Member News Subjects

North Yorkshire homebuilder offers part exchange to help buyers move

Leading homebuilder David Wilson Homes is encouraging prospective buyers to explore available homes at its Bramble Wood development in Wheldrake. With a range of three and four bedroom homes available, these homes are adaptable for a range of lifestyles. Starting from £340,000, the development is less than eight miles from York town centre, making it the…

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TRU offer £250,000 in grants to local organisations

The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has this week confirmed that £250,000 in grants has been awarded across 35 local organisations along the Transpennine route, as part of the 2025 TRU Community Fund in partnership with Neighbourly. Launched in 2024, the TRU Community Fund aims to help local community groups, schools and charities to create or…

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Santa sends little helper to spread ‘Elf ‘N’ Safety’ message with North Yorkshire homebuilders this Christmas

A festive visitor from the North Pole has arrived at Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ developments across North Yorkshire, sharing an important message for local children this Christmas: remember your ‘elf and safety and stay away from construction sites. This year, Santa has dispatched one of his trusted workshop elves on a special winter mission….

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Bulls sign Leon Ruan

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the capture of towering forward Leon Ruan from Hull KR on an initial full-time season long loan for 2026 – before making the move permanent in 2027. The 22-year-old joined Leeds Rhinos prior to the start of the 2023 season, having impressed at Doncaster, before making the move to…

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York St John now the highest rated university in the region for sustainability

A record 91 place rise in the People & Planet sustainability and ethical performance rankings Sustainability work right across York St John University is behind a record result in People & Planet’s University League 2025. This is the only comprehensive and independent league table of UK universities ranked by environmental and ethical performance. York St…

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Yorkshire Garden Centre Group exceeds its fundraising target

With three months of the ‘Charity Year’ still to go, a Bradford headquartered garden centre group has exceeded its fundraising target by 50%. At the beginning of April, the teams at Yorkshire Garden Centres’ sites in West and North Yorkshire pledged to raise £30,000 for Martin House Children’s Hospice, the independent charity that cares for…

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Regional construction firms bring Christmas spirit to Leeds College of Building

A Child Friendly Leeds Christmas event has snowballed after regional construction firms responded to an urgent appeal for donations. The Child Friendly Leeds team work in partnership with their network of Ambassadors to offer a range of opportunities and experiences to families supported by children’s social care and third sector ambassador partners. This year, Leeds…

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Law firm knits 150 twiddle muffs for people in Yorkshire living with dementia in annual Christmas gift drive

Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has donated over 300 gifts, including 150 twiddle muffs, as part of its annual festive gift drive in support of local care and healthcare units. This marks the firm’s largest festive gift drive to date, with colleagues donating or hand-making gifts for people living with dementia, homeless and vulnerable individuals, children in…

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TRU sets new benchmark for sustainable delivery as electrification, skills investment and community impact accelerates

The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has released its 2025 Sustainable Development Report, demonstrating a year of significant progress towards delivering a faster, greener, more reliable railway across the North, and leaving a long-lasting legacy in the communities it works in. Guided by its sustainability strategy, Our Guiding Compass, the programme has embedded long-term thinking into every aspect…

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Pop Specs Launches at Trinity Leeds

Trendy eye-wear brand, Pop Specs has officially opened its doors at Trinity Leeds today (18th December), joining the centre’s vibrant retail line-up. Located near Boots and H&M, the new Pop Specs store offers shoppers the chance to shop for trendy glasses. Combining style, comfort and speed, Pop Specs allows customers – with a prescription – to walk…

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Building inclusive businesses. Strengthening our region.

