The importance of mental health for athletes
In the world of sports, we often focus on physical strength, speed, and skill, but mental health is just as crucial to reaching peak performance. Athletes face immense pressure: competition stress, fear of failure, injury setbacks, and the constant demand for perfection. Without proper mental care, even the most talented athletes can struggle with burnout,…
Virtuance launches to empower businesses in the new AI era of digital marketing
We’re delighted to announce the official launch of Virtuance Digital Marketing, a company born from vision, resilience, and the belief that businesses of all sizes deserve to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. While Virtuance is new, its roots stretch back to 2018, when our founder, Gustavo De Amorim, launched a company called Influxbot…
Chadwick Lawrence appoints Justine Hunkins to launch Social Housing Management Team
Law firm Chadwick Lawrence has announced the launch of a new Social Housing Management Team, providing nationwide litigation support to social housing providers. A new partner, Justine Hunkins, has been appointed to drive the development of the team. Justine is a social housing litigator, with 19 years’ experience in the social housing sector and arrives…
Ancient DNA samples chart how fever-causing bacteria has evolved
Researchers at the University of Bradford have contributed to archaeological analysis which has found how ancient DNA for a type of bacteria which causes a fever has evolved. University of Bradford has been collaborating with the Francis Crick Institute and UCL on samples of archaeological human bone for ancient DNA analysis. Four samples from across…
Leeds Beckett University’s the Retail Institute leads groundbreaking project on sustainable packaging
The Retail Institute at Leeds Beckett University, one of the UK’s leading academic research centres focused on the future of consumer experiences in retail, food and packaging has released a major new report on the future of sustainability in the packaging sector. Bringing together senior leaders from across the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) supply…
Africa’s future under spotlight at conference
The shape of Africa’s future was discussed at a conference held at the University of Bradford. ‘African International Conference: Shaping Africa’s Future: Innovation, Integration and Impact’ brought together academics from around the world to discuss what the future of the continent could look like. The two-day conference featured panel discussions on themes including economic growth…
Waterstones opens at White Rose
Waterstones has opened a new bookshop at White Rose Shopping Centre, its second location in Leeds. The UK bookseller’s newest shop has opened in a section of the lower-ground floor at the former Marks & Spencer unit at White Rose, opposite Primark. The space boasts a large children’s section for younger readers, and an extensive…
Taste the sunshine: new street food stars hit Trinity Kitchen
Trinity Kitchen comes alive for summer with an irresistible new lineup of culinary delights this Summer – from parmos to bao buns and crispy falafel bites. Guests visiting Trinity Kitchen can treat their tastebuds to an eclectic mix of mouthwatering street food from the likes of Shouk, Wagyu Lookin’ At?, Niko’s Comfort Kitchen, Fat Cat…
Yorkshire Building Society and Citizens Advice partnership supports over 11,900 people
An award-winning collaboration between Citizens Advice and Yorkshire Building Society has provided assistance to over 11,900 individuals across the UK over the past four years, and has potentially unlocked more than £6.5 million in additional income for those benefiting from the advice. The partnership allows Yorkshire Building Society to host advisors from Citizens Advice at…
Clarks steps into Trinity Leeds with brand-new store opening
Global footwear brand, Clarks, has officially opened its new store at Trinity Leeds today, Friday 23rd May, marking a celebratory return to the heart of the city centre. The opening was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and comes at a milestone moment for the brand, as Clarks celebrates 200 years of heritage, style and craftsmanship…
Sporting chance for active schools scheme thanks to new £4m investment
An initiative to encourage Bradford children to become more active has received a huge boost thanks to a £4 million investment from Sport England. Over the next three years, the JU:MP (Join Us Move and Play) programme will work with children and their families from across the district to help improve physical activity levels. The…
British creative studio announces US book tour
Leeds-based design studio, Buttercrumble, has set their sights on the USA. They are proud awardees of a highly competitive bursary delivered through the Creative Export Accelerator programme. The accelerator (designed by Full Circle and funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority) aims to provide creative entrepreneurs with the confidence to break into international markets. The bursary…
Seven tips to keep your smart devices at home safe from hackers
Smart devices in people’s homes have surged in popularity over the last 10 years, items including video doorbells, smart speakers and smart kitchen appliances becoming part of everyday life. Smart devices can be monitored and controlled remotely by the homeowner through apps on their mobile phone. But research has revealed that smart home devices are…
AAB appoints Sarah Teshome as Corporate Tax Partner to support growth in Northern England
Leading professional services firm AAB has appointed Sarah Teshome as Corporate Tax Partner, further strengthening its expanding tax team in Leeds. This appointment underscores AAB’s commitment to helping clients across Northern England to navigate the ever-evolving tax landscape and help them to drive sustainable growth. Sarah brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as…
