ALISON Laws is the new business relationship manager for Craven with the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub.

Co-funded by Craven District Council, Ms Laws is working with small to medium businesses from any sector.

She said: “Every business is unique and it’s my role to find out what their challenges and opportunities are and to help them reach their goals.

“I meet businesses and signpost them to the best public and private sector resources in the area. This might include sources of funding, networking opportunities or resources available through the growth hub, but it’s always tailored to meet the needs of the individual business.”

Ms Laws has more than 30 years’ business having worked in senior positions for a number of high street names before running her own business consultancy firm.

She added: “Craven has a real wealth of businesses, particularly micro, rural-based operations. I’m already meeting with many of them, either face-to-face or virtually, and I’m looking forward to working with plenty more in the future.

Councillor Simon Myers, Craven District Council’s lead member for Enterprising Craven, said: “Having the ability to give tailored one to one support according to an individual business situation, circumstance, and needs is key to help with the growth of our business economy in Craven.”

In recent weeks, the council also appointed Stefan Sykes, rural business development manager, as a further boost for the Craven business community.

Craven businesses can link in with Alison by contacting the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub on 0800 246 5045 or by emailing support@businessinspiredgrowth.com

Further information about the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub is available at www.ynygrowthhub.com