Business Up North: Wisdom from Experience
From Side Hustle to Empire: Growing a Business Up North
You know, when I first started running a business, up north was seen as a small-scale affair — something you did in your spare time between shifts, or maybe as a way to keep a bit of family tradition alive. But the times have changed, and I’ve seen more side hustles grow into full-blown enterprises than I can count. The trick is knowing that the north isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a market in its own right. Costs are often lower here than in the big cities, meaning you can experiment and reinvest profits faster. The community spirit is another edge — word travels quickly, and if you treat people right, that reputation will carry your name farther than any billboard. Many of today’s northern business giants began with someone at their kitchen table, packaging goods or building software after work, only to realise they’d tapped into something bigger. The lesson? Start where you are, and let the North’s resilience and character fuel your growth.
🎥 Watch on YouTube — relevant discussion about growing businesses in the North:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwsBVml74hY
Business Up North: Shaping Perceptions and PR Strategies
Now, don’t underestimate how outsiders see us. There’s still a lot of southern-centric thinking in the media, and it’s up to us to reshape the narrative. PR isn’t just about press releases; it’s about telling stories that make people rethink what’s possible here. When you highlight innovation, social progress, and economic opportunity, you challenge those old-fashioned notions that the North is just coal mines and fishing ports. I’ve advised more than one business to invest in local partnerships with schools, charities, and cultural events — it not only builds goodwill but gives journalists a compelling reason to feature your work. With the right PR strategy, you can position your business up north as part of a larger movement, showing investors, customers, and even government decision-makers that the future isn’t only being built in London.
Business Up North Resources: Library, Community, Customers, Company
I can’t tell you how many entrepreneurs overlook the resources right under their noses. Our libraries aren’t just for books — they’ve got business databases, market reports, and often free workshops. Communities here tend to be tight-knit, and tapping into that network is priceless. Whether it’s through the local chamber of commerce or an informal breakfast meet-up, these connections often lead to suppliers, mentors, or your next big client. Don’t forget your customer base — the north has a proud sense of loyalty. Once people trust you, they’ll stick with you through thick and thin. And finally, your own company culture matters. Businesses here tend to be less hierarchical, more relationship-driven, and that openness can attract top talent who might be tired of the cut-throat pace elsewhere.
Business Up North Media Hub: Outlet Details & Recent Articles
If you’re smart, you’ll learn how to work with local media rather than waiting for them to come to you. Business up north thrives when we have our stories told by people who understand the local flavour. Outlets that focus on northern business do a great job of highlighting achievements, big deals, and community impact. I’ve read recent pieces about everything from start-up growth in Yorkshire to multi-million-pound contracts for construction firms. These aren’t just feel‑good stories — they’re proof to potential investors and customers that the North is vibrant and competitive. Keep a press kit ready, complete with high-quality photos, a concise bio, and a clear pitch. And when you land coverage, amplify it on your social channels; don’t let the exposure fade after a day.
Business Up North Success Stories & Press Highlights
Some of the best motivation comes from hearing how others have done it. Look at community-minded companies that turned fundraising into a local celebration, or long-standing family firms that have rebranded to reach new markets without losing their heritage. Outfits are investing in apprentices and regional talent, small consultancies securing big contracts, and care providers celebrating decades of community service. These stories aren’t isolated — they’re part of a growing tapestry of success across the north. Each one reinforces the idea that you can be bold here, try new things, and still keep that community connection. Use these examples as inspiration, but also as a reminder that publicity often follows those willing to think differently.
Business Up North: Driving Social Mobility & Equal Opportunities
I’ve lived long enough to see the gap between regions — and between people — in this country. Opportunity isn’t spread evenly, and for too long, the North has been left chasing scraps from the table. But business up north has the power to change that. By hiring locally, offering apprenticeships, and engaging with underrepresented groups, you can create ladders for those who’d otherwise be overlooked. It’s not just charity — diverse teams are proven to be more innovative and adaptable. Every time a northern business takes on a young apprentice or funds a community project, it chips away at that stubborn divide. If we want social mobility to be more than a slogan, businesses here need to lead the way.
Business Up North: The Impact of Locating Big Business in the Region
You only have to look at what happens when a major employer sets up shop here — the ripple effect is massive. Jobs, of course, are the most obvious gain. But there’s also infrastructure investment, local supplier contracts, and a boost in housing demand. When big business comes north, it often triggers a wave of smaller ventures springing up to meet the increased demand. Still, we must make sure these investments aren’t just token gestures. True impact comes when a large company commits to the long term, integrates with the community, and keeps decision-making local. We’ve seen too many come in, take advantage of lower costs, then vanish when the incentives dry up. Sustainable presence is the key.
Business Up North: Creating Greater Success in the North
I’ve always believed that northern success isn’t about copying the south — it’s about building on what makes us unique. We have space, both physically and creatively. We have a culture of graft and ingenuity. And we have a growing network of universities, incubators, and tech hubs feeding talent into the market. To create greater success, we need to strengthen those connections — get the manufacturers talking to the software developers, the farmers working with logistics experts, the creatives collaborating with engineers. It’s in those unexpected partnerships that real breakthroughs happen. And of course, we need a policy that supports northern growth, not hinders it.
Business Up North: Support, Events & Networking
If you want to make it here, you can’t do it alone. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of events designed to connect people and spark ideas. The Northern Business Expo, for instance, brings together thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts under one roof. Then there’s The Good Business Festival, which focuses on ethical and sustainable practices — a growing priority for consumers. These aren’t just about handing out business cards; they’re about finding collaborators, hearing from those who’ve been through the trenches, and maybe even meeting that one person who’ll change the course of your company.
Business Up North: Travel, Collaboration & Remote Work Opportunities
One of the great advantages of running a business up north today is how easy it is to stay connected. High-speed rail, regional airports, and improved road links mean you can meet a client in London or Edinburgh and be back home the same day. But even better, the rise of remote work has levelled the playing field. You can be based in a quiet northern town, enjoying lower overheads and a better quality of life, while serving clients across the globe. Collaboration tools, virtual meeting platforms, and cloud-based systems mean geography is less of a barrier than ever. This opens the door for partnerships we wouldn’t have imagined twenty years ago.
Business Up North: Discover the Possibilities with Wrkspace
Co-working spaces like Wrkspace have transformed how and where we work. These hubs offer more than just desks — they’re communities where freelancers, start-ups, and established businesses mingle, share advice, and sometimes even team up on projects. For many, Wrkspace is the first step out of the home office, offering a professional setting without the cost of a full lease. And in the north, where relationships matter, having a central spot to bump into other professionals can lead to collaborations you never saw coming. It’s a reminder that business growth isn’t only about capital — it’s about the environment.
Ready to Do Business Up North?
So, are you ready? Starting or expanding your business up north isn’t without its challenges — the weather’s a bit colder, the markets can be seasonal, and you’ll have to work hard to be taken seriously outside the region. But the rewards are worth it: loyal customers, lower costs, and the chance to be part of something bigger than yourself. The north is not just a location; it’s a way of doing business — one built on trust, resilience, and community spirit. If you bring your skills, your vision, and your willingness to adapt, you might just find this is the perfect place to build your future.
