Aesthetica announces winners of the 2026 Art Prize & celebrates 20th anniversary of the prize
Aesthetica is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Aesthetica Art Prize, celebrating outstanding contemporary artists from around the world. The Main Prize winner is Felipe Castelblanco for Tunda: A Quantic Plant and the Devil’s Breath (2025), while the Emerging Prize goes to DIVA for Memoria 2020: When Memories Are No Longer Enough (2025). Felipe Castelblanco is a multidisciplinary artist, researcher, and filmmaker working at…
Like mother, like daughter – family dig deep to graduate together
A mother and daughter have enjoyed a family celebration with a difference – after both graduating together from the University of Bradford. Elaine Shaw and her daughter, Anysia Padgett, have completed their studies in BA (Hons) Heritage and Archaeology and BSc Archaeology respectively. The pair have spent much of their degree programmes learning side-by-side, sharing…
June 2026 insolvency statistics, Azets response
There were 1,845 corporate insolvencies in June 2026 in England and Wales – four fewer than in May 2026 (1,849), and 10% fewer than in June 2025 (2,048) Leeds-based Richard Oddy, restructuring and insolvency partner at UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory group Azets in Yorkshire, says: “June’s corporate insolvency figures were dominated by…
Justyna’s journey from rural Poland to first-class honours
A University of Bradford student who arrived in the UK without speaking English after growing up on a rural Polish army base has graduated with a first-class degree in artificial intelligence. Justyna Dobersztajn moved to the UK aged 11, with her mother, followed by her older sister a year later. Fast forward more than 15…
Net Zero and the Road We’re Not Ready For
The route to net zero is a complicated road for me. I believe in net zero targets, and I understand the importance of continued investment in sustainable energy to support our overworked national grid. But I cannot pretend it is an ambition I fully support, not in its current form, and not at the pace…
York’s 100 year-old D-Day veteran receives prestigious city honour
Ken Cooke, who took part in D-Day in 1944 and fought in Europe during World War Two, has joined an illustrious group in becoming an Honorary Freeman of York. Conferring the honour took place at an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council, at the city’s Guildhall yesterday (Thursday 16 July). Mr Cooke, aged 100, was a…
Hidden historic space at St Leonard’s to open to the public this summer
Visitors to York will soon be able to enjoy access to a rarely seen section of the city’s historic monastic hospital, as partners across the city come together to open the usually closed area at St Leonard’s for the summer season. City of York Council has been working alongside Explore York, York Museum Trust, York BID and York Archaeology to make…
The best of the best: Site Manager wins Quality Award
A site manager overseeing the construction at Bramble Wood in North Yorkshire has won a top national award for the quality of the homes being built onsite. David Wilson Homes’ site manager, Ricky Coulter-Bell (32), has won a Pride in the Job Quality Award from the National House Building Council (NHBC), an award known as the ‘Oscars’ of the…
Ed Anderson CBE receives honorary award from the University of Leeds
Honorary Degrees to recognise success England rugby star Ellie Kildunne MBE and renowned political correspondent Steve Rosenberg are among those recognised with honorary degrees by the University of Leeds. Social change campaigner Tina Leslie MBE also received an honorary degree, and Leeds alum Rachel Lord returned to the University to receive her award. Peter and…
Homecoming honour for organisation founder supporting the vulnerable
The co-founder of an organisation tackling health inequalities among vulnerable people has returned to her home city to receive an honorary award from the University of Bradford. Yvonne Stocks DL is co-founder, director and chairperson of Palm Cove Society (PCS), which address disadvantage, inequalities, education, community bias and health needs experienced by vulnerable people, including…
For Steph Ifould, returning to education was about proving it was possible
For Steph Ifould, returning to education in her 30s was about proving something to herself. The 37-year-old graduated this week from the University of Bradford with an integrated master’s degree in Physiotherapy in Sport and Exercise Medicine, a moment that marks not just academic success, but years of persistence through personal and professional challenges. “I’d…
PlanBEE Rail apprentices celebrate landmark graduation at National Railway Museum
The first-ever graduation ceremony for the PlanBEE Rail apprenticeship programme took place on Wednesday 15 July at the National Railway Museum in York, marking a milestone moment for the scheme and celebrating the achievements of its inaugural cohort, with seven of the graduates moving into permanent roles across the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) and its wider partners. TRU is a…
Project SEARCH Interns celebrated at Graduation Ceremony
