About us
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Meet the Team
We’re passionate about helping businesses of all sizes thrive in our dynamic region. Our team of experienced professionals can provide you with the support and resources you need to succeed. We work closely with our colleagues at City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council to bring you the best local business support has to offer.
Contact us today to learn more about how York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub can help your business. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
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Harriet Stainton
Interim Growth Hub Delivery Manager
I manage the delivery of the Growth Hub’s support. Talk to me about what you can offer our business community.
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Nicholas White
Business Relationship Manager
I specialise in Agriculture and Farming. Talk to me if your business is based in Richmondshire.
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Karen Booth
Business Relationship Manager
I provide support to start up businesses and female enterprise. Talk to me if you are in the early stages of running your business based in the Harrogate area.
Emma Rollason-Taylor
Business Relationship Manager
I specialise in digital, creative and innovation. Talk to me about digital transformation.
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Joseph Midgley
Contracts and Relationships Officer
I run the delivery of programmes for the Growth Hub. Talk to me if you want to join our supplier register.
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Mike Pennington
Business Relationship Manager
I manage the Made Smarter Programme. Talk to me for Tech support, digital road mapping and grant support to digitise your manufacturing business.
Jack Colding
Business Relationship Manager
I am the specialist for environment and sustainability. Talk to me to save money on your waste and energy bills.
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Faye Greer-Pickup
Growth Hub Delivery Officer
I manage the help desk and support pre-start businesses. Talk to me to get your business started.
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Simon Middleton
Growth Hub Delivery Manager
I manage the delivery of the Growth Hub’s support. Talk to me about what you can offer our business community in York and North Yorkshire.
By its very geography, York and North Yorkshire is home to a diverse range of businesses.
Regardless of size or sector, the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub is here to provide free and impartial business support. We are government-funded but locally based, which means that we provide tailored support based around the needs of our unique region.
How we’ve helped other businesses like yours
Click on the videos below to see how we have helped other businesses in the region or read more of our case studies here.
What is a Growth Hub?
York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub
We’re one of 38 Growth Hubs set up by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Helping you access support and funding
Accessing funding and finance for your business can be confusing and overwhelming at times. You can contact our helpdesk and our team will be able to assess your business needs and introduce you to the providers of the appropriate support. You can contact them by emailing support@ynygrowthhub.com.
Remaining local
We know your time is limited and you need to access information quickly. Our website provides information on local support schemes in relation to skills, finance, sustainability, import and export, and more. In addition, we have details of events across the region and you can find out how we’ve supported other local businesses to expand their set up.
Good for you, great for York and North Yorkshire
Ensuring your business has everything it needs to succeed is not only great for you but also for our regional economy, so getting you the support you need and at the right time is our key priority.
“It’s about creating conversations, not paperwork. When running a small business, time is one of your most valuable assets and mistakes are costly. We want small business owners to be able to quickly find someone they can trust.”
David Kerfoot MBE, Chairman, Kerfoot Group
Articles
From Lived Experience to Social Enterprise
James established PLAS as a Community Interest Company (CIC), ensuring a sustainable social enterprise model that allows him to earn a wage while delivering impact-driven services. James is now building a social enterprise that provides one-to-one support for offenders, rehabilitation interviews, and workshops for legal professionals.
XR Stories supports creative technology skills development
A new training programme from the XR Stories project at the University of York is offering people in York and North Yorkshire the opportunity to develop skills in creative technology. Over the next two years, Extending XR will provide free creative technology skills training to enable learners and tutors in the region to harness the potential of digital tools and technologies including game engines and performance capture technologies.
Business.gov.uk | National Support
We know that the national and global business environment is changing faster than ever. Which is why we understand that rapid access to the right business support and networks is vital to help you operate and grow with confidence. Every business, whether small or large should create an account.
Events
06th February 2026FREE
The Artery: Peer Support Network for Creative Industries (York)
Running a creative business can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Over six interactive and supportive sessions The Artery helps creatives refocus, get clarity, and grow their businesses with confidence.
17th February 20269:15 am - 12:15 pmFREE
The Artery: Peer Support Network for Creative Industries (Skipton)
Running a creative business can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Over six interactive and supportive sessions The Artery helps creatives refocus, get clarity, and grow their businesses with confidence.
25th February 202610:00 am - 12:00 pmFREE
Whitby Workshop Series: Digital Tools for your Manufacturing Business
This engaging workshop series delivered by Hello Technology is designed to help manufacturing businesses harness the power of digital tools to improve their digital systems, record keeping, data management and marketing. Participants will be led through 5 focussed sessions, with each workshop blending expert-led guidance with practical exercises. Attendees will have the opportunity to apply new strategies and concepts directly to their business. With a mix of group learning and tailored support participants will leave with a clear digital roadmap, increased confidence and actionable insights to drive long-term success in their manufacturing business.
Resources
Webinar Recording: PR for Small Businesses
Want to get your business featured in newspapers and magazines in 2026? In this webinar, Jo and Linda 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.
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.