AAB announce deal with Kreston Reeves creating a £200m+ group
Leading professional services firms, AAB and Kreston Reeves, have today announced a landmark deal that will take the combined business beyond £200 million in annual revenue, marking a significant step in both firms’ long-term growth strategy. The combined business will employ more than 1,800 people across 23 locations in the UK and Ireland. AAB has…
Go wild this February half term with White Rose’s jungle adventure
Families are invited to swing into February half term at White Rose Shopping Centre as its much-loved free craft club returns with a roarsome jungle-themed experience for little explorers from Monday 16th – Friday 20th. Fun for the whole family, drop-in crafting sessions will be held from 10am – 4pm each day in White Rose’s Central…
Keighley ‘Soul Sisters’ are doing it for themselves
Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has successfully delivered an innovative local project to boost the health and wellbeing of local women in Keighley. ‘Soul Sisters’ brought 12 residents together over a six-week period for a series of themed sessions at Keighley Civic Centre and Keighley Central Hall. Led by Eyarun Nessa, MHA’s Community Development Officer, and…
New study reveals ancient Doggerland started sinking 10,000 years ago
Scientists have uncovered new evidence showing how Doggerland – the vast prehistoric landscape that once connected Britain to mainland Europe – was gradually overwhelmed by rising seas at the end of the last Ice Age. Carbon dating on new core samples taken from the North Sea suggests its demise began around 10,000 years ago with rising sea levels due to melting…
National Apprenticeship Week: Shaping the future of rail in the North
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is marking National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9-15 February) by celebrating the impact being made by its investment in local skills, careers and talent. TRU will deliver faster, more frequent trains on a greener, more reliable railway. With the programme firmly in its delivery phase and many benefits already being realised,…
Events launched to help Yorkshire businesses navigate payroll shake-up
Employers in Yorkshire are being urged to get to grips with major payroll changes that are hurtling down the tracks. A raft of strict new regulations are coming into force under the April 6 overhaul, which includes the potential for significant enforcement action for non‑compliance. Azets, a UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm…
City of York Council join York City to raise awareness of Fostering
City of York Council’s Fostering Team will be at the LNER Community Stadium on Saturday 7 February ahead of the York City V Forest Green Rovers match to raise awareness about fostering in York. Football fans attending the match are encouraged to chat with the council’s fostering team before kick-off, where staff will be on…
An update on Lendal Bridge works
Works to repair Lendal Bridge, originally scheduled for spring of this year, have now been delayed to 2027 due to unavoidable delays on the Station Gateway project. Together, these two major projects will bring long-term benefits for everyone who lives, works and travels in the city. However, because they each have significant impacts on the…
York celebrates National Apprenticeship Week
City of York Council is celebrating the value, benefits and opportunities apprenticeships bring to individuals, businesses and the wider economy during National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) next week (9-15 February). NAW shines a light on how apprenticeships are a great option for people to consider when they are looking to start or change careers. With apprenticeships…
Leeds students gain real-world sustainability experience as part of live construction project
Product design students have been set a real-world sustainability challenge following a visit to a major live construction project in Leeds. Students from Elliott Hudson College were welcomed on site while work is underway to significantly expand the existing Primark store at White Rose Shopping Centre. Lindum Group is delivering the project on behalf of…
Breast cancer research boost thanks to Wellcome award
Dr Francis Mprah Barnieh, an early-career researcher at the University of Bradford, has been awarded £236,455 under the competitive Wellcome Accelerator Award scheme to advance the development of safer, more targeted treatments for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC is one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat forms of breast cancer. It disproportionately affects black women and is associated with poorer clinical…
Projects help children explore loss and realities of knife crime
School pupils are exploring bereavement and the dangers of knife crime through two projects from the University of Bradford. ‘Lost and Found: Bereavement, Archaeology and Creativity’ is transforming how primary schools talk about death, loss and bereavement, using archaeology-inspired art and poetry to start these conversations, while Junior Detectives Week sees school students investigate, and…
