Demand outstripping supply for PR skills as Yorkshire small business event sells out in hours

Two York PR experts say demand is outstripping supply for their events for small businesses in Yorkshire.

Linda Harrison and Jo Leatham have teamed up with The York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub to run two new Meet The Media events in February and March – in York and Harrogate.

Meet The Media is a speed networking-style event where small businesses can meet top regional journalists and editors. It’s a unique opportunity for local business owners and entrepreneurs to find out how the media works and showcase what they do.

Linda Harrison and Jo Leatham say there is huge demand for PR events in Yorkshire. Credit: Joanna Brierley

Tickets for both venues went on sale before Christmas – the Harrogate event sold out within days, while York sold out within four hours.

Due to popular demand, Linda and Jo have opened a reserve list to allow business owners to register in case of cancellations.

An impressive line-up of media experts are attending the events, being held at Starling, Harrogate, on 10^th February, and Patch, York, on 19^th March. They include journalists and editors from BBC Radio York, The York Press, Yorkshire Living magazine, Yorkshire Life magazine, The Yorkshire Times, Your Harrogate and The Harrogate Advertiser.

Jo, who has over 30-years’ experience in PR and specialises in connecting businesses with journalists, said: “Linda and I are passionate about supporting local businesses so they can reach new audiences through press coverage. Meet The Media provides a great platform if you’re keen to learn from some of the region’s leading journalists about how to get in the press.

“So many small business owners are keen to improve their PR skills and learn how to get featured in the media. When we set up our first Meet The Media event in 2025, we had no idea it would be so popular. These events have so far resulted in local businesses gaining more than 30 articles in local and national titles, helping them to grow their brands.”

Networking at Meet The Media at Patch in York. Credit: Joanna Brierley

Following previous events, businesses have appeared in Yorkshire Living magazine, Yorkshire Life magazine, The Yorkshire Post, The York Press, The Sun, The Yorkshire Times, Yorkshire Business Insider and on BBC Radio York.

Linda, a PR expert for small businesses and a former national newspaper journalist, said: “We’re thrilled that so many amazing regional journalists are supporting Meet The Media, giving up their time to meet local businesses and hear their stories. We’re also really proud to have been selected to partner with The Growth Hub.

“Everyone knows that 2025 was a challenging year for businesses, and it’s more important than ever to find new ways to make your brand stand out. PR can transform your business. It builds credibility and trust, and tells a much wider audience about what you do. It’s also great for your SEO.”

Around 70% of the ticket cost was funded by the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub to support local businesses to raise their profile through PR connections. Due to this funding, only businesses located in either City of York Council or North Yorkshire Council areas were eligible to attend.

Previous Meet The Media successes include Yorkshire fashion designer Isabelle Randall, who secured a front cover image and feature in Yorkshire Living magazine.

Isabelle said: "The event was so well organised from start to finish, from the warm meet and greet to the impressive line-up of journalists. It was not only a fantastic platform to promote your brand but also to connect and network with so many inspiring Yorkshire businesses."

Meanwhile, Jemma Graham, owner of Paws n Promises in York, saw her business featured in The York Press.

Jemma said: “I absolutely loved being involved in the event. Jo and Linda did a fabulous job of organising and making sure everyone had a fair chance to tell their story. I'm thrilled that I've had contact with some of the journalists following the event.”

Scarborough-based coach Theresa Hargreaves, whose story featured in The Yorkshire Times and Yorkshire Post, among others, said: “Walking into a room to ‘pitch’ my business to five established powerhouses in journalism was daunting to say the least! The actualexperience was eye-opening - meeting other business owners and learning about their worlds and finding out about what really goes on in journalism.”

Harriet Stainton, Growth Hub Delivery Manager at the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, added: “At the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, we’re proud to fund these two Meet The Media events. We know how challenging it can be for small businesses to cut through the noise, and this opportunity will offer valuable support to businesses across the region to enhance their growth, attract new customers and increase revenue."

For more details, visit www.lindaharrison.co.uk and www.joleatham.co.uk

You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

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