North Yorkshire Council is hosting its first ever North Yorkshire Business Week from June 16 to 20 and will work with a range of partners to deliver a varied programme of free face-to-face and online events, all themed around innovation and growth.
It gets underway with a special launch event on Monday, June 16, at the Harrogate Convention Centre.
The day will bring together entrepreneurs, business leaders and public sector voices to explore what innovation means for North Yorkshire and how they can embrace and drive forward change this year and in the future. The event runs from 12.45pm to 5pm.
Delegates will hear keynote speeches from Paul Cogan, the group finance and resources director at Bettys & Taylors, and Mark Roberts, an award-winning entrepreneur and angel investor.
There will be an interactive question and answer panel, networking opportunities, and a business support expo for businesses to learn about the help available to them, including funding opportunities.
An event at Scarborough Spa on Thursday (June 19) will be specifically focused on the challenges and opportunities within the maritime and renewables sector.
There will be a selection of guest speakers discussing a range of subjects including skills, innovation and renewables.
The sector’s links to leisure and tourism will also be explored. Exhibitor stands will provide an opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services, and there will be opportunities for networking between sessions.
The week’s programme also includes practical workshops led by experts, on topics such as business growth, finance, marketing and innovation, which will be tailored to the needs and ambitions of North Yorkshire businesses.
Experienced senior business advisors from the council’s Business North Yorkshire team and representatives from other regional business support organisations will host drop-in advice sessions.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, said: “We are proud to host our first North Yorkshire Business Week, which aims to showcase local and regional businesses, bring sectors together and share best practice to help drive innovation and growth.
“Whether you’re looking to connect with fellow business owners, gain insights and be inspired by specialists or access tailored support, there will be something for every business type and sector.
“We’re particularly looking forward to welcoming businesses from across the county to our launch event, which will explore innovation in its broadest sense, looking at the importance of an innovative mindset, culture and collaboration alongside the more familiar advancements in technology.”
A full list of the week’s events:
Innovation in Action
The launch event brings together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and public sector voices to explore what innovation means for businesses in North Yorkshire, and how we can all embrace and drive change in 2025 and beyond.
Location: Harrogate Convention Centre
Time: 12.45pm to 5pm on Monday 16 June
AI Without the Fluff
What really works and what doesn’t in Business Artificial Intelligence. Delivered by Data Stream UK.
Location: Springboard Business Centre, Stokesley
Time: 9.30am to 12.30pm on Tuesday 17 June
Rise and Design
Innovation, challenge and growth in manufacturing.
Location: Queen’s Gardens, Tadcaster
Time: 9.30am to 12.30pm on Tuesday 17 June
Are You Business Resilient?
Be prepared for the unexpected. Delivered by the council’s Resilience and Emergencies team.
Location: online event
Time: 10am to 11am on Tuesday 17 June
Etsy for Business
Build, brand and grow your online shop. Delivered by Momentic.
Location: online event
Time: 10am to 11am on Tuesday 17 June
Developer Engagement
Join us for an update on the North Yorkshire Local Plan – the current position, challenges and barriers to delivery, and engagement going forward.
Location: The Crown Hotel, Harrogate
Time: 10am to 1pm on Tuesday 17 June
Develop and Sell Unmissable Tourist Experiences
A ‘how to’ session delivered by Visit North Yorkshire and Unmissable England.
Location: Evron Centre, Filey
Time: 1pm to 4pm on Tuesday 17 June
Sales: Courage and Confidence
Delivered by Your Sales Code.
Location: online event
Time: 1pm to 2pm on Tuesday 17 June
Growth Through Export
Get expert advice and support to help start or expand your international reach. Delivered by the Department for Business and Trade.
Location: online event
Time: 1.30pm to 3pm on Tuesday 17 June
Seed to Soar
Do you have a small innovative company that you would like to grow? Confused about whether to do that organically or seek out investment?
Not quite sure about what either of these options really mean for your company? Then this event is for you. Delivered by Innovate UK Business Growth.
Location: The Crown Hotel, Boroughbridge
Time: 9am to 12pm on Wednesday 18 June
Google Business Profile Optimisation
A ‘how to’ session on how to make the most out of your Google business profile. Delivered by Catch Designs.
Location: online event
Time: 10am to 11am on Wednesday 18 June
Develop and Sell Unmissable Tourist Experiences
A ‘how to’ session delivered by Visit North Yorkshire and Unmissable England.
Location: Rural Arts, Thirsk
Time: 10am to 1pm on Wednesday 18 June
TikTok for Business
Strategy, visibility and growth through TikTok. Delivered by Momentic.
Location: online event
Time: 10am to 11am on Wednesday 18 June
Craven Business Expo
Partner event.
Location: The Coniston Hotel, near Skipton
Time: 10am to 2pm on Wednesday 18 June
Creating a Strategy for Growth using LEGO Serious Play
A fun, hands-on method that uses LEGO to boost team thinking, problem solving, and communication. Delivered by RTC North.
Location: The Crown Hotel, Boroughbridge
Time: 1pm to 4pm on Wednesday 18 June
AI Without the Fluff
What really works and what doesn’t in Business Artificial Intelligence. Delivered by Data Stream UK.
Location: Bedale Hall on Wednesday 18 June
Time: 1.30pm to 4.30pm
Connect Over a Cuppa
Monthly session to spark ideas, collaborate and learn about new business and funding opportunities.
Location: Co-Lab Harrogate, Harrogate Convention Centre
Time: 9am to 11am on Thursday 19 June
Rise and Design
Innovation, challenge and growth in manufacturing.
Location: Econ Engineering, Ripon
Time: 9.30am to 12.30pm on Thursday 19 June
North Yorkshire Maritime and Renewable Energy Conference 2025
Explore the challenges and opportunities for North Yorkshire’s maritime and renewables sector. Guest speakers, networking opportunities and exhibitors.
Location: Scarborough Spa
Time: 9.30am to 3pm on Thursday 19 June
Building a Strong Online Presence
Delivered by SBC Studio.
Location: The Hive, Skipton
Time: 10am to 12.30pm on Thursday 19 June
Canva for Business
Design and build your brand with ease. Delivered by Momentic.
Location: online event
Time: 10am to 11am on Thursday 19 June
Overcome Your Recruitment and Retention Challenges
A ‘how to’ session to help you build and keep your ideal team.
Location: Evolution Business Centre, Northallerton
Time: 1pm to 3.15pm on Thursday 19 June
Funding, Finance and Business Support Roundup
Discover support for your business in North Yorkshire from a range of organisations. Join our event to explore grants, funding and advice.
Location: online event
Time: 1.30pm to 3.30pm on Thursday 19 June
Demystifying Public Procurement
How to do business with North Yorkshire Council.
Location: online event
Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm on Thursday 19 June
Thirsty Thursday
Partner event.
Location: Stokesley
Time: 5pm to 7pm on Thursday 19 June
Business Support Drop-ins
Location: various locations
Time: 10am to 1pm on Friday 20 June
