University of York offers free, high value business training for SMEs for a limited time only

The Specialist Skills Support Programme (SSSP) offers free* business support with one-to-one consultancy, group sessions and supportive online learning materials to encourage businesses to realise their potential through a range of targeted training courses. The offer is only available until July 2022, don’t miss out, register your interest today.

Sign up here!

SSSP at The University of York supports businesses in the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding areas through the delivery of three courses which cover the critical issues facing small businesses today, including how to expand the business market, how to plan for an ageing workforce and how to recruit and develop graduate employees.

All courses are designed to offer maximum value for limited input. Depending on the course undertaken, the commitment required from the business ranges from two hours to three and a half days but the benefits to the business could last for years to come.

The team at SSSP are supported by respected training coaches;

Arden Matheson Training Solutions and Promethean Executive Ltd

So far, SSSP have supported over 30 businesses, ranging from new start-ups to established businesses, looking to re-evaluate and re-energise their operations. The sessions are conveniently delivered via zoom and there is no charge to the business to attend.

Recommended by businesses

“This has given our company a real focus for planning our succession.”

John Taylor, Country Products Ltd

“The first Graduate Development Programme Networking session was a really interesting and engaging session – thanks! I look forward to the next session.”

Amelia Spanton, Hey Me Limited

“Following the programme I have implemented a lot: re-thought our target market, re-designed our offer, we are having a rebrand as a result. We have done lots of work on strategy and cascaded that through the team getting them engaged in the process and it has kicked off a whole new approach to our research and actions related to that. We got such a lot from the programme”

Toni Eastwood OBE, Founder of Quantum Vantage

Over the last two years, businesses in the region have realised that their plans need to be ‘future-proofed’ against the changing business landscape to ensure future profitability.

“Moving into new markets within business can be both daunting and exciting for business leaders. Our Changing Markets project draws upon proven development techniques, knowledge and skills. We will support our SMEs vision, build confidence and develop a clear plan of action. SMEs will have the opportunity to develop and support each other, learn from each other and build confidence with each other.” Holly Arden, Support for Changing Markets Project Trainer

 The Programme has been developed in partnership with Calderdale College and University of York is delivering support in three different areas. Businesses can sign up for one or more of the courses.

Apply now for March to July 2022 sessions

The next SSSP cohorts will start on:

Eligibility Checker

To qualify for the free training on offer, businesses must be a Small to Medium sized Enterprise (SME), be based in York, North Yorkshire or the East Riding, employ less than 250 full time equivalent staff and have a turnover of less than €50 million, or a balance sheet of less than €43 million.

Demand is expected to be high for places, so act quickly to apply for a place by completing our  short registration form

For more information, please visit Our webpage or email the team at specialistskills@york.ac.uk

*The Specialist Skills Support Programme is funded by the European Social Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is the Managing Authority for the European Social Fund.

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