North Yorkshire Business Week 16th – 20th June
North Yorkshire Council is launching its first annual Business Week, a series of events and workshops below, during 16th – 20th June which are all free to attend. Booking is essential.
Innovation In Action – 12:45-17:00 Monday 16th June, Harrogate Convention Centre
This inaugural launch event brings together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and public sector voices to explore what innovation means for businesses in North Yorkshire, and how we can all embrace and drive change in 2025 and beyond. Join our Mayor, senior council leaders, investors, inspiring business leaders (Bettys & Taylors, Labman, Sylatech, Tancream), find out what support is available and network at this large event. Details and booking here.
AI Without the Fluff: What Really Works & What Doesn’t in Business AI – 9:30-11:30 Tuesday 17th June (followed by networking) Stokesley
Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword. The initial hype is beginning to settle, but the pace of innovation hasn’t slowed down. New tools, breakthroughs and use cases are emerging every week. For technologists, it's an exciting time. For businesses, however, it can feel overwhelming. This workshop is designed to be accessible, practical and business focused, no matter your technical background. Whether you’re just starting to explore AI or looking to scale your efforts, this session will provide clarity, inspiration and a clear path forward. Details and booking here.
Rise & Design: Innovation, Challenge & Growth in Manufacturing - 9:30-12:30 Tuesday 17th June, Tadcaster
Innovation is one of those words that can be overused to the point of being meaningless. But it's actually critical for your organisation. And may not be what you think it is. Yes, innovation can mean the creation of new products, but changing the way you speak to your customers, manage your team, or finding new suppliers can radically improve your business. Come and hear from businesses like you, about different ways you can change your business for the better, so that afterwards, you can do it too. Presenters will include leading local manufacturers Semperfli, Cranswick Gourmet Bacon & Tadweld Engineering. Details & booking here.
Etsy for Business: Build, Brand & Grow Your Online Shop – 10:00-11:00 Tuesday 17th June, Online
Learn how to turn your creativity into a profitable business in this Etsy for Business workshop! Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow your online shop, this session will cover the essentials: setting up your Etsy store, optimising product listings, branding, pricing strategies, SEO, marketing tips, and managing customer service. Perfect for makers, artists, and small business owners ready to expand their reach and sales on Etsy. Leave with actionable steps and confidence to grow your shop! Details & booking here.
Are You Business Resilient? - 10:00-11:00 Tuesday 17th June, Online
This session will cover essential advice to safeguard your business against disruptions. You'll hear how to identify and analyse potential threats through risk assessment and understand the impact of disruptions on critical functions with a business impact analysis. The presentation will guide you in creating and implementing effective business continuity plans and building organisational resilience. Additionally, it will highlight the importance of collaborating with communities and ensuring employees are well-prepared for emergencies. Equip your SME with the knowledge to thrive in the face of challenges. Details & booking here.
Developer Engagement Event - 10:00-13:00 Tuesday 17th June, Harrogate
An event to provide valuable updates, opportunity to network and discuss viable avenues to accelerate site delivery across North Yorkshire. The event will include representatives from the following teams within North Yorkshire Council: Policy & Place, Development Management, Delivery & Infrastructure, Economic Development and Housing. Details & booking here almost sold out!
How to Develop & Sell Unmissable Tourist Experiences – 13:00-16:00 Tuesday 17th June, Filey
Create compelling experiences with Unmissable England’s practical, actionable insights into the growing market of experiential tourism. Experience-Seekers have been identified as a key driver of tourism demand nationally, regionally and internationally. Developing tourism experiences is therefore an increasingly critical factor in driving visitors to destinations and businesses. Tourists no longer seek just places — they seek memorable, enriching exchanges. Details & booking here.
Sales Courage & Confidence – 13:00-14:00 Tuesday 17th June, Online
What you'll learn in this session:
How to be more courageous with selling your offers,
How to sell effectively in a way that feels comfortable for you.
