Time to champion the unique sectors driving region’s growth

The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire has revealed the region’s six key sectors he believes are key to driving economic growth.

David Skaith acknowledged the region’s core strengths but said inward investment depended on championing sectors where York and North Yorkshire could achieve significant growth, and whose strengths had previously been overlooked.

Speaking following a tour of facilities at York Biotech Campus at Sand Hutton, on Thursday, Mr Skaith said industrial biotech, and agritech are two sectors where the region could be world class thanks to facilities and expertise in the region.

He also singled out rail, manufacturing, creative and digital, and healthy ageing as sectors which are already well-established or emerging as strong. All six sectors have been the subject of research by dedicated specialist sector managers, employed by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. The sector managers spent the past year speaking to businesses to understand the strengths of each sector.

“I’ve seen the innovations taking place here at York Biotech,” said the mayor, “and I know there are similar organisations in the region driving excellence in industrial biotech, and agritech through research and collaboration.

“Under the banner of the Invest in York & North Yorkshire partnership, we’re ready to go out and start the conversations which will bring investment into the region.

“The six sectors we want to shine a light on have been identified as potential high growth are areas driven by our region’s unique expertise, geography and facilities.”

Invest in York & North Yorkshire is a partnership of investment experts at York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council, and was established with help from UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Mr Skaith also announced the launch of bespoke sector-specific marketing assets, including professional videos, to be used by the partnership’s six sector managers when presenting to potential UK and foreign investors.  

He added: “It’s time for York and North Yorkshire to go beyond expectation and to champion our strengths. All of our identified high growth sectors have emerged from who we are and what we are as a place.”

Invest in York & North Yorkshire

Watch our sector led videos and learn more about why now is the time to invest in York and North Yorkshire.

 

View Sector Assets

Photo: Mayor David Skaith on a recent visit to Techbuyer in Harrogate. 

Businesses across York and North Yorkshire are set to bring in millions in sales as they set out on export missions around the world. 

Supported by the Get Exporting programme, the second round of projects announced today will unlock trade missions in new markets across North America, Europe and Asia for another 30 local businesses. 

This builds on the first round which supported a further 40 businesses with grants between £3,000 up to £10,000 to help with the costs of establishing their business in new countries. It means that the full grant pot has been allocated. 

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: 

“We've seen what our incredible local businesses can achieve when they have the right support 

“By tripling our exports grant pot, we’re backing ambition and unlocking more in new global trade. 

“I’m excited to see more of our businesses grasp these global opportunities and continue the momentum we’re building across the region.” 

A previous pilot scheme provided £200,000 in grants which generated more than £15 million in sales. By tripling the investment to £635,000, the Combined Authority estimates the current programme could unlock over £45 million in new global trade. 

Among the successful applicants is Malton-based food business The Tofoo Company, which will use the funding to expand its footprint into the German market. 

David Knibbs, Director of Tofoo Co, said: 

"At The Tofoo Co, we’ve always been focused on bringing delicious, healthy, and sustainable products to consumers. We’re delighted to have secured the Get Exporting grant, which will support the next steps in our international growth journey and help us bring our tofu products to even more people. This project will help us grow our team, create new local opportunities, and further strengthen Malton’s reputation as Yorkshire’s award-winning Food Town."

Resimac Solutions, a manufacturer based in Thirsk, will use the grant to head out to Thailand to exhibit their products at one of their industries biggest events. 

Andrew Donald, Global Business Development Manager at Resimac Limited, said: 

“We have seen significant growth in sales of our Spray in Place Pipe (SIPP) linings into the Water Sector in Europe and the Americas. This grant will enable us to participate in Trenchless Asia, the primary exhibition for trenchless technologies in the region, allowing us to expand our networks and identify new potential partners to drive export growth in a region where we currently have a limited presence.” 

York-based Simpson Associates will also benefit from the grant. Emma McGhin, Chief Marketing Officer at Simpson Associates, said: 

"The Get Exporting grant programme presents a fantastic opportunity for Simpson Associates to start our export journey. Our data & AI solutions are easily transferable to industries in other markets, and the funding award has helped accelerate our entry into this area." 

The Business Innovation Fund has come in five programmes focussing on ‘Sector Activity’, ‘Spin-Out and Start-Ups', ‘Get Exporting’, with ‘Great Ideas’ and ‘Get Funded’ launching over the coming months. 

Last year, Mayor David Skaith 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. 

For more information and to access the programme’s prospectus, please visit https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk/project/business-innovation-fund/