New management team at Verner Wheelock
Alison Wheelock, Managing Director of leading food industry training company Verner Wheelock Associates Ltd (VWA), has completed the acquisition of the company from its founders. The transaction was completed on 3rd April 2025 with Ms Wheelock buying out her parents’ shares in the family business. Claire Lennon, VWA’s former Business Development Executive, has been appointed…
Blacks Solicitors shows ongoing commitment to supporting emerging regional music talent
Leading Yorkshire law firm, Blacks Solicitors, is the proud sponsor of the ‘Sounds Of Leeds Conservatoire’ event series, an initiative focused on supporting and nurturing emerging regional talent and connecting budding artists with experienced industry professionals. The ‘Sound Of’ series, hosted by specialist music and performing arts school Leeds Conservatoire, offers students and the public valuable…
Five fee earner promotions at Chadwick Lawrence following successful year
Leading Yorkshire law firm Chadwick Lawrence has announced the promotions of five fee earning team members, as it looks to build on its continued success entering the new financial year. Julia Wilding is promoted to salaried partner, wills and probate. Having qualified as a solicitor in 1997, Julia has 28 years of experience in private…
Bradford School of Art students support large-scale textile installation for world heritage site
A group of Bradford School of Art higher education students were given the opportunity of a lifetime after being selected to support one of America’s most distinguished visual artists. We Will Sing is a new, large-scale, site-responsive installation by renowned artist Ann Hamilton, commissioned for Salts Mill as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of…
Leeds Beckett and The Grammar School at Leeds launch research-informed programme to boost children’s physical literacy
Researchers within the Centre for Child and Adolescent Physical Literacy at Leeds Beckett University (LBU) are collaborating with The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) to develop and embed an innovative approach to enhancing the physical literacy of their pupils. It will bring cutting-edge research from the university into day-to-day school life. The 30-month Knowledge Transfer…
Wakefield and Selby Children’s University enhance learning with free family event
Wakefield and Selby Children’s University is hosting a free, fun-filled event for local children and their families during half-term – providing them with the opportunity to enhance their learning. After successfully running for nine years, May-Hem will return to Castleford College on Wednesday 28th May 2025, from 10am to 2pm, and will include a range…
AI’s future in business and company projects explored at event
The future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business was discussed at an event held at the University of Bradford. The AI Forum, organised by the University’s department of Business Analytics, Circular Economy and Entrepreneurship (BACE) at the School of Management, brought together academics and businesspeople from Bradford district firms. The third-annual event showcased new ideas…
Bradford College connects to Energy Network in Net Zero Push
Work to connect Bradford College to the £70m Bradford Energy Network is officially underway, marking a significant move away from fossil fuels and towards achieving Net Zero. Heat networks (also known as district heating) supply heat from a central source. Underground pipes carry hot water to buildings on a network, enabling the rapid decarbonisation of…
Clarks celebrates 200 years of comfort with new store ppening at Trinity Leeds
Clarks, the globally renowned footwear brand is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year and is excited announce the opening of a brand-new store in the heart of Leeds, at the Trinity Leeds. Officially opening to the public on Friday 23rd May 2025, the store will be located on the ground floor of Trinity Leeds, Albion…
Archaeology degree programmes receive leading accreditation
The University of Bradford has received accreditation for its archaeology programmes from the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK). The University’s BSc (Hons) Archaeology programme has been accredited for a further five years, while BSc (Hons) Forensic Anthropology has been awarded a new accreditation for the next five years by the…
Simon Watson begins role as Yorkshire Building Society’s Chief Commercial Officer
Simon Watson has stepped into role as Yorkshire Building Society’s new Chief Commercial Officer. He will lead teams responsible for mortgages, savings and marketing and digital channels. He joins the mutual from NatWest Group, where he has worked since 2011. Most recently in the role of Managing Director of Affluent Banking & Investing, he held…
Bulls raise the roof with new partnership
Bradford Bulls are proud to announce a new commercial partnership with Fairway Roofing, who will serve as the official sponsor of the Bulls’ match highlights throughout the 2025 season. As part of the partnership, Fairway Roofing branding will feature prominently on all match highlights published across the Bulls’ digital platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and…
£5m scheme improves the energy efficiency of West Yorkshire homes
A £5.8million project to reduce the energy usage and carbon emissions of over 440 homes in Leeds and Harrogate has led to warmer living and lower bills for residents across the region, thanks to energy and regeneration specialist Equans and Leeds Federated Housing Association. Retrofit work carried out to the homes – a mix of…
Is the air we share a toxic soup of invisible pollutants?
