Member News Subjects

Burns unit visit part of 56for56 appeal

Firefighters from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) visited the University of Bradford-based Burns Unit after crews launched a £56,000 fundraising appeal to mark the 40th anniversary of the Bradford City fire.  Proceeds raised for the 56for56 appeal, organised by the firefighters based at Bradford Fire Station, will go towards the Plastic Surgery and…

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Property regeneration and development consultancy AspinallVerdi almost doubles the size of head office in Leeds by relocating to 31 The Calls

Independent property regeneration and development consultancy AspinallVerdi has relocated to almost double the size of its head office in Leeds following growth in staff numbers and rising demand for its services from an increasing number of clients. The market-leading consultancy has moved from its 975 sq ft location at Studio 7 46 The Calls in…

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Fake doctor who prescribed shampoo inspires play

The story of a man who falsely posed as a doctor for 30 years is the inspiration behind a new play produced by Theatre in the Mill, an arts organisation based on the University of Bradford campus. Muhammed Saeed treated thousands of patients from the practice he ran in Darfield Street, Manningham, Bradford, but he…

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Start a new career in child and family social work

The Step Up To Social Work programme at City of York Council opens for recruitment today [17 February] until 25 March, enabling aspiring social workers to apply for a place on the intensive but highly rewarding training programme. Step Up To Social Work is a 14-month, full-time training programme for talented graduates and career changers to become…

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Housing staff to support tenants experiencing domestic abuse

To help support Council tenants who are experiencing domestic abuse, City of York Council’s housing staff will be trained and supported to spot the signs and support victims and survivors. As part of the Council’s wider work to tackle or prevent domestic abuse, a new policy was agreed on 5 February which commits the Council…

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Concrete technician nominated in national emerging talent award

A Bradford concrete technician has been shortlisted in a national industry awards scheme after making a positive contribution to the sector. Oscrete employee, Keiron Todd (25), made the top 10 national nominations for the concrete industry’s Emerging Talent Awards which recognise and reward the achievements and efforts of those in the early stage of their…

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Bradford City AFC crowned Apprenticeship Games 2025 champions

Bradford City AFC has been crowned winner of the third annual Bradford College Apprenticeship Games, marking National Apprenticeship Week (10th – 16th February). In partnership with CBRE, the action-packed event brings together teams of apprentices and their employers for a day of fun, themed challenges. Each squad competes for the coveted Apprenticeship Games title, while also celebrating the positive…

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Community projects to benefit from University-backed fund

Community projects will benefit from a £800,000 fund, part of a project which includes the University of Bradford. The Communities Innovating Yorkshire Fund (CIYF) has launched as part of the Yorkshire and Humber Policy Innovation Partnership (YPIP). Under CIYF, chosen community organisation projects from across Yorkshire and Humber will receive individual awards of up to…

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York furniture charity gets a boost through council-funded scheme

Through a partnership between City of York Council and York Centre for Voluntary Services (CVS), charities working to support residents across the city can access expert support to tackle challenges and maximise their social impact. One of the charities that has benefited from the project is York Community Furniture Stores (CFS), which has tackled furniture and digital poverty across…

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Further progress on York Station Gateway project

Upcoming works on the Station Gateway project have been confirmed as the project progresses. In recent weeks paving has been laid and footpath and kerb improvements are happening near to the Blossom Street Junction. This is creating new high quality public realm in the area where Queen Street Bridge used to be. Contractors John Sisk…

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York celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

City of York Council is celebrating the value, benefits and opportunities apprenticeships bring to individuals and businesses during National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) this week [10-16 February]. NAW will highlight how apprenticeships are an excellent option to consider for young people wishing to start a career, for employees looking to progress in their current role or…

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Creative adventures await this half term at White Rose

White Rose Shopping Centre is inviting young artists to join free craft sessions this half term, from Monday 17th until Friday 21st February. Fun for the whole family, the sessions will be held from 11am – 4pm each day in White Rose’s Central Atrium, near the escalators leading to The Balcony and The Village. Guests…

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Leeds Beckett and ARC creating ‘digital golden thread’ for building safety

Digital construction experts at Leeds Beckett University (LBU) are teaming up with Leeds-based ARC Building Solutions to create an innovative new ‘digital golden thread’ to proactively address key recommendations for the construction sector – following the Grenfell tragedy – to ensure that fire prevention products are correctly installed by sub-contractors and developers on building sites….

