In summary
It looks like summer may be here (obviously, now I’ve said this it’ll rain till September). We’re holding events throughout summer. Last year we found there was not much networking happening and want to make sure there are events for you. Details below. Also as ever, please do not hesitate to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you or have a one to one. Contact me using the details below. Many thanks, Barney.
Read on to find out more.
Featured news and events
Summer networking
Last year we found that networking in West Yorkshire fizzled out in the summer. This left a gap for a lot of you - and us. This summer we have events in July and August to help you keep on making new links and building relationships through the summer months.
Our weekly online networking will continue, at 10am every Tuesday. We also have events lined up for Leeds and Wakefield. Our networking has grown a reputation for being relaxed and welcoming and great for making really valuable connections. Hope to see you there.
Find out about our events here>
Support for businesses in rural areas
There is capital grant funding support up to £100,000 for eligible small rural businesses. Even if you don’t think you are a rural business take a look as large areas of West Yorkshire are eligible for this funding.
West Yorkshire Academia-Industry Network - 9 July
Tue, 9 July 4-5pm. This monthly meeting is a very different type of networking event. It aims to help Universities and business owners connect. Each meeting features a speaker from a business and one from a local university. We then have an opportunity to network, building links with local businesses and local universities.
Book your free delegate place now >
In other news
Inspire young people
There is a network of West Yorkshire business volunteers who help young people gain the skills needed by local employers.
From as little as one hour of your time, you really can raise the profile of your business whilst making a huge difference to a young person. You can volunteer for a range of one-off activities including mock interviews, careers talks and workplace visits.
Good Growth Programme
Small or medium-sized enterprises (SME) based in West Yorkshire can get practical advice to stimulate immediate business growth. The project offers tailor-made support by pairing SMEs with a coaching expert specifically chosen to meet your unique business needs.
Natwest Accelerator
The NatWest Accelerator is now open in three hubs in the North, Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle. It supports and empowers UK entrepreneurs and business owners to scale their businesses to the next level.
Through their six month fully funded Accelerator they wrap around support and
expertise, removing barriers to help businesses grow.
Still in the news
FSB Bootcamp - Future Readiness
Over 100 delegates enjoyed an informative and interactive FSB Bootcamp at CAST Theatre in Doncaster on 23 May. Taking the theme 'Future Readiness' a series of speakers spoke on a range of topics including future challenges & opportunities; unleashing the power of AI; the future of social media and why achieving net zero makes good business sense. During breaks they were able to explore a busy exhibition with a range of different businesses and support organisations represented. The busy day ended with a small business panel where 3 ground-breaking local businesses celebrated their achievements and provided excellent motivation to all present.
Our Bootcamps continue nationwide and will be back in Yorkshire in 2025.
Find out about our other Bootcamps here>
Fair Work Charter
The FSB in West Yorkshire has worked hard to make the Charter relevant and helpful for small businesses. We have made sure it reflects the work small business owners do to support employees. We have also made sure it does not penalise those who cannot sign up. The FSB locally has signed up and we encourage members to take a look at the Charter and see if you want to join the 200 businesses already signed up.
More news and activity near you
- North East
- North Yorkshire
- South and East Yorkshire and the Humber
- More from FSB Yorkshire, the Humber and the North East
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for West Yorkshire is Barney Mynott. 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: @FSBwestyorks
- follow us on Facebook: @FSB.West.Yorkshire
- join me on LinkedIn: @Barney Mynott