Budget’s ‘Fab Four’ wish list to boost businesses
Reduce VAT for hard-hit hospitality firms, cut tax on profits, give long notice for employment tax changes and slash the red tape. This is the ‘Fab Four’ Budget wish list for businesses in Yorkshire by the UK head of tax at UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm Azets. Praveen Gupta said: “The Chancellor…
Azets responds to the government’s insolvency figures for September
Azets, a Chamber member and a UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm covering Yorkshire, responds to the government’s insolvency figures for September. There were 1,882 corporate insolvencies in England and Wales – 3.6% fewer than in August (1,953) and 4.6% fewer than September 2025 (1,973). Richard Oddy is a restructuring and insolvency partner…
Cheshire Scientific celebrates IHEEM success
Cheshire Scientific celebrated a successful Health Estates IHEEM Conference at Manchester Central last week, enjoying valuable conversations with healthcare professionals and exploring opportunities to support organisations with water testing, sample logistics and integrated reporting. The team welcomed several Yorkshire-based visitors to its stand, sharing how the company’s sample drop-off hubs and collection service make testing…
Kirklees College Business Development Manager reflects on the importance of placements during T Levels Week 2026
As part of T Levels Week 2026, Dawn Turner, Business Development Manager at Kirklees College, has been sharing her thoughts on the benefits of work placements for college students. Why are work placements so important? They are an incredibly valuable opportunity for students, particularly for those who may not yet have part-time work experience. In…
Buses to replace trains between Leeds and York for nine days to facilitate TRU improvement works
From Saturday 24 October until Sunday 1 November, no trains will run on the mainline between Leeds and York as Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) teams undertake major improvement works in the Church Fenton area. Direct rail replacement buses will be in operation between the two cities, as well as local stopping bus services for stations…
Popular North Yorkshire development prepares for next phase
After the success of its first phase, David Wilson Homes has launched its next phase at Chaloners Green in Whitby. The development has been exceedingly popular with home hunters in North Yorkshire looking to make Whitby their home. Located on the outskirts of the vibrant coastal town of Whitby, the development is within walking distance…
Looking ahead to the UK Autumn Budget 2026: Everything individuals need to consider
The UK Autumn Budget 2026 is on the 28th October, and with it the buzz of questions is already in full swing from families, business owners and investors: Will Inheritance Tax change again? Are pensions really going to form part of your taxable estate? Is it time to sell, gift or restructure? No one can…
Bradford secures backing for innovative energy project to support manufacturing decarbonisation
A pioneering Bradford-led project designed to help manufacturers and major heat users transition to low-carbon energy has secured funding through the latest round of the Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF). The Bradford Flexible Industrial Infrastructure Transition (BFIIT) project has been awarded £198,237 through the discovery phase of the fund. The project will develop a consumer-centric,…
The UK Autumn Budget 2026: What you should be considering now
Every autumn, the weeks before a UK Autumn 2026 Budget follow the same pattern. This year, however, we have a new Chancellor as John Healey delivers his first budget. Newspaper headlines predict changes to pensions, tax-free cash, inheritance tax and… Every autumn, the weeks before a UK Autumn 2026 Budget follow the same pattern. This…
University space expertise helps secure £9m Space Test North investment
The University of Bradford’s growing expertise in space technology and artificial intelligence has been highlighted as a key factor behind a £9 million investment in a new satellite and space hardware testing facility in West Yorkshire. The announcement was made during the Scale Up Bradford 2026 event held at Bradford Live, attended by Tracy Brabin,…
Yorkshire and Humber Infant Feeding Awards 2027 call on region to celebrate good practice and improve support for breastfeeding families
Nominations now open for unique UK awards celebrating those breaking down barriers to breastfeeding and improving support for families. People and organisations across Yorkshire and the Humber are being urged to nominate the individuals and teams making a difference to infant feeding, as the Yorkshire and Humber Infant Feeding Awards return for their third year….
