Holiday season celebrations take place at Amazon in Leeds
The team from Amazon in Leeds has been gearing up for the Christmas shopping season with a calendar full of festive celebrations. A Christmas market, competitions and a rock choir are just some of the activities taking place at the Leeds fulfilment centre to celebrate the work that the Amazon team is doing to deliver…
£50,000 awarded to charities by local manufacturer
A North Yorkshire manufacturer has continued its tradition of supporting charities and good causes with another year of generous community donations. Chemical specialist, Airedale Group, has donated £50,000 to a variety of worthwhile causes in 2024 and received recognition for its community work in the form an industry award. Amongst the recipients of this year’s…
Yorkshire garden centre group adds a seventh site to the family
Bradford-based Yorkshire Garden Centres Group has announced it will operate a further site in West Yorkshire. The former Dobbies Garden Centre Pennine in Huddersfield will join the YGC Partners business, which also acquired the Deans Garden Centres in York and Scarborough earlier this year. Mark Farnsworth, MD of Yorkshire Garden Centres said: “We are delighted…
Leeds garden centre donates ice rink session for Inclusive Skating Awards
The team at a South Leeds garden centre ice rink hosted a group of skaters for a unique awards ceremony that coincided with World Ice Skating Day on 15th December. Adrian Jack, Professional Ice Skating Coach at Bradford Ice Arena, sought an outdoor ice rink to host an awards ceremony for some of his skaters…
Young people’s bus fare reductions extended as ticket sales reach half a million
Free and reduced price bus tickets for York’s young people will continue until 30 March 2025, after an extension to the subsidy was agreed as part of the city’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). Unaccompanied under 19s currently pay just £1 for a single fare and accompanied under 16 year olds travel for free, in a…
Groundbreaking ceremony marks start of construction on £17m Future Technologies Centre
A symbolic groundbreaking ceremony marked a major step forward in the construction of Bradford College’s purpose-built £17m Future Technologies Centre. Members of the Bradford College management team were joined by representatives from Morgan Sindall Construction and the Department for Education to celebrate construction commencing on site. The project received £15 million from the Department for…
MHA’s Christmas MELA brings community spirit to life in Keighley
More than 200 local residents came together in Victoria Hall in Keighley to enjoy a celebration of culture, unity and festive joy at Christmas MELA 2024 hosted by Manningham Housing Association (MHA). There was something for everyone including a visit from Santa Claus, a festive photo booth, DJ, henna art and facepainting, calligraphy, a charity…
Yorkshire garden centre group donates Christmas trees to Wilsden WI
The teams at a Bradford headquartered garden centre group have donated Christmas trees to community causes in areas around their centres. Yorkshire Garden Centres donated 10 real and artificial trees to causes serving the communities around their sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, York and Scarborough. One of the beneficiaries was Wilsden WI following a…
Netcompany announces further digital careers inclusion investment with Ahead Partnership expansion
Netcompany UK, part of the fastest-growing IT services company in Northern Europe, has committed to a further three-years of collaboration with Ahead Partnership to support young people through digital skills inclusion and gender inclusivity initiatives. The two have worked together since 2021, with Netcompany having been an anchor sponsor of Ahead Partnership’s well-established Growing Talent Digital…
Bulls awarded Armed Forces Gold Covenant
Bradford Bulls are proud to announce that the club has been awarded the prestigious Armed Forces Gold Covenant, recognising their outstanding commitment to supporting the armed forces community. This award, the highest recognition under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, highlights the club’s dedication to fostering relationships with the armed forces, providing opportunities for veterans and…
Shopping centres’ pioneering new partnership with The White Company makes perfect scents this Christmas
Trinity Leeds and White Rose Shopping Centre have joined forces with The White Company in the run-up to Christmas in a pioneering new partnership that’s not to be sniffed at. The two shopping centres will diffuse the luxury brand’s signature ‘Winter’ fragrance – with warming notes of cinnamon, clove and orange – and the ‘Seychelles’…
York-based investigation helps jail criminals behind £1m home improvement scam
Four men who exploited the Government’s ‘Green Deal’ initiative and cheated their way to more than £1 million were sentenced on Friday at Leeds Crown Court (13 December 2024). The group offered home improvement services – particularly supplying and fitting windows and doors – and targeted victims across Yorkshire and Derbyshire between April 2017 and…
MHA welcomes Government representatives to Keighley and Bradford
Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has hosted senior strategy and policy staff from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on a two day factfinding trip. The visit was part of MHCLG’s Social Housing Immersion Programme which provides a bridge for policy and strategy staff to engage with housing associations and tenants across the…
Top Notch backing for the Bulls in 2025.
