Sustainable Business Hub Co-Design Event

We’re inviting local and rural businesses to take part in a co-design session to help shape a new Sustainable Business Innovation Hub.

We’re inviting local and rural businesses to take part in a co-design session to help shape a new Sustainable Business Innovation Hub designed by businesses, for businesses.

This session is part of an in-depth feasibility project led by Circular Malton & Norton, exploring whether there is demand for a dedicated hub that better supports rural and industry-specific business needs locally, rather than relying on city-based provision.

What is the co-design session?

This is a practical, interactive workshop where businesses will help shape:

• Facilities – workspace, meeting space, specialist or shared facilities
• Services – business support, skills, expertise, mentoring and advice
• Events & activity – masterclasses, networking, collaboration and peer learning

The focus is on what would genuinely be useful for rural businesses and different sectors not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Who should attend?

This session is ideal for:

• Rural businesses of any size
• Start-ups, sole traders and growing SMEs
• Businesses from specific sectors (e.g. food, manufacturing, creative, environmental, agri-business)
• Anyone interested in collaboration, innovation or shaping local business support

You don’t need prior experience of innovation hubs just real business insight and a willingness to share ideas.

Why take part?

By joining the session, you’ll:

• Help shape whether the hub goes ahead and how it works
• Influence the facilities, services and events on offer
• Share challenges and ideas with other local businesses
• Start building connections and collaborations
• Be part of creating something designed around rural business reality

This is about listening, learning and co-creating not presenting a finished plan.

What to expect

• A friendly, inclusive environment
• Short introductions and prompts
• Small-group discussion and idea sharing
• Plenty of time for conversation and networking

The session will directly inform the feasibility study and next steps for the project.