The Kirklees College Project SEARCH interns recently came together to celebrate their achievements and successes over the academic year. Over 50 additional people attended the event, including Kirklees College Principal Palvinder Singh and Councillor Karen Allison, Mayor of Kirklees, alongside parents, carers of students and a number of key employers who were involved with the…
Comedian Rosie Jones awarded honorary doctorate
If you’ve seen Rosie Jones on your screen, you’ll already know she doesn’t do things by halves and today was no different as she was awarded Doctor of the University of Bradford in recognition of her significant contribution to LGBTQ+ and disability rights. The ceremony took place at the University of Bradford on Wednesday July 15. A…
Unbelievable! Football legend Kammy honoured for inspiring others
Footballer, manager, pundit, TV presenter and singer – Chris Kamara MBE has done it all during his career. The former Bradford City AFC player and manager has another title to add to that list – Doctor of Health – after receiving an honorary award from the University of Bradford. Nicknamed Kammy, Chris revealed in 2022…
Mirfield station gets a makeover from young local artists
A new collection of artwork created by local students has been unveiled at Mirfield station, as part of TRU’s First and Last Mile scheme. Earlier this year, Mirfield became the second station on the TRU route to realise the benefits of the multi-billion-pound railway programme, with enhanced customer facilities and a brand-new footbridge with lifts…
Aesthetica marks 20 years with landmark programme exploring the future of contemporary art
Aesthetica announces Aesthetica 20, a major anniversary programme redefining how contemporary art is made, experienced, and understood, culminating in the Aesthetica Art Prize 2026 exhibition at York Art Gallery. Contemporary art is undergoing a profound shift in how it is produced, circulated, and interpreted. At Aesthetica, this moment is being met with clarity and ambition…
Trinity Leeds and White Rose Shopping Centre are driving local growth, contributing over £308m to the local economy and supporting more than 6,300 jobs
Landsec, owner of one of the UK’s leading retail destination portfolios, has released its annual social and economic impact report revealing how Trinity Leeds and White Rose are helping to drive local growth, contributing £308,095,816 to the local economy and supporting 6,347 jobs in 2025.* Together, Trinity Leeds and White Rose Shopping Centre play an important…
TWC Facilities Ltd partners with Yorkshire Air Ambulance to support lifesaving services
TWC Facilities Ltd is proud to announce a new partnership with Yorkshire Air Ambulance, providing sanitary bin and mat services at the Nostell site, with support set to extend to its new Skipton Bridge site later this year. As part of the partnership, TWC Facilities Ltd will deliver a regular four-weekly service, helping to maintain…
Three new partners strengthen law firm’s senior team
Lincolnshire and Yorkshire law firm Wilkin Chapman Rollits has strengthened its senior team by hiring a new partner and promoting two of its lawyers to partnership. Employment law specialist Sara Ellison is the latest partner to join the firm’s Lincoln office, while family lawyer Stacey Heeley and insolvency expert Louisa Shilleto have been promoted to…
CCF Summer Event
On 9 July 2026, the Cold Chain Federation brought its members together at the Celtic Manor Resort in Monmouthshire for its annual Summer Party. This member-only event is designed to be friendly, inclusive and enjoyable for all members of the cold chain community. Why events like this matter There is a version of running a…
Hostile UK tax system is crushing entrepreneurship – Azets
Changes and clarity needed to create and keep the next generation of Bransons, Dysons and Bartletts, says UK Head of Tax Britain’s tax system is crushing entrepreneurs and needs to be changed if the government wants more people in Yorkshire to start, scale and sell a business, a tax expert has warned. Praveen Gupta, UK…
Hull Road Park awarded the coveted Green Flag Award as it is officially recognised as one of the country’s best parks
Hull Road Park in York raises prestigious Green Flag Award after achieving international quality mark for parks and green spaces City of York Council is celebrating today after receiving a Green Flag Award for Hull Road Park. It comes as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year. Hull Road…
Brand-new homes in Whitby provide the perfect setting for modern living
Barratt and David Wilson Homes is highlighting Whitby’s growing appeal among house hunters, showcasing the many qualities that make it an ideal place to live. The new community taking shape at the housebuilder’s Abbey View and Chaloners Green developments offer an appealing location, alongside a choice of three and four bedroom homes designed to suit a wide range of…
Delivering more than solutions – building lasting partnerships
Strong business relationships are often built through shared values, trusted service, and meaningful connections — something clearly reflected in the growing relationship between Same Day Solutions Limited and Sound Leisure. Both businesses connected through the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, demonstrating the power of local networking and how Chamber members can successfully support…