New partnership confirmed to deliver council’s ten-year housebuilding programme
A new ten-year strategic delivery partnership has been established to deliver high-quality housing developments and wider regeneration projects across York for the Council. City of York Council has signed the new partnership agreement with developer Cityheart and its partner Willmott Dixon. Using its multi-disciplinary expertise, the partnership will help deliver the Council’s ambitious pipeline of…
Scrutiny to look at outcomes of PSPO consultation
On 26 October 2026, City of York Council’s People Scrutiny Committee will review a proposal to extend the existing alcohol-related city centre public space protection order (PSPO). The papers can now be viewed online. The report is based on the results of a recent public consultation on additional restrictions for the purpose of reducing incidents of anti-social behaviour for both…
Match fit: Salko UK signs on as gold sponsor for Goole RUFC
Salko UK, a mechanical and electrical engineering specialist based in Spaldington, has sponsored local sports team, Goole RUFC, to help upgrade facilities and contribute towards new kit and equipment. Joining a network of corporate supporters, Salko UK’s contribution directly aids general upkeep and operational costs as the club approaches its centenary milestone next year. To…
£2m grant scheme to help Bradford businesses cut vehicle costs and futureproof operations
Small businesses, charities and organisations across the Bradford District can now access new grant funding to help them switch to fully electric or other zero emission vehicles, as part of Bradford Council’s Clean Air programme. Funded by Government, the new Zero Emission Grant Programme offers financial support of up to £16,000 for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs)…
Leeds Beckett University and Wetherby-based Arville launch innovative partnership to drive data-led growth in the textiles industry
Leeds Beckett University (LBU) has partnered with Arville, a world-class, leading technical textiles organisation headquartered in Wetherby, on an innovative Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to build on the company’s existing data-driven approach by joining up disparate systems and harnessing its data more effectively. The 30-month project is part-funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through…
Christmas countdown is on as Trinity Leeds announces festive plans
Trinity Leeds will host a spectacular one-day festive celebration on Saturday, November 14th, bursting with giveaways, entertainment, surprises – and the chance for visitors to win their full Christmas shopping wish list. The Win Your Wishmas event runs from 12pm to 5pm, and will see Trinity Leeds transformed into a glittering hub of festive fun….
Free seminar will help charity leaders identify and manage key risks
Charity leaders and senior team members working in the third sector will gain practical advice on managing the key risks facing the sector at a free seminar being held at Hazlewood Castle next month. The Managing Risk within the Charity Sector event will take place on Tuesday 10th November, from 10am to 1pm, bringing together…
Live theatre will bring HR challenges to life at free Leeds event
Employment law developments, recruitment trends and the most pressing workplace challenges will be brought to life through live theatre at a free event, organised by LCF Law and Hays Recruitment, for employers and HR professionals in Leeds next month. The Workplace HR Challenges event will take place on Thursday 12 November, from 9am to 12.30pm,…
Quod powers northern expansion amid UK planning reform
Hannah Hiscock will build on Quod’s industrial and logistics offer across the North as the consultancy expands its Leeds team to meet rising demand created by planning reform and regional investment. Leading planning consultancy Quod is strengthening its northern operation with the relocation of industrial and logistics specialist Hannah Hiscock from its London to Leeds…
St George’s Crypt launches Christmas 2026 Gift appeal for people facing homelessness in Leeds
St George’s Crypt has launched its Christmas Gift appeal, inviting businesses, organisations and individuals across the city to donate presents and essential items for people accessing its services over the festive season. The appeal aims to ensure that everyone supported by the charity receives a Christmas present, bringing comfort, dignity and a little extra joy…
KENJI to arrive at White Rose Shopping Centre
Unique East Asian-inspired lifestyle brand KENJI is set to open its doors at White Rose – just in time for the festive season. KENJI brings together East Asian-inspired design, playful characters, and lifestyle products perfect for gifting, collecting, and adding personality to everyday life. KENJI’s new White Rose store will invite guests to enter the…
Novel approach to wellbeing: Why we really love murder mysteries
Millions of people enjoy crime novels, television dramas and murder mysteries every year, but new research suggests readers may be drawn to them for reasons far more profound than simply finding out “whodunnit.” Researchers at the University of Bradford have found that crime fiction readers are less interested in murder itself than they are in…
