“There’s no limit to where we can go”: Business leaders back York’s growth ambitions at Momentum York

York’s service business leaders have expressed strong confidence in the city’s future, highlighting major investment projects, a thriving professional services sector and a growing ambition to champion York as a place to live, work and do business.

The message emerged at Momentum York, a new sold-out conference hosted by York BID, York Professionals and York St John University, which brought together around 140 representatives from businesses, local government and development organisations.

A recurring theme was confidence in York’s future. Speakers highlighted the scale of investment currently underway across the city, from York Central, Castle Gateway and the Station Gateway project to the transformation of Coney Street and the continued development of the York Minster precinct.

Summing up the ambition in the room, Phil Clark, Managing Director of Say Yes, and speaker at the conference, said: “There’s no limit to where we can go.”

Adding; “As a proud York-native, it’s obvious to me that York has a lot of the ingredients you’d want to be able to create a real commercial force in the North: access to talent, connectivity with key cities and a quality of life that’s tough to beat. For me it’s about the ambition and how we tell the story of the wonderful businesses we have on our doorstep.”

The conference also featured expert insight from Emma Wilks, UK Economist at HSBC, alongside leaders from organisations helping shape York’s future, including York Minster, City of York Council, Helmsley Group and McLaren Regeneration.

Discussions focused on the role York’s professional services businesses play in supporting economic growth, attracting investment and helping build a city where people choose to live, work and do business.

Speakers highlighted York’s unique ability to offer both economic opportunity and quality of life, while recognising the ongoing challenges around recruitment and workforce growth. A key message to emerge from the event was that York has all the ingredients needed to succeed, but must continue to champion its strengths and tell its story with confidence.

The event also explored how York can better champion its strengths and tell its story with confidence, ensuring the city continues to attract businesses, investment and talent.

Rachel Bean, Project Manager at York BID, said: “Momentum York highlighted the extraordinary talent working behind the scenes in our city. By shining a light on this vital sector, we’re building momentum for a stronger, more visible and more connected professional community.”

Momentum York was delivered through a partnership between York BID, York Professionals and York St John University, with support from HSBC, City of York Council and the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. Special thanks were also given to David Skaith and the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority for their support and funding of the event.