Business Innovation & Funding
Business innovation should be an accessible goal for organisations of all sizes and does not always have to revolve around technology.
There are many ways in which businesses can think creatively about how they adapt to the rapidly evolving needs and tastes of their audience.
However, businesses are often restricted by a lack of finance, resources, time or know-how to get ideas off the ground. Plus, unpredictable world events can make it difficult for businesses to think about business innovation.
Our growth managers can work with you to refine your plans and, with strong links to partner organisations and educational establishments, help you find a route through any barriers that you may be facing.
In addition, we can provide innovation advice to organisations that are looking to relocate to York and North Yorkshire. Whether you are a foreign-owned or UK business looking to expand, relocate or invest, Invest in York & North Yorkshire can help.
We can help with:
- Cultural barriers
Challenges with cross-cultural communication, especially for businesses looking to expand into international markets.
- Structural barriers
Tackling natural or tactical barriers that arise preventing new entry into your market.
- Financial Barriers
Wanting to make change but lacking the funds to accomplish these goals
- Business communication
Improving internal and external practices and reducing errors by sharing information in the right way.
Fund your business innovation with Made Smarter
If you’re a manufacturing business that is looking to increase the use of technology and expand your business capabilities, the Made Smarter programme could help you access advice, support and even grant funding.
Whether you are completely brand new to digital technology, or you have already started your digitalisation journey, you will be able to receive bespoke advice on anything from skills and leadership to innovation strategies.
Adopting new technology can be daunting, but the Made Smarter scheme will enable you to get the best advice and support from the pioneers and experts in national and local industry bodies.
Made Smarter is encouraging the UK’s next industrial revolution by giving you the competitive edge in a rapidly-growing industry. The programme aims to bring the best out of the UK manufacturing industry by upskilling and encouraging collaboration and innovation – keeping us ahead of the competition in the global manufacturing stage.
Find out more about Innovation
To find out more about how we can help with Business Innovation, get in touch.
Articles
Business Essentials – VAT
VAT (Value Added Tax) is added to most products and services sold by VAT registered businesses. The main rate of VAT in the UK is currently 20%, although some goods and services are vatable at the reduced rate of 5% or are zero rated. There are also goods and services that are exempt from VAT or fall outside of scope for VAT.
Business Essentials – Associated Companies
From April 2023 the Corporation Tax rules changed, with the headline being an increase in the main rate of Corporation Tax to 25%. From this date, companies whose taxable profit was less then £50,000 would be subject to the small profit rate of 19% Corporation Tax. Companies with profits between £50,000 and £250,000 will pay a gradually increasing effective rate of taxation due to something known as marginal rate relief.
Empowering Neurodiverse Entrepreneurs from Day One
By recognising and supporting neurodivergent talent, we help create a more inclusive and innovative business environment for all. Everyone benefits when different ways of thinking are welcomed and supported.
Events
31st March 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
Workshop: Social Mission (repeat)
So, you’re starting a social enterprise. What difference will this make? What is the problem you want to solve? How will you know if anything has changed. This session will introduce you to setting out your vision and measuring your impact, making sure you are having a positive impact on your community and providing a market solution to a social need.
01st April 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
Webinar: Employing People
Employing people for the first time can be daunting. There are so many rules and responsibilities to understand, some of which you may be aware of, but be unsure how to apply them, and others may be totally new to you.
02nd April 20259:30 am - 12:20 pmFREE
LEAP into Digital Marketing – Harrogate
Are you looking to improve your digital marketing skills? The “LEAP into Digital Marketing” course is here to help small and medium businesses succeed online. You’ll learn about social media, branding, and online advertising.
Resources
Making Values Pay: Webinar Series
Each session is designed to provide practical insights and actionable takeaways whether you’re looking to strengthen your procurement strategy, enhance your marketing, or boost employee engagement.
DIY Health Check For Your Website
Ever wondered how to check how healthy your website is? In this session, we’ll explain step-by-step how to run your own 'website health check' using free and low-cost tools. We’ll cover the fundamentals of your website, including quick checks and easy wins in UX, SEO, and accessibility.
Business Basics Series: Webinar Recordings & Blogs
Delivered by Jo Tomlinson of Business Works UK, these resources provide a guide to key subjects such as bookkeeping, pricing, VAT, company structure, and the responsibilities associated with owning a business.