We are in the COLNE VALLEY
In the Colne Valley, building business, schools, and the community go hand in hand. This, not for profit organisation, run by volunteers, aims to foster a collaborative culture where businesses support local schools and community initiatives thrive. Strong partnerships between these sectors lead to innovative solutions, nurturing a vibrant and prosperous community that values its wealth of local skills and knowledge, heritage and the natural environment.
Peer Support Session Review: In the Colne Valley
Date: Thursday 27 November 25
Attendees: 20+ participants + facilitators
We enjoyed a highly engaging and refreshingly different Peer Support Session last night. The session opened with 45 minutes of informal chat and networking before participants split into two facilitated breakout groups: General Business and Building Visibility.
Breakout Group 1:
Business in the Colne Valley
The following themes were discussed:
1. Sustainability
Participants explored ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and what these frameworks mean for small businesses. Most initiatives remain voluntary, but the skills required to meet expectations are becoming increasingly important.
2. Apprenticeships
The group discussed the strong outcomes many organisations have seen through apprenticeships, particularly when tailoring development to business needs. The apprenticeship pathway offers levels from school leaver right through to degree-level qualifications. A representative from Kirklees Council welcomed conversations with anyone wanting to learn more.
3. Business Premises in the Colne Valley
There was interest in carrying out an “audit of needs” for local business premises. Many current options don’t fully meet requirements around price, size or scalability. Participants felt the area would benefit from something similar to the 3M Centre or Huddersfield Media Centre to fill existing gaps.
4. Peer Support Group Value
Attendees confirmed the value of an ongoing Peer Support Group where members can share ideas, challenges and accountability with one another.
5. Asset Sharing
There was enthusiasm for exploring shared resources.
There is the potential for the sharing of an electric van, available for local business use, and the group discussed expanding this approach to other shared assets across the valley.
Breakout Group 2:
Building Visibility
The following key themes were discussed:
1. Sustaining Visibility
Small businesses often struggle to maintain consistent visibility. The group shared strategies for sustaining presence over time.
2. Choosing the Right Communication Channels
Discussion focused on selecting and using the most effective channels—networking events, print media, websites and social platforms—and how to make them work successfully.
3. Retaining Customer Loyalty
The group explored how to stay connected with customers without relying solely on email collection. Ideas included:
Creating meaningful stories that build emotional connection
Developing subtle, value-led ways of encouraging loyalty
Finding methods to encourage repeat engagement
Our next event:
Looking Ahead: in the Colne Valley Networking in 2026
Bringing local businesses and organisations together
in the COLNE VALLEY
Date: TBC in 2026
In the Colne Valley business networking group will be hosting a new event and further training in 2026! While details are still being finalised, we look forward to welcoming local businesses and community organisations from across the Colne Valley.
This will be a great opportunity to connect, share experiences, and explore ways to collaborate and support one another. Whether you’re a small business owner, community leader, or part of a local organisation, we hope you’ll join us to meet others, exchange ideas, and help strengthen our local network.
We look forward to seeing you in 2026 and continue building a vibrant, connected Colne Valley community.
More about
in the COLNE VALLEY
Over the last few years this not-for-profit organisation has changed. The group started it’s life, about 10 years ago, as Colne Valley Business Network, its aims were purely to serve businesses in the Colne Valley. Recently, with a change of leadership, it was apparent that, in order to grow and nurture the Colne Valley and its businesses it was important to care for and promote all aspects of the community and the environment within it. From this philosophy in the COLNE VALLEY was born.
£40
One year subscription
Attending our in the COLNE VALLEY events are FREE but in order to contribute towards costs, continue operating and to help the organisation grow we are asking for a voluntary subscription of just £40 per year.
The more members we have the more opportunities we have to serve the wider community and promote collaboration and increase the benefits of being in the COLNE VALLEY.
Please come and join us!
In the
COLNE VALLEY
events
We are organising events on an ongoing basis which take place during each year. Please follow our social media channels or join our mailing list to be kept informed of our events. As a member of in the COLNE VALLEY you will receive notifications as part of your membership.
We look forward to seeing you at our next event.
Contact Us
in the COLNE VALLEY
If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact us. As we are volunteer run we aim for one of our members to respond to your enquiry within 72 hours.
THANK YOU!
Our partners in the COLNE VALLEY
