Member News Subjects

York Health Trainers create quick tips to stay healthy during this Men’s World Cup

York Health Trainers are encouraging residents to look after their health and wellbeing as the largest-ever FIFA Men’s World Cup kicks off this week. With 104 matches taking place across Mexico, Canada and the USA over the next five weeks, thousands of football fans will be tuning in – often late into the night –…

Published in - , , , ,

Review payroll processes amid tighter minimum wage scrutiny, bosses warned 

Employers across Yorkshire are being urged to review their payroll processes and employment practices urgently amid growing scrutiny over National Minimum Wage (NMW) compliance and the expanding enforcement powers of the Fair Work Agency (FWA). Accountancy and business advisory group Azets, which has offices in Leeds, Bradford and York, has warned that many businesses are…

Published in - ,

All aboard for York’s Festival of Ideas as City Cruises leads journey towards York’s river trails launch on River Ouse

One of York attraction staple City Cruises’ boats became home to a new experience last week, as residents, partners and contributors came together on the River Ouse to help shape the York rivers trail. The event, held as part of the York Festival of Ideas, invited participants onto a City Cruise for a curated journey through…

Published in - , , ,

York families urged to reapply for free school meals

Families whose children receive free school lunches are being urged to reapply for the meals this term, following changes to the national scheme. Everyone must reapply for their child or children before the start of the new school year in September. City of York Council has sent information and application forms to schools across the city to…

Published in - , , ,

Refreshment Systems celebrates winning success at The Vendies Awards

Bradford-based Refreshment Systems has won Collaboration of the Year at The Vendies Awards for its partnership with Oakhouse Foods, while also being highly commended for Best Vending Project for its Vendsmart technology. Refreshment Systems is celebrating a successful evening at this year’s Vendies Awards after winning Collaboration of the Year for its partnership with Oakhouse…

Published in - , , ,

Star names announced as Bradford Literature Festival returns with biggest programme yet

What do Green Party MP Hannah Spencer, official 2012 Olympic poet Lemn Sissay and Bake Off star Prue Leith have in common?  That’s right, they’re all taking part in this year’s star-studded Bradford Literature Festival, from July 3-12.  They will be joined by not one but two former Emmerdale actors Bradley Riches and Jessie Elland, poet Lemn Sissay, former first Minister of…

Published in - , , , , ,

New waiting room for York crematorium

Mourners and visitors to York Crematorium will have a second waiting room to use from this autumn. It will be more accessible and have toilet facilities. Visitors may see workers, their vehicles and equipment on the site at Bishopthorpe, as the building and other maintenance work takes place. No work will take place during services:…

Published in - ,

Bulls announce Taco Bell tie-up

Bradford Bulls are proud to announce an exciting new partnership with global food brand Taco Bell, coinciding with the opening of Taco Bell’s new flagship restaurant at Odsal. The new store, located by Odsal Roundabout, will officially open its doors on Thursday 11th June, – with four first team players in attendance from 4pm, marking…

Published in - , , ,

Blacks announces strong financial year as firm unveils refreshed brand

Blacks Solicitors LLP has today announced a record financial year alongside the launch of a refreshed brand identity, reflecting the firm’s continued growth and development. The 2025/2026 financial year was the strongest in Blacks’ history, with turnover exceeding £22.9 million for the first time. During the year, Blacks supported clients across the UK, including Morrisons,…

Published in - , ,

Bulls sign Sam Eseh Jr from 2027

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of towering front row forward Sam Eseh Jr on a three-year deal from 2027. The 22-year-old, who stands tall at 6ft 3in, made his Super League debut as an 19-year-old for Wakefield Trinity and has since featured 30 times in the top tier – with spells at Hull…

Published in - , ,

STRI Group plays key role in FIFA World Cup 2026™ with Elite Pitch Alliance partnership

STRI Group is playing a central role in the delivery of world-class playing surfaces for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as part of the Elite Pitch Alliance (EPA), a specialist consortium formed to design, construct and manage tournament-ready pitches across North America. The Elite Pitch Alliance (EPA) brings together industry-leading expertise from STRI Group, DA…

Published in - , , , ,

A luxury arrival to land at White Rose: Hotel Chocolat is coming soon

Chocolate fans in Leeds are in for a cocoa-powered upgrade. The new space in White Rose Shopping Centre will combine a luxury retail store with a dedicated Velvetiser Café, allowing guests to explore cacao in all its forms. The Velvetiser Café will serve bespoke bakes and cakes inspired by Hotel Chocolat’s most-loved chocolates, designed to pair…