The Institute for Equity University Centre is proud to launch two new networks designed to support the growth of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across Yorkshire. In a fast-changing business environment, organisations that truly understand their workforce are better placed to attract and retain talent, build trust and ensure colleagues feel valued. Just as importantly,…

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Azets’ five cashflow management tips for SMEs: Turn over new leaf on stock and inventory

Be ruthless with stock management to improve cashflow – that is the message for SMEs in Yorkshire from international accountancy and business advisory group Azets. Matthew Grant, Yorkshire head of accountancy and business advisory, urged businesses to think more strategically to tighten up their stock and inventory processes. He has offered five key tips  for…

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Car parking charges right to challenge consultation

An independent review of car parking charges has begun (today, Wednesday 17 December 2025) covering Bishopthorpe Road, Micklegate, and The Groves in York. Traders and residents in these areas have initiated a challenge to parking charges through The Right to Challenge Parking Policies Statutory Guidance under the Traffic Management Act 2004. This follows the authority’s decision to increase charges…

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New adult skills funding set to boost careers in construction

An award of nearly half a million pounds from the Department for Education is helping Bradford College to support more young adults into the construction sector. Over £994k in Adult Skills Fund money was made available to regional colleges via the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) to deliver comprehensive construction skills, with Bradford College securing nearly…

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Study to slow short-sightedness in young adults

The University of Bradford is spearheading a study into the progression of short-sightedness among young adults, aiming to tackle one of the fastest-growing global eye health challenges.   The research on short-sightedness, also known as myopia, among people aged in their 20s follows similar research into myopia among children.    Myopia is defined as a…

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Candidates announced for Heworth Ward by-election

The list of candidates standing for the Heworth by-election has been published at https://www.york.gov.uk/HeworthWardByElection. The election will take place on Thursday 15 January 2026 with polling hours between 7am and 10pm, and with the count taking place at the close of poll at The Centre @ Burnholme. Residents who are not currently registered to vote are encouraged…

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Leeds set for growth opportunities following Autumn Budget, despite ongoing viability pressures, according to latest Rider Levett Bucknall report

The Autumn Budget has opened several significant construction opportunities for Leeds and the wider Yorkshire region, according to Rider Levett Bucknall’s (RLB UK) latest Construction Market Intelligence (CMI) report. New regional analysis from the independent built environment consultancy, highlights that Leeds is well positioned to benefit from major investment in transport, regeneration and housing, even as…

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Accu celebrates major win at Northern International Trade Awards

Accu, a leading global distributor of engineering components, has been named International Company of the Year (£10m–£30m) at Insider’s Northern International Trade Awards, which celebrates the successes of the North West, North East and Yorkshire’s top exporters, importers and their supply chains. The prestigious award recognises Accu’s achievements in delivering an unrivalled service for the…

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Bulls welcome Jon Bell as new sponsor

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce Jon Bell Counselling & Sports Psychotherapy Ltd as a new club sponsor for the 2026 season! For Jon Bell, this partnership is far more than business. A lifelong Bulls supporter, Jon grew up on the terraces of Odsal with his dad, Steve, forging memories that shaped a passion which…

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Sommat good is brewing at your local gym in Bradford!

Your exclusive invite – 21st January 2026 at Cedar Court Hotels Bradford. As a valued friend of Cedar Court Hotels, we’re excited to invite you to be a part of our continued growth and redevelopment at Cedar Court Bradford. Join fellow partners, local businesses, and community organisations for an exclusive first look at our new…

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Blacks Solicitors is ‘movin’ on up’ with major office move in Leeds

Reflecting its growth, ambition and investment in its people, Blacks Solicitors has today announced that the firm is ‘movin’ on up’, relocating its Leeds headquarters at 29 King Street from the second floor to the newly acquired fourth and fifth floors. The move will increase the firm’s workspace from 11,500 sq ft to 17,000 sq…

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‘Clash on Campus’ sees wrestling rock University

The stars of Kingdom Wrestling, the UK’s first faith-based professional wrestling charity, slammed their way into the University of Bradford for an action-packed show.  ‘Clash on Campus’ saw a crowd of enthusiastic fans enjoy a night of suplexes, clotheslines and powerbombs inside the University’s cavernous atrium.  Fans of all ages gathered for what is intended…

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A wonderous festive season at White Rose

The festive season is still in full swing at White Rose Shopping Centre this December, with plenty of reasons to celebrate this Christmas. The centre’s family-friendly ice rink is open until 4th January, with pre-bookable 45-minute sessions taking place every day (except Christmas Day) – the perfect all-weather, all-ages activity. Upcoming events include Friday Disco…

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Leeds Heritage Theatres announces Dame Dr Linda Pollard DBE DL Hon LLD as New Chair of the Board

