Member News Subjects

Don’t fall foul of the Tipping Act, Azets warns businesses

Hospitality and service industry businesses in Yorkshire could face fines and the prospect of an employment tribunal if they don’t comply with the Tipping Act, two experts have warned. The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 rules that employers must pass on all tips, gratuities and service charges to workers without deductions. This act impacts…

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All aboard for festive feasting as TPE unwraps its new seasonal menu

TransPennine Express (TPE) is spreading festive cheer on board this winter with the launch of its new seasonal dishes. The new offering with be available from Monday 1 December to Sunday 4 January across its First Class menus: TransPennine Kitchen- West Coast and Coast to Coast. The seasonal offering introduces a selection of locally sourced…

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Further growth for Andrew Jackson’s family law practice

Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has welcomed solicitor Holly Ackroyd to its family team, marking further growth for the firm’s highly regarded family law practice. Holly will assist on financial and children’s issues arising from relationship breakdown. In addition to managing her own matters, she will also work alongside other members of the…

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Council proposes update to Garden Waste Subscription Scheme for 2026

City of York Council is set to consider an update to its garden waste subscription service at the Executive meeting on 2 December 2025. The proposal includes an increase in the annual subscription fee from £49 to £52 for the 2026 season, in line with North Yorkshire Council and to help cover rising service costs. The garden…

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Season’s eatings: Trinity Kitchen welcomes a new street food lineup this festive season

Trinity Kitchen has welcomed a host of new street-food vendors, ready to tantalise tastebuds in the run up to Christmas. From Mac & Cheese and loaded Chicken Nuggets and Tater Tots to succulent burgers and slow-cooked spicy Birria tacos, guests are in for a truly indulgent treat. Christmas favourite Nelly’s Barn is back alongside the much-loved Big Mouth…

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Bulls sign Joe Mellor

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of Joe Mellor on a one-year deal! Mellor becomes the 14th new face in the Kurt Haggerty era – linking back up with his new head coach along with the likes of Jayden Nikorima, Ethan Ryan and Loghan Lewis. Having come through the ranks at Wigan, Mellor…

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How AI can be used to help combat wildfires

The University of Bradford is using artificial intelligence (AI) to spot wildfires early and send alerts to emergency teams, helping them act quickly and reduce damage. Wildfire detection in remote areas is risky for responders, an issue raised at AI for All, the University of Bradford’s event at MyLahore in Birmingham on using new technologies…

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Bradford College launches new academy for creative skills

The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, officially opened Bradford College’s new skills development space for the creative leaders of tomorrow. ‘The Producing Academy’ is an exciting new facility designed to nurture the wave of creative talent needed across West Yorkshire, helping to position the region as a national powerhouse for the creative industries. Covering…

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Accu fasteners part of world first marine seagrass harvester

Precision engineering component distributor Accu has collaborated with Tandem Ventures, an organisation which specialises in science, technology and conservation innovations, and Project Seagrass, a marine conservation organisation, in the development of the world’s first underwater seagrass harvester. Seagrass thrives in vast meadows in sheltered coastal waters and these ocean meadows are known as the lungs…

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Head of Strategic Partnerships reacts to Autumn Budget

Andy Clarke, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Ahead Partnership: “We welcome the additional information provided around the Youth Guarantee in today’s budget. With more than one million young people currently NEET and national productivity still lagging, this type of targeted investment is essential. The Prime Minister has talked about putting apprenticeships on an equal footing…

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Budget 2025: Housing Association CEO backs two-child benefit cap removal but concerned over cost of living

The chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has welcomed the Chancellor’s decision to abolish the two-child benefit cap in today’s Budget. In a statement, Lee Bloomfield said: “As a housing association which places a special emphasis on providing high quality affordable properties for larger families, the removal of the two-child benefit cap is positive…

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York set to boost NHS Health Checks for better health

City of York Council has announced plans to recommission its NHS Health Checks programme, reaffirming its commitment to improving health and wellbeing and reducing health inequalities across the city. The NHS Health Check is a free, nationally recognised programme designed to identify early signs of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions among residents aged 40–74 who do…

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Businesses collaborate with childcare providers to celebrate National Tree Week