Bradford Bulls are excited to announce a new partnership with Top Notch North West Ltd, who will join the club as one of our main sponsors for the 2025 season. As part of this significant collaboration, Top Notch’s branding will feature prominently on the front of the Bulls’ away replica and playing shirt next year….
Does your polling district and station work for you?
City of York Council is starting a review of its polling district boundaries and the places where people can vote, and is asking residents to comment on the new proposals as well as on existing arrangements. Like all towns and cities, York is divided into polling districts in which local residents can vote at polling…
Yorkshire garden centre group donates Christmas trees to West Yorkshire causes
The teams at a Bradford headquartered garden centre group have donated Christmas trees to community causes in areas around their centres. Yorkshire Garden Centres donated 10 real and artificial trees to causes serving the communities around their sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley, Batley, York and Scarborough. One of the beneficiaries was the Women’s and Newborn…
Town Centre Securities PLC announces first phase of town centre house refurbishment
Modern Design, Prime Location, Fresh Vision: Town Centre House Unveiled Leading property development and investment company Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS) announces the completion of the first phase of its refurbishment of Town Centre House, located in the heart of Leeds’ Arena Quarter. TCS has undertaken a full refurbishment of the ground and first floors,…
Planting to brighten up Front Street
As work to improve Front Street continues to progress, green-fingered volunteers have been planting flowers and trees to brighten up the area. The Greater Acomb Community Forum has branched out, lending their hands and expertise to sow the seeds for a brighter future. The council has worked with the community forum to select the trees,…
New Director of Operations appointed at Manningham Housing Association
Saqib Saleem is joining Manningham Housing Association (MHA) as Director of Operations. Amongst a broad range of responsibilities, he will lead on the delivery of customer facing services and drive MHA’s asset management strategy, including overseeing its property portfolio. Mr Saleem is currently Director of Strategy and Regulation at Altair where he leads a team…
The Lord Mayor prepares for festive Community Carol Concert
Following some 400 older residents enjoying the annual Christmas Cheer receptions held last week, another festive treat from the Lord Mayor of York is being prepared. The receptions have been held every year since the mid-1950s and are free to the residents who attend. They are funded in part by York’s annual Community Carol Concert….
Support for Blue Badge holders against fraudsters
To address any misuse of Blue Badges and to uphold the rights of disabled people, counter fraud investigators and council officers carried out a day of action. On 4 December 2024, officers patrolled high-traffic areas around the city to check that Blue Badges were being used correctly and by their legitimate holders. Of the 162…
Increased hours of access through new Central Hall building
City of York Council has welcomed news that the National Railway Museum has agreed to additional hours of pedestrian access through Central Hall, once major works are complete and it is open to the public. Central Hall is the National Railway Museum’s brand new welcome building. It will include a welcome and orientation hall, a…
Dransfield Novelty Company acquires Crystal & Son Group to strengthen northern presence
Dransfield Novelty Company Limited, the largest British-owned UK supplier of gaming machines and entertainment products to pubs and clubs, has acquired Newcastle Upon Tyne-based, Crystal & Son Group. This strategic purchase marks another milestone for the family-owned business, which boasts a proud 75-year history. The acquisition further enhances Dransfield’s range of goods and services it…
York teenagers give community space a makeover
York teenagers have been working with experienced tradespeople and an artist to breathe new life into a youth and community centre in The Groves. Community interest company Volunteer It Yourself provides free, hands-on work experience opportunities for local young people who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) and at risk of becoming NEET. Whilst renovating…
Boosting walking, wheeling and cycling in York
Plans to create new and improved walking, wheelchair-use, wheeling and cycling facilities across York will be considered by senior councillors this week. At the meeting on 12 December the council’s Executive will be asked to approve the first Local Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for the city. The plan proposes aspirational strategic networks for…
Bradford Garden Centre relaunches its butchery offering
A Bradford garden centre has relaunched its butchery offering following feedback from customers. Hearty’s Food Hall at Tong Garden Centre has introduced a new butchery department in partnership with Yorkshire-based Bennett’s Butchers. Bennett’s founder, Phil Bennett, has been in the butchery trade since he was 12 and is excited by the opportunity at Tong Garden…
Enforcement against dog control and public urination could change. Do you agree?
