive, supportive and productive workplaces. Available through the Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer, the programme from North Yorkshire Council gives employers practical support to develop workplace cultures where employees feel valued, supported and able to thrive in work.
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.