Yorkshire and Humber leaders set out plans to tackle Construction Skills Shortages
Leaders from across Yorkshire and the Humber came together on Friday, 11th September to launch ambitious plans aimed at tackling the region’s growing construction skills shortages. Hosted by Leeds College of Building (LCB) at the Royal Armouries Museum, the event welcomed over 160 guests from across education, construction and local government. Attendees heard how the…
Government appoints York’s Children’s Services to help others improve
City of York Council has been appointed by the Department for Education (DfE) to help improve children’s services in other local authorities across the country. The council will become a Children’s Social Care Improvement Team (CIT), recognising it’s work with local children, young people and families. The appointment also highlights the authority’s own improvement journey, which saw York’s Children’s…
Azets UK invest in next generation in Yorkshire
UK top 10 accountancy firm Azets has welcomed 23 new graduates and school leavers at its offices in Yorkshire. It has recruited the next generation of accountants and business advisors across multiple service lines in Leeds, Bradford and York. Within the new intake, 13 of the new apprentices are in audit, six are in Accounts…
Wilkin Chapman Rollits appointed to Government Commercial Agency legal panel
Wilkin Chapman Rollits has been appointed to Government Commercial Agency’s legal panel for public sector framework. The firm has been named as a supplier on the Government Commercial Agency (GCA) RM6374 Legal Panel for Public Sector framework, which will run until at least July 2029. Through the framework, public sector and third-sector organisations across the…
York rivers trail invites residents to help shape its future after successful first season
Since launching earlier this summer, the York rivers trail has generated more than 750 digital conversations and reached more than 6,000 people through family-focused channels, helping introduce new audiences to stories, places and connections along York’s rivers. Now, as the trail enters its next chapter, residents and visitors are being invited to discover, create and…
Free event on protecting and preserving intergenerational wealth in Leeds
A Yorkshire law firm is bringing together legal and financial specialists for an event in Leeds next month that will examine the practical challenges involved in protecting and preserving family wealth across generations. The event, titled Protecting and Preserving Intergenerational Wealth, is being organised by LCF Law and will take place on Wednesday 7th October from…
Ormondroyd signs permanent deal
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce towering front-row forward Jack Ormondroyd has signed a permanent one-year deal with the club! The 34-year-old joined his hometown team from Oldham RLFC initially on loan earlier in 2026, having spent six years at Salford Red Devils prior, making over 110 appearances. Ormondroyd also enjoyed two spells at Betfred…
University shortlisted for two Times Higher Education awards
The University of Bradford has been shortlisted in two categories for this year’s Times Higher Education (THE) Awards. The successful nominations are for: Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community, for ‘Creating Active Schools’, recognising the programme’s impact on children’s health and wellbeing in Bradford and beyond. Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for Brad-ATTAIN (Bradford Pathways…
A new season of support
For many businesses in the food supply chain, September brings not just a new season but also a new academic year, as school meal contracts restart and catering suppliers ramp up. During this period, education-linked food services move from a quiet summer schedule to full operational demand. A Sudden Change in Volume Unlike gradual seasonal…
TPE unveils battery train fleet to transform rail travel across the north
A £1 billion investment in a new fleet of battery-electric trains for TransPennine Express (TPE) has been announced in a move set to transform rail travel across the north of England while supporting hundreds of skilled jobs across the UK. The train operator has signed contracts with rail manufacturer Alstom for 29 new five-car battery-electric…
University of Bradford secured more than £57m for R&I funding
The University of Bradford has secured more than £57m in research and innovation funding in the last five years, according to new figures. That includes over £8m for the year from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026, funding life-changing research into new cancer treatments, AI-powered healthcare, nanotechnology and novel materials. The funding, awarded by…
Tenants take occupation at Marrtree Business Park
Marrtree Developments, advised by Savills and GV&Co as joint agents, has welcomed two new occupiers to Marrtree Business Park, Wakefield, following practical completion earlier this year, as demand continues to build for high-quality industrial space in prime motorway locations. Completed in February, the nine-unit scheme has already seen two lettings completed and four units now…
‘Calendar method’ calculations for thousands of baffled businesses don’t add up following complicated government compliance
“Getting holiday pay calculations wrong not only invites an investigation by the Fair Work Agency but opens the door to a costly employment tribunal and compensation pay-outs.” “We haven’t found two employers tackling this in the same way.” H-J Dobbie, Head of HR Consultancy at Azets, the UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm. Businesses in…
Step outside as York Walking Festival returns for 2026
York’s Walking Festival is back this September so why not come and join us? Starting on Saturday 19 September and running through to Sunday 4 October, you’ll find a wide range of events to help you explore the city and countryside around us. You might be keen on local history, nature, wildlife, archaeology or just…
York Against Cancer gift shops launch new name!