The Council is looking at updating the way in which it can deter people behaving in anti-social ways including urinating in public or not controlling their dogs, and issue fines which are fair and timely. New proposals for powers to enforce these offences by police and council officers are being proposed. These Public Space Protection…
Bradford College officially opens STEM building after £6.9m refurb
Guests from education, construction, and regional employers joined staff and students for the official opening of Bradford College’s Garden Mills building. A multimillion-pound renovation project has transformed the derelict mill on Thornton Road into a flexible digital, science, and allied health training facility for higher-level students. The 1900s five-storey building opened after months of construction…
Bradford Grammar School to launch first Junior Committee for Action for Sport
Bradford Grammar School (BGS) is set to become the first school to establish a Junior Committee for Action for Sport, a Bradford-based charity that provides underprivileged children with sports clothing and footwear to encourage physical activity and participation in sport. Spearheading this initiative is BGS’s Head of Year 7, Emma Tomlinson, who was recently appointed…
A whole host of new names are joining the line-up at Trinity Leeds as the festive season gets in full swing
Popular boba tea brand CUPP has announced it will open a permanent store at the shopping centre on Friday, December 13th, with special launch offers including 100 free drinks for the first 100 customers, 50% off for the rest of the day, and 50% off for the whole weekend for those who scan the QR…
City of York Council invites residents to help shape the future of library services
City of York Council is calling on York residents, students and workers, other users and non-users, to participate in an early engagement exercise to help shape the future of the city’s library services. This exercise launches on 6 December 2024 and will remain open for nine weeks, closing on 7 February 2025. The Council has…
Consultation opens for York Minster Precinct Neighbourhood Forum redesignation- Have your say on the future of planning in the Minster Precinct area
City of York Council is inviting York residents, businesses, and stakeholders to share their views on the redesignation of the York Minster Precinct Neighbourhood Forum. This follows the Forum’s application to renew its designation, which was first granted in 2019 for a five-year term. The York Minster Precinct Neighbourhood Forum has played a pivotal role…
The Grammar School at Leeds named Eco-School of the Year
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) has been named one of five schools nationwide to receive the prestigious Eco-Schools School of the Year Award for 2024. This accolade celebrates GSAL’s outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability and its efforts to involve students and staff in creating a greener future. At the heart of GSAL’s success is…
West Yorkshire developments at the top of Santa’s list thanks to local housebuilder
The developer creating brand-new communities in West Yorkshire is taking steps to ensure their homes are on Santa’s list to visit this Christmas. Barratt and David Wilson Homes, which is building new developments in the county, have written to Mr Claus to make sure he stops by at the new homes this festive season. The…
Daniel Starkey appointed Associate Director at Leeds head office of property regeneration consultants AspinallVerdi
Independent nationwide property regeneration consultants AspinallVerdi continue to grow with the key appointment of Daniel Starkey as an associate director at the firm’s head office in Leeds serving public and private sector clients across Yorkshire and further afield.. Daniel joins the expanding consultancy following more than five years with planning, masterplanning and architecture consultants Spawforths…
A2Z floors back the Bulls in 2025
Bradford Bulls are proud to announce an exciting new partnership with A2Z Floors, who will join the club as one of our main sponsors for the 2025 season. As part of this landmark agreement, A2Z Floors branding will take centre stage on the front of the Bulls’ iconic home shirt. A2Z Floors, a leading provider…
Metalcraft Group back the Bulls in 2025
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the renewal of their partnership with Metalcraft Group, a long-standing supporter of the club. As part of this renewed agreement, the Metalcraft Group logo will continue to feature on the Bulls’ replica shirts for the 2025 season, alongside branding for their sub-brand, Varley’s Builders Merchant. The partnership reaffirms a strong and enduring…
