York-based employee engagement and people development firm, Pro-Development (UK) Ltd, has secured £200,000 of funding to provide specialist support to businesses across York and North Yorkshire.

The support will help employers improve workplace wellbeing, employee engagement, retention and inclusion. The funding allows Pro-Development to lead a second year of the Thriving Workplaces and People programme, giving eligible businesses access to fully funded support.

The programme is part of the Employer Support Programme under the Department for Work and Pensions-funded Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer. It is led locally by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. The Employer Support Programme is the employer-focused element of the wider initiative, helping organisations create workplaces where people can enter work, stay in work and thrive.

To deliver the programme, Pro-Development has brought together McMillan and Associates HR, Hälsa Wellbeing and Working Our Way Consulting Ltd. Together, they will provide support covering employee engagement, leadership and management, HR, workplace wellbeing and neurodiversity.
Businesses across York and North Yorkshire, including those with people working in the region, can access a range of workshops, masterclasses, coaching, consultancy and practical advice tailored to their needs.

The programme builds on the success of the first funding round, which supported more than 70 businesses through the Thriving Workplaces and People project. The project delivered £283,650 of support across York and North Yorkshire in 2025.
Michelle Mook, managing director at Pro-Development, said:

“The first round of funding demonstrated just how much demand there is from businesses for practical support around their people. Employers rarely have just one challenge – issues around wellbeing, retention, management and inclusion are often closely connected.

“This second round gives us the opportunity to build on what we learnt. We are leading the project, drawing on our expertise in building engaging and inclusive workplaces and developing leadership capability, and bringing together partners with expertise across wellbeing, neurodiversity and HR to enhance the offer. Together, we are providing businesses with a flexible range of specialist support.

“Our ambition is for the impact to last well beyond the funding period, helping businesses create workplaces where people can stay, thrive and develop.”

Our trailblazing £10 million programme offers extra support to those who need it most, helping them overcome barriers, return to work, and transform their lives.

We've supported thousands of disabled people and those living with long-term health conditions or other complex needs. By supporting Pro-Development's initiative, we are creating inclusive workplaces where staff are supported to stay and thrive.

I'm proud of our progress, but we're just getting started. We want to reach thousands more and create a region where opportunity is open to everyone.

Businesses interested in accessing the programme can contact Pro-Development to discuss their eligibility and identify the support most appropriate for their organisation.