The York Against Cancer gift shops at York Community Stadium and York Hospital have unveiled a brand new name – ‘The Hope Emporium’, along with a striking new look at York Community Stadium. Jill Hutchinson, Retail Manager at York Against Cancer, said: “When we were looking at the identity of the shop, we wanted a…
North Yorkshire homebuilders to install 10,000 Swift bricks
With swifts back in UK skies this summer, Barratt and David Wilson Homes, part of Barratt Redrow, has purchased for installation over 9,000 swift nesting bricks for its homes since 2016. Having smashed through its previous goal of 7,000 swift bricks for its homes by 2025, the developers have announced a new uprated target of…
Start the new academic year by becoming a Kirklees College employer partner
As Kirklees College prepares to welcome thousands of new students, it is looking for new employers to offer students and apprentices career-enhancing opportunities. When you choose to work with the college, your business will also gain access to professional training and development opportunities for your staff. Keep reading to discover the range of ways that…
Why we’re working towards earned recognition
Earned Recognition is not something an operation of our size has to chase. But it is a recognition that matters to where Keep It Cool is heading, and how I want the business to be known. Nikki Redhead, Managing Director at Keep It Cool DVSA’s Earned Recognition scheme is built around larger fleets with the…
A magical evening of film and family favourites
From iconic movie and television soundtracks to cherished family classics, experience the magic of live music at Price Hall, Bradford Grammar School with the British Police Symphony Orchestra. From the moment the first chord strikes, audiences will be transported into a world of adventure, imagination and nostalgia. This incredible volunteer orchestra brings the legendary music…
Aliya inspiring others after landing global bank role
An internship helping to catch banking fraudsters has led to a full-time position earning more than £34,000 a year for University of Bradford student Aliya Iqbal. She has started a graduate role with HSBC Group, after securing first-class honours from her BEng (Hons) Software Engineering degree in July 2026. Splitting her time between HSBC’s sites in Canary…
Hundreds of NHS staff across West Yorkshire take on 24-Hour Therapy Dash
More than 200 NHS staff from across West Yorkshire will run, row and cycle non-stop for 24 hours on 18 September to raise money for local hospital charities. The 24-Hour Therapy Dash began at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in 2025 and has since grown into a region-wide challenge, with NHS colleagues across West…
Leeds Beckett collaboration expands to drive smarter, more sustainable manufacturing
A second innovation project between Leeds Beckett University (LBU) and York-based Ardent Limited is set to drive smarter, more sustainable manufacturing practices in the UK. The 30-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) through Innovate UK, will see LBU business and data science experts work with Ardent to develop an…
North Yorkshire housebuilder sets new standard for healthier, liveable communities
Barratt Redrow, the UK’s largest housebuilder, has launched Great Places, a new placemaking framework that provides a measurable approach to designing healthier, greener, and better-connected places across its future developments. This builds on the housebuilder’s existing placemaking efforts, with the framework representing the next phase of its strategy across its three brands, Barratt Homes, David Wilson…
Community groups invited to apply for ward funding
City of York Council is encouraging community groups, charities and voluntary organisations across York to apply for ward funding to help deliver projects that benefit local communities. The second round of ward funding applications for 2026/27 is now open. This funding round closes on 27 September 2026. Ward funding supports a wide range of local initiatives that…
Back to School: Preparing children for more than new uniforms
Dr Eleanor Bryant, Associate Professor in Eating and Health Psychology at the University of Bradford, shares the advice all parents need to know as their children head back to school: New shoes bought. Uniform labelled. Pencil case packed. But is your child ready for the return to school? For some children, September brings excitement, friends…
Council proposes move from recycling boxes to wheeled bins across York for most households
