Richmondshire’s annual business week is to take on a new format this year, with a range of free virtual and face to face sessions.
The workshops are aimed at supporting, developing and helping local businesses, both start-ups and well-established companies of all sizes and sectors.
Covering a wide range of subjects they have been designed to be interactive and provide expert knowledge and support to enable businesses to gain the maximum benefit.
Topics include procurement, skills, employment law and cybersecurity as well as a number of events designed specifically for the hospitality and retail sectors.
The week kicks off on November 22 with a launch at the Garden Rooms at Tenants in Leyburn where the focus is on the local economy, the impact of Covid-19 and the recovery process.
It will also see the launch of the district council’s new Invest in Richmondshire website which aims to market the district as a great place to do business and attract new investors into the area.
The rest of the week has the following sessions:
Tuesday, November 23 – 10am until noon, virtual: The Importance of Social Value in the Procurement Process: a masterclass to help businesses understand the importance of social value to their business and within the procurement process. It will be led by Garry Stone of B2B North, specialists in the public and private procurement industry.
Tuesday, November 23, virtual: one to one appointments are available from 2pm-5.30pm to receive expert advice and support from export experts from the Department for International Trade, Innovate UK Edge and The York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
Wednesday, November 24 – 10am until noon, virtual: Growing your Business Through Recruitment: in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses, solicitor Hannah Thomas from Markel Law LLP, will provide insight and support on employing staff and flexible working.
Wednesday, November 24 – 2pm to 3pm, virtual: Sustainable Tourism – Reduce your Costs and Boost your Brand: aimed at the hospitality industry, this session will provide simple, easy steps on how to make a business more sustainable and the benefits this can bring. Speakers include Erin Wheeler, Circular Economy Ofificer with the Local Enterprise Partnership and Lizzie Selby from Peachy Digital.
Thursday, November 25 – 10am until noon; Holiday Inn, Scotch Corner: Cybercrime – Police Constable Liam Carter, Prevent and Protect Officer, Cybercrime Unit at North Yorkshire Police will provide information on how to protect businesses from cybercrime.
Thursday, November 25 – 5 – 6.30pm, virtual: How to Grow your Retail Sales: aimed at retailers, providing expert advice on growing a retail business. Presented by Alison Laws, Business Relationship Manager with The York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, who has more than 30 years experience in the UK high street retail sector.
Friday, November 26 – 8 – 10am; virtual; Skills Market Place, a one stop shop of advice and support to help businesses recruit, retain and upskill employees. Speakers will be from: Specialist Skills Support Programme, Skills for the Workforce Programme, Darlington College, York University, The Digital Advantage Programme, York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Department of Education, The Career Transition Partnership, and The Apprenticeship Hub.
To find out more or book a place visit richmondshire.gov.uk/richmondshire-business-week
