Business support webinars successfully delivered alongside local partners and experts

We have been increasingly delivering free business support webinars through a range of digital channels in response to Covid-19. In May 2020, we formed a working group with North Yorkshire County Council and Make It York to roll out a pilot programme of free webinars.
Through the group, a range of topics were identified based on issues arising from pandemic, as well as demand in other areas such as leadership and social media marketing. From this, a schedule of events were planned over a five-month period to gauge response and demand for such support. From the 18 business support webinars that ran, we achieved over 500 attendees, with further people accessing the recordings via our website post-event.
Such was the success of the scheme, extra funding was allocated to deliver an additional 50 business support webinars and workshops between November 2020 and March 2021. For this, we reached out to a wider network of industry experts from across the region to deliver session covering: the visitor economy; marketing and PR; leadership; employment law; Brexit; wellbeing; and business development.
Speaking of the decision to extend the webinar programme following the successful pilot scheme, Andrew Raby, Growth Hub Manager says:
“We were delighted to be able to extend our programme of free online support for SMEs across the York and North Yorkshire region. The success of our pilot scheme which ran throughout the summer indicated that there was a real appetite for this kind of online support for businesses and individuals who are looking to pivot their business, particularly through digital channels, as well as developing and learning new skills to help them survive and thrive in this economically challenging environment.”
The full programme including the pilot achieved over 1,500 attendees and events have consistently received outstanding feedback. Malton-based nutrition and health coach, Mandy Hildred, attended the three-part workshop on creating a joined-up marketing plan delivered by Intandem Communications. “The course was particularly helpful in getting my new business off the ground”, she remarks. “It has enabled me to feel confident in my approach and build a clear marketing plan.
Using this has helped me to stay on track with my day-to-day activities, which in turn is yielding new clients. The whole marketing process was articulated with such clarity and I would recommend this workshop to anyone, whether they are just starting out or have been in business for some time.”
A new programme of webinars for 2021-22 is due to launch in September. Please keep an eye out on our events for more details or sign up to our newsletter for updates straight to your inbox. You can also watch many of our webinars on demand via our resources page.
Feedback from webinar attendees:
“I’ve done a few webinars during lockdown and this one has been completely stand alone in how helpful, and interesting it has been. It’s been fantastic, great knowledge and great delivery! Thank you!”
“Thank you so much – this it is exactly what I have been looking for for years! I have been so stuck on my business plan, so thanks for the very clear direction.”
“Thank you so much for uplifting and inspiring us!”
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03rd October 202310:30 am - 1:30 pmFREE
Oct/Nov: Harrogate & Ripon Peer-to-Peer programme (Fully subscribed)
Would you like to opportunity to discuss your business’s challenges and successes with a group of other business people from your local area?Are you interested in being part of a dynamic and collaborative business network that is determined to pursue success, growth and innovation, even when times are tough?
03rd October 20239:00 am - 11:00 amFREE
3 Oct - York Green Business Forum: Energy
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03rd October 202311:00 am - 12:00 pmFREE
3 Oct: Get Started with Digital Advertising with Google Digital Garage
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Resources
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.
Screen Tourism Toolkit
A free screen tourism toolkit exploring the opportunities, showing best practice and connecting business with resources and support.
Glossary of Climate Change Terms for Businesses
A free digital glossary defining the key climate change terms relevant to businesses, to help you understand and engage with sustainability resources and support.