
Information Technology
What do you want to learn?
- I want to know more about expanding our IT infrastructure
- I need to ensure we have the right data security practices in place
- I want to find the right software to improve my business processes
- I want to understand more about website design
- I want to know what IT and digital skills training is available
Although there is a lot of free or low-cost software available to meet your general needs as a start-up, your IT and digital needs may become more complex as your business expands and demand grows. In this section, our guidance and resources will help you understand more about the building blocks of expanding your IT infrastructure, what sort of specialist business software could be helpful to you, and how to ensure you are following best practice in data security. While you should not be expected to have the full range of experience and skills of an IT manager, understanding the key principles will help you be more informed when making key decisions.

Get the IT and digital support you need
As businesses grow, the need for more structured, complex IT systems and processes can increase.
A high-quality website is a vital piece of your overall marketing strategy – find out what yours will need.
Stay safe with tips on how to protect your business from threats to your premises and from rising cyber crime.
Ensure you and your team are equipped with the right digital skills by accessing the correct training for you.
Find out what particular advice is applicable to the sorts of software systems you need.
Articles
‘Being organised helps take the stress out of completing a tax return’
Jade Milbourne, 34, runs a dog grooming salon with her business partner. They offer high-quality dog grooming and teeth cleaning services for our four-legged friends. Jade has been running the business for 5 years and believes the way to stay on top of her tax return each year is to stay organised.
A record 299,419 returns filed in the first week of the new tax year
Self Assessment customers can submit their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year between 6 April 2025, the first day of the new tax year, and the deadline on 31 January 2026.
Fabrication flourishes with support from City of York Council
Fabrication, a social enterprise, independent shop and creative workspace, recently celebrated a significant milestone with the launch of their newest creative spaces.
Events
07th May 20259:30 am - 11:30 amFREE
HARROGATE: Growth Hub Roadshow
Join us for this unique opportunity to see the available support in action and connect with like-minded individuals in your area.
07th May 202512:00 pm - 3:00 pmFREE
York Retrofit Network
This is the seventh meeting of the York Retrofit Network, which is part of a wider project supported by Innovate UK to create a Retrofit One-Stop-Shop for York. The meetings will occur roughly every two months.
08th May 202510:00 am - 1:00 pmFREE
Harrogate Business Support Drop-In Mornings
Are you thinking of starting your own business, or looking for help to grow your business? Call in to our drop-in mornings hosted at Harrogate Co-Lab and meet the business support specialists from the Growth Manager team and York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
Resources
Webinar Recording: Why does Intellectual Property matter to your business?
This webinar will equip you with the knowledge to leverage IP for competitive advantage, investor attraction, and long-term business growth, ultimately showing you how a strategic approach to IP can be the difference between success and missed opportunities.
Featured Webinar Playlist: Getting Started with Social Media
Don't know where to start with social media? Feeling like you might be missing something? Get instant access to the six-part webinar series delivered by Caroline Wilson of Hot Toddi.
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.