Mayor delivers £600,000 export boost

A business support programme in North Yorkshire is aiming to help local firms expand into international markets through a new round of targeted grant funding.

David Skaith, the mayor of York and North Yorkshire, has unveiled the ‘Get Exporting’ programme, backed by more than £600,000 in grants as part of his wider £5 million Business Innovation Fund. 

It follows a previous export drive that generated over £15 million in sales from £200,000 in grants.

Mayor Skaith said: “York and North Yorkshire is brimming with fantastic businesses that have made their mark – not just here but across the world.

“From food and drink producers like Bettys and Taylors to manufacturers like ECON and creatives like Viridian FX working on hit TV shows.

“York and North Yorkshire businesses have the ambition and talent to thrive when they make the jump into international markets. 

“This is shown by the incredible results from the last round of grant support for exports. 

“That potential is why I am thrilled to launch the ‘Get Exporting’ initiative, powered by my Business Innovation Fund.”

Applications are now open, with an expert-led roadshow set to visit Tadcaster, Harrogate, Whitby, Malton, York, Catterick and Skipton in October. 

The roadshows will feature advice from the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub and the Department for Business and Trade.

The mayor’s Business Innovation Fund is made up of five strands, with three – including support for sector activity and start-ups – already live. 

Two more, ‘Great Ideas’ and ‘Get Funded’, will follow soon.

Earlier this year, the mayor launched three other Mayoral Challenge Funds including the £10 million Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund, the £7 million Carbon Negative Challenge Fund and the £2.3 million Skills Innovation Fund.

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