Bradford archaeologist honoured for mapping ‘lost world’ beneath the North Sea
A University of Bradford archaeologist whose pioneering research has transformed our understanding of landscapes lost to rising sea levels since the last Ice Age has received one of the discipline’s highest honours. Professor Vincent Gaffney, the University’s 50th Anniversary Chair in Landscape Archaeology, has been awarded the prestigious British Academy Landscape Archaeology Medal 2026 in…
Schofield appointed Transition Coach
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce Jonathan Schofield has been appointed as the club’s (Player) Transition Coach. Schofield joined the Bulls prior to the start of the 2024 season, joining initially as Academy Assistant Coach before taking to the reins as Pathways Head Coach over the last two years. The likes of Jamie Gill and…
New reminders to pay Council Tax arrears start next month
City of York Council is adding new ways to let residents know about missed or late Council Tax payments. From October 2026, residents who are late with their payments may receive additional reminder messages by text (SMS), e-mail or voice message to pay the amount due. The messages are a secure and efficient way of…
Golfers tee off for air ambulance fundraising drive
Community-minded business people hit the golf course with accountants and business advisors Azets to raise £9,081 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Nearly 100 players from the county’s business community teed off at Sandburn Hall in Flaxton, near York, for the firm’s fourth annual charity golf day. Proceeds came from ticket sales, donations, competitions and activities, while…
Best-selling author Janina Ramirez to explore misrepresentation of women in history at next Ebor lecture
York St John to welcome best-selling author and award-winning documentary maker Janina Ramirez for Ebor lecture on how the misrepresentation of women in history has helped shape today’s gender divide. How can women from the past help shape a more equal future? Professor Janina Ramirez will explore this question at the next Ebor lecture on…
4 reasons why business audits matter at every stage
Business audits for many begin as simply statutory requirements. The most successful organisations, however, see it as much more than a compliance exercise. In an increasingly complex business environment, an audit provides independent assurance over a company’s financial statements, helping stakeholders place greater confidence in the information used to make important decisions. Whether you are…
Copmanthorpe football team scores sponsorship from North Yorkshire housebuilder
Barratt Homes is the proud new sponsor of Copmanthorpe Football Club’s under 10’s girls team. Located less than a mile from Barratt Homes’ Russet Park development, Copmanthorpe Football Club has been a staple of the community since 1962. The club strives to foster an inclusive environment which encourages good sportsmanship and development. The club currently…
Hardcastle appointed Women’s Head Coach
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the appointment of former England international and Rugby League icon Amy Hardcastle as our new Women’s Head Coach for the 2027 season. Amy has enjoyed a stunning 18-year career to date, which began in 2009 and saw her represent the Bulls during its inaugural years, winning a famous treble…
Mock Employment Tribunal Seminar
With employers continuing to navigate significant developments in workplace rights and responsibilities, understanding how Employment Tribunals approach sensitive employment issues has never been more important. Recent changes to employers’ duties around preventing workplace sexual harassment have increased the focus on proactive policies, training and effective complaint handling. To help employers prepare, Blacks are hosting a…
AI and the people agenda: Webinar for HR leaders
AI is no longer a future workplace issue. It is already changing how organisations think about jobs, skills, productivity and workforce planning. For HR leaders, business owners and managers, this is not just a technology conversation. It is a people conversation. How will AI affect roles and responsibilities? What skills will your teams need? How…
World’s largest hairdryer revealed in Huddersfield
A Guinness World Record-breaking giant hairdryer, invented by children and built by South Yorkshire-based Kids Invent Stuff. Containing fastenings from Honley-based precision component distributor Accu, it was unveiled to football fans and the local community at Huddersfield Town’s Accu stadium recently. The fully working hairdryer measures 1.7556 m long and 1.6 m tall, almost seven…
Schofield Sweeney records significant growth
Leading West Yorkshire-based commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has recorded strong growth in its latest financial accounts, with turnover increasing by more than 8% and profits up by almost 12%. The 175-strong legal firm, which has offices in Bradford and Leeds, credits noteworthy appointments and strong activity levels, particularly across corporate, employment and litigation, for…
A practical guide to avoiding disputes and the adjudication process
