When I started working for FSB back in 2010, one of the first activities I was asked to be involved in was the inaugural York Business Week.

The group, led by Nick Eggleton was a real example of collaboration across the City, working cross organisationally for the wider benefit of the York Business Community.

In its five year history York Business Week grew and grew, engaging at all levels, locally, regionally and internationally. Tens of thousands of businesses, students, start ups and established businesses attended the various events over the five years, and in turn throughout the five years more than 75 Global Entreprenuership Week High Impact Awards were won.

It was with great sadness for the group that Nick emigrated to Australia. However I have been delighted to be involved in the 2015 York Business Week steering group.

As a non-executive director of the York Business Week Community Interest Company, it has been great to see a group of businesses and organisations from across the city come back together, again working cross organisationally, to successfully deliver the 5th York Business Week.

I have to say special thanks to Anne Taylor of See Green, Owen Turner of United By Design, York St John Business School, Ware and Kay Solicitors, Garbutt and Elliot Accountants and the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership who have supported extraordinarily, really showing the passion within York Businesses for the York Business Community.

Our aspiration is that the this year the business and business organisations within the city will deliver a range of impactful, meaningful and exciting events that will bring together business skills, inspiration and insight for the delegates attending.

Already we have a great agenda. With events including:

• SUPERNetworking at the Novotel Hotel (Organised by Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors, Ian Walker & Co, Begbies Traynor and FSB York)

• How to be Completely Debt Free in 7 Years (Organised by Hunter Gee Holroyd Chartered Accountants)

• International Trade Taster Session (Orangised by York College in Conjunction with GO International)

• Make it Happen (Organised by Yorkshire Women in Business)

• Pop up Business Cafe (Organised by York, North Yorkshire and East Riding LEP)

If you would like to get involved, please do not hesitate to contact me. The week runs from the 16-21 November, full details will be found at www.yorkbusinessweek.co.uk look forward to seeing you there!