Grand opening launch event of Volcano Falls Adventure Golf White Rose Shopping Centre, Leeds
Volcano Falls Adventure Golf, the latest immersive entertainment destination from Funstation, has officially opened at White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds. Building on more than 20 years of creating memorable leisure experiences across the UK, the new venue combines adventure golf, electric darts and a licensed bar under one roof. The opening marks the 16th venue…
Time to shine as Diamonds Factory arrives at Trinity Leeds
Luxury jewellery store Diamonds Factory is now open at Trinity Leeds, offering affordable pieces from earrings and pendants to wedding rings and bracelets. Priding itself on bespoke handmade pieces and expert craftmanship, the new store will offer guests a chance to view its collections and seek expert advice. The family-run business with more than four…
Council’s new housing sweeps the board in design awards
City of York Council’s first Passivhaus development at Duncombe Square has won three awards at the annual York Design Awards this week. Lowfield Green has also won a Commendation in the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) 2026 awards. Winners of the York Design Awards were announced on Tuesday 7 July, and are for developments which…
Paramedic students given ‘crash course’ on campus
Paramedic students at the University of Bradford gained hands-on experience of their future profession by taking part in a crash scene simulation staged on campus. A group of BSc Paramedic Science students were faced with a mock three-vehicle crash, featuring one of the cars flipped onto its side and trapped passengers. Working with experienced and trainee firefighters…
Schofield Sweeney partner joins national succession planning taskforce
A partner at leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has been appointed to the steering committee of the newly formed Succession Alliance – a UK-wide taskforce aimed at improving succession outcomes across financial planning. Established by the Consumer Duty Alliance, the Succession Alliance aims to improve consistency, raise expectations and provide practical education across the…
Growth for Andrew Marr International with acquisition of Seafish UK
Fastnet Fish Holdings (“Fastnet”), a subsidiary company of Andrew Marr International, has strengthened its position as one of the UK’s leading seafood businesses with the acquisition of Seafish U.K. Limited (“Seafish”), a long-established Hull-based manufacturer of frozen seafood products and bespoke sauce solutions. The acquisition brings together two businesses with deep roots in the Humber…
York rivers trail launches to connect people, place and flood resilience
A new way to explore York’s rivers has launched this summer, inviting residents and visitors to discover how water shapes the city, its communities and its future. The York rivers trail: the rivers and us is a walking and wheeling trail along the River Ouse in York, combining art, storytelling and digital experiences to help people understand…
Vice-Chancellor signals new chapter for University of Bradford
The University of Bradford’s incoming Vice-Chancellor Professor Gillian Murray has signalled “a new era” for the university focused on innovation and partnerships. Professor Murray, who will take up her new role on Monday, July 13, at the start of the University’s summer graduation week, has a strong track record in leading large-scale partnership programmes between…
Experienced Insurance Account Executive appointed to support client growth
Bradford headquartered independent insurance broking and risk management firm, TL Dallas, has appointed experienced insurance professional John Loran as an account executive, strengthening its commercial team in Glasgow, as the business continues to expand its presence across Scotland. John joins TL Dallas with 18 years’ experience in the insurance sector, having worked across commercial insurance,…
Craven College celebrates excellent Ofsted report
Craven College is celebrating the publication of its latest Ofsted report, which has recognised the College’s excellence across a number of key areas under the inspectorate’s new education inspection framework. The College achieved an impressive four ‘Strong’ judgements, recognising the quality of its education, student experience and employer-focused approach. Underpinned by expert teaching and industry-standard…
What NATO’s latest summit reveals about the alliance’s future
Professor Christoph Bluth, Professor of International Relations and Security at the University of Bradford, argues that NATO emerged from its recent summit militarily stronger but politically more fragile. In this expert analysis, he explores growing tensions over defence spending, Ukraine, Iran and US leadership, and assesses what this means for the future of the alliance. As global security challenges…
North Yorkshire housebuilder donates £3,000 to homelessness charity
