York Business Festival

The York Business Festival returns to the York St John University campus on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 October, two days of workshops, keynote speeches, panels and networking for business leaders. It's run by York Business School in partnership with York Press, and the whole thing is set up to help companies start, expand or explore new opportunities.

Across the two days, the festival brings together expert speakers, practical workshops and business support. The keynote line-up is already taking shape: Dave Callan, founder of ONTO Coaching, speaks on Wednesday 14 October, and Sir Richard Harpin, founder of HomeServe and Growth Partner, takes the stage on Thursday 15 October. Between those, the schedule is built around the workshops and panels, with plenty of networking in the mix.

It's a broad collaboration. York Business School draws on its own expertise and that of the university, working with partners like York College and University Centre, Unity Trust Bank and Clive-Owen. The City of York Council, the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, Make it York and York BID also lend their support. The university frames the festival as a showcase of what it does to support the business communities of York and beyond.

Alongside the main programme, there are two clinics running: the York Business Clinic and a Law Clinic, both of which offer free business and legal advice to those who can't afford to pay. The daytime events are free to attend and include refreshments and lunch. On the second day, there's an Innovation Supper on Thursday 15 October from 6.00pm to 8.00pm, which costs £10 per ticket. The festival takes place at the York St John University campus, Lord Mayor's Walk, York YO31 7EX.