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

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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

Wednesday 5 February, 8am to 10am: Skipton Business Social, Coopers Cafe and Bar, Skipton.

Register for this event on Skipton Business Networking

News and events in your area

The Selfish Spirits Company and Nightshades: case study

In December 2024, Skipton welcomed a new addition to its nightlife scene. Nightshades, run by Fred and Lillie,  is a new cocktail bar located on Skipton High Street. Fred’s journey began in 2021 when he developed his own brand of dark spiced rum, The Selfish Spirits Company. Over the years, his product gained popularity, selling to bars and restaurants, and through local markets. With Fred and partner Lillie’s experience in hospitality, they identified a gap in Skipton's nightlife - a need for a dedicated cocktail bar offering a high-quality drinking experience, as well as a curated selection of wines and coffee.

To support the launch of their new venture, Fred and Lillie applied for North Yorkshire Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund Small Business Grant. With support from North Yorkshire Council’s Senior Business Advisor for Ripon and Skipton, Michaela, Fred and Lillie revised their project plans and cash flow forecasts, and their application was successful.

Nightshades opened in a former retail unit on the high street, next door to a local pub. The premises had been vacant for some time, and Fred and Lillie saw the opportunity to revitalize the space and contribute to the area’s overall appeal.

Nightshades aims to offer a sophisticated, yet welcoming environment where customers can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, a curated selection of wines, and high-quality coffee.

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 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.