York Business Festival: “Strength, ambition and collaborative spirit”

During the week, we welcomed a diverse range of organisations, from emerging start-ups to established industry leaders, alongside policymakers, educators and students.

This created a dynamic environment where new ideas could flourish, and meaningful partnerships could take shape.

The festival was a powerful reminder of the ambition and resilience that define our business community.

RECOMMENDED READING:

The energy reflected a genuine appetite for innovation and growth.

Our speakers brought invaluable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing businesses today, from digital transformation and sustainability to workforce development and leadership.

Their perspectives sparked thoughtful debate and gave attendees practical strategies to take back to their organisations.

Equally important was the networking that happened in between the formal sessions.

The festival provided a platform for business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals to connect, share experiences, and explore future collaborations.

These conversations are often where lasting impact begins.

What made the festival particularly impactful was the strength of collegiality across the city and region.

The festival was shaped and delivered collectively, reflecting a shared commitment to York’s economic future.

At York Business School, we are committed to supporting the city and region’s economic vitality, and the festival plays an important role in that mission.

By bringing together academia, industry, and the wider community, we help create an ecosystem where knowledge can be exchanged and innovation can thrive.

We are proud of this year’s achievements and look forward to building on this momentum as we continue working with partners across York and beyond.

Article by Prof Brendan Paddison, Dean of York Business School