BUSINESSES were urged to nurture creativity at the annual dinner of York Professionals, which launched the city’s Festival Of Ideas.

Rachel Goddard, chairman of York professionals, said: “In an ever-changing world with new, more complex challenges we need something to spark our creativity and stay ahead of the competition.

“The Festival Of Ideas not only showcases York as a place where ideas spring to life and flourish, but the range of speakers and topics available will also stimulate our own creativity and innovation, which is critical to business success.

‘‘You never know where your next brilliant idea will come from.”

Policy expert and business leader, Lord Roger Liddle, was keynote speaker and told the 75 guests that Great Britain risked isolating itself if it decided to leave the European Union.

The debates will continue throughout the Festival of Ideas, which runs until June 29, and includes a free Economy Day on Friday at the Ron Cooke Hub.