Primark unveils new £6m Bradford store in The Broadway
Primark has today unveiled its newly enhanced Bradford store, located at The Broadway shopping centre in the heart of the city. The new store features the same quality fashion at great value prices that Primark is known and loved for, with a fresh new look and feel. The new Bradford store represents an investment of…
York St John University is University of the Year for Social Inclusion
York St John University has been named as the University of the Year for Social Inclusion by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025. The title was given to York St John in recognition of its commitment to empowering students from all backgrounds with the opportunity to study and thrive in higher…
Power surge: UK spends £250 million each month importing record volumes of electricity from Europe
The UK is importing record amounts of power from Europe, with the country spending more than £250 million on power from abroad each month, new analysis by Drax Electric Insights has found. A record 20% of the country’s electricity demand was met by imports from Europe during the second quarter of 2024. Imports accounted for…
Front Street improvements shaped by local community go for approval
Exciting plans to make a number of improvements to Front Street will be taken to a meeting next week (24 September). In October 2023, the council’s Executive approved £570,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) money for phase 2 improvements to Front Street in Acomb. Earlier this year, residents, visitors, businesses and other stakeholders were invited to share…
Impact of Leeds Beckett University’s partnership work celebrated in the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF)
The strength of Leeds Beckett University’s partnership work has been recognised by the fourth national Knowledge Exchange Framework – with the University placed in the top 20% of universities in three categories. Research England has published its updated KEF4 today (Wednesday 18 October), which examines how well English Higher Education Providers exchange knowledge and expertise to make…
Otley garden centre welcomes Bradford balustrade and decking business
A Yorkshire business specialising in glass balustrades has opened a display area at Otley Garden Centre. Headed up by skilled tradesman Mark Ross, the Baildon-based British Balustrade Co. supplies and fits balustrades for decking projects, balconies, and staircases. “As a premium provider of glass balustrades throughout the UK, British Balustrade Co boasts a team of skilled…
Last chance to see world class Tony Cragg exhibition at Castle Howard
Tony Cragg’s major sculpture exhibition at Castle Howard closes on 22nd September. The internationally renowned sculptor’s landmark exhibition opened on the 3 May 2024, and has been the first major exhibition by a leading contemporary artist to be held across the house and grounds of the historic estate. Castle Howard is Britain’s most famous country…
Scrutiny discussion to set a new direction of travel for York
York’s long term Local Transport Strategy will take another step forward next week (24 September) as a draft Implementation Plan is discussed at City of York Council’s Economy, Place, Access and Transport Scrutiny Committee. The Local Transport Strategy, which was adopted in July 2024, has been shaped by residents, businesses and commuters following extensive engagement….
YorHome’s fees for landlords found to be the city’s lowest!
Research by City of York Council reveals its not-for-profit letting agency YorHome charges between 6-7% less than eight other local agents. YorHome’s letting fee of 9% for homes in York is the city’s lowest management fee with no extra charges. Market research carried out this summer shows it could save landlords between about £700-£1,930 a…
York celebrates environment weeks with free bus travel from BetterPoints
Residents of York are being invited to celebrate Environment Weeks by walking or taking the bus around town – and be in with the chance to win free bus travel. If you haven’t already signed up to BetterPoints, there’s no better time to join thousands of York residents who are being rewarded for walking, cycling,…
A confident outlook tempered by funding and skills concerns finds latest Construction Market Intelligence from RLB
There is a confident outlook in the Yorkshire & Humber construction sector tempered by funding and skills concerns according to the latest Construction Market Intelligence from Yorkshire based construction and property management consultant, Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB UK). Major developments including Sheffield Policy Campus and West Yorkshire Mass Transit are driving demand across a range…
Bulls file accounts up to Nov 2023
Bradford Bulls have filed their latest set of accounts covering the 12 months up to 30th November 2023. The accounts show that the club made a small profit of £22k on a turnover of £2,131,000. Commenting on the 2023 out-turn, chairman Nigel Wood said “The club’s board does try to run the club sustainably, because frankly,…