Council presented with gold award for its support for armed forces’ members
The revalidated Gold Award has been presented yesterday (Tuesday 3 December) to City of York Council for the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme for its work to support past and serving members of the armed forces. This prestigious medal acknowledges the depth and breadth of the Council’s ongoing work since it signed the Armed…
Morgan Sindall appointed to phase two of Bradford’s Future Technologies Centre
Morgan Sindall Construction will continue its work with Bradford College following its appointment as contractor for the purpose-built Future Technologies Centre. Having previously undertaken phase one of the project, which saw the demolition of a derelict mill on Thornton Road in the city, Morgan Sindall will now undertake phase two. This phase will see…
The Grammar School at Leeds recognised as a leading inclusive employer for 2024
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is proud to announce its ranking at number 20 in the top 100 most inclusive UK workplaces for 2024, as published by the National Centre for Diversity. This marks another milestone for GSAL, which has retained its place in the prestigious top 100 list and continues to lead the…
Aon back the Bulls in 2025
Bradford Bulls is proud to unveil a new partnership with Aon, a global professional services firm, for the 2025 season. As part of this exciting collaboration, Aon’s branding will feature prominently on the playing shorts, marking the start of a dynamic relationship between the club and one of the world’s leading insurance brokers. Aon, known…
Stress-free tips for decorating a home at Christmas
A new survey* from Barratt and David Wilson Homes reveals that 46% of Brits feel stressed when putting up their Christmas decorations. With 66% admitting that fairy lights get them flustered and 19% flapping over colour schemes, Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West has teamed up with Bents Garden and Home – famed for…
Plans to improve air quality on York’s most polluted street
A trial that seeks to tackle congestion and improve air quality on Gillygate will be considered at a decision session this week (5 December). At the meeting, the Executive Member for Transport will review options and decide whether or not to carry out a trial in 2025 to understand how changing the traffic signal sequencing…
Enchanting Christmas trail brings festive cheer to Bradford city centre
This festive season, Bradford City Centre is transforming into a winter wonderland with a magical, family-friendly Christmas Trail! From 3rd December to 5th January, residents and visitors can enjoy festive-themed window displays and a unique nutcracker adventure – all for free! Ten large nutcrackers are positioned across various locations across the city centre. Adventurers of all…
BGS pupil supports dad’s epic 3,000-mile ocean row for charity
AS YORKSHIRE McDonald’s franchisee Matthew Pitchforth undertakes the remarkable fundraising challenge of rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean this December, his daughter Olivia, a Year 7 student at Bradford Grammar School, is determined to stay strong… but she can’t help counting down the days until her dad’s safe return. On December 7, Matthew, from…
Leeds College of Building students triumph at national SkillBuild competition
Leeds College of Building is celebrating after four students took podium positions at the national final of SkillBuild 2024 – the largest multi-trade skills competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices. Delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), SkillBuild showcases some of the brightest talent in construction. The prestigious competition brings together highly…
West Yorkshire garden centres host festive play sessions for charity
Tong and Tingley Garden Centres are to host festive-themed play sessions to raise money for their charity of the year. The Grass Hoppers team at both centres have launched ‘Not So Merry Christmas’ playtime parties as part of its fundraising campaign for Yorkshire Children’s Charity. The parties are at Tong Garden Centre at 4.30 pm…
Bosses urged not to end up with a tax hangover after staff Christmas parties
Expert warns that exceeding the £150 tax exempt limit could have costly ramifications Yorkshire businesses planning to treat their staff to a festive party this Christmas are being warned not to end up with a tax hangover. Tax specialist Richard Whitelock, Employment Tax Advisory Partner at UK top 10 accountancy and advisor firm Azets, says…