Thirsty Thursday

Due to hot weather- June event cancelled ( INFO ATTACHED)

Sue Thompson — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:19:36 +0000

As you may know, I made the decision to cancel the event this month, due to the heatwave situation and no one wants to chat buisness in the heat (or is it just me!)

Our speaker, though, was keen to share the information she was going to share with you all. Unusually, our speaker this month was someone who also spoke at last month’s event! You may recall Andrea Morrison accompanied our FSB speaker, Katy to talk about her role with the FSB. She is a lady of many hats and was happy to come back to Thirsty Thursday to share about the funded training program she been awarded, which would be of great interest to our networkers. Below is the information she supplied and how you can get in touch directly to apply for your business.

Over to Andrea…..

The Innate Coach is running their Conversations4Change programme for the second year. Conversations4Change is a fully funded leadership development programme for employers across York and North Yorkshire, it helps leaders recognise and build on the innate skills and insights they already have, so their teams feel empowered, committed and valued, and their organisations become healthier as a result.

We know that the quality of everyday workplace conversations determines whether people stay, grow, perform and feel valued. When you listen with genuine intention and approach your team with curiosity rather than assumption, colleagues feel heard, people take greater ownership, and those who might otherwise disengage find reasons to stay and contribute. Businesses that build this culture create workplaces where a much wider range of people can thrive.

The programme includes an accredited coach training award & certificate, coaching for leaders and a mentoring training programme, as well as community programmes and support for your employees.

There is more information on our website at www.conversations4change.co.uk and you can register directly on there to secure your place and I’ve also attached a leaflet.

Leaflet – Year 2 C4C (2)

Also if you would like to hear more about the programme we have a short podcast where we share the highlights of last years programme, what leaders learnt and we share what this year has on offer too – and you can listen to that here https://theinnatecoach.mykajabi.com/podcasts/conversations-for-change/episodes/2149218752

All the details you need to apply or find out more are here, thanks for reading and your support, and i will look forward to seeing you all again at our July event (weather willing!)

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Making Tax Digital Handout

Sue Thompson — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:25:26 +0000

As promised

Please see the handout provided by Louise Egan of AL Accountancy Services.

Important for any local businesses. Pease review.

MTD Hand out sheet

Look forward to see local businesses at our next event on 23rd April between 5-7 and The Mill, in Stokesley.

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Banking Hub for Stokesley campaign

Sue Thompson — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 14:08:56 +0000

If you want to find out more about how you can support the addition of a Banking Hub in Stokesley, please drop Thirsty Thursday a line, and we can share how you can support the campaign.

We have sample petters to support the campaign on offer.

MP involved after Stokesley denied banking hub

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Call for 2026 speakers for Thirsty Thursday

Sue Thompson — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 14:02:23 +0000

2026 has kicked off and Thirsty Thursday is back to support the local small businesses of Stokesley (and surrounding villages) Dates below!

As you know, over the last 11 years, I have arranged a range of speakers to come along to our event to give us lots of tips, insights and wisdom to a wide range of subjects.

So for 2026, I am looking for some people who can come along and speak to us on these subjects (or open to others, feel free to add any other subjects!)

I have 10 speaker spots to fill throughout the year.

Here are some ideas I have had.

– Ai specialist suitable for small businesses – the best tools to use to create automations and save you time
– Burnout Prevention for Business Owners
– What you need to know about GDPR for your business
– Email marketing specialist
– Making Tax Digital – what small business owners need to know to get ready
– How to apply for business funds
– How to get more leads using your website
– Insurance + risk protection for small businesses
– Imposter syndrome & confidence in business
– Cybersecurity basics for small businesses
– Public speaking for small business owners
– Photography for social media (DIY tips)
– Benefits of business training for your small business

If you have any recommendations or want to come along yourself, please comment or Dm me. I have all slots to fill for 2026 at the moment.

Unfortunately, as this is a free event, there is no budget for paid speakers, but I will happily promote you and your business for the event and share all of your details as part of the pre and post-promotion of the event online.

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July event information from Enterprise Made Simple

Sue Thompson — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 12:44:33 +0000

Enterprise Made Simple gave us some detailed information of funded and paid-for courses on offer for North Yorkshire businesses. Further details are here, for you to review, and please get in touch directly with the EMS team to get your place on any / all of these opportunities. What great support for our businesses.

