Welcome to the Thirsk and Malton 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

Ryedale in Business

The Feathers Hotel, Market Place, Helmsley, York YO62 5BH

• 5 February, 7:15am to 8:45am

Book a Ryedale in Business place on Eventbrite

News and events in your area

Thirsk Town Investment Plan

North Yorkshire Council is developing a Town Investment Plan to guide regeneration and investment in the town. Residents, businesses, and visitors are invited to complete a short survey to share their views. The survey is open until Saturday 28 February with two consultation events taking place:

• 29 January from 10am to 5pm at Thirsk Community Library
• 10 February from 1pm to 6pm at Thirsk Community Library 

Complete the Thirsk Town Investment Plan survey

Pickering Town Investment Plan

North Yorkshire Council is developing a Town Investment Plan to guide regeneration and investment in the town. Residents, businesses, and visitors are invited to complete a short survey to share their views. The survey is open until Tuesday 17 March with two consultation events taking place:

• 4 February from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at Pickering Library
• 11 February from 3pm to 5pm at Pickering Library

Complete the Pickering Town Investment Plan survey

Derwent Training apprenticeship open event

• 10 February, 4.30pm to 7pm at Herford Way, Malton

Derwent Training is inviting individuals and employers to their Apprenticeship Open Event. For Individuals: They are currently booking chats for anyone looking to undertake an apprenticeship in 2026. For Employers: If your business is looking to take on an apprentice this year, please reach out to discuss how we can streamline the recruitment process for you.

Book a apprenticeship event place on Derwent Training

2-Day Digital Marketing Workshop: Thirsk

• 17 and 24 February at Thirsk Quakers Friends’ Meeting House

This practical workshop is designed for small and medium-sized enterprise owners and staff who want to manage their own marketing but lack the skills, knowledge or confidence to get started, or the budget to outsource to an agency. Open to all sectors, the session covers a wide range of immediately applicable digital marketing essentials, including branding and customer personas, choosing the right social media platforms, content creation, email marketing, reputation management, marketing planning, analytics review, and using AI to support digital marketing activity. Participants will also be introduced to helpful free tools such as Google Business Profile, Canva and scheduling platforms, equipping them with the foundations and confidence to take control of their marketing effectively.

Book a marketing workshop place on Growth Hub

PR Media Workshop: How to Tell Your Story in the Media

• 20 February, 10am to 2pm at The Wesley Centre, Malton

This workshop is suitable for complete beginners as well as those looking to strengthen their existing PR skills, providing practical tools and the confidence to start or build on a successful PR journey. It is relevant to a wide range of organisations and individuals, including rural businesses, entrepreneurs, creatives, small and medium-sized enterprises, charities, social enterprises and tourism attractions. Drawing on real-world experience, the session demonstrates how effective PR can drive tangible results, from increased footfall and visitor numbers to attracting investment, securing high‑profile media coverage and achieving sell‑out events. Delivered by Ann and Clair of Cause and Effect PR, who have over 15 years’ experience raising profile, reputation and impact across sectors, the workshop offers insight into what works, backed by proven outcomes and compelling client success stories.

Book a media workshop place on Growth Hub

Automate Your Day: 2-Day Masterclass

• 11 and 18 March, 10am to 4.30pm at Enterprise House Malton

This two‑day, hands‑on programme shows how automation and AI can remove low‑value “sludge” from everyday work and free up time to focus on high‑impact activity. Across the agenda, participants will learn how to streamline tasks such as scheduling, research and email overload; connect systems using no‑code automation; supercharge meetings from preparation through to follow‑up; and improve document, spreadsheet and presentation workflows using AI. Day two builds on these foundations to explore high‑value use cases, apply learning to individual roles, and get practical with AI for images, video, presentations and automated support through AI agents. Led by Laura and Richard from Enterprise Cube, alongside expert contributions from Jack Barber, Anja Richards and Tobie Abel, the course offers practical demonstrations, real‑world examples and hands‑on learning. Attendees will need to bring their own laptop or tablet to fully participate.

Book a masterclass place on Growth Hub

Sign Up for Helmsley and Howardian Hills Restaurant Week - Reminder

Local food businesses are invited to take part in Helmsley and Howardian Hills Restaurant Week, a celebration of the area’s outstanding culinary talent. This initiative, supported by North Yorkshire Council’s Locality Budget, aims to boost the local economy by attracting visitors and showcasing the region’s vibrant food scene.

