Learning toolkit
The learning toolkit helps individuals and businesses access the knowledge they need to progress and grow. Here are local skills resources to help organisations in York and North Yorkshire develop a resilient workforce.
As well as updating the learning toolkit regularly with new opportunities, we can also direct you to providers that can help you and your employees to remain engaged, productive and positive in these difficult times. Please contact us on 01609 797471 or email support@businessinspiredgrowth.com
Learning toolkit resources and courses
Health & wellbeing
- North Yorkshire Adult Learning and Skills Service (ALSS)
The ALSS offer a range of online resources to support wellbeing. You can find more information and keep up to date via its Facebook page or at the North Yorkshire Council adult learning page.
Leadership & management
York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub are running a series of free webinars offering reskilling and upskilling solutions in response to the current challenges impacting business.
- Skills Support for the Workforce delivered by Calderdale College and delivery partners
Skills Support for the Workforce can help your business reach its potential through free qualifications and training for adults in York, North Yorkshire & East Riding. They are continuing to deliver flexibly through-out the lockdown period via online training. SSW can support employed staff who have been furloughed under continuous professional development.
All training delivered through Skills Support for the Workforce is fully funded by the European Union and Educations & Skills Funding Agency with no cost to the employer or participant.
For further information, please complete an enquiry form, call 07872 010 326 or email funding@calderdale.ac.uk
- York College
York College are working to support businesses and staff development. They deliver a range of virtual and online programmes and modules, which can be found at York College. If you don’t see a programme suited to you or your team, get in touch by emailing your enquiry and phone number to businessdevelopment@yorkcollege.ac.uk.
- York Learning
York Learning offer a selection of courses and services which can be delivered remotely to flexible timescales. Do you have furloughed staff? Why not use this time to upskill team members? Do you need new skills as your business adapts? Take a look at York Learning.
- Digital Boost
Digital Boost is a free service to help charities and small businesses get the essential digital skills they need. They match organisations in need with digital experts to offer one to one conversations and practical webinars for free. For more information on the skills needs they can support visit the Digital Boost website.
Retraining
- Quantum Vantage
Quantum Vantage have gone virtual. Take the time to refocus and work on your personal and professional development.
- Government digital learning during lockdown
Adults at home can access online courses in digital and numeracy skills. The Department for Education has released a range of job-related online courses, teaching numeracy, coding and internet skills. The Open University and Google are among the providers. The training is focused on improving skills for online jobs, in the expectation more people will be working remotely. Further information can be found here.
Learn more about support available with York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub – contact us today.
Articles
Act now. 864,000 sole traders and landlords face new tax rules in two months
From 6 April 2026, those eligible will need to use recognised software to keep digital records and send HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) light-touch quarterly updates of their income and expenses. These are not extra tax returns.
Innovation Supper - Apply to Pitch
York Business School, Patch York and the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub are delighted to bring you a special edition of Innovation Supper. As part of this year's International Women's Day, we are inviting female entrepreneurs to apply to pitch their business.
Expression of Interest: Mentoring for Growth Programme
We’re launching a new mentoring programme designed to support small businesses across York and North Yorkshire who are ready to grow, scale and move confidently into their next stage. This programme connects local business leaders with experienced mentors from different sectors, creating space for honest conversations, fresh thinking and practical support.
Events
17th February 20269:15 am - 12:15 pmFREE
The Artery: Peer Support Network for Creative Industries (Skipton)
Running a creative business can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Over six interactive and supportive sessions The Artery helps creatives refocus, get clarity, and grow their businesses with confidence.
25th February 202610:00 am - 12:00 pmFREE
Whitby Workshop Series: Digital Tools for your Manufacturing Business
This engaging workshop series delivered by Hello Technology is designed to help manufacturing businesses harness the power of digital tools to improve their digital systems, record keeping, data management and marketing. Participants will be led through 5 focussed sessions, with each workshop blending expert-led guidance with practical exercises. Attendees will have the opportunity to apply new strategies and concepts directly to their business. With a mix of group learning and tailored support participants will leave with a clear digital roadmap, increased confidence and actionable insights to drive long-term success in their manufacturing business.
03rd March 202611:00 am - 1:00 pmFREE
Online Workshops: Digital Marketing Success Series (Intermediate)
Join our Digital Marketing Success Series designed especially for small business owners who want to grow online, even if you don’t consider yourself “tech-savvy.” This weekly workshop series will guide you through the basics of digital marketing and on to more advanced strategies – all at your pace.
Resources
Webinar Series: Set Up for Success with Google Business Tools
This series explores the free tools available from Google to help small businesses increase their online presence. Plus, you’ll learn how to leverage Google’s paid advertising platform for scalable growth without feeling like you are just wasting money. Participants will leave feeling confident to start using Google Tools to Improve their visibility, generate leads and make more sales online.
Webinar Recording: PR for Small Businesses
Want to get your business featured in newspapers and magazines in 2026? In this webinar, Jo and Linda explain why you should be prioritising PR – including reaching a new audience (outside your social media bubble), building trust and credibility, and boosting your sales and SEO.
Webinar Recording: Automation & Efficiency Series
This webinar series provides a straightforward starting point to streamline and reduce day-to-day tasks, through automation and efficiency, across all areas of your business.