We had some much information to share at this last event, I have split it up into two blogs.

Please see information from Phil and his team at EMS.

If you are interested in taking up some funded training or paid for training with EMS, please can you mention it was Thirsty Thursday / Sue Thompson in the initial chat please. As we are all keen to see where the traffic is coming from.

See information here

Start Date	Location	Course Title	Overview

18th Aug	York	Leading Smarter	NCFE Level 2 Team Leading – Supervisory/team leading/management qualification
26th Aug	York	Start Marketing	NCFE Level 2 in Digital Promotion – Social Media and Digital Marketing Skills
4^th Sept	York	L3 Immediate Impact	Digital Marketing Skills Bootcamp
9^th Sept	York	L4 Digital Edge	Advanced Digital Marketing skills Bootcamp
10th Sept	York	Bookkeeping	1 day bookkeeping course for self employed/small businesses
22nd Sept	York	Sell it Smart	Sfedi Level 2 Self employment – Sales, marketing plan, building relationships and negotiation in business
26^th Sept	Scarborough	L3 Immediate Impact	Digital Marketing Skills Bootcamp
1st Oct	York	Bookkeeping	1 day bookkeeping course for self employed/small businesses
6^th Oct	Skipton	L3 Immediate Impact	Digital Marketing Skills Bootcamp
3^rd Nov	Harrogate	L3 Immediate Impact	Digital Marketing Skills Bootcamp
17^th Nov	Northallerton	L3 Immediate Impact	Digital Marketing Skills Bootcamp
17th Nov	TBC	Start Counselling	NCFE Level 2 in Counselling Skills

20^th Jan 25

TBC

Going for Growth

NCFE Level 2 in Enterprise Skills – focussing on sales cycle, managing change, cashflow, business growth strategies

And some further info here too, so plenty to pick from, if you get in touch with EMS, they can check your eligibility, book you in and ascertain if any costs are in place.

Don’t forget to mention Thirsty Thursday at your initial enquiry!

Creative Catapult Course Factsheets 2025-26 Going For Growth Course Factsheets 2025-26 (1) Immediate Impact Digital Bootcamp Course Factsheets 2025-26 Leading Smarter Course Factsheets 2025-26 (2) Sell It Smart Course Factsheets 2025-26 Start Counselling Course Factsheets 2025-26 (2) Start Marketing Course Factsheets 2025-26 (1) The Digital Edge Course Factsheets 2025-26 (1)

CONTACT DETAILS FOR EMS HERE

Call

01642 061 062

Email Address

info@enterprisemadesimple.co.uk

Address

4 Eggleston Court, Middlesbrough, TS2 1RU

The post July event information from Enterprise Made Simple first appeared on Thirsty Thursday.

June event useful links for attendees

Sue Thompson — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 08:41:03 +0000

Hi All

As promised please find some of the links Claire Lowe mentioned

The digital adoption programme –

With grants ranging from £1,000 to £3,000, this programme is designed to help you invest in bespoke digital assets, from a brand-new website to custom software solutions, that will drive productivity, sustainability, and growth.

The Digital Adoption Grant aims to support businesses to adopt new technologies and resources, in order to increase innovation and productivity.

The fund opens for applications on Monday 16 June 2025 and will close on 5pm Monday 14 July 2025.

A minimum 25% match funding is required, and all projects must be completed by the end of February 2026.

https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk/project/digital-adoption-programme/

And the Equity Platform

Please click here to express an interest in this platform

The YNY Equity Hub has been designed to increase investment in businesses across our region, by seamlessly matching businesses with prospective investors.

https://ynygrowthhub.com/york-and-north-yorkshire-equity-platform/

and from Phil Whild

Information from the Business Continuity page of the North Yorkshire Council website.

https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/your-council/north-yorkshire-local-resilience-forum/protecting-your-business-emergency

SMEs business Continuty presentation

Hope you find this information useful.

Don’t forget to come along to our next event on 24th July from 5.00 at The Mill, Stokesley.

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North Yorkshire Business Week

Sue Thompson — Thu, 22 May 2025 13:30:04 +0000

North Yorkshire Business Week is set to be a celebration of the county’s diverse and innovative businesses and a week of opportunity to share best practice and learn vital skills for business growth.

