Supporting Small Businesses Across York
December 18, 2013
In the spirit of Small Business Saturday, the global initiative focused upon celebrating the vital role which small firms play in the economy and local communities, Julian has recently met with a number of local businesses to learn more about what makes a successful local company and what support they require from the Government. During a visit to York Science Park Julian met with Managing Director, Tracey Smith, and Kim Hodgson, Business Development Manager as well as the Directors of The Distance and Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC), before visiting York Coffee Emporium in Poppleton.
York Science Park is known for its support of fledgling businesses, and by meeting with both BDC and The Distance Julian experienced for himself the opportunities which are on offer for start-up businesses as well as those that have expanded as they established their reputation in the market. Meeting later with York Coffee Emporium provided time to explore the many different types of commerce emerging across the city; in fact, The Distance are the designers of York Coffee Emporium’s website and e-commerce store.
During his visit to York Coffee Emporium Julian met with owners Laurence and Phillipa Beardmore and took the opportunity to try some of their custom blend coffee for himself. Following the visits, Julian said ‘I very much enjoyed my time meeting with businesses across York, from learning about the ethical sourcing of coffee, the art and skill which goes into the roasting of the beans and their commitment to a fair wage for their suppliers to the practical, everyday challenges which face businesses large and small. Businesses such as York Coffee Emporium, BDC and The Distance are an important part of our national economy and certainly here in York it is such a pleasure to see so many independently owned businesses flourishing as we move into stronger economic times’.
Small Business Saturday http://www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/
York Coffee Emporium http://yorkcoffeeemporium.co.uk/
Biorenewables Development Centre http://www.biorenewables.org/
The Distance http://thedistance.co.uk/
York Science Park http://www.yorksciencepark.co.uk/
Pictured: Julian with Phillipa Beardmore at York Coffee Emporium (top) and with Joe Ross, Director of Biorenewables Development Centre
