Business news in Richmond and Northallerton

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.

Introducing your local Senior Business Advisor

Image
Richmond business adviser Claire

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.

Networking events in your area

Wensleydale Business Group, Thornborough Hall, Leyburn

Wensleydale Business Group on Facebook

Wensleydale Rotary Satellite Group, Leyburn Arts and Community Centre

  • 11 February at 6pm

Register for a place on Rotary Wensleydale

Biz Group 66, The Black Bull, Moulton

  • 27 February at 9am
  • 27 March at 9am

Book on the Biz Group 66 website

Dales Business Women, The Black Bull, Moulton

  • 5 February at 11.30am
  • 5 March at 11.30am

Book on the Dales Business Women website

ORBTA Membership Evening Meeting, The King’s Head, Richmond

  • 12 February from 6.15pm

Book a place on the Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association website

Network York and North Yorkshire, Evolution Business Centre, Northallerton

  • 20 February 9am to 10.30am

Book a place on EventBrite

Garrison Go Getters, Catterick Garrison Community Hub

  • 20 February 6pm to 7.30pm

Garrison Go Getters on Facebook

Thirsty Thursday, The Mill, Stokesley

  • 27 February, from 5pm
  • 20 March, from 5pm
  • 20 April, from 5pm

Book a place on Thirsty Thursday Stokesley

News and events in your area

Business Support Drop-Ins

Image
Attendees at Harrogate business drop-in advice session

Free in-person sessions: 13 February, 12 March and 8 April – 10am to 1pm

Are you thinking of starting your own business, or looking for help to grow your business? Call in to our drop-in mornings hosted at C4DI Northallerton and meet the business support specialists from North Yorkshire Council and York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.

Our friendly and knowledgeable local team understand the challenges and questions that arise when starting or growing a business and our goal is to assist you by discussing your business plans and connecting you with relevant resources.

What to expect:

  • One-on-One Consultations: Speak directly with business support specialists who can offer personalised guidance and solutions tailored to your specific needs.
  • Expert Advice: Gain insights and practical advice from experienced professionals who specialise in business starts ups, growth and development.
  • Resource Connections: Discover a wealth of resources, including funding opportunities, training programmes, networking events and other support services available in your area.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and business professionals, expanding your network and building potential collaborations.

C4DI is conveniently located at Treadmills, Northallerton. You can park directly outside of the building for up to 90 minutes. Crosby Road Car Park (DL6 1EP) is a pay and display car park a short walk away.

Interested? Just drop in at C4DI Northallerton between 10am and 1pm on 13 February, 12 March or 8 April, or contact us for further information.

RJF Flowers – Business Showcase

Image
Rebecca Fraser, owner of RJF Flowers

Who are you?

My name is Becky Fraser and I’m a flower farmer in North Yorkshire. I have been a cut-flower grower since 2019, setting up my own flower farm in 2022. My background is in zoology and ecology, which has been particularly formative in my leaning toward agroecology.

Describe your business in 150 words

RJF Flowers is a cut flower and floristry business. I grow seasonal flowers for local customers and florists, while also providing floral designs for weddings and events. I believe in a natural and sustainable approach to flower farming that extends beyond growing methods, sitting in the wider landscape of local biodiversity, heritage, and responsible land use. The business fundamentally champions locally grown, seasonal, British flowers – which isn’t just about the ethical movement towards low air miles, the energy saved in not using hot houses, and the disuse of harmful pesticides and herbicides. Locally grown flowers are the freshest they can possibly be, free of preservatives and full of scent. Buying flowers while they’re in season means they are at an abundance, which is why you can purchase high quality seasonal blooms at reasonable prices. It’s a savvy choice that supports local businesses and your local biodiversity, because beautiful flowers shouldn’t cost the earth.

What has been your proudest moment?

My proudest moment could have been any one of the weddings in the first year of running my own business. That feeling of handing over a bridal bouquet full of stems you nurtured from seed and seeing them being adored over never gets old.

What advice would you give someone else running a business?

The advice I would offer would be to find unrelated hobbies or activities to get involved in. It’s so easy for the business you’re running to take over every aspect of your life. And as much as you might love what you do, everyone needs time off, and to look after themselves both mentally and physically.

Where do you see your business in five years?

I see the business having an excellent base of loyal customers, including other florists who believe in British flowers, and being part of a regional hub to easily distribute cut flowers to the North East.

Visit Becky’s website.