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Find out more from our wealth of information, links and guidance
Who we are
By its very geography, York and North Yorkshire is home to a diverse range of businesses. Regardless of size or sector, we are here to provide free and impartial business support. We are government-funded but locally based, which means that we can provide tailored support based around the needs of our unique region.
Articles
UK Small Business Commissioner to launch York Business Festival 2025
York Business School at York St John University is delighted to announce a packed programme of events for York Business Festival 2025. Alongside invited expert speakers and hosts, the Festival is a showcase of the support that York Business School and the wider University offers to local businesses and social enterprises.
Export magic as York business nears 1 million sales milestone
A York-based business owner is set to export 1 million drinks to the US this year and wants more of the region’s businesses to follow in his footsteps. Phil Pinder from the Potions Cauldron will be one of the experts taking part in the export roadshows this month, organised by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. The team will visit venues across two weeks including Tadcaster, Harrogate, Scarborough, York, Catterick and Skipton.
Business Basics - Directors Loans and Dividends
Often business owners will inject cash into a business where they are a Director. This could be when the business is starting out, or to help with cash flow along the way. But how are these cash injections accounted for, and when can they be withdrawn?
Events
10th October 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
🟢 Steps into Digital: Basic Data Literacy Skills
Businesses generate data, through sales, customer interactions or internal operations. Yet many aren’t confident in understanding or applying it. This session introduces what data is, where it comes from and how it can be used to support better business outcomes.
14th October 202510:00 am - 3:00 pmFREE
🟢 [FULLY BOOKED] Steps into Digital: Instagram for Business, A Beginner's Guide (Ripon)
This introductory workshop is designed to help you demystify and gain confidence using the fundamental features of Instagram enabling you optimise and grow your account, business and your confidence at beginner level.
14th October 20259:30 am - 12:15 pmFREE
Export Roadshow: Tadcaster
This roadshow is a great opportunity to network with other businesses looking to grow and ask questions of the experts. It will provide you with helpful advice, routes for support beyond the event, including the UK Export Academy, and information about other funding opportunities.
Resources
Webinar Recording: A Grassroots Approach to Thriving Towns
This webinar, funded through the Mayor’s Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund, shares practical tools, inspiring stories, and proven strategies to activate your own high street on small budgets, from the ground up.
Webinar Recordings: LinkedIn Webinar SeriesLinkedIn Webinar Series
This three-part LinkedIn webinar series is designed to support you at every stage of your LinkedIn journey, from building a presence to leveraging the platform for business growth. Starting with Build Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn, Elevate Your LinkedIn, and finally Elevate LinkedIn for Business Growth.
Webinar Recording: IP Readiness for Investment: A Strategic Guide for Early-Stage Businesses
For early-stage businesses, intellectual property is often the most valuable asset on the table. Yet many founders underestimate how closely investors scrutinize IP during due diligence. Delivered by experienced Patent Attorney Melvyn Ansell, this session will explore how to turn your IP into a powerful lever for funding, valuation, and long-term growth.