Published in - , , ,

Teachers, educators, parents and policymakers invited to online showcase of education research 

From preparing school students for the workplace to new ways to boost engagement and attendance for neurodivergent pupils   York St John University’s Institute for Social Justice is pleased to invite anyone with an interest in school education to a unique showcase of Innovations in Education Policy.   Taking place online on Monday 29 June, this specialist session will…

Published in - ,

Record success for LCB at UK’s largest construction skills competition

Leeds College of Building (LCB) students delivered one of the college’s strongest-ever performances at the regional heats of SkillBuild 2026, the UK’s largest construction skills competition for trainees and apprentices. Delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), SkillBuild is a series of regional competitions held across the UK for 12 trade specialisms, testing technical skills,…

Published in - , , , ,

Castle to host free Employer Update for Yorkshire businesses ahead of Employment Rights Act changes

Yorkshire businesses are being encouraged to prepare early for major employment law changes that could affect how they recruit, manage and retain staff from 2026 onwards. Castle HR & Training Solutions and Castle Employment Solutions are hosting a free face-to-face Employer Update on 25 June to help employers understand the upcoming Employment Rights Act changes…

Published in - , , , ,

York rivers trail gathers momentum as community helps shape new experience on the River Ouse

A new riverside experience for York took a significant step forward last week, as residents, partners and contributors came together on the River Ouse to help shape the York rivers trail. The event, held as part of the York Festival of Ideas, invited participants onto the water for a curated journey through the city. From…

Published in - , , , , , , ,

When clients buy your judgement, pressure follows you home

In professional services, pressure is rarely just about hours. It is about the weight of judgement. Clients are not just paying for output, they are paying for discernment, clarity, accuracy, strategic thinking and the ability to remain steady when the stakes are high. That creates a very particular kind of strain for partners, directors and…

Published in - ,

We want your views to shape accessible and inclusive play areas in York

We are inviting people across York to help shape the future of the city’s play areas, as part of our major investment in parks and green spaces. We have launched the Accessible and Inclusive Play Areas Survey 2026 to gather views from disabled children and young people and their parents and carers, so we can…

Published in - , , , ,

Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards celebrate Yorkshire’s next generation of manufacturing talent

The Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards returned this week, with a rollcall of some of the brightest talent in West Yorkshire’s manufacturing and engineering industry. Apprentices, graduates, rising stars and mentors, as well as employers and manufacturing leaders, were all recognised for their contribution to the sector. Held at Leeds Beckett University on 4 June, as…

Published in - , , , , ,

A value-added boost for Yorkshire charities

A long-standing tax levied on businesses donating to charities has now been removed, a major accountancy and advisory firm in Yorkshire has said. Azets, with offices in Leeds, Bradford and York, wants to remind businesses that they can now give goods to registered charities without paying VAT. The news comes at a time of falling…

Published in - , , , ,

Three new partners appointed at Wilkin Chapman Rollits

Law firm Wilkin Chapman Rollits has further strengthened its senior team with the appointment of three new partners, including one in its York office. Experienced commercial litigator Dean Hill has joined the Lincolnshire and Yorkshire firm as  a partner in the dispute resolution team, based in York. Dean joins as a lateral hire from Ramsdens…

Published in - , ,

Savills appointed to sell Crab Manor Hotel in Thirsk, North Yorkshire

International real estate advisor Savills has been appointed by a private individual to sell the long leasehold of the Crab Manor Hotel and Crab and Lobster Restaurant in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, for offers over £4 million. The boutique hotel provides 20 individually designed  en-suite rooms within the 18th century Georgian manor house. The rooms are inspired…

Published in - , ,

Bradford 2nd in UK for optometry amid strong national gains

The University of Bradford has strengthened its position in the latest Complete University Guide 2027 rankings, rising nine places overall as its optometry provision cements its place among the very best in the UK.  Ranked second in the country for Optometry, Ophthalmics & Orthoptics, and first in Yorkshire and the Humber, Bradford continues to build on a reputation as a national leader…

Published in - ,

Wyedean’s medal ribbon production hits record high

Internationally renowned manufacturer of braid and military uniform accoutrement, Wyedean Weaving, has reported doubling its medal ribbon orders since 2024. The fourth-generation family business has seen its medal making partnerships rocket as uniformed services, medal mounters, dealers and retailers around the world seek out the company’s British manufacturing expertise in medal ribbon manufacture. After securing…

Published in - , , , , ,

England v Germany veterans game marks 1966 World Cup anniversary with powerful message about later life fitness

Documentary follows England’s Veteran Over 75s as they overcome strokes, cancer and bypass surgery to be fit for historic rematch with Germany this July. England’s Veteran Over 75s football team have announced they will mark the 60th anniversary of England’s victory over Germany with a commemorative match against their European rivals. The game was the…

Published in - , , , ,

Do school uniforms contribute to bullying and sexism?