Stephenson presents Durosoft – Natural ingredients, uncompromised performance
Stephenson, an innovation leader and manufacturer of a wide range of soap bases and ingredients for the beauty and personal care market introduces Durosoft, its range of naturally derived polyglyceryl esters for the formulation of sustainable skincare, cosmetic, and hair care products. Durosoft was developed to aid in the demand for natural products and green…
West Yorkshire homebuilder highlights three storey living with dolls house infographic
Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West is integrating new building regulations to improve energy efficiency standards into new homes across the county. Homeowners at Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ developments in West Yorkshire have the potential to make substantial cost savings on their energy bills, while enjoying eco-friendly and sustainable living. The new property…
New housing for disabled people agreed
To meet the increasing need for specialist housing for disabled adults or adults with learning disabilities in the community, senior Councillors have agreed to build approximately 14 new homes in Acomb. The one-bedroomed apartments with communal areas and support facilities will be built on one of the two undeveloped plots on the popular Lowfield Green…
TransPennine Express welcomes the next generation of railway talent
TransPennine Express (TPE) has opened its doors to eight new apprentices, expanding its team with fresh talent who will experience different areas of the business as part of a popular two-year scheme. The new cohort of apprentices who come from towns and cities across the region including Huddersfield, Leeds, Manchester and Middlesbrough will receive an…
Plans to create a dedicated hub for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in York get the go ahead
Proposals to create a specialist hub for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families have been approved by City of York Council’s Executive [Thursday 12 September]. Reflecting the ethos of the city’s other Raise York Family Hubs, the plans will bring services to support children and young people…
Heading to Chicago – Crysp Limited
Proud Bradfordians and Chamber members, Crysp headed to the windy city, Chicago to attend the Digital Twin Consortium Conference for Q3. The agenda was full of keynote speakers, group sessions, case studies, panels, presentations and plenty of networking. It provided Crysp the chance to expand their network, showcasing their great product and wave the flag…
Azets strengthens audit team with financial services specialist
UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm Azets has bolstered its Yorkshire audit and assurance offering with a strategic new hire. The growing Financial Services (FS) sector and increased demand from clients have led the firm to appoint Alain de Braekeleer as a financial services audit partner. Based in Leeds, Alain is a seasoned FS…
Recycle your coffee pods at York’s Household Waste Recycling Centres
Coffee lovers can now dispose of their used pods in an environmentally friendly way as part of a new service aimed at reducing waste. City of York Council is working with Podback, a coffee pod recycling service, to offer the containers at our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs). Used coffee pods, as well as tea,…
James Robinson Fibres invests £750,000 in future-proofing operations as it celebrates 150 years of textile innovation
Yorkshire-based textile innovator James Robinson Fibres is investing over £750,000 into its head office and warehousing at Euroway Industrial Estate in Bradford, enhancing operational efficiency as it celebrates 150 years of pioneering spirit in the textile industry. The fifth-generation family business, which includes Texfelt in its portfolio, has been making significant investments across the group. This follows…
AAB strengthens Virtual Finance team with new Leeds Partner
Second new Partner in Leeds office in as many months Appointment marks a further expansion of services out of Leeds, following launch of Corporate Finance division in the city 25% growth in Virtual Finance clients in the past year AAB, a leading professional services firm across the UK and Ireland, is pleased to announce the…
Azets UK welcomes new graduates and school leavers
Azets, the international advisory, outsourcing and compliance group, has welcomed 35 new graduates and school leavers in its three Yorkshire offices. The have embarked upon their careers with the UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm in Leeds, Bradford and York. In total, Azets has recruited 333 new graduates and school leavers across its UK…
Fintech pledge support
The 2025 Fintech Pledge is an initiative aimed at strengthening financial resilience among UK consumers by encouraging 25 million positive financial actions by 2025. These actions, tracked monthly, are intended to improve individuals’ financial health. The Pledge focuses on five key areas: savings, credit, debt, bills, and benefits, and provides practical examples of how consumers…
City of York Council launches search for new Director of City Development