Barratt and David Wilson Homes has donated £3,000 to Sleepsafe Selby, helping to support vulnerable adults experiencing homelessness. Established in 2018, Sleepsafe Selby aims to support local rough sleepers and help individuals to overcome challenges that prevent them from maintaining safe and secure housing. Providing accommodation for up to 10 people at a time, the…
10 things you didn’t know about Bradford Lit Fest
As Bradford Literature Festival prepares to enter its closing weekend, here are 10 things you didn’t know about one of the North’s biggest literary celebrations. Ethical ticketing gives free access to most of the programme to students and educators. 1 The University of Bradford has supported the festival since its launch in 2014, with a number of…
Andrew Jackson strengthens corporate team with latest appointment
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has welcomed solicitor Dan Burton to its corporate team, further strengthening the firm’s offering to businesses across the Yorkshire and Humber region and beyond. Dan has several years’ experience advising corporate clients on a broad range of matters, with a particular focus on mergers and acquisitions. His work…
Kirklees College and The Arcade Group are helping to make a difference in Dewsbury
Over the last four years, The Arcade Group in Dewsbury has been one of Kirklees College’s most valued employer partners, helping to provide our students with career-enhancing placements and opportunities. Since 2022, the group has worked with students and staff from a variety of subject areas to create some amazing opportunities. When speaking about the…
Specialist People Services completes refinancing with Virgin Money
Specialist People Services (SPS), the parent company of Driver Hire, has completed a refinancing of its senior and mezzanine facilities with Virgin Money. The deal, which followed a competitive process, secured a £25m funding package to support both the refinancing and future growth of the business. It replaces the existing facilities with a more competitive…
North Yorkshire river project delivers 9 ways to drive positive environmental change
York St John University report highlights the power of community engagement, spending time in nature and sharing local know-how across generations. A pioneering environmental initiative working across the River Esk and Coastal Streams Catchment is helping communities reconnect with nature while building a stronger foundation for long-term conservation and biodiversity recovery. The River Esk catchment…
Schofield Sweeney represents Easy Bathrooms in successful high-profile IP case
Yorkshire-based commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has acted in the successful defence of a significant trade mark and passing off claim, brought against its client Cubico (UK) Limited, trading as Easy Bathrooms, by the owners of easyJet. Founded in Yorkshire in 2013, Easy Bathrooms has grown from a single showroom into one of the UK’s…
Two-thirds of Making Tax Digital clients haven’t registered, Freedom of Information request by Azets finds
More than 580,000 people who should have registered for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax have failed to do so, according to the results of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request from accountancy and business advisory group Azets. HMRC data shows that 864,000 individuals and landlords should have registered for MTD for Income Tax…
Chadwick Lawrence invests in training and support for the next generation of lawyers
Northern law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has awarded training and funding support for 11 team members, furthering its commitment to developing the next generation of legal professionals. The successful candidates are Sara Ali, Tom Coombes, Daniella Omoragie, Katie Smith, Ben Hess, Shayan Malik, Ethan Ward, Fran Whiting, Jess Goodwin, James Lockwood and Nadia Mohammed. They…
Blacks expands Real Estate Litigation team
The Real Estate Litigation team at Blacks Solicitors LLP, one of Yorkshire’s leading law firms, has strengthened its offering with the appointment of two new solicitors. Following a period of sustained growth and increasing demand, the team has appointed Chloe Ward and Jess Bowen as Associate Solicitor and Solicitor – taking the team’s total headcount…
TRU celebrates successful Community Fund projects across route
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is showcasing some of the organisations from its 2025 Community Fund round, who have used their grants to improve local spaces and places. Launched in 2024, the TRU Community Fund aims to help local community groups, schools and charities to create or enhance community-focused facilities across the 70-mile route. The second iteration in 2025 saw 35 successful applicants offered small, medium and large…
Korean Beauty store moida set to arrive at Trinity Leeds
Trinity Leeds is set to welcome beauty retailer moida, bringing the finest handpicked Korean skincare to the heart of the city. The store will offer guests an extensive range of authentic K-beauty products from brands such as Dr. Althea, Beauty of Joseon, Tirtir, Medicube, Biodance and many more. Named after the Korean word meaning ’to…