Information Technology
What do you want to learn?
- I want to know more about expanding our IT infrastructure
- I need to ensure we have the right data security practices in place
- I want to find the right software to improve my business processes
- I want to understand more about website design
- I want to know what IT and digital skills training is available
Although there is a lot of free or low-cost software available to meet your general needs as a start-up, your IT and digital needs may become more complex as your business expands and demand grows. In this section, our guidance and resources will help you understand more about the building blocks of expanding your IT infrastructure, what sort of specialist business software could be helpful to you, and how to ensure you are following best practice in data security. While you should not be expected to have the full range of experience and skills of an IT manager, understanding the key principles will help you be more informed when making key decisions.
Get the IT and digital support you need
As businesses grow, the need for more structured, complex IT systems and processes can increase.
A high-quality website is a vital piece of your overall marketing strategy – find out what yours will need.
Stay safe with tips on how to protect your business from threats to your premises and from rising cyber crime.
Ensure you and your team are equipped with the right digital skills by accessing the correct training for you.
Find out what particular advice is applicable to the sorts of software systems you need.
Articles
Risk and Resilience in Your Business
Running a business can be risky. There are so many things that can impact your performance, and profit. Potentially destroying all that you worked so hard to build. Some of these things are impossible to plan for, but lots of potential risks can be mitigated by identification and planning.
Self Assessment deadline is 100 days away
More than 3.5 million people have already filed their Self Assessment tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year and with 100 days to the 31 January 2026 deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding those yet to file to do it early.
Discover Digital workshops in Harrogate
Step into Digital this November, with workshops designed to take you from your 🟢 First Step into Digital to your 🟡 Next Step into Digital. Each full day workshop will take place at Co-Lab Harrogate
Events
28th October 202510:00 am - 11:00 amFREE
From Idea to Visibility: A 90-Day Roadmap for Start-ups
Starting and growing a business is exciting; but it’s also overwhelming. How do you find your first customers? Which marketing channels really matter? And with AI changing the game so quickly, how do you keep up without burning out? That’s exactly what our Start-up Support programme is designed to solve. In just six weeks, you’ll gain the confidence, clarity, and tools to take your idea (or young business) and make it visible, credible, and ready to grow.
30th October 202510:00 am - 3:00 pmFREE
🟢 [Fully Booked] Steps into Digital: Instagram for Business, A Beginner’s Guide (Harrogate)
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.
30th October 20257:00 pm - 9:00 pmFREE
🟢 Strive Live Start-Up Incubator: October 2025 (BSL Interpreted)
If you are currently running or looking to launch a start-up based in York & North Yorkshire, join this award-winning incubator designed to help grassroots entrepreneurs launch their business. Strive Live blends weekly live online training with regular one-to-one advice and on-demand online learning to make it simple and exciting to start a business. Plus, you could win up to £2,500 in micro grants at the end of the programme.
Resources
Webinar Series: Data Analytics for Smarter Decisions
Data Analytics for Smarter Decisions, is a nine part online workshop series designed to help businesses at every stage of their data journey, from those just starting out to those ready to explore artificial intelligence and compliance. Each session is practical, jargon free and grounded in real business use cases, ensuring participants leave with tools and knowledge they can apply immediately.
Data Analytics for Smarter Decisions
We recommend bookmarking this page, as all recordings and resources will be added here after each webinar. Data Analytics for Smarter Decisions, is a nine part online workshop series designed to
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.