The Air We Share is a Pint of Science talk that offers a fascinating insight into the one thing we all cannot live without – air. Cell Biologist/ Pharmacologist Dr Jacobo Elies from the University of Bradford lifts the lid on the toxins we breathe on a daily basis. He says: “Pollutants are everywhere but most…
Breathing Space HR partners with Buzz Safety to expand services into Health and Safety
Breathing Space HR, a trusted provider of expert HR support for growing businesses, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Buzz Safety, a leading health and safety consultancy. This collaboration enables Breathing Space HR to expand its offering and provide clients with comprehensive health and safety services alongside its existing HR support. With workplace…
SEND Next Choices 2025
SEND Next Choices – Getting ready for adult life is returning to Leeds first direct arena on Tuesday 24th June 2025! The event is an opportunity for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their parents, carers, support workers and teachers to prepare themselves for adult life. You will be able to find…
Keeping criminals and their money out of your business
Recent attacks on retailers such as Marks and Spencer and the Co-op have once again highlighted the harm, disruption, and reputational impact a cyberattack can cause. Such incidents are newsworthy and are popular with criminals because of the low risk vs potentially high returns. But we should not lose sight of other financially motivated incidents…
Bradford garden centre group appoints new finance director
A Bradford garden centre group has recruited a new board member as it prepares for future growth across its multi-site business. Yorkshire Garden Centres group has appointed Emma Bristow as its full-time finance director. In her new role, Mrs Bristow will lead the finance team to support the continued growth of the business. An early…
GSAL Nursery to welcome 2-year-olds from September 2025
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is delighted to announce that from September 2025, its nursery will begin welcoming children from the age of two, marking an exciting new chapter in the school’s early years provision. This expansion reflects GSAL’s commitment to supporting families from the earliest stages of their child’s education, offering a nurturing…
Sycamore Square Group celebrates five years of strategic growth and social impact
Established in 2020, Sycamore Square Group (SSG) is celebrating five years of delivering strategic estates management and building consultancy across Yorkshire and the UK. Founded by Debbie Lewis FRICS, MCIOB, MAPM, AaPS and Will Roberts MAPM, AaPS, the business was born from a shared vision and a long-standing professional partnership formed over 7 years working…
Andrew Jackson Solicitors to co-host event for region’s leisure park operators
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces that it will host an event aimed at leisure park operators, alongside NatWest, Sanderson Weatherall and Smailes Goldie, later this month (21st May). Focusing on the key operational issues, opportunities and challenges facing leisure park operators, the event will feature a keynote speech from Harry Rix, director…
University support for women-led firms in new programme
Women-led businesses have been encouraged to apply for a place on a programme supported by the University of Bradford. The Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem (BREE), based at the University, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Lifted Ventures, has launched a two-year Innovation Programme designed to accelerate women-led projects in West Yorkshire. The programme,…
Haworth’s Wyedean Weaving serves historic international reenactments
The military expertise of Haworth’s Wyedean Weaving is “front and centre” of international commemorations of the American Revolution. Orders of Wyedean’s regimental lace have increased by nearly 20% as re-enactment groups across the UK create their replica British regimental uniforms associated with the 250th anniversary of the American War of Independence. Since January, the Haworth-based…
GSAL announces partnership with Leeds Literature Festival
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is proud to announce its latest partnership as a sponsor of the 2025 Leeds Literature Festival (LLF), taking place between 14-22 June 2025. Now in its seventh year, LLF has become a dynamic celebration of words, ideas and performance, attracting acclaimed writers, poets and speakers from across the UK…
