Research and innovation
Meet Emma
I’m Emma Rollason-Taylor, one of the Business Relationship Managers here at the Growth Hub.
I specialise in supporting start-ups to take their first steps in the tech, digital and creative sectors here in York.
Helping new business owners get started by giving clear advice, introducing them to valuable connections, and guiding them through the challenges and opportunities in the tech, digital, and creative industries.
What do you want to learn about?
- I’m looking to find out more about funding and partnering for research
- I want to support innovation in my business
In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed and customer needs change regularly, businesses must continuously adapt and innovate to remain competitive. Research funding and partnerships are the lifeblood of innovation, providing the necessary financial resources and external expertise to explore new ideas, develop groundbreaking products or services, and stay ahead of the curve.
But innovation cannot thrive in isolation. It requires a supportive culture within the organisation that encourages creativity, embraces risk-taking, and values continuous learning. In this section, we help you understand where to start with research and how to find the funding and organisations to help make it happen, and how you can start to build the internal processes to support new ideas.
Develop new ideas for your business
Find out how research into new services and products can support your business – and how this can be funded.
Build a culture of innovation in your business and benefit from new ideas and an empowered workforce.
Meet your High Street Coordinator: Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund
If you’re unsure whether your project idea is a good fit for the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets fund, have any questions or simply need support, please get in touch with your local High Street Coordinator to discuss your proposal.
Innovation Supper – Apply to pitch
After the incredible success of the previous event, we’re thrilled to announce the return of Innovation Supper, and once again, we’re inviting you apply to pitch. If you are interested in your chance to get some great business advice and take away some funding to grow, then please fill in the application and return to us by 4 September 2025.
Local start-up planner business benefits from £500 seed funding thanks to Innovation Supper
Innovation Supper, a unique pitching event by York Business School, Patch York and the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, was inspired by a concept first introduced in Detroit in 2010. The winner of the funding was Jasmine Ely, founder of Hummingbird Paper Co, who received the most votes following a standout pitch that showcased her business rooted in local growth. Jasmine drew on her marketing background and recent participation in the Strive Live programme to build a strong foundation for her pitch.
Innovation Supper supports Local Start-ups
The event featured five emerging entrepreneurs, each pitching for a chance to receive £500 in seed funding raised through the ticket costs, to help bring their ideas to life. Each business was given 10 minutes to present their pitch, followed by a 10-minute Q&A session with the audience. Matt Oakley Co-founder of Beer Fest Buddy, a passion project and the UK’s first comprehensive platform for discovering beer and cider festivals, pitched his idea to the room, and was appreciative of the training provided.
Innovating Sustainable Christmas Trees with Growth Hub Support
Founder of Festive Green, a start-up which creates sustainable artificial Christmas trees, received support from the Growth Hub through a range of hands-on programmes designed to give start-ups a step up.
Unlock Europe: UK Export Academy
Unlock Europe is a UK Export Academy webinar series designed to help businesses thrive in the EU. It covers market research, regulatory frameworks like GPSR and CBAM, VAT, the TCA and Rules of Origin, with deep dives into key sectors.
Local business support helps York business lead revolution in microscope technology
A pioneering York business is leading the way in cutting-edge microscope technology, thanks to local business support from City of York Council and the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
York St John University’s Enterprise Centre Fuels Creative Business Growth with Hijinks Studios Launch
A group of York St John University graduates have launched an exciting new business venture, Hijinks Studios, with the support of the University’s Enterprise Centre. Specialising in bespoke animated content, Hijinks Studios promises to bring a fun and engaging style to clients in York and beyond.
Made Smarter Adoption Awards recognise digital transformation champions among UK SME manufacturers
Yorkshire and Humber winners Choc Affair head for inaugural Made Smarter Adoption awards in June.
Choc Affair Wins Prestigious Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber Award
The region's manufacturers took centre stage at Insider's 2024 Made in Yorkshire Awards. The prestigious event celebrated Yorkshire and Humber's world-class companies and their impact. One of the big winners was Choc Affair, the beloved York chocolatier renowned for its ethical and award-winning creations. Choc Affair clinched the top spot in the Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber Awards.
York Chocolatier’s Secret Ingredient Leads to Sweet Success
Choc Affair Ltd., a beloved York-based chocolate manufacturer known for its ethical and award-winning creations, has achieved a significant in capacity to produce their handmade delights.
Woodworking Wonders: Tom Addison's Furniture Flourishes with Support from Growth Hub
In the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Tom Addison, maker, and designer at Tom Addison Fine Furniture, is celebrating significant growth and success with vital support from the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
Events
25th September 20256:00 pm - 8:00 pm£10
Innovation Supper
Back by popular demand! York Business School, Patch York and the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub are delighted to bring you our second Innovation Supper! The basic idea is: We provide some supper, charge a small entry fee, then invite local community projects to pitch for the proceeds raised through the fee, and hold a vote to select the winner - It's that simple! It’s a simple way to do some good.
25th September 20256:00 pm - 8:00 pm£10
Fire up your Food and Drink business with Make it! toolkits
A free video toolkit to help growing food and drink businesses in York and North Yorkshire. Essential ingredients for food and drink business success.