Business Breakfast: New fund for small businesses and start-ups in Harrogate district

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

Small businesses and start-ups in the Harrogate district that want to grow are being urged to sign up for a range of fully funded support under a programme launched by the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.

The hub, in partnership with Harrogate Borough Council, aims to stimulate economic development by helping businesses improve their competitiveness and productivity.

Available until March 2023,  the support includes mentoring and online and in-person seminars, around specialist topics such as HR, finance, sales and marketing, digital skills, and business planning.

The move follows the hub’s covid recovery-funded business support programme delivered last year.

Andrew Raby, manager of the hub, said:

“We know businesses of all types and sizes still face difficult challenges as they recover from the covid pandemic, and are battling issues including supply chain disruptions, further changes to the rules on imports and exports of goods to the EU, along with rising interest rates, inflation, and energy costs.

“We remain steadfast in supporting business in all sectors, whether a fledgling start-up or a growing business with premises and staff, in overcoming these prolonged tough trading times and set firm grounds to help businesses not just survive but thrive.”

Face-to-face events will be held at venues in Harrogate and will focus on rebuilding the economy across key sectors and inspiring growth, creativity, and innovation.

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Harrogate hospital chair and manager shortlisted for awards

The chair of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust and the trust’s business development, charity and volunteer manager have been shortlisted for a Helpforce Champions Award 2022, which recognises volunteering in the health and care sector.

Sarah Armstrong has been shortlisted for Health Leader Champion for Volunteering Award, whilst Sammy Lambert has been shortlisted in the Volunteer Manager of the Year category.

The awards are a chance to shine a light on those who give their time to help staff in the NHS and voluntary and community organisations, and support patients and their families and carers.

Mark Lever, chief executive of Helpforce, said:

“2020 and 2021 have seen the NHS and all our healthcare services face one of the biggest challenges in their history, and we have seen volunteers step up in their thousands to help.

“This year, we have received a record number of entries for the Helpforce Champions Awards with so many brilliant examples of innovation, great practice, commitment, and real passion for patient care and support for staff across the health and care sector in the UK.”

The trust’s chair, Sarah Armstrong, said:

“It is a real privilege to have been shortlisted for the Health Leader Champion for Volunteering Award. I am passionate about the value of volunteering and the unique contribution volunteers can make within health and care settings..

“Within my role of chair of HDFT I have many responsibilities, but working with our volunteers and helping to develop a successful volunteer programme for our Trust is certainly one of the most rewarding.”

Sammy Lambert said:

“I am delighted that I was nominated for the prestigious Volunteer Manager of the Year award by our amazing team of nearly 500 volunteers and staff who work so hard every day to make such an amazing difference for our patients and service users”

Chair of HDHFT Sarah Armstrong (L) and Sammy Lambert the Trust’s business development, charity and volunteer manager (R)

Winners will be announced on Helpforce’s website and social media channels on Monday 7th November.