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School pupils on campus for star-studded BBC festival

Stars from social media, television and radio were among the guests inspiring youngsters at an event held at the University of Bradford. The BBC Young Reporter Festival saw students aged 16 to 18 from schools across the Bradford district find out more about a potential career in the media.  They were given the chance to…

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Opportunity to beat stamp duty increase in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes is advising buyers looking to move home in 2025 to consider doing it now to avoid the rise of Stamp Duty fees from April. Currently, home buyers don’t have to pay the land tax on properties up to the value of £250,000. However, Stamp Duty will be…

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‘AI lifeguard’ start-up wins international award

Deep Blue uses an artificial intelligence algorithm to track dozens of swimmers using existing camera networks and is already being trialled on beach and swimming pool environments in Dubai.  Karl, 44, who is now into his second year of the Executive MBA, won the prestigious Start-Up of the Year Award 2025 in the AMBA &…

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University’s community researchers programme will leave City of Culture legacy

A collaboration between the University of Bradford, University of Southampton and Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture to train ‘community researchers’ as part of Bradford 2025’s legacy has been hailed a success.  The Community Researcher Training Programme, led by Gail Smith, Evaluation Manager for City of Culture, and Professor Karina Croucher, Academic Lead for Bradford…

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Phenomenal figures released for York’s Park and Ride

Figures released today show that 2024 was the busiest year for York’s Park and Ride since 2017, with the total number of journeys exceeding 4.5 million, almost one million higher than in 2023. December saw the most trips for a decade, recording nearly 500,000 journeys, a 3.5 per cent increase on the previous highest monthly…

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EY Foundation Work Experience Focus Group

Join EY Foundation’s Work Experience Focus Group for Local Businesses & Employers in the Bradford District Interested in sharing your views on the benefits or barriers to offering work experience in your organisation, and hearing perspectives from other local businesses? Join the EY Foundation’s Work Experience Focus Group for Local Businesses & Employers on Friday…

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PIB Insurance Brokers expands Leeds presence with appointment of James Tosh as Branch Director

PIB Insurance Brokers is making a significant investment in Leeds with the appointment of James Tosh as its new Branch Director. James joins from Aon and brings extensive industry expertise to drive growth in the region. His appointment marks a key milestone in PIB’s strategy to expand its regional footprint, strengthen client relationships, and build…

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£5,000 of illegal vapes and tobacco sniffed out and seized

Council and police officers visited a business in Clifton, York last week, where nearly £5,000 of noncompliant vapes and illicit tobacco was found and seized. The illegal items found and taken have an estimated retail value of £4,941.25: 177 noncompliant vapes with a retail value of £2,124 2,250 counterfeit and illicit cigarettes valued at £731…

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Expedition Yorkshire is seeking a business partner

Expedition Yorkshire Ltd is a tour company like no other. We pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled luxury tours: • The best vehicles for touring • Charismatic, expert driver-guides • Perfectly curated routes through Britain’s most remote and stunning scenery • Always private tours—never grouped • Incredible reviews from delighted customers We specialise in luxury private…

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Rob Hubbard to host “Cost Matters – Redefining Excellence in Quantity Surveying” conference 2025

Rob Hubbard, Principal Consultant and Owner of Cantidad Limited, is pleased to present their inaugural conference, “Cost Matters: Redefining Excellence in Quantity Surveying.” The conference will take place on Wednesday, 18 June 2024, from 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM at The Mill, Tootal Street, Tileyard, Wakefield (WF1 5FT). This one-day event is designed for commercial…

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Yorkshire Building Society appoints Chief Commercial Officer

Yorkshire Building Society has appointed a new Chief Commercial Officer. Simon Watson will join the mutual on 1 May from NatWest Group, where he has worked since 2011. Currently in the role of Managing Director of Affluent Banking & Investing, he has held a number of senior leadership positions spanning personal and private banking, digital…

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Bulls welcome new partner on board