City of York Council has announced an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader to join its team as the new Director of City Development. This pivotal role comes at a crucial time as the city embarks on an ambitious journey of growth and development, aiming to reinforce York’s position as one of the leading economies…
Ukrainian refugee awarded scholarship at inaugural York Hospitality Awards
Mariana Kachun, a Ukrainian refugee and Chef de Rang at Middlethorpe Hall and Spa has been presented a scholarship from York St John University. Mariana was a finalist in the inaugural HAY Hospitality Awards on Thursday 5th September at the Radisson Hotel in York. The application for her award moved the judges when they learned…
Winners of HAY Hospitality Awards 2024 announced
Winners of the inaugural HAY Hospitality Awards were announced during an awards night at the Radisson Hotel York on Thursday 5th September. Bronze, silver and gold accolades were awarded in each of the 12 categories celebrating everyone from kitchen teams to sales and events, front of house to back of house – the HAY Hospitality…
West Yorkshire homebuilder shines a light on energy efficient homes
Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West is integrating new building regulations to improve energy efficiency standards into new homes across the county. Homeowners at Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ developments in West Yorkshire have the potential to make substantial cost savings on their energy bills, while enjoying eco-friendly and sustainable living. The new property…
Event returns to help businesses recruit and retain staff
With nationwide job vacancies at their highest for 25 years, local businesses are being invited to a free and interactive session to explore how they can attract new employees and reduce their staff turnover. Organised by City of York Council’s Economic Growth team in partnership with Start and Grow York, Recruitment and Retention: Resilience will take place…
TV soap star heading to Bartercard Odsal stadium!
Bradford Bulls Comedy Night returns with five more superb comedians taking to the mic on Friday 13th September at 7:45PM – in partnership with KMC Comedy! Jack Carroll, regularly seen in soaps on BBC having also performed on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, headlines a bill of five fantastic comedians – guaranteeing a night of side-splitting comedy! Other…
World’s largest ever study on chair-based yoga for people with long-term health conditions shows mixed results
Researchers from the University of York, York St John University and Northumbria University have successfully completed the world’s largest ever study into the benefits of chair-based yoga for older people with multiple long-term health conditions. The study, which was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), found that a specially designed…
Welcome on-board! Introducing TPE’s customer ambassador team who are here to help
TransPennine Express (TPE) has welcomed 21 customer ambassadors to its stations. The train operator introduced the ambassador role temporarily while improvement work was taking place, but they proved so popular with customers that the roles are now here to stay – creating 21 permanent jobs. Identifiable by their dedicated purple hi-vis jackets, the ambassadors play…
Quarter of a million young people’s tickets sold as York’s bus improvement project brings far-reaching benefits
York’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) has reached an important milestone with over 250,000 reduced price bus tickets sold to families and young people. The fare reductions, first introduced in September 2023 and extended to older teenagers in February 2024, are part of an on-going series of investments being made across the city’s network. Funded…
Leeds Beckett experts helping to boost growth of Leeds-based national programme management consultancy
Leadership and marketing experts at Leeds Beckett University have formed a new partnership with Mercury3 Consult, a programme management consultancy primarily specialising in the rail sector, to support the company’s growth into new services and markets. The project is a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK. Academics based in Leeds Business…
Proposals to improve Front Street to be scrutinised
Plans to improve Front St will be discussed at a scrutiny meeting next week (9 September) with design ideas shaped by the community being presented. In October 2023, the council’s Executive approved £570,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) money for phase 2 improvements to Front Street. Earlier this year, residents, visitors, businesses and other stakeholders were invited…
A Night Under the Stars with Olly Murs
We are thrilled to be hosting the ‘A Night Under the Stars’ event on Saturday 21st September 2024. Featuring a spectacular performance from Olly Murs, the black-tie evening will be set in a stunning orangery, beautifully decorated by ‘Party Architect’ Johnny Roxburgh and florist to the stars, Fulford Flowers. Indulge in a Champagne reception, fine…