The team at a Bradford-based garden centre group has collaborated with its managed print supplier to celebrate National Tree Week with a childcare provider in Wakefield. Yorkshire Garden Centres, owner of Tong, Tingley, Bingley, Otley and Pennine Garden Centres, plus Dean’s York and Scarborough, has partnered with Oyster to provide the Nurtured Childcare group of…

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Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) – Information for Employers – Please give your views (2 minute survey)

What is Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)? In a nutshell, and in the context of providing employers with higher skills training packages for employees, LLE consists of Higher Education modules from high value technical courses delivered as standalone training opportunities for employees or individuals. Scheduled to start in 2027, LLE training packages will be fully funded…

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Where to invest in Leeds: the city’s best buy-to-let areas for 2025

Leeds as a Buy-to-Let Market Leeds continues to rank among the most dynamic property markets in the North of England, combining affordability, consistent rental demand and strong employment growth. The city attracts a wide tenant base of students, professionals, and families, making it one of the UK’s most resilient regional markets. Over the past five…

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LCB roofing apprentices scoop gold and silver at SkillBuild 2025 national final

Two Leeds College of Building (LCB) apprentices were crowned winners at this year’s SkillBuild national final, securing first and second places in the Roof Slating & Tiling category. Dalton Roofing apprentices Samuel Jinks and Levente Szasz won gold and silver medal places respectively at the event held at Arena MK, Milton Keynes. SkillBuild is the UK’s largest…

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Introducing Hospitable Automation

Are your floors really clean? Could a robot meet and greet your customers? Hospitable Automation is on the move across the UK, showcasing the future of service — our innovative cleaning and meet and greet/event guidance robots. Our mission isn’t to replace people, but to enhance the guest experience, delight families, and empower teams by…

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Bradford College honours higher education students at annual graduation ceremony

A remarkable 373 higher education students gathered at The Life Centre to take part in the 2025 Bradford College graduation ceremony. This is the first year that all Bradford College higher education students attended the same graduation, making it the largest ceremony ever held to date. The annual event brought together special guests, family members,…

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Andrew Jackson welcomes another solicitor to its contentious probate practice

Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP is pleased to announce that solicitor Ben Naylor has joined its contentious probate practice, strengthening the existing team and client offering across the region. Ben brings extensive experience and receives instructions in relation to claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, probate actions, and…

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Leeds College of Building named UK leader in staff health & wellbeing

Leeds College of Building (LCB) has been recognised as one of the best UK employers after winning the ‘Health & Wellbeing’ category at The Personnel Awards 2025. The 27th national awards celebrate the vital work of HR and Learning & Development teams and showcase the very best achievements of the profession. Almost 900 guests and leaders…

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Azets’ five cashflow management tips for SMEs

Small changes to policies and processes could help Yorkshire SMEs improve their cashflow levels, a senior finance professional has said. Matthew Grant, Yorkshire head of accountancy and business advisory at international accountancy and business advisory group Azets, is encouraging business owners to think strategically about their terms of trade and customer relationships, and review their…

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Major improvements this Christmas at Mirfield station

Customers travelling over the Christmas period are being encouraged to plan ahead as significant upgrades continue across West Yorkshire to bring faster, more reliable and greener journeys. To allow these improvements to be completed, Mirfield station will be closed from Tuesday 23 December, reopening on Saturday 27 December. When it reopens, customers will benefit from…

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Incredible interactive 3D models will preserve centuries of heritage

Two of Ireland’s most historic walled towns – Kilmallock in County Limerick and Derry/Londonderry in Northern Ireland – have been digitally recreated in stunning detail thanks to pioneering technology developed at the University of Bradford.  The project uses advanced scanning techniques to create immersive digital twins of these medieval settlements, capturing everything from towering walls…

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Kiril Mischeff Group acquires Minster Fine Foods Ltd

Kiril Mischeff, a leading food and beverage supplier, has acquired South-Lincolnshire based Minster Fine Foods Ltd, further strengthening its growing portfolio. Kiril Mischeff, one of Europe’s leading food and ingredient suppliers to the food and beverage manufacturing, foodservice and retail sectors, was advised on the acquisition by Yorkshire-based commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney. Minster Fine…

