Business news in Skipton and Ripon
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.
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.
Networking events in your area
- Skipton Business Social at Elsworth at the Mill, Skipton on Tuesday 3 December from 6pm until 8:30pm
To book please visit the Skipton Business Social website
News and events in your area
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) events
A series of events are available thanks to the UKSPF funded towns project we manage in partnership with the FSB. The courses are open to any business in North Yorkshire, although preference will be given to Ripon and Bentham area businesses in the event of a waiting list.
- FSB / Google Digital Garage – Grow Your Business Brand on Wednesday 4 December from midday until 1pm
- FSB Setting Social Media Objectives for 2025 on Wednesday 8 January from 2pm until 3:30pm
- FSB | Ripon Masterclass - Social Media Plan for 90 days in 90 minutes on Thursday 16 January from 10am until 11:30am
- FSB | Google Digital Garage - Ripon on Thursday 23 January from 9am until 2:30pm
Enjoy four comprehensive Google Digital Garage sessions designed to help your small business:
- get your business visible on Google
- leadership for the digital age
- telling stories with data visualisation
- artificial intelligence (AI) and marketing strategy
- FSB | Ripon Masterclass - Social Media Plan for 90 days in 90 minutes on Thursday 16 January from 10am until 11:30am
- FSB | Ripon Masterclass - TikTok for Starters on Wednesday 5 March from 2pm until 3:30pm
- FSB | Ripon Masterclass - Practical smartphone video creation for small businesses on Tuesday 11 March from midday until 3pm
You can find out more about the series of events funded by the UKSPF on the FSB website.
Ingleborough Enterprises
Ingleborough Enterprises, which operates Ingleborough Cave, Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail and The Old Sawmill Cafe, is making significant strides to improve accessibility for all visitors, thanks in part to a recent UKSPF Small Business Grant. The grant has funded a new accessible walkway onto the lake embankment, offering unparalleled views while further improving accessibility for people with mobility challenges. The company is renovating the cave entrance shop to include disabled access and a fully accessible toilet, ensuring a comfortable experience from the moment visitors arrive.
Ingleborough Enterprises has also expanded its mobility options with a second all-terrain tramper, which helps visitors with limited mobility explore the nature trail. These specialised vehicles are available for hire at no extra cost. A bespoke wheelchair for use inside the cave has been commissioned with support from North Yorkshire Sport. It will be available for use in the New Year. This new wheelchair will allow its users to comfortably explore the cave’s unique features.
The company’s commitment to inclusivity is further demonstrated by its decision to offer both the trampers and the specialised wheelchair for free, ensuring that everyone can access the site’s attractions without financial barriers.