Connect Yorkshire, a not-for-profit business organisation helping Yorkshire businesses grow, is the latest big-name sponsor to partner with Harrogate International Festivals.

The organisation, based in Leeds, has become one of the Festivals’ Associate Sponsors, further strengthening the arts charity’s regional business and community connections.

Connect Yorkshire’s highly experienced entrepreneurs give time and considerable expertise for free to support growing businesses and nurture emerging talent to help companies prosper, creating wealth, jobs and opportunities across the Yorkshire region.

The aim of this initial one-year partnership is to combine the skills and expertise of both organisations and help raise the region’s profile.

Harrogate International Festivals has also announced a new partnership with Coppice, a regulated independent financial planning and family office business, based in Harrogate, which works with clients in Yorkshire and beyond.

Phil Harris, Managing Director of Coppice and Non-Executive Chair of Connect Yorkshire, said:
“Harrogate International Festivals is a wonderful arts organisation and one I have been aware of for many years, often attending their events. For Coppice, as a Harrogate-based company, many of our clients experience the varied events and charitable work they provide in our community.

“For Connect Yorkshire, aligning the economic and cultural growth of the wider Yorkshire region makes this a great partnership. Coppice and Connect Yorkshire are delighted to support Harrogate International Festivals in their 60th anniversary year, to secure their international profile and position as a leading cultural festival in the North of England.”

Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said:
“We’re delighted that Connect Yorkshire has become an Associate Sponsor of the Festivals and thrilled to welcome Coppice as a Festivals’ partner.

“Working together will enable us to reach new audiences and networks. At the same time, these collaborations will boost commercial opportunities allowing us to build on our contribution to Yorkshire’s continuing economic success.”