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Graduation Day 25th November 2025

The countdown is on! On Tuesday 25 November, we’ll be coming together at the iconic Central Hall Westminster, London to celebrate the achievements of our apprentice graduates. This year’s cohorts have shown incredible commitment and talent throughout their programmes, and we couldn’t be more proud of everything they’ve accomplished. Their success is a reflection of…

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Skeleton secrets uncovered in new medieval documentary

An online film featuring skeletons from early medieval England examined by an expert from the University of Bradford has been released. History Hit’s film, ‘Medieval Cold Case: Death in the Dark Ages’, features Dr Jo Buckberry, from the University’s Department of Archaeological and Forensic Sciences, providing her expertise on three skeletons dating back to the…

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Teesside homebuilder unveils new show home

 David Wilson Homes has unveiled its brand-new show home at the popular Highgrove at Wynyard Park development in Stockton-on-Tees. David Wilson Homes invited prospective buyers to attend Highgrove at Wynyard Park, located on Attenborough Way in Wynyard, for a weekend-long show home launch event. The event showcased the Archford, a modern three-bedroom, semi-detached home featuring a…

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All homes sold at North Yorkshire development

Following an increase in demand, David Wilson Homes’ St Johns View development in Cayton has now sold out. The housebuilder had welcomed a range of home buyers at the 96-home development on Church Lane and the remaining properties on the final phase quickly sold. Having offered a selection of two, three and four bedroom properties,…

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Bulls sign Ryan Sutton

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of powerful front row forward Ryan Sutton on a one-year deal – with a second-year option. Sutton made his professional debut for Wigan Warriors against the Bulls in 2014 – going on to win two Super League Grand Finals for the cherry and whites. His form saw…

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Postmasters warned time is running out for compensation claims

Despite widespread publicity and a number of recent high-profile settlements in the Post Office Horizon scandal, a leading lawyer is urging postmasters who have yet to lodge or appeal a claim to take action, as the deadlines rapidly approach. Sir Alan Bates, who led the campaign for justice, and the oldest victim, Betty Brown, have…

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York St John University academic calls for emotionally intelligent dementia care at UK Dementia Congress

Focusing on the emotional experience must be the foundation to person-led dementia care, according to experts from the Institute for Health and Care Improvement at York St John University. The future of quality dementia care relies on understanding and emotional awareness that the experience of dementia heightens feelings and lessens thinking, according to Professor David…

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Consultation launches on Rougier Route – a better way through York

Proposals to install a new bus priority route through central York have been unveiled today with a focus on making bus journeys more reliable, cutting bus journey times and creating a more people-focused environment in the heart of the city. Residents, businesses, visitors and commuters are encouraged to share their views in an eight-week consultation…

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Town Centre Securities PLC acquires prime retail asset on Marylebone High Street, London W1

Strengthening TCS’s Portfolio with a High-Quality Marylebone Asset Leeds-based Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS) announces the off-market acquisition of 68–69 Marylebone High Street, London W1, a high-quality retail property located in one of the capital’s most desirable and resilient retail and residential districts. The property comprises two ground and basement retail units, let to high-end…

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New Chair of Governors announced at The Grammar School at Leeds

Charlene Lyons has been appointed as the new Chair of Governors at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), taking over from Angus Martin, who is retiring after over a decade of remarkable service to the school. Charlene has been a governor for nine years and vice chair for the past five, and she brings a…

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York schools share best practice at Inclusion and Belonging Conference

School and education leaders in York shared best practice at a citywide conference last month to help children and young people feel included and supported at school. Over 100 representatives from each school and multi-academy trust in York attended the Inclusion and Belonging: Building a School System that works for all conference to hear from local and…

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Quickline delivers improved offer for business customers

Quickline Communications has introduced a new pricing structure and strengthened service level agreement (SLA) for its business full fibre broadband customers, supporting rural enterprises with fast, reliable connectivity backed by dedicated service and priority support. The new pricing, activated this month, means Quickline is better equipped to meet the unique needs of each customer, ensuring…

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Autumn Budget 2025: prediction and policy pitfalls

