York PR experts launch free online training for small businesses

Are you keen to get your business in front of journalists in 2026?

York PR experts Jo Leatham and Linda Harrison are hosting a free webinar in January to show York businesses how to get featured in newspapers and magazines.

Picture Credit: Joanna Brierley

The online training will explain how PR works and the best ways to find media-ready stories about your business. Jo and Linda, who have more than 50 years’ combined experience of working in media, will also share advice about how to pitch ideas to journalists.

Attendees will also learn time-saving tips for finding journalists' contact details plus get clear on how to avoid the most common pitching mistakes.

The PR For Small Businesses webinar is being fully-funded by The York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub. Attendees can join online on 21st January, 20206, from 10am to 11.30am. Following the online training, there will be a 30-minute Q&A where attendees can ask questions about how to use PR to grow their business.

Linda, an experienced PR specialist and NCTJ-trained journalist who's helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and business owners to raise their profile by getting featured in titles like The Daily Telegraph, House Beautiful, The York Press and Yorkshire Life magazine, said: “We’re really proud to be teaming up with The Growth Hub to offer this fully-funded PR training to York businesses. Everyone knows that 2025 has been a challenging year for many businesses, and it’s more important than ever to find new ways to make your brand stand out.

“PR is often an afterthought for small businesses. But it’s a highly effective tool for telling a new audience about what you do while building trust and credibility, and boosting sales and SEO. And the best bit is that, unlike advertising, PR is totally free. All it costs is your time.”

Jo is an accomplished storyteller with strong national and regional media contacts. With her combination of creative insight, vision and strategic thinking, she has helped countless businesses to secure widespread media coverage.

Jo said: “This webinar is designed to show entrepreneurs how simple, strategic communication can open doors, build credibility and grow their brand.

“Every business has a story worth sharing. With the right tools and knowledge, business owners can tell their own compelling stories, elevate their brand and gain the visibility they deserve.”

Harriet Stainton, Growth Hub Delivery Manager at the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, added: “We’re proud to fund workshops and webinars like PR for Small Businesses. We know how challenging it can be for small businesses to cut through the noise, and this opportunity will offer valuable support to organisations across the region to raise their profile."

If you have any questions about the webinar, or would like more information, please email Jo: jo@joleatham.co.uk or Linda: linda@lindaharrison.co.uk

To book your free ticket, visit: www.ynygrowthhub.com/events/webinar-pr-for-small-businesses