Case Studies
Articles
From Lived Experience to Social Enterprise
James established PLAS as a Community Interest Company (CIC), ensuring a sustainable social enterprise model that allows him to earn a wage while delivering impact-driven services. James is now building a social enterprise that provides one-to-one support for offenders, rehabilitation interviews, and workshops for legal professionals.
Scarborough Manufacturer Boosting Innovation and Skills
The relationship between Castle Group Managing Director Simon Bull and Made Smarter Business Relationship Manager Mike Pennington has evolved into a multi-year partnership transforming both commercial performance and regional STEM engagement.
Aberdevine, a Circular Start-up
Through the Federation of Small Businesses, Marta was introduced to Jack Colding, the Growth Hub’s Sustainability Specialist, who helped her identify crucial gaps in sustainability documentation and supply-chain transparency. Working together, they developed tailored environmental and manufacturing policies.
Building Belonging Through Business
In Selby, Matthew Fisher of the Community Development Group is helping underrepresented groups turn ambition into enterprise. After securing funding to explore the experiences of local migrant communities, Matthew identified that many individuals wanted to start businesses but lacked the knowledge and support to do so.
Innovation Supper provides funding boost for First Leaf Farm
The event followed its now well-established format: attendees enjoyed supper while hearing from local entrepreneurs, each given ten minutes to pitch their business idea followed by questions from the audience. At the end of the evening, participants voted to decide which business would receive the proceeds from ticket sales, providing both a financial boost and valuable exposure to an engaged local network.
Building a Bold Brand with Purpose
Luke, based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, is the founder of Deaf Identity, an e-commerce business dedicated to raising deaf awareness through fashion and accessories. His brand serves as both a creative outlet and a platform to promote visibility and representation within the deaf community.
How Joanne Found Value in a Focused Business Vision
While the business grew steadily, Joanne faced challenges with brand clarity, strategic focus and the isolation of running a business by herself. Joanne reached for support and was introduced to Karen, the Growth Hub Start-up Specialist.
Made Smarter Backs Unity Racing on the Road to Singapore
Made Smarter Yorkshire is proud to continue its support for Unity Racing, a team of six exceptional college students competing in the renowned F1 in Schools competition. As the reigning UK national champions, Unity Racing will once again take on the world stage this September, heading to Singapore for the highly anticipated global finals.
Local start-up planner business benefits from £500 seed funding thanks to Innovation Supper
Innovation Supper, a unique pitching event by York Business School, Patch York and the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, was inspired by a concept first introduced in Detroit in 2010. The winner of the funding was Jasmine Ely, founder of Hummingbird Paper Co, who received the most votes following a standout pitch that showcased her business rooted in local growth. Jasmine drew on her marketing background and recent participation in the Strive Live programme to build a strong foundation for her pitch.