New recycling bins could help people recycle more, reduce litter and make collections safer. City of York Council is looking at changing the way recycling is collected across the city. The proposal would replace recycling boxes with wheeled recycling bins for most homes while making collections safer for residents and staff. The proposal follows a…
Last chance to buy at popular North Yorkshire development
Only two homes remaining at Barratt Homes’ popular Whitby development, Abbey View. Barratt Homes is encouraging anyone looking to move to, or buy property in, the vibrant North Yorkshire coastal community of Whitby to act fast or potentially miss out. With two homes still available at Abbey View, buyers could find themselves moving into their new…
‘Yorkshire’s Finest’ – Photobook of famous faces from Yorkshire to raise funds for York Against Cancer
Local award-winning photographer, David Charles, has captured stunning portrait photographs of some of the most well-known Yorkshire celebrities, put together in a superb hardback book – ‘Yorkshire’s Finest.’ ‘Yorkshire’s Finest’ has been created over the past 10 years and features photos from celebrities including Dame Judi Dench, Sean Bean and Gaynor Faye. All proceeds from…
Bulls sign Sao
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of powerful Samoan international forward Ligi Sao on a one-year deal for the 2027 season. Sao made his senior debut in 2013 at Manly Sea Eagles, where he spent three years before joining New Zealand Warriors. The towering 6ft 1 enforcer then made the move to Super…
New Council homes and £1m of improvements set to regenerate Walmgate
Work planned to regenerate the South Walmgate area with 36 new Council homes and new landscaping are just some of the improvements planned for a city centre community. A Neighbourhood Improvement Plan (NIP) has been taking shape following a series of consultations involving local residents, and is being presented to Executive for approval in early…
Upgraded cycle stands coming to York city centre
Cyclists using central York’s cycle parking will see a number of improvements over September, with ten cycle parking locations being upgraded. City of York Council will be removing existing stands which are in poor condition, as well as taking out several temporary bolt-down style cycle stands and replacing them with “Sheffield” cycle parking stands. In…
Make a difference in York with a rewarding career in adult social care
People looking for a rewarding new career are being encouraged to explore a wide range of opportunities within City of York Council’s Adult Social Care services. Whether you’re looking for a career change, already working in care and support, or are just starting out in your working life, there are a variety of opportunities available that help people in…
Five new legal professionals join growing LCF Law team
Yorkshire law firm LCF Law has made five appointments across its Leeds and Bradford offices, including three aspiring solicitors who will now embark on the firm’s acclaimed solicitor training programme. In Leeds, the firm has recruited Jenna Leach as a legal executive in its corporate team, alongside two new paralegals with Matthew Griffiths joining the…
End-to-end HRO delivery for a major defence-sector client
How an integrated HRO partnership enabled consistently high fill rates, seamless workforce management, and contract stability for a leading defence organisation. 1. Background / Context A major defence multinational was required to provide support to a defence training programme. The multi-year programme covered aircraft maintenance, airworthiness, technical upgrades and all supply chain management activities to…
Inspectas announces “total compliance” offering with expansion into water risk management
Yorkshire’s specialist property compliance consultancy Inspectas has announced the expansion of its portfolio to include water risk management. The new service completes its transition to a fully integrated “total compliance” provider and strengthens its compliance offering, which already includes asbestos management, fire safety, health and safety, and Construction Design and Management (CDM) services. Water risk…
Ex-banker says social work career pivot is his calling
A man who swapped a career in banking to train as a social worker after being made redundant is encouraging others to follow their passions and consider a return to education. Omar Khan, 35, enrolled on the BA (Hons) Social Work programme at the University of Bradford after losing his job as a bank manager at Santander…
Aspiring solicitor attracted to Bradford Law degree by career-boosting placement year
A placement year was the deciding factor in an aspiring solicitor choosing the University of Bradford’s Law programme and called on others to take the same route through Clearing. Malika Hussain, 18, who will begin her four-year LLB (Hons) Law programme at Bradford in September 2026, says the professional work placement, which takes place in the third…