What you need to do to become a confident seller.
Details & booking here.
Growth through Export – 13:30-15:00 Tuesday 17th June, Online
Join the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to discover more about the practical and financial support available to help you navigate your way to access global opportunities. This event is designed to equip you with the tools to start selling internationally or build on your existing international presence. Details & booking here.
Craven Business Expo – 10:00–14:00 Wednesday 18th June, Coniston Cold, nr Skipton
This exciting event brings together local businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals for a day of networking, learning, and collaboration. 40 exhibitors & demos, book a slot with one of our Meet The Expert Panel members (HR, Solicitor, Marketing, Business Funding etc.), tours of The Coniston Estate and 20% off food and drink in the restaurant. Details & booking here.
Navigating Organic Growth vs. Investment: Seed to Soar – 9:00-12:00 Wednesday 18th June, Boroughbridge
Do you have a small innovative company that you’d like to grow? Confused about whether to do that organically or seek out investment? Not quite sure about what either of those options really mean for your company? Then this free event, delivered by Innovate UK Business Growth, is for you! Details & booking here.
Google Business Profile Optimisation – 10:00-11:00 Wednesday 18th June, Online
What you will learn:
Why you need a Google Business Profile for your Yorkshire-based business.
How to optimise your profile to be seen
Use your Google Business profile to be another platform you can be seen on
Details & booking here.
How to Develop & Sell Unmissable Tourist Experiences – 10:00-13:00 Wednesday 18th June, Thirsk
Create compelling experiences with Unmissable England’s practical, actionable insights into the growing market of experiential tourism. Experience-Seekers have been identified as a key driver of tourism demand nationally, regionally and internationally. Developing tourism experiences is therefore an increasingly critical factor in driving visitors to destinations and businesses. Tourists no longer seek just places — they seek memorable, enriching exchanges. Details & booking here.
TikTok for Business: Strategy, Visibility & Growth - 10:00-11:00 Wednesday 18th June, Online
Discover how to turn TikTok into a powerful tool for visibility, engagement, and income growth in this TikTok for Business workshop. Learn how to create scroll-stopping content, tap into trends, and build a loyal following—all while exploring multiple income streams like product sales, affiliate marketing, brand partnerships, and digital offerings. We’ll cover everything from setting up your profile to leveraging the algorithm, using editing tools, and converting views into real revenue. Details & booking here.
Creating a Strategy for Growth using LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® - 13:00-16:00 Wednesday 18th June, Boroughbridge
We'll be helping you to take a good look at what the next five years might bring, where you'd like to be and how you're going to get there. It's not so much about sales forecasts, important though they are, but what you really want your business to look like. What will you be doing, who will your clients be, how will you be operating? And how you'll deal with those things that might get in the way. We'll be using The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methodology, which is an internationally renowned facilitated process used by organisations of all sizes to generate innovative ideas for business improvement. Details & booking here.
AI Without the Fluff: What Really Works & What Doesn’t in Business AI – 13:30-15:30 Wednesday 18th June (followed by networking) Bedale
Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword. The initial hype is beginning to settle, but the pace of innovation hasn’t slowed down. New tools, breakthroughs and use cases are emerging every week. For technologists, it's an exciting time. For businesses, however, it can feel overwhelming. This workshop is designed to be accessible, practical and business focused, no matter your technical background. Whether you’re just starting to explore AI or looking to scale your efforts, this session will provide clarity, inspiration and a clear path forward. Details and booking here.
Rise & Design: Innovation, Challenge & Growth in Manufacturing - 9:30-12:30 Thursday 19th June, Ripon
Innovation is one of those words that can be overused to the point of being meaningless. But it's actually critical for your organisation. And may not be what you think it is. Yes, innovation can mean the creation of new products, but changing the way you speak to your customers, manage your team, or finding new suppliers can radically improve your business. Come and hear from businesses like you, about different ways you can change your business for the better, so that afterwards, you can do it too. Presenters will include leading local manufacturers ECON Engineering, HECK! and Ryedale Vineyards. Details & booking here.