Reducing telecommunication costs one charity at a time
Core Telecom, a telecommunication company based in Leeds, has been making waves with its innovative initiative to aid charitable organisations, housing associations and non-profit organisations across the United Kingdom. This initiative, which began four years ago, offers free 03 numbers and waives incoming call costs for these entities, significantly reducing their telecommunication expenses. The seeds…
Brits turn to trains due to rising car costs
Car insurance quotes have risen by £348 on average this year alone and now more than half of UK drivers (56%) say they cannot afford to continue running their car with the increase in costs. New research from TransPennine Express (TPE) found that half (49%) of drivers are seriously worried about the increase in petrol,…
Yorkshire Building Society partners with Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture
Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture has announced Yorkshire Building Society as a Major Supporter. The partnership will see the 160-year-old mutual work with the programme over three years to help support its aim of increasing employment opportunities and skills across the district. Yorkshire Building Society has a long heritage in the Bradford area. One…
Job seekers invited to city centre Jobs Fair
York’s Jobs Fair returns this month and any resident looking for work or support into training or employment is warmly invited to it. Drop in at the Railway Institute’s Sports Centre, Queen Street, York YO24 1AD, any time from 11am – 2pm on Tuesday 17 September. Funded by City of York Council and organised by…
EV charging points installed at TPE North Yorkshire station
Four electric vehicle (EV) charging points have been installed at one of TPE’s (TransPennine Express’) North Yorkshire stations – the first at the train operator’s car parks. Customers using the station will now be able to charge their vehicles while they travel by train from Thirsk. The new 22kW facilities were switched on today, Friday…
Yorkshire garden centre group supports running challenge for gardening charity
Two members of a Bradford-based garden centre group have joined a runner who is running every day to raise money for charity. Yorkshire Garden Centres’ Commercial Director, Sharon McNair and Head of Finance, Katie Young, joined runner Kate Ebbens for a 5k run to celebrate the group’s support for the Greenfingers charity which is dedicated…
Developer gives home buyers top tips for preparing a home for sale in West Yorkshire
Leading homebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes is sharing some helpful tips for homeowners in West Yorkshire to take steps towards an easier move. Sam Wood, Sales Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, said: “Many people that are looking to take their next step on the property ladder may worry about getting involved in…
Yorkshire gold – Power station celebrates 50 years with train journey across iconic landmark
The UK’s largest producer of renewable power, Drax Power Station, has celebrated its Golden anniversary with the unveiling of a special rail wagon, seen for the first time crossing Yorkshire’s iconic Ribblehead Viaduct. Renewable power pioneer, Drax Group, unveiled the golden liveried Class 66 locomotive operated by GB Railfreight to mark the 50th anniversary of…
York initiative to plug construction skills gaps and boost employment in the city
City of York Council is investing in a new construction skills initiative, with support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Construction York aims to reduce inequality, address the construction skills gap and enable inclusive economic growth. With the city about to embark on several key housing developments, plus retrofitting work needed to hit carbon reduction targets, there…
Stephenson pays it forward with support for Getting Clean social enterprise
Stephenson, a global leader in personal care and cosmetic ingredients, has pledged its support for Yorkshire-based social enterprise CIC Getting Clean. This volunteering project was formed by recovering addicts to support those still struggling with addiction in local communities in Leeds, helping them stay clean and sober. Getting Clean’s ‘Soap with Hope’ programme assists recovering people…
Retirement prompts recruitment at Yorkshire garden centre group
A Bradford headquartered garden centre group has appointed two new managers to lead newly acquired sites in North Yorkshire. Yorkshire Garden Centres acquired Dean’s of York and Scarborough following the retirement of Richard, Helen and Sarah Dean earlier this year. Their retirement, plus that of Jim Cockerton from the Scarborough centre, created vacancies for managers…
York Mental Health Partnership wins £2.44m for new 24/7 mental health hub
York’s Mental Health Partnership (YMHP) has successfully secured £2,448,856 over two years to enhance mental health support available to York residents. YMHP and the Connecting our City project will use this funding to develop a new 24/7 community mental health hub in the west of the city. This hub will be open 24/7 to local…