They are working with a range of partners to deliver a varied programme of free in-person and online events, themed around innovation and growth.

Click on the link to find out the events you would like to take part in!

https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/business-and-economy/north-yorkshire-business-week

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Further information from March’s event

Sue Thompson — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 14:52:41 +0000

Thanks to Claire Lowe from North Yorkshire Council.

Thanks for sharing……

Radio Teleswitch Service switch off

Some homes and businesses in England use Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters to run their heating and hot water. This service is being switched off from 30^th June and may negatively impact residents and businesses if they have one. In some cases, the switch-off could mean that their heating and hot water supply stops functioning as normal, or their energy bills could be stuck at a higher peak-rate. Energy suppliers will be contacting any homes or businesses affected, but as a trusted voice in the community, we are being asked to encourage people to take action if needed.

A major national advertising campaign was launched in January calling for RTS customers across Great Britain to urgently upgrade their electricity meters. Smart Energy GB is supporting the campaign, which is being led by Ofgem and the energy sector RTS taskforce.

The key message that we’re being asked to share with our businesses is:

Do you have a RTS meter? The signal that controls these is being switched off, and your heating or hot water could be affected.

If your energy supplier has been in touch about a new meter, you need to act! Find out more on Ofgem’s website here: https://bit.ly/RTSmeter

(the link includes more details and links to lots of energy suppliers websites which explain how any businesses that may be affected can upgrade their meter).

Empowering Women in Global Trade – Event Launch Thursday April 2 2025 York

VENUE HILTON YORK

Join the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) for an inspiring day dedicated to empowering women in global trade.

Connect with experienced professionals, grow your network, and succeed in international markets.

The interactive event will come to York on Thursday 3 April from 9:15 – 14:30 and you will be able to connect with peers and experienced professionals.

What’s covered?

Market Research: Become a market research guru.

Cultural Awareness: Understand the importance of cultural differences.

Market Entry: Learn how to use agents and distributors effectively.

Safety Regulations: Navigate the EU and UK General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR).

Branding: Strategies for internationalising your brand.

Find out more and register now: https://www.events.great.gov.uk/website/16323/

To share any of your business news, please do email us

The post Further information from March’s event first appeared on Thirsty Thursday.

Barclays Eagle Lab further information

Sue Thompson — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 09:02:43 +0000

Hi Thanks for those who attended last week, please see some useful links to the Eagle Labs offering for businesses. So please take advantage of this free support. Anyone who has reached out to Sharon directly, she has assured me she will get back to you!

https://academy.uk.barclays/courses/starting-your-business/

A digital learning platform to help founders start or scale their business.

Covering the key aspects of launching and growing a business, with bite-sized lessons that allow you to learn at your own pace. With support from our partners:

https://labs.uk.barclays/what-we-offer/mentors-and-coaches/

Connect with our specialist mentors to help you navigate challenges and grow your businessWe provide founders with access to a range of mentoring and coaching options.

Whether you want to talk about your product, have a question about expanding your business, or just need to talk to someone who’s been in your shoes before, our mentors will share their knowledge and insights to support you.

Mentoring is available for businesses that:

Use digital or technology to operate or deliver their value proposition
Deliver an innovation driven product
Are service based and ready to be digitised

We have a host of partners and mentors, to support you on your growth journey.

https://labs.uk.barclays/our-industries/

Helping to facilitate industry-wide transformation

Encouraging industries to connect with the best talent to address specific industry challenges can only be achieved through collaboration. We do this by bringing together thought leaders, industry bodies, key corporates, academics and startups and partnering with them to provide them with the tools, programmes.

https://labs.uk.barclays/demo-directory/

We understand that raising capital and connecting to investors is one of the key challenges that businesses face, especially as they are scaling.

The funding landscape can often be difficult to navigate and we want to make it easier for businesses to connect to potential investors and vice versa.

Through our Demo Directory we provide opportunity for ambitious founders to showcase their business to a selected group of attested investors.

Sharons direct details are here.

Sharon Braithwaite | Eagle Labs Ecosystem Manager TeesValley l Business Banking

Mobile +44 (0)7384232512│Email Sharon.braithwaite@barclays.com

Respect | Integrity | Service | Excellence | Stewardship

Our next event is Thursday 20th March. Hope to see you there.

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