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.
Networking events in your area
Network YNY
Evolution Business Centre, Northallerton
- Thursday 30 October 9am to 10.30am
For full details and to book a place on the Network YNY event, please visit Eventbrite.
Dales Business Women
Home Farm, Brough Park
- Wednesday 5 November 11.30am to 1.30pm
For full details and to book a place on the event, please visit the Dales Business Women website.
ORBTA Membership Evening Meeting
The King’s Head, Richmond
- Wednesday 12 November
For more information, visit the ORBTA events calendar.
Biz Group 66
The Holly Hill Inn, Richmond
- Thursday 20 November 9am to 10am
Events held on a fortnightly basis. For more information, visit the Biz Group 66 website.
Thirsty Thursday
The Mill, Springfield Stokesley
- Thursday 20 November 5pm to 7pm
For more information, visit the Thirsty Thursday website.
Network YNY
Evolution Business Centre, Northallerton
- Thursday 27 November 9am to 10.30am
For full details and to book a place on the Network YNY event, please visit Eventbrite.
News and events in your area
Richmond Artisan Fairs
These events will take place 2 November and 23 November
Richmond Artisan Fairs are taking place at the historic Richmond Town Hall from 10am to 4pm. These one-day events offer a warm welcome and showcase a diverse range of talented exhibitors, each bringing their own creative flair to handmade goods. Located in the heart of Richmond’s cobbled marketplace, the venue is surrounded by independent shops, cafés, museums, and the stunning Yorkshire Dales. With free entry, lift access, and dogs welcome, it’s the perfect opportunity to discover unique gifts and support local artisans. Convenient transport links include a bus stop in the main square, free parking in the marketplace, and additional long/short stay car parks just a five-minute walk away.
For more information, email RichmondArtisanFairs@hotmail.com.
Business Spotlight
Lacey’s Cheese: A Local Success Story in the Heart of the Dales
Founded by Simon Lacey in 2007, Lacey’s Cheese began with a simple goal: to produce high-quality cheese using traditional methods and milk from local Yorkshire farmers. What started as a one-man operation has grown into a thriving dual-brand business, reaching thousands through retail, farmers markets, and hands-on food experiences.
In 2012, Simon launched his first cheese making course at The Station in Richmond with just two attendees. The popularity of these courses led to a move to the Dales Centre in Reeth, where a larger unit allowed for increased production and improved facilities. Today, 600 to 800 people attend cheese making courses annually, with glowing five star reviews across Facebook and TripAdvisor.
One idea led to another, and before he knew it Simon had launched a complementary business, The Udder One, making traditional gelato at his Dales Dairy Centre. With support from the Richmondshire Apprenticeship Scheme, a new team member was brought on board to help develop ice cream making courses, which quickly proved popular with families and adults - and even hen parties looking for a unique experience!
In 2024, a neighbouring unit became available, giving Simon the opportunity to separate his cheese and gelato operations. With guidance from his Senior Economic Development Officer at Business North Yorkshire, Simon successfully secured a UK Shared Prosperity Small Business Grant to support the move.
This expansion has helped realise Simon’s vision: improving operational efficiency, increasing production capacity, and enhancing storage solutions for both cheese and ice cream. It has also created more space for workshops—encouraging growth, creativity, and opportunity across both businesses.
Simon’s business remains deeply rooted in the local community—supporting dairy farmers, welcoming college students, and attracting visitors who also spend money with other local businesses. You’ll find Lacey’s Cheese at farmers markets and country shows across the region—or better yet, pop by Reeth and see it for yourself, and maybe treat yourself to some award-winning gelato!
Introducing your local Senior Business Advisor
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.