Shaping a New Future for Scarborough & Filey
Scarborough and Filey have always been places where things get made — from traditional engineering and fabrication to contemporary craft, textiles, food production, and innovative product design. Today, Yorkshire in Business is exploring whether this heritage can be transformed into something bigger: a connected, future-ready environment where makers and micro-manufacturers can grow, collaborate, and thrive.
We’ve launched a dedicated feasibility study to understand what the region needs in order to support a flourishing “Maker & Micro-Manufacturing Cluster” serving the Yorkshire Coast. This work supports wider priorities of the Mayoral Combined Authority and builds on 40 years of business support experience here at YIB.
If you’re a maker, producer, engineer, creative, or small manufacturer — we want you involved.
???? Get involved: marcus@yib.org.uk
Why this study matters
Across the coast, we’re seeing a wave of makers and micro-manufacturers pushing boundaries in craft, technology, and small-batch production. But many are growing in isolation — without shared spaces, specialist equipment, networks, or clear pathways to scale.
At the same time, larger manufacturers are actively seeking local suppliers, flexible partners, and talent pipelines.
This study asks:
What would it take to bring these strengths together and build a cohesive, modern making ecosystem for the Yorkshire Coast?
What the study explores
We’re gathering insight across the full landscape of small-scale and advanced manufacturing, including:
- Workspace & facilities: shared labs, prototyping rooms, small-batch production areas, clean/dirty work zones.
- Skills: CAD/CAM, digital fabrication, quality assurance, prototyping, engineering, and modern making.
- Technology: tools and equipment that support innovation — from 3D printing to CNC, electronics, testing and more.
- Business support: access to finance, investment readiness, procurement, supply-chain development.
- Collaboration: partnerships between makers, engineers, creatives, and larger manufacturers.
- Regional opportunities: the role of the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority and Growth Hub support.
Our aim is to produce a clear, evidence-based roadmap showing what a Makers & Micro-Manufacturing Cluster could look like — and who it would serve.
Who we want to hear from
Whether you're producing artisan goods at your kitchen table or running a small engineering workshop — you’re part of this story. We’re engaging:
- Independent makers & creatives
- Craft-to-commerce brands and small-batch producers
- Engineering and fabrication firms
- Start-ups using advanced tech (3D printing, CNC, electronics, composites)
- Larger manufacturers seeking local suppliers
- Education and skills providers
- Entrepreneurs with new ideas in product design or manufacturing
Your experience, challenges and opportunities will directly shape the recommendations we make.
What this could mean for our region
A well-designed cluster could:
- Help makers move from bench-made to batch-made without losing quality
- Enable engineering firms to win more local work and modernise
- Support start-ups with faster prototyping and testing
- Give larger manufacturers access to a visible local supplier base
- Create new education-to-employment pathways in modern making
- Inspire a new generation of skilled talent to stay and grow on the coast
- Strengthen the resilience and visibility of our regional economy
This is about building a community of makers — and ensuring they have the tools, space, and support to thrive.
Events & ways to participate
Throughout the winter, we’ll be hosting activities to ensure every voice is heard:
Upcoming activities include:
- “Made on the Coast” Mini-Conference
- Quarterly Maker Clinics
- Digital & Cyber Workshops for Micro-Manufacturers
- Industry roundtables, surveys, interviews & networking
- Site visits and case studies
- Opportunities to pilot prototyping and small-batch testing
If you’d like to take part, you’re welcome — whether you’re established, just starting out, or somewhere in between.
Take part in shaping the future
We want to understand:
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What equipment, workspace and skills you need
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What challenges you face in scaling
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What opportunities you’re seeing
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Where collaboration could help
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What a shared or networked making environment should look like
Your insight will directly influence the final recommendations and the potential development of a dedicated innovation and micro-manufacturing hub.
Get involved
If you're interested in contributing your ideas, attending events, or being part of the emerging network, please contact:
???? Marcus Thrall – Study Consultant: marcus@yib.org.uk
???? General enquiries: info@yorkshireinbusiness.org.uk
???? www.yorkshireinbusiness.org.uk
☎️ 01723 588000