A week of free digital events for businesses across the Harrogate district gets under way today.
Harrogate Digital will cover digital connectivity, sustainability of data and how to grow a start-up during lockdown. It concludes with a round-table discussion about ways to grow the tech community in the Harrogate district.
The events form part of the wider Leeds Digital Festival, which began last week.
Harrogate Digital has previously run face-to-face events, but decided to move online to enable more people to attend and avoid coronavirus restrictions. All events are free and can be booked via the Harrogate Digital website.
The events have been organised by Harrogate Borough Council’s SME growth manager Alistair Forbes, along with Martin Whincup from Berwins, and tech entrepreneur and mentor Sanjay Parekh.
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The week will also see the launch of Co-Lab, a new incubator hub being run by Harrogate Borough Council from Springfield House. While use of the offices has been delayed by covid, support is being offered to new and growing businesses in the tech and digital sector.
Mr Forbes said there is already evidence that new businesses are being formed during lockdown and people are using their time creatively.
“We have had all sorts of different enquiries and ideas come forward from existing businesses I was already working with for new businesses or divisions.
“There are also people who have been made redundant from previous roles and want to start up a new tech-related business. That appears to be as strong as ever.
“Harrogate has been well-known as a place to start a business even if it’s based from home, but there has been a resurgence over the summer in terms of people with new ideas and starting businesses.”
