In summary
There is much to look forward to, with new support including financial help for businesses coming this month, and next, from Mayoral funds.
Are you following us @FSBNorthYorks to keep updated?
FSB also have new member benefits, have you logged in recently to the member dashboard to see what’s available? We’re feeling positive about the way forward, with longer days on the way too, and hope you are starting to as well, with our support.
Featured news and events
Could you be the next FSB Regional Chair?
We are currently seeking nominations from FSB members in Yorkshire, the Humber and the North East to become our new, regional Chair with effect from 1st April 2025. Working alongside staff the regional Chair promotes and champions FSB to external stakeholders and audiences, supports our lobbying on issues important to local businesses and supports activity and membership growth within the region. To find out more, request a copy of the full role description, please contact [email protected]. Deadline Thursday 13 February. Selection will take place between 14 and 28 February.
Industrial Strategy & Mayoral High Street Funds
FSB are helping to shape the Industrial Strategy for York & North Yorkshire, working with the Mayoral team, to show government what our regional strengths are, and what is needed to help our region thrive. Also upcoming Mayoral funds focused on regional growth (These funds are Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund, Carbon Negative Challenge Fund, Skills Innovation Fund, and an exciting Business Innovation Fund). We would like to hear from members about your views on this. Where do you see the opportunities for growth in York and North Yorkshire – which sectors are growing now, or could grow with assistance, which areas or sectors are struggling with productivity? What are the barriers to unlocking the opportunities for your sector, or individual business, and how does this impact you as a a business owner? Do you have suggestions about solutions that would supercharge your business growth – what is really needed to help you? All views welcome – “answers on a postcard” – or better still email! It is really important that your thoughts are included, and we are pushing for the plans to be action orientated, and deliverable.
AI top trainer landing in our region to help you – a not to be missed one off event!
Thanks to funding from North Yorkshire Council via UKSPF we have invited expert trainer Pascal Fintoni to share his practical masterclass on harnessing the potential of AI as a small business, to help your sales and marketing. Attending this unique practical masterclass will help you:
- gain a clear understanding and the confidence to apply new(er) digital marketing skills
- select the right AI solutions for your business
- become adept at ‘prompt engineering’ to strengthen your digital marketing plan for 2025
- plan your blog articles for the next quarter using 3 different AI solutions
- come up with ideas for your video and audio content with specific AI platforms
- try out additional AI solutions that can assist you to improve your website, emails and social media
Don’t miss out on making AI work for your small business, this is free to attend for any local small business but places are limited, and in the event of a wait list preference will be given to Pickering area businesses.
In other news
Yorkshire hospitality, tourism and business expo 4th March – Scarborough Spa
Join us on 4 March at Scarborough Spa for the Yorkshire Hospitality, Tourism & Business Expo, organised by the Scarborough Hospitality Association. FSB will have a stand and look forward to meeting both members and anyone attending from a small business who is interested in how we can help support you. Are you bringing a friend who isn’t an FSB member – introduce us, so we can talk to them about membership benefits. We are only as good as our members, and always want to grow membership. Experience the best of Yorkshire's hospitality, tourism, and business scene all in one exciting expo, come along to meet a variety of businesses showcasing their products and services, including food and drink, attractions, and service providers. It's a fantastic opportunity to network and connect with independent providers.
Attendance for businesses is free – book your spot now>
Internships Summer Launch – thinking of employing an intern this year?
Have you ever thought about hiring an intern but not sure where to start? Our annual launch events are a great way for Yorkshire businesses to learn more about how York Internships works over refreshments and light networking. Two of last year’s interns will present about their experiences, and we’ll also discuss the internship process and the funding available through the generous support of Santander UK Universities. York Internships work with employers large and small across Yorkshire, providing them with skilled and enthusiastic summer student interns who deliver cost effective and flexible solutions to real business challenges. There are 2 in-person sessions planned:
- Tue 4 Mar - Everyman Cinema in Harrogate
- Wed 5 Mar - King’s Manor in York
If you can't make either of these dates, join a virtual follow-up session on Thu 6 Mar, although this session will not have student speakers. Places are limited, so please click the links above to register as soon as possible. If you can’t make the event, but would like to discuss a project then please get in touch
Still in the news
Good Business Charter
Did you know that York was the UK’s first Good Business Charter City?
We partnered with The Good Business Foundation to adapt the Good Business Charter accreditation and make it accessible for small businesses. This streamlined version of the GBC allows smaller firms to stand out from the crowd and lead the way on a range of important issues, from ethical employment practices to prompt payments.
Founded by Julian Richer, of Richer Sounds hi-fi retailer, the Good Business Charter is an independent not-for-profit organisation with a mission to encourage and recognise responsible business practices. To sign up to the charter, a business must meet, or be working towards meeting, the ten components of the charter.
Being part of the Charter demonstrates a clear message to current and potential customers that your business is committed to operating responsibly and treating staff with respect and fairness. With accreditation, you're part of a bigger movement to change business for the better
Read more about how you can get involved as a small business here We would love to see even more York businesses and North Yorkshire based small businesses use the framework to do more “good business” in the region.
Technology event in York with HSBC
There is still time to sign up for this fantastic opportunity to hear from Roland Emmans , HSBC sector head of Technology, talk about how technology can be used and embraced by all business to its maximum potential . This event is for any business leveraging technology to drive growth and innovation that wishes to stay ahead of the curve in the digital age. Join keynote speaker Roland Emmans, Head of Technology Sector & Growth Lending at HSBC. Roland will be exploring how 'The pace of change is increasing day by day, we need to embrace this change, its impact on technology, our teams and consumer demands'. In addition you'll hear from Doug Winter, Founder and CTO of Isotoma, a 20-year-old York-based software development agency, who will share the story of their business. Guests will also have the opportunity to raise issues, and discuss solutions during two interactive Q&A sessions, and there will also be plenty of time to network and build new connections, including with development manager Carolyn Frank.
More news and activity near you
- North East
- South and East Yorkshire and the Humber
- West Yorkshire
- More from FSB Yorkshire, the Humber and the North East
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for North Yorkshire is Carolyn Frank. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email us: [email protected]
- follow us on X: @FSBNorthYorks
- follow us on Facebook: @FSB.North.Yorkshire
- join me on LinkedIn: @Carolyn.Frank