NNFCC Ltd has officially rebranded to Alder BioInsights
NNFCC Limited, an award-winning consultancy in the bioeconomy sector, has officially rebranded to Alder BioInsights. Based at York Science Park, the rebrand marks a new milestone in the company’s history which spans over 20 years. While NNFCC Ltd remains the registered company name, the refreshed brand identity reflects a stable and adaptive approach to leadership…
Chemical company actions environmental commitment with 220 hours of work
A chemical specialist has actioned part of its plan to be a net-zero company by 2045 with the completion of its first environmental project. Forty members of staff at Airedale Group have volunteered 220 hours of time to the Aire Rivers Trust, helping nurture the waterways in the Aire Valley and encourage natural life in…
Iconic Meltham café business goes up for sale
A unique café and events business in Meltham, near Holmfirth, has been put up for sale with a guide price of £175,000 with commercial property estate agent Ernest Wilson, which is part of Eddisons. Launched in 2020, Lu’s Place, on the edge of Meltham and adjacent to open countryside and woodland, has built a reputation…
Big wins for Bradford College at West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards
Bradford College scooped a trophies haul at the 2025 West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford. The event saw three apprentices win their categories and another receive highly commended, alongside a Mentor of the Year award for an employer partner. Now in its fourth year, the Awards celebrate excellence across 14…
Bradford business apprentice secures double award win!
A business apprentice from Drighlington property compliance specialists Inspectas, has won two Bradford College Star Awards for being an inspirational student. Faye Oxley (19), won Business Admin Subject Student of the Year and Inspirational Student of the Year, an accolade chosen by Bradford College’s Senior leadership Team. The annual Bradford College Star Awards cover all…
Bradford City Centre sees positive growth as footfall rises 25% in early 2025
Bradford City Centre is showing encouraging signs of recovery, with both footfall and dwell time on the rise following a challenging year for local businesses. The Bradford Business Improvement District (BID), which represents almost 600 member businesses in the city centre, closely monitors a range of performance indicators. Figures from the first quarter of 2025…
York’s favourite party ‘Yorktoberfest’ returns to racecourse for 5th year
Two weekends of laughs, live entertainment and lederhosen! Autumn cheer is forecast today with the news that Yorktoberfest, York’s traditional Bavarian beer festival, will be returning to the Clocktower Enclosure at York Racecourse this October, for a fifth successive year. York’s very own Oktoberfest has proved hugely popular since its debut in 2021 with all…
Bulls cook up Perfect Storm
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with full-service marketing agency Perfect Storm – to develop a growth marketing strategy to support the club’s ambitions. As well as providing strategic insight, the Leeds-based agency will grab the bull by the horns with a ramp-up of digital activity, fan experience and creative strategies….
Leeds College of Building celebrates success at West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards
Two Leeds College of Building higher-level apprentices have been recognised at this year’s prestigious West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards. Charlie Brady, a Level 4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Apprentice working at EN:Able Futures, won the sought-after Higher Apprentice of the Year Award after fighting off tough regional competition. Hosted by Termrim Construction, Charlie was chosen for his…
Notre Dame alumnus hits spotlight
Tyler Pickles, Notre Dame alumni, is currently starring in Channel 4’s new coming-of-age dance school drama ‘Dreamers’. The show explores the lives of the ‘Chapeltown Collective’, an eclectic group of Leeds dance students making moves as they navigate romance, rivalry and ambition, both on and off the dancefloor. The series’ characters are inspired by true…