We were honoured to welcome David Skaith, the Mayor of York & North Yorkshire, to C4DI Northallerton on Friday, 23rd August. The visit highlighted the growing importance of innovation and collaboration in driving economic growth across North Yorkshire.
C4DI Northallerton, a vibrant tech hub located in the heart of the town, fosters innovation and supporting startups and established businesses alike. The facility is part of a broader network of C4DI hubs, which have gained a reputation for being catalysts of digital transformation and economic development in the UK and Europe. Our Northallerton site has been instrumental in revitalising the local business landscape, offering state-of-the-art office spaces, meeting rooms, and a collaborative environment for tech-driven enterprises.
During his visit, David toured the C4DI Northallerton building, where he met with several member businesses that call the space home. David was given an in-depth overview of our role in supporting North Yorkshire’s growing businesses. The ongoing collaboration between C4DI Northallerton and North Yorkshire Council was a key focus of the discussion - a partnership that has proven to be mutually beneficial and instrumental in driving innovation within the region.
A shining example of this collaboration is the C4DI Beta Programme, a successful initiative born out of our collaboration with North Yorkshire Council. With funding awarded by Barclays Eagle Labs as part of the Digital Growth Grant, this programme leveraged the existing C4DI community to support businesses in North Yorkshire to develop their digital capabilities. The programme had a clear emphasis on growth for local businesses, through ongoing connectivity, advice, and guidance. The project included digital readiness audits, a series of workshops, and one-to-one support from C4DI member businesses identified as ‘Digital Champions’. North Yorkshire Council complemented the programme with an apprenticeship grant for businesses committing to employing an apprentice in a digital role.
Reflecting on the visit, David said: "The innovation and collaboration happening here is really positive. C4DI and North Yorkshire Council are setting a strong example of how public-private partnerships can drive growth and opportunity in our region. I’m excited to see how these initiatives continue to evolve and contribute to the success of North Yorkshire’s economy."
Following the tour, we also had the pleasure of hosting the launch of the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub’s Autumn Business Support Programme. It perfectly complemented the morning’s activities as one of our member businesses, Data Stream UK, is a new course leader! For information on how to access these programmes, visit the Growth Hub’s website - https://ynygrowthhub.com/
The visit by David marks a significant milestone for C4DI Northallerton, reinforcing its position as a central hub for innovation and business growth in the region. As C4DI continues to grow its membership, the strong relationship with North Yorkshire Council remains crucial in expanding the impact across the County.