Is it time to get rid of school uniforms? As schools face rising temperatures and the pressures of the summer term, rigid school uniform policies are being challenged for contributing to bullying, inequality and poor mental health among pupils.  Dr Elizabeth Nassem, Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Bradford and a leading researcher on…

Published in - , ,

Yorkshire Building Society appoints new Non-Executive Directors

Yorkshire Building Society today announces the appointment of two new Independent Non-Executive Directors. Barry O’Dwyer and Philippa Brown join the Board from 2 June, bringing extensive experience across financial services, customer-focused businesses and digital transformation. Barry has almost 40 years’ experience in financial services, particularly insurance and pensions. He is currently Group Chief Executive of…

Published in - , , ,

Bulls launch Send Space

Bradford Bulls are proud to announce the launch of a dedicated Matchday SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Support Space at home fixtures, delivered in partnership with Our Space. The initiative reinforces the club’s commitment to ensuring that matchdays at the Bulls are welcoming, accessible and enjoyable for all families. The new provision offers a calm, inclusive…

Published in - ,

Chadwick Lawrence strengthens regulatory team with senior solicitor appointment in Darlington

Northern law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has appointed highly regarded Teesside solicitor Simon Catterall to strengthen its specialist regulatory law team, bolstering the firm’s presence in the North East. Catterall joins the firm’s expanding regulatory department, bringing decades of experience representing businesses and individuals facing prosecution or investigation by public authorities across Northern England. He…

Published in - , , ,

Chippy on the house: North Yorkshire housebuilder prepares to celebrate National Fish and Chip Day

In line with National Fish and Chip Day (5th June), Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ Abbey View and Chaloners Green developments in Whitby are preparing to celebrate in true seaside style. Barratt and David Wilson Homes are inviting prospective buyers in North Yorkshire, or those considering a move to Whitby, to visit its Abbey View and Chaloners Green developments. To mark National Fish and…

Published in - , ,

James Sweeting shares lessons from 30 years in business at Humber Business Week

Andrew Jackson Solicitors hosts more than 120 delegates for flagship event James Sweeting, co-founder of Pipers Crisps, Lincoln & York, and Sumo UK, was keynote speaker at a flagship event hosted by Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP this morning, marking the start of Humber Business Week. More than 120 business leaders and professionals from across the…

Published in - , ,

University of Bradford expands China offering

The University of Bradford has strengthened its international footprint after securing approval to deliver two new academic programmes in China.  The Chinese Ministry of Education has formally approved a postgraduate engineering management programme with China University of Petroleum-East China (UPC), alongside an undergraduate business and management programme at the Sino-British College in Shanghai.  Both programmes will launch in September and…

Published in - , , , ,

A wave of new Summer street food arrives at Trinity Kitchen

Step into summer with fresh flavours and sunshine-ready bites at Trinity Kitchen as a sizzling selection of new vendors arrive. From authentic Sri Lankan dishes to classic crispy fried chicken burgers, the latest line-up is set to serve up something for every foodie this summer. Guests can soak up global flavours from the likes of Ayubowan, Rico,…

Published in - , , ,

Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards attract record entries as sector offers opportunities amid rising youth unemployment

A record number of entries have been received for this year’s Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards, as manufacturers across the region continue to invest in young talent at a time when employers in other sectors warn entry-level roles for young people are disappearing. The awards, which take place this week, attracted 45 nominations from 19 companies,…

Published in - , , , , ,

York leads the way as air quality targets met for second year running

As Clean Air Day (Thursday 18 June) approaches, City of York Council has confirmed that the city has met national air pollution targets for the second consecutive year. New monitoring data for 2025, presented at the Combined Executive Member Decision Session on 2 June 2026, shows that the significantly lower nitrogen dioxide levels recorded in 2024…

Published in - , , , , , ,

Skopes and Astonish show support for St Gemma’s Winter Ball

Skopes and Astonish have joined as partners for the St Gemma’s Winter Ball this November. Their backing will help bring to life one of the hospice’s flagship fundraising events and raise vital funds for end-of-life care across the city. Skopes, the Leeds menswear brand, is supporting the hospice event for the fourth year. The circus-themed…

