Support for businesses in the Ryedale area

Find out how we can help businesses in the Ryedale area to grow including start up advice, to funding and apprenticeships.

Starting a business

We can help businesses in Ryedale with initial start-up advice and put you in touch with local experts when you need specialist guidance.

Writing a business plan

Your first step is to research and write a simple business plan. 

You will need a business plan if you are wanting to secure any funding to support your start up. Use your plan to:

  • set objectives - also show how and when you will measure your performance against these objectives
  • consider the steps you need to take to develop your business and what barriers might get in the way
  • think about potential risks and how you will manage those 

You can find business plan templates and further guidance from the government website.

Market research

The first area to focus on when developing your business plan is market research. Think about the information you need and the best way to collect it.

Market research helps you identify your target customers. Find out if your product/service fulfils their needs in a volume that will enable you to operate a business. Compare your business model with potential existing competitors.  

Legal requirements

You may need help and advice from professional services to help set up your business in the right way from the start.

Business structure

Decide on the legal ownership structure of your business. Will you be: 

  • a self-employed individual 
  • a limited company 
  • a partnership with others 

Make sure you get confirmation that it is the right structure for you and others connected with the business. Also discuss your plans with an accountant so you are aware of your legal responsibilities to HM Revenue and Customs in terms of tax and VAT. 

Leases and contracts

Find legal support when entering into any lease to make sure that the terms and conditions you are signing up for are right for your needs.

Most leases: 

  • usually need a minimum three month’s rent up front along with a bond
  • will give you an option to exit the lease part way through the term, known as a break clause
  • consider asking your landlord to agree to one if it isn’t in your lease already 

Public protection

Trading standards offer a wide range of advice and regulation based services to help local businesses in the Ryedale area reach their full potential. To find out more about public protection visit our Trading standards page.

Food safety standards

We can offer you help and guidance about food safety standards from food hygiene and handling to finding the right premises and registering your business. 

Property classifications

Depending on which property you want to run your business from, you may have to apply to us for a change of use so that you can trade. Use our Planning Portal to check the existing classification of the property matches what you want to do.  

Always get legal advice before entering into an agreement on a property that requires you to seek change of use permission. 

Commercial planning permission

For details about the planning process, including when to apply to us, pre-application advice and guidance for completing an application form, visit our planning pages

Location and premises

Depending on your type of business, it’s worth thinking about the type of premises that best suits your needs: 

  • office or shared space – do you need your own office or do you only need a desk in a shared space?
  • working from home – you will need to amend your home insurance to take into account you’re also using it as a place of work. If you would like a professional address then you could use a virtual office space 
  • commercial premises – when looking for premises consider footfall for passing trade, transport links for deliveries and your budget 

You will need to take into account the rateable value of the premises. If it is above £12,000 then you will be liable for business rates.

Funding and grants

For the latest information on grants and funding sign up to our regular business newsletter.

You can also contact us for advice on relevant funding and grants for your business.

The York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership website also provides information about funding and grant programmes.

Apprenticeships

If you are considering taking on an apprentice, visit the National Apprenticeships Service website for information about funding and employing an apprentice. 

Help from other organisations

The following organisations offer a variety of support and advice to local businesses.

Young Enterprise

This charity provides employees with volunteering opportunities so they can develop their own skills and knowledge alongside students, as well as motivational and professional development rewards. For details visit the Young Enterprise website.

Investors in the Environment

A not-for-profit environmental accreditation and membership scheme that provides continued support from an environmental expert. Businesses will also save money off their bills and have access to more than 60 member businesses in Yorkshire and Humber who are looking at ways to improve their environmental performance. Further information is available on the Investors in the Environment website.

North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnership

North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnership supports educational settings and businesses to achieve a better fit between young people and the development of businesses future workforce. For details visit the North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnership website.

UK Trade and Investment

The Department for International Trade website provides information on how the Department works with UK businesses to ensure their success in the international market. It encourages the best overseas companies to look to the UK.

Federation of Small Businesses

This organisation offers not-for-profit business advice, financial expertise and support to small and medium sized businesses. Benefits of membership include access to employment advice and protection, a legal helpline, funding platform and cash advance facilities. Further details are available on the Federation of Small Businesses website.

Ryedale based businesses can currently join the Federation of Small Business with a £80 discount off their first year membership fee. To take advantage of this deal contact us.

York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber is a private sector, not-for-profit membership organisation that represents the interests of members in North Yorkshire. It helps members grow their business by providing networking opportunities, training, events and seminars across a wide range of subjects.

The Chamber has access to and knowledge of third-party Governmental organisations that can help your business. For more information contact us or visit the York and North Yorkshire Chamber website.