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
IT infrastructure
As businesses grow, the need for more structured, complex IT systems and processes can increase.
Website design
A high-quality website is a vital piece of your overall marketing strategy – find out what yours will need.
Data Security
Stay safe with tips on how to protect your business from threats to your premises and from rising cyber crime.
Training
Ensure you and your team are equipped with the right digital skills by accessing the correct training for you.
Software solutions
Find out what particular advice is applicable to the sorts of software systems you need.
Articles
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.
Digital Marketing 2-Day Workshops
This in-person, 2-day course is designed to equip businesses in York & North Yorkshire with the essential digital marketing skills they need to feel more confident and grow. Coming to Richmond, Thirsk, York and Bentham.
5.65 million still to file as the Self Assessment deadline looms
Customers can start their tax return, save it and re-visit it as many times as they need to before they submit it. And, once they’ve sent it, the bill doesn’t have to be paid straight away, but does need to be paid before the 31 January deadline. The easiest way to pay is through the HMRC app. Customers can also set up notifications in the app to ensure they know when payments are due so they don’t miss a deadline.
Events
21st January 202610:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
Webinar: PR for Small Businesses
Want to get your business featured in newspapers and magazines in 2026? Jo and Linda will 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.
22nd January 202610:00 am - 4:00 pmFREE
Business Automation for Intermediate Users: Day 2
Connect your tools and build smarter business systems. This business automation session shows you how to streamline your customer experience using tools like Zapier, HubSpot, and AI assistants. You will experiment with building automated processes allowing you to reduce admin time, and manage leads more effectively, with hands-on guidance and real examples you can try right away.
27th January 202612:00 am - 4:00 pmFREE
Data & Analytics for Intermediate Users: Day 2
Turn data into action and make better marketing decisions. Already tracking some data? This session shows you how to read patterns, build live dashboards, and plan future campaigns using these insights. You’ll also explore forecasting tools, customer journey mapping, and how to present your data clearly and ethically.
Resources
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.
Webinar Recording: 🟣 Mastering data protection and compliance
In this engaging and practical webinar series, Privacy Protect Group Ltd will guide you through everything you need to know to build a confident, compliant, and resilient approach to data protection in your business. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your practices, each session is designed to build your understanding step-by-step.
Webinar Recording: Autumn Budget 2025, how will it impact your business?
The Autumn Budget, announced on 26 November 2025, introduced a range of changes that business owners need to be aware of. From updates to taxation and compliance rules, to adjustments in incentives and support schemes. These measures could affect how you plan and operate in the year ahead. To help you understand what’s changing and what it means for your business, we’re hosting a webinar that breaks down the key points in a clear and practical way.