Fairness, Feasibility, and the Fragile Art of Fiscal Balance Dr Giray Gozgor is an Associate Professor of Economics and Finance at the School of Management, University of Bradford As Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares to deliver the Autumn Budget on 26 November, a University of Bradford economist warns that the challenge is “not just fiscal, but…

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Lantern parade lights up Festival of the Dead

More than 200 people paid tribute to their loved ones at a lantern parade held in a Bradford district park. The Festival of the Dead parade, organised by the University of Bradford in collaboration with Cecil Green Arts, Bradford Death Cafe and Kynd, was at Northcliffe Park, Shipley, on Sunday 16 November. Following a parade…

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Online auction launches to support Tiny Lives Appeal

York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity has launched an online auction to help raise funds for the Tiny Lives Appeal, supporting the Neonatal Unit at York Hospital. Local businesses and supporters have shown incredible generosity by supporting the appeal which launched earlier this month to support premature babies and their families. This year, the charity hopes…

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Dear Chancellor, how the following policy changes would boost hard-hit businesses in Yorkshire

A savvy wish-list of seven policies to boost hard-hit SMEs in Yorkshire has been sent to the Chancellor by UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm Azets. With offices in Leeds, Bradford and York, the firm specialises in SME advice and support for more than 80,000 clients nationwide. Praveen Gupta, Azets’ UK head of…

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Seasonal shopping at Trinity Leeds with festive kiosks and pop-ups

Trinity Leeds welcomes a host of new retailers ahead of the busy festive period. From unique decorations and intriguing beverages to luxurious fragrances and candles, Christmas shoppers in Leeds can explore a wide range of unique stores and kiosks alongside well-known brands at Trinity Leeds. Premium retailer J. Fragrances by Janan has brought its collection…

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Bradford City stadium VR project aims to inspire other clubs

The team behind an innovative virtual reality (VR)-inspired project featuring Bradford City AFC supporters’ memories hope it will be replicated by other professional football clubs after it was showcased at the University of Bradford. ‘Stories from Valley Parade’, a digital copy of the University of Bradford Stadium, traditionally known as Valley Parade, created for people…

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White Rose and Kidz Klub deliver festive cheer to Leeds families

White Rose Shopping Centre has opened its annual gift donation campaign in support of Leeds based charity Kidz Klub, helping spread the festive spirit in the lead-up to Christmas. Guests are invited to donate toys and gifts suitable for children aged zero to 16 years old, with the 4+ age range most in need, at…

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Belzona wins Excellence in Training Award

Belzona, a Harrogate-based global leader in repair composites and protective coatings, has been named the winner of the Excellence in Training Award at the 2025 British Coatings Federation (BCF) Awards. The BCF, the trade association representing decorative paints, industrial coatings, powder coatings, printing inks and wallcovering manufacturers in the UK, announced the winners during its…

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From AI to lego play, startups to expansion overseas, York Business Festival offers something for everyone in the region’s business community

Business leaders, entrepreneurs and industry experts set to gather for week of events at York St John University An expanded and ambitious York Business Festival returns next week with a packed, week-long programme of events. The Festival aims to support, connect and celebrate the region’s business community through a series of talks, workshops, advice clinics,…

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York garden centre wins Highly Commended at regional business awards

The team at a York garden centre is celebrating after receiving a Highly Commended accolade at a regional business award. Dean’s York was awarded the accolade in the Rural Business of the Year category of the annual Yorkshire Post Business Awards, which celebrate Yorkshire’s best in business. Dean’s York manager, Mike Waugh, is delighted with…

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Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland opens for its 20th season of festive fun at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York

Celebrating its milestone 20th season in York, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland opens today with an array of festive touches and colourful surprises.  The award-winning outdoor ice rink, funfair and Santa’s Grotto provides a fun-filled winter experience at York Designer Outlet and no end of photo opportunities for all the family. At the Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland lights switch-on last…

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Dilettante wins inaugural new music stage at Aesthetica Film Festival

Aesthetica Film Festival is delighted to announce Dilettante as the winner of its first-ever New Music Stage, a showcase of the UK’s most exciting emerging musical talent. Dubbed the “UK’s version of SXSW,” the festival brings together music, film, games, and XR in one immersive environment, providing a unique platform for collaboration, discovery, and cultural exchange. This…

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