Welcome to the Skipton and Ripon 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 and events in your area 

Skipton Business Breakfast

Cooper’s Cafe and Bar, Belmont Street, Skipton, BD23 1RP 

• 6 August 8am to 10am 

For more information visit the website.

Skipton Business Breakfast

Cooper’s Cafe and Bar, Belmont Street, Skipton, BD23 1RP 

• 20 August 8am to 10am 

For more information visit the website.

Skipton Business Social

Speaker Social Elsworth at the Mill, High Corn Mill, Skipton, BD23 1NL 

• 30 September 6pm to 8pm 

For more information visit the website.

York and North Yorkshire Property and Economic Forum: Commercial Finance from West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

Azets Accountants & Business Advisors, Monks Cross Drive, Huntington, YO32 9GZ 

• 7 October 8am to 10am 

For tickets to Access to Alternative Funding - Where to go when the banks say no visit the Eventbrite page. 

News and events in your area 

Webinar: Scaling Through Leadership, Not Control 

• Wednesday 13 August 12noon

Whether you lead a team or support the people who do, this session is packed with ideas we’ve seen work inside scaling businesses. For more details visit the Eventbrite page. 

If you can’t join live, sign up on the above Eventbrite page and you will be sent the recording. 

Thrive Circle, a new support group for women

• launching Thursday 31 August 9am to 11am at The Hive at Ultimate Group, 8 Skelton Business Park, Crosshills, BD20 7BY

Thrive Circle has been designed to provide a safe space for women to come together, be inspired and supported, and achieve personal growth. Topics will cover all aspects of life including health, finances, relationships, careers, and wellbeing.

Each event starts with time to get to know other women who have joined the circle for the morning, with refreshments provided. Attendees will then be guided through a mini workshop by the speaker for the morning.

To book a ticket visit the Eventbrite page. 

Help Shape Ripon’s Future: Join Our Investment Plan Sessions

Hosted in partnership with the Uredale Community Partnership. As part of the continued development of the Ripon City Investment Plan, two stakeholder sessions are being held to ensure that community priorities and business perspectives are embedded in future investment decisions for Ripon and the wider Uredale area.

Community Stakeholder Workshop: 

• Tuesday 16 September 2025 9.30am to 12.30pm in Ripon (venue to be confirmed) 

Facilitated by the Uredale Community Partnership, this interactive session invites community representatives, voluntary organisations, local service providers and elected members to explore how the six UCP priority areas (transport, services, youth, housing, connectivity, and culture) align with emerging Town Investment proposals. Structured around a World Café format, the workshop will encourage collaborative discussion and the sharing of local insight to shape future investment.

Business Breakfast Briefing

• Tuesday 30 September 8am to 9.30am at Valentino's, Ripon

This focused breakfast session is open to local business leaders and employers to consider how investment in infrastructure, skills, digital connectivity and placemaking can support business growth and resilience in the Ripon and Uredale area. Attendees will hear a summary of key proposals from the NYC team leading the plan, including the Economic Development, Regeneration, Tourism and Skills (EDRTS) service, and will have a vital opportunity to help define projects, their priorities, and define the business case for strategic investment.

For more information on the Uredale Community Partnership, visit the website. www.uredalecp.com

To register your interest in attending one of the sessions click here. 

Your local Senior Business Advisor

As Senior Business Advisor for Skipton and Ripon, Michaela’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. Michaela takes the lead responsibility for delivering a bespoke one-to-one business engagement and support service to the businesses of the Skipton and Ripon constituency.

During the last 33 years, Michaela has held leadership positions in a number of businesses, including manufacturing and engineering, construction, retail and the charity sector. Her particular strengths include skills and business planning, funding applications and business development. Outside of work, Michaela is a keen gardener and enjoys the great outdoors.

To book an appointment, contact us by email.