Partnership prepares to empower organisations this summer

ClimbUK, the UK’s leading business growth festival, returns to Leeds Dock this summer with a new partnership alongside marketing specialists Youbee Media and their digital learning platform, The Hive Academy.

This collaboration focuses on giving attendees access to professional marketing skills training and ongoing support, ensuring more businesses leave the event empowered and equipped to manage their marketing long after ClimbUK ends.

Rebecca Hopwood, founder and director of Youbee Media and The Hive Academy, commented: “We’re over the moon to partner with ClimbUK. The event’s energy, inclusivity, and genuine focus on relationships make it truly special, far more than a typical business conference.

“Our partnership feels like a natural fit as we’re both committed to supporting the diverse and often underrepresented communities of entrepreneurs, SME’s, CICs and third-sector organisations across Yorkshire.

“We’re proud to be collaborating in a way that will give attendees practical marketing support long after the event is over. Inspiration is great, but skills and confidence are what drive real growth.”

The partnership will see Rebecca deliver a live training session at Climb26, providing insights from The Hive Academy’s popular TikTok for Business course. The session will demystify short-form video, share practical steps for creating engaging content, and explain how entrepreneurs can use TikTok and short-form video strategically to support marketing goals and build visibility and connections within regional networks.

Youbee Media will also be designing a commemorative Climb26 t-shirt for attendees and is collaborating on an affiliate partnership. For every Climb26 ticket purchased via Youbee Media’s affiliate link, ClimbUK will fund a 3-month membership to The Hive Academy for that ticket holder.

The Hive Academy, Youbee Media’s monthly subscription-based e-learning platform, provides accessible support to entrepreneurs, freelancers, marketers, and students to build practical marketing skills with confidence.

Gordon Bateman, ClimbUK’s founder and director, commented: “ClimbUK was founded to support entrepreneurs, CICs, and charities and to help build stronger connections between regional organisations and investment.

“We aim to help organisations scale up and build relationships at any stage. Collaborations like this with Rebecca and the team ensure attendees leave the festival, not just inspired, but with practical tools to build on what matters.”

This initiative reflects the missions of ClimbUK, Youbee Media, and The Hive Academy: making business education accessible and empowering regional founders to feel equipped and capable of reaching their goals, continuing to grow and thrive.

Climb26, this year’s two-day ClimbUK festival, will be held at The Royal Armouries, Leeds Dock, on 1–2 July 2026. The event is set to be even bigger and better than last year’s Climb25 festival, which welcomed thousands of people, including entrepreneurs, investors, regional leaders, charities, CICs, creatives, and innovators.

Climb26 puts wellbeing and mental health at its core. The packed programme includes talks and activities led by elite athletes, musicians, well-known public figures, and business experts, offering interactive, engaging sessions designed to encourage attendees to contribute and build their networks.

There will also be an Impact Zone for CICs and charities, along with a festival atmosphere featuring live music and social events for attendees to enjoy throughout the two-day period.