Harrogate experiences a 'surge' from small business owners keen to improve their PR skills
Two PR experts say demand is outstripping supply for their Meet The Media events as interest surges from small businesses in Harrogate.
The latest sell-out event for Linda Harrison and Jo Leatham will take place on Tuesday, February 10 at Harrogate’s Starling Independent Bar Cafe Kitchen.
A collaboration with The York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, it’s part of two new Meet The Media events in February and March in Harrogate and York.
Described as a speed networking-style event where small businesses can meet top regional journalists and editors, the aim of Meet The Media is to offer a unique opportunity for local business owners and entrepreneurs to find out how the media works and showcase what they do.
Such is their popularity, the Harrogate event sold out within days, while York sold out within four hours.
Due to popular demand, Linda and Jo were forced to open a reserve list in case of cancellations.
“When we set up our first Meet The Media event in 2025, we had no idea it would be so popular,” said Jo, who has who has more than 30 years’ experience in PR and specialises in connecting businesses with journalists.
"So many small business owners are keen to improve their PR skills and learn how to get featured in the media.
Following previous Meet the Media events, participating businesses have appeared in Yorkshire Living, Yorkshire Life, 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.
“Everyone knows 2025 was a challenging year for businesses and it’s more important than ever to find new ways to make your brand stand out.”
Around 70% of the ticket cost was funded by the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
Due to this, only businesses located in either City of York Council or North Yorkshire Council areas are eligible to attend.
To check eligibility, visit: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
More information: www.lindaharrison.co.uk and www.joleatham.co.uk