Research and innovation

Picture of Emma Rollason-Taylor

Meet Emma

I’m Emma Rollason-Taylor, one of the Business Relationship Managers here at the Growth Hub.

I manage the Enterprise Centre based at York St John University, and I specialise in supporting start-ups to take their first steps in the tech, digital and creative sectors here in York.

Here at the Enterprise Centre, we offer co-working or virtual office space (meaning you can use our premises as a registered business address) to start-ups.

By joining us at the Enterprise Centre, you’ll become part of a friendly community of innovative early-stage businesses, all doing cutting-edge work.

What do you want to learn about?

In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed and customer needs change regularly, businesses must continuously adapt and innovate to remain competitive. Research funding and partnerships are the lifeblood of innovation, providing the necessary financial resources and external expertise to explore new ideas, develop groundbreaking products or services, and stay ahead of the curve.

But innovation cannot thrive in isolation. It requires a supportive culture within the organisation that encourages creativity, embraces risk-taking, and values continuous learning. In this section, we help you understand where to start with research and how to find the funding and organisations to help make it happen, and how you can start to build the internal processes to support new ideas.

Got great ideas but not sure what do next? Get in touch

Develop new ideas for your business

Research funding and partners

Find out how research into new services and products can support your business – and how this can be funded.

Take advantage of research opportunities

Innovation

Build a culture of innovation in your business and benefit from new ideas and an empowered workforce.

Innovation doesn’t have to be intimidating

Choc Affair Wins Prestigious Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber Award

The region's manufacturers took centre stage at Insider's 2024 Made in Yorkshire Awards. The prestigious event celebrated Yorkshire and Humber's world-class companies and their impact. One of the big winners was Choc Affair, the beloved York chocolatier renowned for its ethical and award-winning creations. Choc Affair clinched the top spot in the Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber Awards.