Young Yorkshire cricketer scores GCSE success
Lolita, a young Yorkshire cricketer and student at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), is celebrating after receiving her GCSE results. Lolita, a standout cricketer who has played for Yorkshire since 2024, was named the highest wicket taker at the end of her team’s last season. She recently scored her first 50 for Nottinghamshire as…
UK-based workforce support for a US manufacturer
How flexible, light-touch HR and payroll services enabled a US-based manufacturer to compliantly employ UK-based staff. 1. Background / Context A large US manufacturer was looking to employ a small number UK-based staff whose work required extensive global travel. As a US-headquartered business, the manufacturer did not have the in-house expertise required to employ UK-based…
Homebuilder invites house hunters to preview evening for new development
As it prepares to launch it’s Eastfield Park development, David Wilson Homes is inviting house hunters to a special preview event on Thursday 27th August. David Wilson Homes is encouraging prospective buyers in North Yorkshire to attend its preview event for its upcoming Eastfield Park development. The event will be held at the nearby Bramble Wood development…
Team GB showjumper riding high after top GCSE results
A talented Team GB showjumper is celebrating after receiving her GCSE results. India, a student at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), has balanced her studies with competing in elite competitions including Horse of the Year, the Royal International Horse Show and the Pony Foxhunter Final. In 2026, she was selected to represent Great Britain…
Businesses, beware the Autumn cashflow crisis – Azets
A major Yorkshire accountancy and business advisory firm has warned SMEs could face ‘an Autumn cashflow crisis’ if they don’t prepare properly for key October tax deadlines. Many Yorkshire businesses face three key payment deadlines in October: Corporation Tax (01/10), VAT returns (07/10) and PAYE Settlement Agreement (19/10 postal payments, 22/10 for electronic and online…
Twice as nice: Leeds twins receive exceptional GCSE results
Leeds twins Lochan and Lokesh, students at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), are seeing double after receiving their GCSE results. Both Lochan and Lokesh received similarly outstanding results with 19 grade 9s between them. Both will stay on at GSAL to study A-levels in maths, further maths, biology and chemistry and have aspirations to…
Talented Tehan secures Oxford place
A talented Leeds student has secured a place on one of the world’s most prestigious and competitive university courses after achieving four A*s in his A-levels. Tehan, a student at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), will follow in the footsteps of Harold Wilson, William Hague and Malala Yousafzai when he takes up his place…
Leeds United top the Premier League for digital technical performance, new research reveals
Leeds United have the strongest technical foundations of any club in the Premier League, according to new research from independent digital agency Mediaworks, despite the club finishing just tenth in the table last season. The Premier League Digital Performance Index scored all 20 top flight clubs out of 500, looking at how easy each one…
Leeds’ first stand-alone K-beauty store Moida confirms opening date at Trinity Leeds
Authentic K-beauty retailer Moida will open at Trinity Leeds on Saturday 29th August – with goody bags and giveaways for lucky customers. Tickets to the launch event at 9am have already sold out, but from 11am the first 100 walk-in customers will be gifted a goodie bag worth £100 when spending £20 in store. Shoppers who…
National survey success offers students reason to choose Bradford through Clearing
A host of programmes available to prospective students through Clearing at the University of Bradford have been ranked in the UK top 10 for delivering an outstanding student experience in a prestigious survey. The National Student Survey (NSS) is one of the UK’s largest and most influential surveys of final-year students, providing valuable insight into…
Discovery Playground brings research to life
Youngsters enjoyed a day of creative activities and hands-on learning at Bradford’s Peel Park, where University of Bradford researchers shared insights from their work on children’s play, wellbeing and development. ‘Child’s Play: Discovery Playground’ saw youngsters aged between five and 14 take part in a host of interactive experiences designed to showcase research that impacts…