Bradford Bulls announces that First Bus has become an official partner help grow grassroots interest in rugby league and support greener goals of the club. To celebrate the agreement, members of its Bradford Bulls Foundation showed off new kit for the upcoming season which features the First Bus logo, together with mascot Bullboy, club management…

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AAB announces the appointment of Sarah Hex as Business Development Partner in Leeds

Leading UK and Ireland professional services firm, AAB, has announced the appointment of Leeds-based Sarah Hex as Business Development Partner. Sarah brings over 20 years of experience in professional, financial and investment services. An accomplished business development and client services leader, she will lead strategic business development for AAB across the North of England. An…

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Survivor voices Valentine’s Day domestic abuse campaign

Content warning/ reporting aid: This press release contains information that you may find distressing including repeated reference to Domestic Abuse. Please be mindful of your own wellbeing and of others, when reporting on this. If you need any advice, or if it helps to talk to the Public Health team, to aid you in reporting on this story,…

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10 years of rewarding food industry excellence at Verner Wheelock

Food industry training expert Verner Wheelock has just announced the winners of its annual Excellence Awards. The business, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, is the training company of choice for numerous well-known food manufacturers and has trained thousands of delegates over the years. The Verner Wheelock Excellence Awards, launched 10 years ago, recognise outstanding…

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Bank of England monetary policy expert to deliver lecture at Leeds Beckett University

Leeds Beckett University is delighted to welcome Dr. Catherine L. Mann, External Member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), to deliver the highly anticipated Economic Prospects Lecture on 11 February. Attendees will gain insights into the Bank’s latest Monetary Policy Report, to be released on 6 February. Catherine will address how the…

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Countdown presenter Susie Dent to appear at York Literature Festival 2025   

The York Literature Festival returns in March for a full month’s celebration of the written and spoken word.   Starting on Thursday 6 March, York St John University is proud to continue as the festival’s main sponsor, supporting its mission to promote local writers, groups and performers, as well as providing the community with an…

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Luxury jewellery specialist Berry’s Jewellers have made Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) their charity of the year for 2025

The family-owned company has stores in Leeds, York, Windsor, Nottingham and Newcastle, and staff are set to take on fundraising initiatives throughout the year for CHSF. CHSF works to empower patients of all ages in their journey with congenital heart disease (CHD)  – as babies, children, teenagers and throughout adulthood, and provides a holistic family…

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Merrion Centre partners with ghd and Children’s Heart Surgery Fund for life-saving fundraiser

The Merrion Centre in the heart of Leeds’ Arena quarter has partnered with iconic hair styling brand ghd and the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) to raise vital funds to save young lives.   The charity initiative is part of #HeartMonth and will see visitors to the shopping centre enjoy professional hairstyling for a minimum donation…

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Notre Dame alumnus shares Rolls Royce insights

On Friday 24th January Elijah Gatewood-Skeete returned to Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College to discuss his degree apprenticeship at Rolls Royce. Elijah left Notre Dame in 2023 and began at Rolls Royce in September 2024, on their highly competitive degree apprenticeship programme, where is one of just four other people. On Elijah’s apprenticeship, he…

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Applications open for grants and academic support for charities and community groups in Yorkshire

Yorkshire’s charities and social enterprises offered £10,000 grants and unique academic support package to boost their community work The successful Community Research Grants programme is open for 2025 applications  York St John University’s Institute for Social Justice (ISJ) is delighted to announce the launch of its 2025 Community Research Grants (CRG) programme. Now into its…

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Essential work to improve Lendal starts 3 February

Two urgent improvement works are due to begin on Lendal. To ensure the safety of public and workers on site, Lendal will have daily and temporary closures to vehicles as follows: Northern Gas will carry out essential work to the roadway on weekdays from Monday 3 February until Friday 14 February. The road will be open for…

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Bulls take flight with new partnership

Bradford Bulls are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Leeds Bradford Airport, marking a collaboration that will see the airport’s branding feature prominently on the back of the club’s Academy and Scholarship kits for the 2025 season. As part of this dynamic partnership, the Bradford Bulls will also benefit from enhanced visibility through…

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Bradford BID partners with West Yorkshire Police for ‘Report It Campaign’

Bradford Business Improvement District (BID) is proud to announce a new partnership with West Yorkshire Police to launch the ‘Report It Campaign.’ This collaborative initiative aims to encourage businesses and members of the public to report all non-emergency incidents, such as anti-social behaviour and shop theft, by contacting 101 or using the online reporting platform….