Published in - , ,

Yorkshire Recruitment and HR Group Recognised in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026

Independent recruitment and HR business Castle Employment Group has been named in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 rankings. The annual nationwide survey, published in partnership with employee experience platform WorkL, recognises organisations with outstanding levels of employee engagement, workplace culture and employee experience. The recognition places the Scarborough-based business alongside nationally recognised…

Published in - , , ,

Get ready to be bowled over as Lane7 announces date for Trinity Leeds launch

Lane7, the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand, will open its doors at Trinity Leeds on Tuesday 2nd June. Located on Albion Street, the impressive 23,000 sq ft venue will introduce a bold new entertainment playground to the city centre, bringing together Lane7’s signature mix of high-energy games, premium design and social experiences. Guests can make…

Published in - , , ,

The Fragrance Shop is set to arrive at Trinity Leeds

Trinity Leeds is set to welcome leading fragrance retailer The Fragrance Shop, which will soon open a flagship store at the centre. Launching in the former LEGO Store, fragrance lovers can find their perfect scent match from a huge range of luxury, niche, designer, and everyday brands, alongside gift sets and expert advice. Kam Birk,…

Published in - , ,

Further Education College of the Year

Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College is delighted to announce that it has been awarded Further Education College of the Year 2026 at the prestigious Educate North Awards 2026. The award recognises the College’s exceptional educational outcomes, transformational impact, and unwavering commitment to supporting students from highly disadvantaged and diverse communities. In their citation, the…

Published in - , , , , , ,

Bulls form Strike-ing partnership

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce a new partnership with Strike Padel. Based in Beckside Business Park, BD7, Strike Padel is one of the region’s emerging destinations for padel—a fast-growing racket sport that blends elements of tennis and squash. As part of the collaboration, Strike Padel will sponsor Haggerty’s weekly preview segment, where he will…

Published in - , , ,

Stella Maris Leadership Gold Awards 2026

On Wednesday, we hosted the Stella Maris Leadership Gold Awards. This year, an impressive 76 students achieved their Gold, a record-breaking number since the award was established in 2019. To earn their Gold, students must have earnt their Bronze and Silver award, achieved virtue commendations from all four categories; Civic, Moral, Performance and Intellectual; had…

Published in - , , ,

Caleb Aekins pens new deal

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce Caleb Aekins has signed a new one-year deal keeping him at the club until at least the end of the 2027 season. The 28-year-old has made an instant impression since joining the Bulls for our return to Super League, scoring two tries and notching six assists – having featured…

Published in - , ,

City of York Council proud to support LGBTQIA+ communities

City of York Council will once again show its support for LGBTQIA+ communities by taking part in York Pride, celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion across the city. Council teams will have a strong and visible presence at York Pride, taking place on Saturday 30 May, where thousands of residents and visitors are expected to come…

Published in - , , , ,

AOC Nationals 2026

Last weekend, Team ND attended the Association of Colleges (AOC) National Championships in Nottingham. The weekend brings together the top sporting students from colleges around the country, each representing their county with the aim of winning the Wilkinson Sword. We brought representatives for Yorkshire in volleyball, badminton, table tennis, tennis, and endurance running. The weekend…

Published in - , , ,

Introducing Gresham Office Furniture

Since 1976, we’ve been at the forefront of British workspace furniture manufacturing. For nearly 50 years, we’ve combined expert craftsmanship, innovative design, and precision engineering to create premium furniture solutions made right here in the UK. With thousands of products and decades of industry expertise, we help bring modern workspaces to life. From personalised design…

Published in - , , ,

Play installation by Yorkshire artist opens at Castle Howard

An interactive art installation designed to encourage people of all ages to play has opened at Castle Howard, Yorkshire’s most famous stately home. Open to the public from today, Playshapes: Castle Constructors is a large-scale, hands-on installation made from five one-metre coloured cubes that can be broken down into steps, triangles, polygons, cylinders and prisms….

Published in - , , , ,

Bulls form SEEEN partnership

Bradford Bulls are pleased to announce a multi-year partnership with SEEEN. The collaboration will deliver a first-of-its-kind digital fan experience in rugby league, using SEEEN’s interactive technology to showcase and celebrate the club’s rich history. Central to the partnership is the launch of an immersive digital hub featuring the Bradford Bulls’ “Top 100 Moments.” Fans…

Published in - , ,