Speed networking for small businesses and top Yorkshire journalists, with Yorkshire PR experts Linda Harrison and Jo Leatham.

Starling, Harrogate

Tuesday 10 February, 2026. 10am-1pm

Want to get your business featured in the press in 2026? Meet The Media events are a unique experience – speed networking for local small businesses and top regional journalists.

The half-day, in-person sessions give you the chance to learn about what journalists and editors look for – and the best ways to pitch ideas to them.

This event is for York and North Yorkshire business owners who want to learn how to tell their story through media coverage – from the journalists themselves.

What’s the format?

You’ll be seated at a table with about five other business owners, and get the chance to talk about your business with one journalist. After 20 minutes, you’ll move to a new table to meet a different journalist with another group of business owners. You continue moving around the room until you’ve met all the journalists/editors.

The journalists will also share their insider tips on how to get featured in the media, from the type of stories they write about to how to pitch ideas to them. And there’ll be plenty of time to ask questions, swap business cards and network with other local business owners.

Extra details

Linda and Jo’s popular Meet The Media events have so far resulted in more than 30 pieces of press coverage for local businesses, including in Yorkshire Living magazine, The Yorkshire Post, The York Press, The Sun, The Yorkshire Times, Yorkshire Business Insider and on BBC Radio York – with more in the pipeline!

You can read more about what to expect on the day here

Press coverage about the event from The York Press

IMPORTANT: Eligibility

Due to the funding outline above, only businesses located in either City of York Council or North Yorkshire Council areas are eligible to attend: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Reviews

“It was not only a fantastic platform to promote your brand but also to connect and network with so many inspiring Yorkshire businesses.”

Yorkshire fashion designer, Isabelle Randall, who secured a front cover image and feature in the October issue of Yorkshire Living magazine.

“Meet The Media was a brilliant PR experience. Not only was the exposure
invaluable but also the connections made along the way.”

Scarborough artist, Sarah Westwood, who secured a double-page feature in The Yorkshire Post weekend magazine.

Journalists attending Harrogate Meet The Media (other journalists tbc)

Catherine Turnbull, Editor of Yorkshire Living magazine

Andrew Palmer, Group Editor of p.ublished online newspapers covering the north of England, including The Yorkshire Times

Between them, Jo and Linda have more than 50 years of experience in the media.

Linda is an experienced PR expert and NCTJ-trained journalist who’s worked for regional and national newspapers. She’s written for The Guardian, Metro, MailOnline, Daily Express and Woman magazine.

She’s helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and business owners to raise their profile by getting featured in titles like The Daily Telegraph, House Beautiful, Yorkshire Life and The Yorkshire Post, among many others.

Sign up to Linda’s newsletter here

www.lindaharrison.co.uk

Email: linda@lindaharrison.co.uk

Jo has 30-years’ experience in PR, having worked for a number of agencies in Yorkshire as well as Government Bodies. She has managed campaigns for clients including Nestlé, La Redoute, the WI, Silver Cross, York Fashion Week, Jorvik Viking Centre, Homes England and Marie Curie.

Jo loves working with Yorkshire-based businesses, helping to share their news and connecting them with journalists.
https://joleatham.co.uk

Email: pr@joleatham.co.uk

Join us for a unique insight into how the media works – and learn how to use PR to raise your profile and grow your business.

Jo and Linda are delighted that The York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub are supporting this event, which will offer valuable support to small businesses across the region to raise their profile.