With ongoing pressures on project delivery, rising costs and increasingly complex contractual arrangements, avoiding disputes remains a key priority for businesses operating in the construction sector. Understanding how to minimise the risk of disputes and, where necessary, resolve them efficiently can help organisations save both time and money while maintaining commercial relationships. To support professionals…
Employers urged to act now as new third-party harassment liability approaches
Employers in Yorkshire are being warned to be fully compliant with new third party harassment laws which come into force later this month or face severe consequences. Changes introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025 on October 30 require employers to take ‘all reasonable steps’ to prevent employees being harassed by third parties. Failure to…
Free seminar will help charity leaders identify and manage key risks
Yorkshire charity leaders and senior team members working in the third sector will gain practical advice on managing the key risks facing the sector at a free seminar being held at Hazlewood Castle next month. The Managing Risk within the Charity Sector event will take place on Tuesday 10th November, from 10am to 1pm, bringing…
Growing pressures on the UK’s cold chain are increasing risks to food security
Earlier this year the Cold Chain Federation (CCF) launched a major new whitepaper at an event in Westminster. The extensive document warns that growing pressures on the UK’s cold chain are increasing risks to food security, public health and economic resilience. At a macro level, the paper sets out the cold chain’s role in food…
Riley Gelder signs first team deal
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce rising star Riley Gelder has signed his first professional contract with the club. The 17-year-old is a product of our famed pathway system having joined the club in 2024. Gelder was a double award winner in his final year at Scholarship level, scooping the Players’ Players and Coaches’ Player…
National Hate Crime Awareness Week: What can businesses do?
Running from 10–17 October, National Hate Crime Awareness Week highlights the importance of tackling hate and creating safer, more inclusive communities. For businesses, this is an opportunity to consider how workplace culture, staff wellbeing and the way people treat one another can make a difference. Everyone deserves to feel respected at work, and organisations have…
New £3.67m Yorkshire Robotics Hub will help manufacturers bridge automation gap
New industry-led initiative aims to help manufacturers bridge the gap between interest in robotics and successful deployment The University of Bradford is leading a £3.67 million Yorkshire Robotics Adoption Hub after securing £2.75 million in funding from Innovate UK to help manufacturers adopt robotics and automation technologies. The Hub is designed to address one of…
Seasonal Spooktacular to take over Trinity Leeds
A chill is creeping through Trinity Leeds this month as the centre unleashes a haunting spectacle for visitors brave enough to face it this Halloween – completely free to enjoy. Guests beware, as Trinity Leeds becomes overrun with a nightmarish procession of freaky and fantastical creatures during the first ever Halloween Spooktacular Parade on 31st…
North Yorkshire homebuilder prepares to launch new development in Dunnington
Leading housebuilder David Wilson Homes opens its brand-new sales office at its Eastfield Park development in Dunnington on Saturday, 17th October. The developer is inviting the public to the launch of the sales office on Eastfield Lane in Dunnington. Prospective buyers will have the chance to speak to the sales team about the upcoming homes….
Simpler tax system key to unlocking growth for local businesses, survey finds
Businesses drowning in tax complexity. That was the verdict of many business leaders who think that an over-complicated tax system is holding them back more than high UK taxation, a survey has shown. The survey of around 400 UK business leaders, by UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm Azets, which has offices in…
What can businesses do to stay relevant, visible and profitable in the age of AI?
Somewhere in Yorkshire this week, a customer who should have been yours will not search and scroll. They will ask an AI assistant a question. Who is the best accountant for a small manufacturer in Leeds? Which café in Bradford is worth the detour? Which three suppliers should we shortlist? Back will come a handful…
Blacks named ‘Law Firm of the Year: Medium’ at Yorkshire Legal Awards 2026
Blacks Solicitors LLP is celebrating after being named Law Firm of the Year: Medium at the Yorkshire Legal Awards 2026, alongside four further shortlist recognitions for its specialist teams and emerging talent. The award follows a significant year of growth and development for Blacks, including a record-breaking financial year, the launch of a refreshed brand…
Government announces electricity bill cuts for over 10,000 British manufacturers
On 16th April 2026, the UK Government confirmed electricity bill cuts for over 10,000 British manufacturers under the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS), part of the Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy which aims to increase stability, investment and long-term economic growth across 8 key sectors. Due to take effect from April 2027, BICS is designed to…