New Business Doctor brings growth support for West & North Yorkshire Chamber members
Business Doctors is delighted to announce the appointment of Alastair Stewart as its new Business Doctor for North Yorkshire. With over four decades of experience in sales, business development, and strategic leadership, Alastair will bring deep expertise and a fresh, hands‑on approach to supporting SMEs across the region. A proven track record, now channelled into…
From burgers to burglars – student Eve targets detective future
A University of Bradford student is set to swap serving fries for fighting crime in her next career move as a police detective. Eve McCallum, 21, is already a high achiever, dividing her time between studying the final year of her LLB (Hons) Law degree, working as floor manager at McDonald’s in Shipley, volunteering for the Witness…
Expect Distribution run with the Bulls in 2026
Bradford Bulls are excited to announce the renewal of their partnership with Expect Distribution, who will continue as the club’s season-long match ball sponsor for the 2026 season. Having initially joined the Bulls in 2024, Expect Distribution has become an integral part of the matchday experience, with their iconic truck, Ernie, delivering the match ball…
Resilient City Cruises York passes 200,000 passengers following 2025 growth
Passenger growth, product innovation and partnerships drive strong 2025 for City Cruises York despite a challenging year. Following a successful start to 2025, including being crowned ‘Best of York’ at the Visit York Tourism Awards, City Cruises York has reported a 14.5% year-on-year increase in passengers. The operator welcomed over 200,000 passengers for only the…
LCB welcomes new Vice Principal of Finance & Resources
Leeds College of Building (LCB) had announced Chris Duncan as its new Vice Principal – Finance & Resources. He takes up the role after serving as Deputy Director of Finance at Leeds Trinity University and Group Finance Director at Luminate Education Group. Chris’s extensive experience spans positions in the private and public sectors, including roles…
Azets appoints Corporate Finance Associate Director
International accountancy and business advisory group Azets has strengthened its Corporate Finance team in Yorkshire with the appointment of Ben Hick as Associate Director in its Leeds office. Ben joins Azets with a decade of experience at PwC and KPMG Corporate Finance advising privately owned and private equity businesses across a variety of sectors including business…
Floor Tonic Shipley run with the Bulls in 2026
Bradford Bulls are proud to announce the renewal of their partnership with Floor Tonic Shipley, who will continue to be our main sponsors as we make our highly anticipated return to the Betfred Super League in 2026. Floor Tonic Shipley has been a valued supporter of Bradford Bulls, with their branding featured prominently on the club’s…
Charities and social enterprise groups offered funding and academic expertise to support community projects in Yorkshire and the Humber
Community Research Grants 2026 offer expanded opportunities from York St John University research institutes Now into its fifth year, York St John University’s impactful Community Research Grant (CRG) programme is now open for 2026. Led by the University’s Institute for Social Justice, the programme invites Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs) to propose issues that…
Bradford Garden Centre to host pruning masterclass with leading rose grower
A Bradford garden centre is hosting a rose pruning masterclass with one of the country’s leading names in roses later this month. On Tuesday, 24th February, an expert from the long-established, family-owned rose breeder David Austin Roses will be in The Mezzanine at Tong Garden Centre at 10 am and 2 pm for hands-on rose…
North Yorkshire development unveils latest interior design trends in new show home
A recently launched show home at Barratt Homes’ Russet Park development in Copmanthorpe is bringing the latest interior design inspiration to local homebuyers. The show home was expertly designed and styled by award-winning interior designers, Edward Thomas Interiors, meaning homebuyers can be assured they will be up to date with the latest design trends. Barratt Homes is…
Mirfield station transformation for faster, more connected travel across the North
Customers in Mirfield will now benefit from a transformed station which includes new step-free access, longer platforms and improved facilities, marking the latest milestone in the £11 billion Transpennine Route Upgrade. This work will also enable longer trains with more seats to stop at the station and faster, more reliable journeys in the future, delivering…
New independent report highlights the huge potential of York’s ambitious plan for growth
An ambitious strategy outlining plans for growth, with innovation, culture and heritage at its heart –could bring about £12.1bn of combined social, economic and environmental impact to the city, according to independent analysis. In November 2025, Executive members approved York’s prospectus which is designed to attract additional investment into economic and housing growth, tackle inequalities,…
