Welcome to the Richmond and Northallerton page of the Business North Yorkshire newsletter. Here you will find details of local networking groups, events in the area, and business news from around the constituency.

To feature your business news or events, contact us by email. 

Networking events in your area

Breakfast briefing

Venue: Evolution Business Centre, Northallerton

• Tuesday 2 June, 9am to 10.30am

Book a ticket for breakfast briefing on Eventbrite

Biz Group 66

Venue: Various

Events held on a fortnightly basis. Check the Biz Group 66 website for other dates and venues

Dales Business Women

Lunchtime meetings: Home Farm, Brough Park

• first Wednesday of the month, 11.30am to 1.30pm

Evening meetings: The Golden Lion, Leyburn

• third Tuesday of the month, 5.30pm until 7pm

Find out more on the Dales Business Women website

YNY Networking 

Venue: Evolution Business Centre, Northallerton 

• Thursday 11 June, 9am to 10.30am

Book a ticket for YNY Networking on Eventbrite

Thirsty Thursday

Venue: The Mill, Springfield, Stokesley

• third or fourth Thursday every month (no meeting in August)
• next meeting is 25 June, 5pm to 7pm

Book a Thirsty Thursday place on Thirsty Thursday website

Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association (ORBTA)

Venue: Richmond

Information can be found on the Original Richmond website

News and events in your area

Building Carer Friendly Communities

Evolution Business Centre, Northallerton: Thursday 11 June, 11am

Free networking event with Kerrie Hesp from Carers Plus Yorkshire. Learn how to help create places where carers are recognised, listened to, supported and empowered.

Richmond Pride

Saturday 27 June

ORBTA are delighted to announce Richmond’s first Pride event. Taking place from midday to 4pm, on the grassy area by the River Swale near The Station, the family-friendly Pride picnic will provide an opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate, and enjoy an inclusive afternoon by the river.

Alongside the picnic, local shops and businesses are encouraged to take part in the celebrations by decorating their windows for Pride, building on Richmond’s strong reputation for vibrant themed displays.

Residents and visitors alike are invited to follow a Pride trail around the town and use a QR code to vote for their favourite window, adding an interactive element to the celebrations.

Twilight markets come to Richmond

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The first in a new series of Twilight Markets was held in Richmond’s cobbled marketplace on Friday 30 May. The markets will take place 5pm to 9pm on the last Saturday of each month through to the end of November, featuring a mix of crafts, food and drink stalls, and street entertainment.

Delivered by the Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association, the initiative aims to support and grow the early evening economy in the town. With one of the finest cobbled marketplaces in the country, Richmond provides a stunning setting that the Business Association is keen to showcase and make the most of.

Anyone interested in having a stall at the Twilight Markets can get in touch with Wendy Robinson at enquiries@grannyskitchenrichmond.co.uk.

Business Spotlight

From Local Roots to Local Success: The Story Behind The Old Police Properties

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Josh and Laura Thompson are the proud owners of The Old Police Properties, Great Ayton, a collection of family-run boutique holiday cottages set in the heart of North Yorkshire.

Their journey began in 2016 when Josh purchased, from a local developer, the former village police station at just 22 years old. For those who knew him growing up, the news raised a few smiles locally, with many saying there was once more of a chance of Josh ending up in the police station than owning it! Josh himself admits he was a bit of a character in his younger years, though today he credits Laura with keeping him firmly in check.

Recognising the building’s potential, Josh set out to transform the well-known village landmark into something special. Together, he and Laura carefully upgraded and reimagined the space, creating a successful holiday let that has since grown into a portfolio of beautifully presented properties across Great Ayton. Their vision has always been simple: to offer warm, welcoming and memorable places to stay, while showcasing everything the village and wider North Yorkshire area have to offer.

Located in the centre of Great Ayton, the cottages provide the perfect base for visitors. Guests can enjoy easy access to local pubs, cafés, independent shops and restaurants, all while being on the doorstep of the stunning North Yorkshire Moors, ideal for countryside walks followed by relaxing evenings in the village.

What began as a single investment has evolved into a business that actively supports the local economy. By bringing visitors into Great Ayton year-round, The Old Police Properties help generate valuable footfall for other local businesses, something Josh and Laura are deeply passionate about.

The couple have also benefited from support and guidance provided by Claire, Senior Business Advisor from North Yorkshire Council as they developed their business. Their story demonstrates how local entrepreneurship, community pride and determination can breathe new life into familiar buildings while contributing to the resilience of rural communities.

Despite their continued growth, Josh and Laura remain committed to keeping the business personal and family focused. Guests are welcomed with genuine warmth and thoughtful attention to detail, a reflection of their passion for the area they call home.

Behind the scenes, Laura runs the day-to-day operations and has earned a reputation as a highly capable self-taught “handywoman”, a skill she proudly attributes to her dad. As she often jokes, “I don’t need a man!” Meanwhile, Josh is happy to admit he plays a slightly different role in the business… largely doing as he’s told.

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Introducing your local Senior Business Advisor

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As Senior Business Advisor for Richmond and Northallerton, Claire’s primary role is to promote and support business growth and the economic potential of North Yorkshire and she works with colleagues, partners and key stakeholders to help deliver our Economic Growth Strategy. Claire takes the lead responsibility for delivering a bespoke one to one business engagement and support service to the businesses of the Richmond and Northallerton constituency.

Claire brings with her over 38 years' experience of working in both the public and private sectors, including running her own business on Stokesley High Street. Outside of work, Claire is a Senior Trustee for a Community Interest Company and enjoys spending time with her family.

To book an appointment, contact us by email.