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Neighbours’ stand against drug-related activity helps Council evict a nuisance tenant

Following a ruling by a District Judge yesterday, a Council tenant has been evicted as his drink and drug-related activities and anti-social behaviour caused misery for his neighbours. The Council was granted a possession order by York County Court to end the tenancy of Dawon Belleh, aged 42 of 8 Oldman Court, Foxwood. Mr Belleh…

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Bulls take 39 steps forward

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the renewal of their longstanding partnership with 39 Steps Consulting. A valued sponsor and supporter of the club, 39 Steps Consulting continues to play a key role in backing the Bulls as the team prepares for an exciting 2025 season. 39 Steps Consulting, a trusted name in business consulting/development,…

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Court charges tenant £7,964 for failed disrepair complaint

Council tenants are being reminded to report repairs to their landlord as ‘no win, no fee’ legal firms target York tenants and a County Court judge orders an unsuccessful disrepair claimant to pay £7,964.75 in legal costs this month. The Council’s reminder follows a campaign advising its tenants to tell City of York Council about…

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How boxing can embrace AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) can play a transformative role in sports such as boxing, according to a University of Bradford academic.  Dr Kamran Mahroof, Programme leader for MSc Applied AI and Data Analytics, and his PhD student, Saima Sammad, make the case for boxing’s potential use of AI. They propose that the use of AI in…

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York Learning rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted

York Learning – City of York Council’s Adult Learning provider – has been rated ‘good’ in a recent inspection by Ofsted. York Learning offers courses and programmes to help residents of all ages learn, explore and achieve and can play a key role in helping people to get into work or expanding their skills while in…

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Bradford College student to receive £150,000 business funding

A Bradford College student has been making waves in the business world with Microsoft pledging £150,000 funding towards digital infrastructure for his start-up. Abdul Rahman Majid’s innovative idea, ‘Kallabot’, was initially formed when he moved to Bradford and experienced difficulties trying to communicate with utility companies regarding bill payments. Kallabot is described as an ‘AI-powered call-centre solution’ which offers automated…

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‘We rowed the Atlantic’ – Par-oar-medics celebrate completing challenge

A trio of University of Bradford graduates are celebrating after completing an epic fundraising challenge. Ken Bordt, Tom Dowdy and Ethan Chapman – known as the Par-oar-medics – reached Antigua – the destination of their 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic. It took them 48 days, four hours and 17 minutes to complete the Talisker Whisky…

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Award-winning School of Management still tops the list

The University of Bradford’s award-winning School of Management, one of the top business schools in the world and one of only a handful to hold ‘triple accreditation’ from EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA, has been praised for equipping students with job-ready skills.  It is one of the oldest business schools in the country and remains one…

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Leeds Beckett University and Exemplas launch new blueprint for business productivity

Experts at Leeds Beckett University, with leading business support provider Exemplas, have designed a series of new approaches to boosting the productivity and growth of West Yorkshire SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), through a partnership delivery of business support and academic research. The team have worked together since 2022, delivering  grassroots SME business support programmes…

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Preparing for an EV world: Top tips for a smooth transition

Nick Butler, director, Drivetech, shares some best practice tips to help fleets get their drivers EV ready. The AA’s iconic yellow van fleet has seen countless improvements over the decades – improvements still very much underway. In December, The AA welcomed 15 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and 15 PHEV Ford Transit Customs into our roadside…

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Andrew Jackson advises on sale of reliance motor services to Transdev UK

Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces that it has advised the owners of Reliance Motor Services Ltd (“Reliance”), one of Yorkshire’s longest-established bus operators, on their sale to Transdev plc (“Transdev”). Under the terms of the deal, Transdev’s subsidiary, Yorkshire Coastliner, has acquired 11 buses from family-owned Reliance, which has operated from its…

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