North Yorkshire Maritime & Renewable Energy Conference 2025 – 9:30-15:30 Thursday 19th June, Scarborough
Hear from senior Council figures on what the scale and nature of maritime opportunities are for North Yorkshire's Coastal Economy, improving skills, leading voices from the sector and Space Hub Yorkshire. Exhibitor stands provide an opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services, network between sessions and discuss challenges and opportunities for North Yorkshire within the maritime and renewables sector. Details & booking here.
Building a Strong Online Presence – 10:00-12:30 Thursday 19th June, Cross Hills nr Skipton
Understand the importance of an online presence, explore the free Google tools available to all businesses, the pros and cons of social media as a business tool, and practical advice on how to start creating your online content. Includes a tour of the fantastic workspace showroom ‘The Hive’. Details & booking here.
Canva for Business: Design & Build Your Brand with Ease – 10:00-11:00 Thursday 19th June, Online
Take your branding and marketing to the next level with Canva for Business! This workshop will show you how to design professional-quality graphics for social media, flyers, presentations, and more—no design experience needed. Discover how to create a consistent brand look, use Canva’s powerful templates and tools, and save time with smart design strategies. Details & booking here.
How to Overcome your Recruitment and Retention Challenges – 13:00-15:15 Thursday 19th June, Northallerton
Expert advice on recruitment processes and retaining your best people.
How to stay competitive in a changing employment landscape
The right initiatives to make your hiring practices more inclusive
Open your eyes to new pools of talent and recruitment opportunities
Now you have found your perfect fit - how do you keep them for the long haul
Details & booking here.
Funding, Finance & Business Support Roundup for North Yorkshire Businesses – 13:30-15:30 Thursday 19th June, Online
Are you looking to invest in the future of your business but struggling to find the right finance opportunities? Or perhaps you need some help and support to turn your business idea into reality? We have brought together a wide range of expert organisations who are able to offer you and your business practical help and support. Details & booking here.
Demystifying Public Procurement: How to work with North Yorkshire Council – 13:30-14:30 Thursday 19th June, Online
Are you a local business interested in winning work with North Yorkshire Council or other public sector organisations but are unsure where to start? Whether you're new to public sector procurement or looking to sharpen your bidding skills, this session is for you. Details & booking here.
Business Support Drop-In’s – 10:00-13:00 Friday 20th June – locations below
Wrap up North Yorkshire Business Week with our Business Support Drop-Ins, an opportunity for local businesses to connect directly with their dedicated Senior Business Advisor and a range of other support organisations in attendance. Whether you're looking for expert guidance, funding advice, networking opportunities, or direct referrals, this is your chance to get tailored support and support the growth of your business. This is an informal session so booking a ticket is not essential but it is recommended.
Funding
Business Sustainability Programme Grant Re-open’s
As part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for 2025/6, businesses (including farms) are again being invited to apply for grants to implement sustainability measures that will (hopefully) also save money. Up to 60% grants to a maximum grant of £49,950 can be used for things like insulating buildings, installing renewable heating, waste reduction, LED lighting, creating biodiversity etc. You must have had an energy audit / renewable feasibility study during the last 3 years (these were offered free by North Yorkshire Council, York City Council & Grow Yorkshire). If you haven’t and are interested in a free audit, these will be available later in the year, however, the grant funding will likely have been exhausted by then. Private sector audits are also acceptable if they have been obtained from any of the government’s approved registers for ESOS lead assessors (scroll to bottom of this link for List of approved registers for these). Please carefully read the full grant details here. Let me know if you have any questions or would like to discuss your potential application.
Further Details : Michaela Young
Senior Business Advisor – Skipton & Ripon
North Yorkshire Council
Telephone: 07525 988361
michaela.young@northyorks.gov.uk / www.northyorks.gov.uk
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