Calls for £2 billion Patent Box tax relief to be unwrapped for far more companies
Is this Britain’s most complicated business tax relief? …with a handful of large corporations getting the lion’s share A complicated tax relief aimed at encouraging companies to commercialise their innovations within the UK is in dire need of reform because it favours the few, it emerged today. Reform of the Patent Box scheme is said to…
Two fly‑tippers fined over £2,000 as council enforces ‘Crime – Not to Care’
Two residents found to have illegally dumped waste, have been prosecuted by City of York Council. On Thursday 22 January, York Magistrates Court ordered them to pay a total £2,190 in fines, costs, and surcharges, as the council continues to deliver its ‘Crime – Not to Care’ campaign and protect neighbourhoods from environmental harm. Jake…
Bradford BID launches inaugural Member Awards celebrating the city’s business community
Bradford Business Improvement District (BID) has today announced the launch of its inaugural Bradford BID Member Awards, a brand-new celebration recognising the innovation, resilience and excellence of local businesses in the city centre. The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 25th June 2026 at the iconic Bradford Live, bringing together businesses from across the retail,…
Browse the region’s best independent crafts at White Rose’s Yorkshire Market
White Rose Shopping Centre invites guests to shop local as R.S.H Artisan Markets brings a new Yorkshire Market to the centre every month, showcasing an assortment of handmade crafts and gifts. Taking place in the Central Atrium the first weekend of each month between February and October, visitors can support local businesses and find truly…
Bridging the gap in Ravensthorpe
Significant progress is being made in the delivery of upgrades by the Transpennine Route Upgrade team in Ravensthorpe, West Yorkshire following the closure of the station in December, with work on the new Calder Road bridge and Baker Viaduct well underway. TRU will build a new, modernised Ravensthorpe station 200m west of the current site,…
Freight Island announced as new operator ahead of Trinity Kitchen’s £15m expansion
Trinity Leeds has revealed that Freight Island, the team behind the UK’s leading food hall and entertainment venue, will operate the expanded Trinity Kitchen – delivering a one-of-a-kind destination and an unrivalled food hall experience to Leeds. Since launching in 2013, Trinity Kitchen has redefined the traditional food court model by pioneering an authentic indoor…
York residents urged to maximise their income as part of York Talk Money fortnight
York residents are being urged to find out whether they could be eligible for extra income as part of next week’s York Talk Money fortnight (2-15 February). Run by City of York Council and partners across the city, including Citizens Advice, Peasholme Charity, Age UK, York Energy Advice and OCAY, the regular event aims to…
Amy Hardcastle appointed Women’s Development Officer
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the appointment of England international Amy Hardcastle as Women’s Development Manager. Hardcastle played an integral role in our Women’s team following the adoption of the Bulls’ moniker in 2016 – featuring heavily in the treble winning, undefeated 2017 season. Two years at Leeds Rhinos was sandwiched by spells in…
Universal AV Services proudly presents Connex 2026 – Bringing the future of workplace technology to Leeds
Universal AV Services is proud to present Connex 2026, the North of England’s leading workplace technology event, returning to Leeds to showcase the very latest in audio visual and collaboration solutions for modern working environments. Taking place at the Marriott Hotel, Leeds on March 12th, Connex has long been a must-attend event for organisations looking…
Carbon Neutral Group lists sector net zero readiness in Hospitality, FMCG, Manufacturing, Logistics and Retail
Carbon Neutral Group, who work with organisations to build actionable net zero roadmaps, grounded in robust carbon accounting and operational change, has reviewed industry sectors and their road in sustainability, specifically those who are leading the way to becoming net zero, by examining their decarbonisation progress across five major industries. When it comes down to…
7 Essential Copilot Updates Businesses Need to Understand in 2026
Microsoft Copilot has already rolled out a series of updates that subtly but significantly change how work happens across Microsoft 365. Individually, some of these changes may appear incremental or technical. Taken together, they signal something much bigger: Copilot is evolving from a helpful assistant into an embedded intelligence layer across everyday business activity. Below…
University scholarship for white males to continue
A scholarship offering financial support to white working-class males studying at the University of Bradford will continue. The Keith Howard Opportunities Programme offers at least £500 a month towards living costs to successful applicants. It is designed to make it easier for under-represented groups, in this case white working-class males, to access higher education. The programme,…
