WE can all learn something from the experiences of others, and there’s nothing quite like the buzz you take away from an event when a speaker has left you brimming with enthusiasm and ideas. This month, York is packed full of opportunities for business people in the city to be inspired.

The York Business Conference on November 18 will see Lord Stuart Rose interviewed by The Spectator’s business editor, Martin Vander Weyer, about business resilience and rebuilding the Northern economy. This is one of several events taking place in the city to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week and focus on building York's economic resilience.

Later that same day, the Institute of Directors is bringing Helen Normoyle, chief marketing officer at Britain’s leading furniture retailer DFS, to Ousefield House Officers’ Mess to speak to an audience of business owners and directors about the marketing challenges businesses face in the 21st century.

And, later in the week, there will be a celebration of business success at The Press Business Awards, shining the spotlight on the businesses in York and North Yorkshire that have been successful in exploiting new opportunities; creating wealth and employment; and making a positive contribution to the region’s economy. As a member of the judging panel for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, I can say that the standard is incredibly high this year and it’s been fantastic to experience these young people’s success stories first hand.

Our graduates will also have the opportunity to be inspired at their graduation ceremonies at York Minster this month by our honorary graduates. From the business world, we are recognising outgoing Morrison’s chairman Sir Ian Gibson CBE’s considerable influence with an honorary Business Administration degree.

My advice is make time to be inspired. People are often so busy working in or running a business that they forget to take a step back every once in a while, think about the bigger picture and learn from the experiences of others.

I’m sure you won’t have time to attend every event, but make the time to attend just one and I have no doubt that you will come away with new knowledge or a snippet of advice that will make you think about how you could do things slightly differently to help you become even more successful. So take the plunge and be inspired - you won’t regret it!