Celebrating a new partnership with York Angels 

We were delighted to mark the beginning of an exciting new partnership between York Angels and Two Ridings at the York Angels Summer Drinks Cruise on the River Ouse. With the sun shining and York looking at its very best, it was the perfect setting to bring together entrepreneurs, investors and community advocates from across the city. 

York Angels plays an important role in the city’s business community, connecting startup entrepreneurs with experienced investors and helping innovative businesses grow and thrive. Through this work, they are not only supporting economic growth but also strengthening York’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

That’s why we are especially pleased that York Angels has chosen Two Ridings as its charity partner. Funds raised through the partnership will be directed into the York Community Fund, supporting local organisations delivering vital projects across the city. From helping people facing the cost of living crisis to improving health and wellbeing, the fund enables community groups to respond to local needs and create lasting positive change. 

During the event, our CEO, Celia, spoke about the often unseen challenges facing some communities in York and how the York Community Fund provides a simple and effective way for local people and businesses to give back. She reflected on the fact that everyone is at a different stage in their giving journey, and that many people are surprised by just how much impact a relatively small grant can have when placed in the hands of dedicated community organisations. 

One of the highlights of the evening was meeting the many inspiring people working to shape York’s future. Among them was Richard, a farmer from Howsham who, after a lifetime of shearing sheep, has found innovative new uses for wool through Wool Innovation International Group Limited. His business creates sustainable tree guards and matting products, transforming a traditional rural product into a practical solution for modern environmental challenges. It was a wonderful example of entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainability coming together. 

The cruise also provided a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, make new connections and hear about the exciting ideas and ventures emerging across the city. 

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Ashley Mason and the York Angels team for their warm welcome and hospitality. 

We are looking forward to working together over the coming months and years, building support for the York Community Fund and helping ensure that communities across York have the resources they need to thrive. 

Here’s to a successful partnership and to making a lasting difference for York together.