Leeds Heritage Theatres (LHT) is delighted to announce the appointment of Dame Dr Linda Pollard DBE DL Hon LLD as its next Chair of the Board of Trustees, following a comprehensive recruitment and interview process. Dame Linda will formally take up the position in May 2026, succeeding Alan Gay OBE, who concludes his final term…

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12 tips for controlling your eating over Christmas

With Christmas advertising for the big day feast in full swing, it’s time to consider how we will approach the season. A few techniques and strategies can help prevent us from overeating during the Christmas period, and a positive consequence from showing a bit of restraint now will leave us more resilient and better positioned…

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10 ways to enjoy your first sober Christmas

A sober or sober-curious Christmas can feel unfamiliar, especially if your usual festive routine has always involved alcohol. However, with a little planning, it becomes far easier than you might expect, and you can still enjoy the celebrations, the people around you and the atmosphere without feeling like you are missing out. These 10 tips…

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Signs, tips and advice on men’s mental health at Christmas

As the festive season approaches, a mental health campaigner is calling on men to prioritise their wellbeing and open up about their struggles.  Luke Ambler, co-founder of male suicide prevention charity, Andy’s Man Club, warns Christmas can be one of the toughest times of the year for many men.  He says men might struggle with…

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Innovative construction partnership reaches apprenticeship awards final

A long-standing partnership between Leeds College of Building (LCB) and construction firm BAM has been shortlisted for the 2026 Apprenticeship & Training Awards – one of the most high-profile events in the education sector. The prestigious annual awards recognise those who are shaping a highly skilled, inclusive, and future-ready workforce through their commitment to apprenticeships…

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Andrew Jackson Solicitors advises on acquisition of historic ocean fish group by Fortuna Ltd

Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces that it has advised Falkland Islands-based fishing business Fortuna Ltd on its acquisition of Ocean Fish Group, a long-established fishing and processing business whose heritage dates back to 1740. Ocean Fish is one of Cornwall’s oldest fishing and seafood processing groups, supplying UK and European wholesale, retail and, more recently,…

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Upgrade work in Deighton continues over Christmas period

From 22:15 on Wednesday 24 December until 05:30 on Sunday 27 December, the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) team will undertake major engineering work in Deighton whilst trains aren’t running on the network. Whitacre Street overbridge will be demolished, whilst the A62 Leeds Road bridge will see the installation of pre-cast concrete parapets using a crane….

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Bradford College Shortlisted as ‘Apprenticeship Provider of the Year’

Judges have unveiled that Bradford College is a national finalist in the 2026 Apprenticeship & Training Awards. The College is one of 94 entries on the shortlist for the prestigious annual education awards. An independent panel of expert judges assessed over 650 nominations in total, from employers, training providers, colleges and universities. Winners will be…

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Global firm renews sponsorship

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce leading global professional services firm AON has renewed its sponsorship ahead of our return to Super League in 2026. The sponsorship deal is part of Aon’s commitment to making a positive difference in the local community and the investment will once again see Aon branding feature prominently on the…

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Trinity Leeds and White Rose unite with Retail Trust to tackle abuse towards retail workers this festive season

As the festive rush begins, Trinity Leeds and White Rose have both joined forces with the Retail Trust, the retail industry charity, to help protect retail workers from rising levels of abuse, with dedicated free training to help colleagues manage difficult interactions.   Delivered through the charity’s Let’s Respect Retail campaign, Trinity Leeds, White Rose and…

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How Mollie turned adversity into academic triumph

When Mollie Browes walked across the stage to collect her Master’s degree from the University of Bradford, it marked the start of a future she once thought impossible.  “I’ve been given a second chance by this university,” says the 28-year-old. “They saw potential in me when no one else did. I would not be where…

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Major refurbishment of Manningham Housing Association HQ set to begin

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) will close its head office on Manor Row in Bradford next Thursday (18 December) until next summer whilst it undergoes a major refurbishment programme. However, MHA customers can still visit the team by appointment at a new temporary base at Anchor Court until the works are complete. Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief…

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Castle Howard and Brew York create bespoke beer to celebrate Oz Christmas extravaganza

