City of York Council is celebrating the continued success of York-based data transformation specialist Simpson Associates.
Following targeted support from the Council’s Business Growth Manager to help the company expand its reach, strengthen partnerships and unlock new opportunities.
After help from the council’s Business Growth Manager they have recently secured £10,000 from the Get Exporting grant programme which will help them to start their export journey. The funding is part of the Mayoral Investment Fund from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Head-quartered in York and employing more than 100 people, Simpson Associates is a leading data consultancy driven by its mission to “unlock the power of data for good.” The company transforms raw data into actionable insight, helping organisations make better decisions and drive positive change across the public and private sectors.
At the heart of Simpson Associates is their people and they’re always looking for exceptional talent. To ensure and develop the next generation of data and AI professionals they offer an on demand graduate development scheme in partnership with Yorkshire universities, including the University of York. They have also recently taken on two apprentices to offer more routes into the business.
The business has enjoyed a fantastic couple of years. It was recognised as the 2024 Microsoft Community Response Partner of the Year and in April 2025 was appointed by His Majesty’s Treasury (HMT) to support and enhance the Online System for Central Accounting and Reporting (OSCAR), a critical cross‑government platform underpinning public sector financial reporting.
The council’s Business Growth Manager Louise Saw, has worked closely with Simpson Associates to support their expansion, strengthen their local connections, and open new opportunities. This has included:
- Introducing the company to York’s wider tech and innovation ecosystem and networks, including Tech York
- Facilitating speaking opportunities at regional business and digital events
- Signposting the Get Exporting grant to support the company’s overseas growth plans and the Great Ideas programme to support new innovative products
- Providing feedback on the company’s successful Get Exporting grant application which supports their overseas expansion ahead of submission
Cllr Peter Kilbane, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economy and Culture, said:
“Simpson Associates is a fantastic example of the innovative, high growth businesses that make York’s digital and tech sector one of the strongest in the country.
“We’re proud to have supported their journey and to see them achieving national and international recognition and securing major government contracts. Their commitment to developing employee skills, using data for positive economic and social change, and regional collaboration aligns perfectly with our ambitions for York’s economy.”
Giles Horwood, Chief Executive Officer and shared owner of Simpson Associates, said:
“We’re really proud of the growth the business has seen in recent years, and a key part of that success has been the exceptional team we have at Simpsons. Our graduate development scheme forms a large part of our recruitment strategy, and it fills me with great pride that we offer a strong career route for people in York.
The support from our Business Growth Manager, Louise Saw, has been extremely valuable in gaining access to initiatives such as the Get Exporting grant programme, helping us to progress further with our growth plans. “
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:
“York and North Yorkshire is brimming with fantastic businesses that have the talent and ambition to thrive on the global market.
"By funding Simpson Associate’s export mission, they can showcase their expertise in data consultancy to drive growth overseas.
“With our grant support businesses made more than £15 million in export sales last year. It’s time to build on that success with a bigger grant pot, unlocking the potential for businesses across the region to generate more than £45 million in export sales.”