Scarborough Small Business Expo is calling on residents, business owners, community leaders and organisations to come together in support of small businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs at a time when local enterprise has never been more important.

Taking place on Wednesday, June 10, at Scarborough Rugby Club, the Expo will bring together a diverse range of exhibitors from across Scarborough, and the wider region, showcasing the strength, creativity and resilience of the area’s small business community.

The event will feature businesses and organisations from sectors including accountancy, legal services, finance, marketing, design, IT, wellbeing, property, education, training, retail, charity, travel, healthcare, creative industries and business support.

Organisers say the Expo is more than a networking event.

Nicola Bedford, Mike Wildy and Diane Breton from BoB Club, Scarborough.

placeholder image — Nicola Bedford, Mike Wildy and Diane Breton from BoB Club, Scarborough.

It is a timely opportunity for the public, local businesses and decision-makers to show practical support for the entrepreneurs and independent businesses that create jobs, keep money circulating locally and help communities thrive.

Official figures from the Department for Business and Trade show there were 5.7 million private sector businesses in the UK at the start of 2025, with small and medium-sized enterprises making up 99.85% of the business population.

SMEs employ 16.9 million people, 60% of total private sector employment, and generate an estimated £2.8 trillion in turnover.

In North Yorkshire, small business is particularly important.

North Yorkshire Council’s Economic Growth Strategy states that the county is home to more than 32,000 businesses, with almost 90% employing fewer than 10 people.

The same strategy highlights that business survival rates are above UK levels, but start-up rates are only around three-quarters of the national average - underlining the need for stronger support, visibility and encouragement for new and growing enterprises.

The need is also clear locally.

Government local data for Scarborough shows a commercial vacancy rate of 14% and Gross Value Added per job filled of £46,252, compared with £62,751 across England.

Organisers say these figures demonstrate both the challenges facing the area and the opportunity to strengthen the local economy by backing independent businesses, entrepreneurs and ambitious start-ups.

Mike Wildey, chair of BoB Club Scarborough, who is hosting the Scarborough Small Business Expo, said: “Small businesses are the backbone of places like Scarborough.

"They are often the people sponsoring local teams, supporting community events, creating jobs, taking risks, investing their savings and keeping our towns vibrant.

“But many small businesses are operating in an incredibly difficult climate.

"Rising costs, uncertainty and pressure on household spending all have an impact.

"That is why events like the Scarborough Small Business Expo matter.

"They give businesses visibility, create connections and remind people that supporting local enterprise is not just good for business owners, it is good for the whole community.

“We want as many people as possible to come along, meet the exhibitors, find out what is available locally and show their support.

"Whether you are a business owner, thinking of starting up, looking for suppliers, exploring career opportunities or simply wanting to support Scarborough’s local economy, this event is for you.”

The Expo will give visitors the chance to meet local businesses face-to-face, discover new services, build connections and learn more about the people behind the businesses serving Scarborough and North Yorkshire.

The Small Business Expo is on from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

Entry free or register through Eventbrite.