Castle Howard and Brew York have collaborated on a unique beer for the festive season celebrating the stately home’s Wizard of Oz Christmas experience. ‘No Place Like Home’, a Hazy Session IPA with a citrus character and floral notes, is brewed at Brew York’s Osbaldwick location and stocked exclusively at Castle Howard for the duration…

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Bradford Buy-to-Let 2025: Performance, Forecasts and Why Investors Are Paying Attention

Yorkshire continues to establish itself as one of the strongest-performing property regions in the UK. The latest analysis from our regional insights report shows that several Yorkshire districts have significantly outperformed national averages, and the most recent Savills Residential Forecast places Yorkshire and the Humber as the number one region in the UK for projected…

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Ravensthorpe station closure: brand-new station to open in 2028

From Sunday 14 December, Ravensthorpe station will close until summer 2028 to facilitate Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) work on a new, modernised station 200m west of the current location. The new Ravensthorpe station will have a footbridge with lifts for step-free access, along with a new forecourt and drop-off facilities. A new, longer island platform…

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Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire handed University honour

Ed Anderson CBE says he feels “extremely honoured” to receive his award from the University of Bradford, describing it as a special moment in a relationship that began more than half a century ago. The former CEO of Leeds & Bradford Airport and lifelong Bruce Springsteen fan – he’s been to see ‘the Boss’ 17…

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LCB Win Double at ‘Building the Future’ Construction Awards 2025

Leeds College of Building (LCB) is celebrating after taking home two awards at the ‘Building the Future’ Construction Awards in Birmingham.   The college won both the ‘Best Further Education Provider Supporting Careers in Construction’ award and the ‘Best Higher Education Provider Supporting Careers in Construction’ award.   Celebrated annually, the Building the Future Construction…

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AAB reinforces Yorkshire audit capability with appointment of Abdullah Daji as Audit Partner in Leeds

Leading professional services firm, AAB has announced the appointment of Abdullah Daji as Audit Partner in its Leeds office, further strengthening the firm’s presence and audit capability across Yorkshire. Abdullah will be based in Leeds, joining a 140 strong team, where he will focus on managing a diverse audit client portfolio while playing a key…

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Graduates leave legacy with women in STEM network

A pair of students behind a support network group for women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) have left a lasting legacy after graduating from the University of Bradford. Alex Troup and Maleeha Abbass, the Creator and President of the University’s STEMinism Society, which exists to promote STEM subjects, particularly to women and girls, driving…

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York firm builds skills for the future thanks to support from City of York Council

A York conservation firm training up the next generation of expert craftspeople has thanked City of York Council for the business support that has helped it thrive. Pinnacle Conservation, established by managing director Adam Hickey in 2019, now employs 58 staff, including nine apprentices, who are all paid the Real Living Wage as part of…

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Chief executive celebrated for transforming health services

The Chief Executive of Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised for her leadership and dedication to public service by the University of Bradford. Therese Patten, who has held the post since September 2020, has more than 17 years of board-level experience in the National Health Service. She has received an Outstanding Contribution…

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Pioneering scientist given posthumous University honour

A trailblazing female scientist has been honoured by the University of Bradford a year after her death. Professor Diana Anderson MBE’s work focused on using a single test for each type of cancer detection, such as mutation, and she was respected across the world. She retired aged 83 from her role as Professor of Biomedical…

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Poverty Proofing© the School Day pilot for York pupils

Partners across the city are working to reduce the barriers faced by York  pupils from low-income families in school, with a pilot scheme this autumn. Poverty Proofing© the School Day involves making changes to school policies and practices to reduce the barriers faced by pupils, including addressing issues like financial constraints, stigma, and lack of access…

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Council thanks businesses and residents for their support for local young people leaving care

City of York Council is thanking businesses and residents across the city who have already contributed Christmas gifts for children in need and young care leavers in York. The festive season can be a difficult one for many children and young people, particularly those who have had a challenging start in life and who live…

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York reaffirms its commitment to improving adult social care

City of York Council has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering the best possible adult social care services following its first ever assessment by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC assessed how York delivers its responsibilities under The Care Act (2014) in June 2025. It looked at nine areas of adult social care to see…

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