Participating venues will benefit from increased visibility, new customers, and the chance to highlight their unique menus and offers. It’s a fantastic opportunity to promote your business while contributing to a thriving local community.

Restaurants, cafés, and food producers in Helmsley and the Howardian Hills can register now to be part of this exciting event.

To find out more, go to Visit North Yorkshire.

Malton and Norton Area Partnership Seeks New Chairman to Lead Community into a New Era

The Malton and Norton Area Partnership, is seeking a new Chairman to guide its work in a changing local government landscape.

For over 20 years, the Malton and Norton Area Partnership has brought together resources, expertise, and voices from across Malton and Norton to support the strategic priorities of both Town Councils. Originally established under Yorkshire Forward, The Malton and Norton Area Partnership has delivered grant-funded projects that have enriched the lives of local residents and strengthened community ties.

Now, following the transition to a unitary authority under North Yorkshire Council, The Malton and Norton Area Partnership is poised to play a pivotal role as a recognised ‘Community Partnership’ -a vital link between North Yorkshire Council and the people of Malton and Norton.

The Malton and Norton Area Partnership is politically neutral, locally rooted, and uniquely inclusive. It welcomes members from all sectors of the community and provides a forum where volunteers, small groups, and stakeholders can collaborate to deliver meaningful change. As a voluntary-led, not-for-profit organisation, the Malton and Norton Area Partnership can also access funding streams unavailable to local councils.

The Chairman leads the Malton and Norton Area Partnership and will be supported by bureau-based administrative assistance. This is a rare opportunity for someone with strategic insight, strong communication skills, and a passion for community wellbeing to make a lasting impact.

The ideal candidate will:

• build strong relationships with local government, agencies, and the Local Enterprise Partnership;
• represent and advocate for the community’s interests with diplomacy and common sense;
• help Malton and Norton Area Partnership adapt to the new local government structure and continue delivering on its objectives.

Martin Brampton, the Malton and Norton Area Partnership’s current Chairman, welcomes expressions of interest and is available for informal discussions about the role.

To find out more, visit Malton and Norton Area Partnership.

Business Spotlight

Pickering farm shop and café wins family business award

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The team at a North Yorkshire farm shop and café are celebrating after they won an award at the Yorkshire and Humber Family Business Awards 2025 in November.

Pickering’s Cedarbarn Farm Shop, Café and Miniature Railway won Agri-Business Excellence Award, which celebrates innovation and diversification in farming ventures.

Cedarbarn co-founder, Mandy Avison said: “We were over the moon to win this award. Little did we know when we started selling pick your own strawberries from a caravan almost 30 years ago how popular our farm diversification business would become. We are indebted to our team and our customers for making it the success it is today.”

The evening was hosted by food writer and broadcaster Nigel Barden, alongside event co-founders Dave Clarkson and Sue Howorth, who expressed their pride in the event's success: “We always aim to create an unforgettable experience, and hosting the awards in Leeds this year added something truly special. The incredible turnout of family businesses and their supporters was a testament to the strength of the community. We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate the achievements of these truly fantastic businesses. It was truly a night to remember!”

Commenting on Cedarbarn’s win, Mrs Howorth said: “This remarkable family business has transformed its farm and land into a thriving hub of diverse revenue streams, and a destination experience. Combining sustainable growth with an impressive ability to adapt and stay resilient through every challenge. Their warm, welcoming atmosphere, deep commitment to community, make them a shining example of what modern agri-business can be.”

Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Café beat stiff competition from Drewtons, The Balloon Tree Farm Shop and Café and Pasture House Holiday Cottages to win the award, which was presented at a dinner in Leeds.

To find out more, visit Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Cafe.

Your local Senior Business Advisor

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As Senior Business Advisor for Thirsk and Malton, Jo’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. Jo takes the lead responsibility for delivering a bespoke one-to-one business engagement and support service to the businesses of the Thirsk and Malton constituency, as well as the Easingwold area.

Jo has extensive experience in economic development, regeneration and project management, having worked across multiple public sector services. Jo and her family enjoy walking, making the most of the picturesque North Yorkshire countryside.

To book an appointment, contact us by email.