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.
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.
Skills Bootcamps unlocking digital opportunities for businesses
A North Yorkshire business owner is boosting her brand thanks to digital skills training.
DJ Assembly Powers Up Productivity with £20k Made Smarter Grant
DJ Assembly, a thriving independent business, has secured a maximum grant of £20,000 from the Made Smarter programme. This funding will enable the company to acquire a Detech machine, a significant upgrade that will boost efficiency, productivity, and product quality.
Brilliant business support boosts Richmondshire’s Trimble Group
Trimble Group CEO Toby Trimble has hailed ‘game-changing’ Richmondshire business support, which is helping them flourish.
Tadweld Receives £20k Support for Innovation and Growth
Tadweld, a long-established welding and fabrication company based in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, is pleased to announce the support it has received through the Made Smarter programme, including a £20k grant aimed at enhancing digital capabilities and fostering innovation within businesses.
Events
25th June 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
Webinar: Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund Phase 2 Launch
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is launching the second phase of the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund. Join us for this webinar to find out more.
03rd July 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
Webinar: Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund – Using Data to Support your Application
This session is designed to offer an oversight into the value of data and how it can be used to bring success to your project. This can be through helping to communicate the need for your project, understanding the outputs and outcomes of your proposals and ensuring you are on track to achieve these outputs and outcomes throughout the course of the project.
03rd July 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
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.