Funding to support an ageing workforce, graduate recruitment and changing markets

The University of York is offering its knowledge and expertise to help local small and medium-sized businesses to thrive. 

The Specialist Skills Support Programme (SSSP) will deliver a programme of fully funded business training, coaching, consultancy and advice to support micro, small and medium sized enterprises (SME) and their employees, enabling them to take advantage of the opportunities for growth and increased prosperity in the York, North Yorkshire, and East Riding region.

The Programme has been developed in partnership with Calderdale College and the University is delivering on three strands – Specialist Support for an Ageing Workforce, Develop Your Business Through Graduates and Support for Changing Markets.  

Local business owner, John Taylor of Country Products, said: “Taking part in this Programme has given our company a real focus for planning our succession. It is no doubt the catalyst that we need. I really like the perceptions of our values and putting it down in an email really clarifies it for me. Many thanks for your input.”

All programme strands are open for SMEs to register their interest, with consultancy sessions and training and networking events taking place until the end of July 2022. 

In order to be eligible for support through the Programme, the business must have a business premises in the York, North Yorkshire, East Riding region (Craven, Harrogate, Hambleton, Richmondshire, Ryedale, Scarborough, Selby, York) and employ fewer than 250 full time equivalent staff and have either a turnover of less than €50 million (£42 million), or a balance sheet of less than €43 million (£36 million). 

Charlotte Hartley, Programme Manager of the Specialist Skills Support Programme at the University of York, said: “We are ready and willing to use our expertise and knowledge to help small businesses in our city and region to innovate and thrive. The pandemic has posed many challenges for local businesses and as a University for public good it has never been more important for us to help them to recover, innovate and grow.” 

Businesses can find out more via the Specialist Skills Support Programme webpages. 

The Programme is part funded by the European Social Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.