Council’s pledge to tackle tenants’ priorities unlocks new improvements
New approaches to tackling what tenants have told us are their priorities have been agreed today (Tuesday 27 January), which unlocks funding. The Council’s housing tenants have told us that tackling anti-social behaviour, preventing damp and mould, and improving communal areas are among their top priorities. To support them and improve the way we address…
Product Partnership Ltd acquires Think Compliance
Retail compliance expert Product Partnerships Ltd (PPL) has bought a majority stake in Think Compliance, a specialist consultancy which provides compliance support and Regulatory Data Reporting services to Consumer Credit and Claims Management regulated firms across the UK. Rebecca Wilson, shareholder of Leeds-based Think Compliance, was advised on the acquisition by Yorkshire-based commercial law firm Schofield…
MP for Colne Valley visits Kirklees College Engineering and Process Manufacturing centres
Friday 23 January saw Paul Davies, MP for Colne Valley, visit the Kirklees College Engineering and Process Manufacturing centres. As part of the visit, discussions took place between Paul and Kirklees College staff, which included Kirklees College Principal & Chief Executive, Palvinder Singh, alongside the Head of Engineering, Michelle Grainger, and the Curriculum Director for…
Exciting plans for Glen Gardens play area
Children from Tang Hall Primary School and Heworth Primary School have played a key role in shaping the future of Glen Gardens. As part of City of York Council’s major investment in parks and green spaces, pupils were invited to review three different design options for the play area. Their feedback has helped determine the…
Cold Hands Syndrome (aka Raynaud’s Disease) – call for more awareness
Raynaud’s – More Than Just Cold Hands For a condition that affects millions, Raynaud’s barely gets any attention. It doesn’t trend, it doesn’t make headlines, and yet it shapes the daily lives of so many of us, including me. It’s often described as “cold hands” or “poor circulation”, but that barely captures what it’s like to manage it day to day. Raynaud’s causes the small blood vessels in the fingers and…
Top Notch run with the Bulls in 2026
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the renewal of their partnership with Top Notch North West Ltd, who will remain one of the club’s main sponsors for the 2026 season. The renewed agreement sees Top Notch North West Ltd continue their prominent presence on the Bulls’ 2026 home shirt, reaffirming their strong support and commitment to the club’s ambitions…
TRU wraps up a month of major upgrades transforming train travel
Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) teams have completed over 32 days of major upgrades between Leeds and York, helping deliver faster, greener, more frequent services across the North. The work delivered by an army of hundreds of people includes 70 new signals installed and made operational, 3km of track renewed, along with eleven switches and crossings….
LNER London King’s Cross first class lounge to undergo refurbishment
As part of our ongoing commitment to improve station facilities along the route, the First Class Lounge at London King’s Cross Station will undergo a major transformation to provide an even more comfortable and welcoming space. While we make these exciting changes, the lounge will unfortunately be closed from Monday 26 January until Spring 2026….
Trinity Kitchen starts the year with a warning new street food mix
Beat the cold this winter as Trinity Kitchen welcomes a brand-new street-food line-up, packed with warming dishes inspired from around the world. From juicy burgers and ultra soft bao buns to Venezuelan Arepas and Irish spice bags, the vast selection is set to tantalise taste buds. Ka-Bao, Masri, 7 Star Flag, Doles Dirty Bag and Luna’s Schnitzel will…
Leeds Independent Venues Group launches
Leeds Independent Venues Group launches: six independent spaces unite to elevate Leeds as a premier meetings and events destination Six of Leeds’ leading independent venues have joined forces to form the Leeds Independent Venues Group, a new collective created to showcase the city’s diverse event spaces and strengthen its position as a top destination for…
Wyedean’s skills legacy passes to next generation
More than 40 years of sewing and embroidery experience is being shared with a new generation as a giant of the military Colours and Standards ceremonial items retires. Aileen Henderson, embroidery supervisor at Haworth-based Wyedean Weaving, is stepping down after 46 years in the textile industry. Aileen, who has been awarded an MBE in the…
Yorkshire Garden Centre group appoints new Buying Director
A Bradford-based garden centre group with a site in Shelley has recruited a new member to the senior team as it prepares for future growth across its multi-site business. Yorkshire Garden Centres has appointed Charlotte Watson as its full-time buying director. In her new role, Mrs Watson will lead the buying team across all categories…