YORK Business Week is being relaunched next month with a series of events to help rebuild and drive the city's economy.

The five-day programme of conferences, seminars and networking opportunities runs from November 8 to 12, with this year's theme of 'rebuilding for growth'.

Organised by City of York Council, York Business Week aims to support businesses, inspire growth and offer opportunities for innovation and development while showcasing the city’s business community and strengths.

Now in its 11th year, the programme will include virtual and in-person events which are all free to attend.

Kicking off the week, expert speakers will join York Business Conference to share their insights on the challenges and opportunities facing local businesses.

The conference will focus on rebuilding for growth, exploring the Good Business Charter, the new labour market, and what businesses can do to accelerate growth.

Speakers include Julian Richer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and the force behind the Good Business Charter; Jon Geldart, Institute of Directors' director general; Helen Simpson, chair of the York & North Yorkshire LEP; former investment banker Dr Roger Barker, director of policy and corporate governance at the Institute of Directors; and Mark Essex, director of skills, KPMG in the UK.

Throughout the week, sessions will cover topics such as essential business skills, launching start-ups, mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, and careers in hospitality.

York Business Week will also focus on how businesses can reduce their emissions, the benefits of being sustainable, green skills and the support available from York’s two Local Enterprise Partnerships.

Other highlights include an event by the council’s economic growth team on reconfiguring workspaces post-Covid, as well as a session focusing on business support and funding opportunities.

Meanwhile, York Science Park will be conducting guided tours of the redeveloped Guildhall building for prospective occupiers.

York Press:

York Guildhall before the restoration of the building Picture: Frank Dwyer

Cllr Keith Aspden, council leader, said: "I would encourage local businesses to take this opportunity to share their experiences and join York’s collaborative and innovative business community. I know that this will help us to continue to drive progress and support our local economy."

Cllr Andrew Waller, executive member for economy and strategic planning, said: "Supporting York’s businesses and retaining employment across the whole city continue to be our focus, particularly as we work to facilitate a strong and sustainable local economic recovery.

"While there is very promising progress being made in our local economic recovery, with footfall and spend returning to high levels, there are many businesses who are still facing major challenges and are in need of support.

"I hope the range of events provided during the York Business Week programme this year will offer practical support, inspiration as well as new opportunities to local businesses of all sizes."

Visit www.yorkbusinessweek.co.uk for the full programme and to book tickets.

York Business Week is hosted in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses, York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, the Institute of Directors, York BID, Make it York, the University of York, York St John University, York & North Yorkshire LEP and the Ad:venture Programme.