Specialist Yorkshire wholesale food and drink business becomes employee owned
North Yorkshire-based wholesale distributor Crofter’s Foods Ltd has become the latest company to transfer its entire shareholding to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). More than 10 staff have become part-owners of the artisan food and drink business. Founded in 2005 by Grahame and Jane Armitage, the specialist company works with small local suppliers to distribute…
New Fishermen’s Mission fundraiser in Yorkshire
The only charity dedicated to supporting the fishing community, the Fishermen’s Mission has a new Regional Fundraising Manager in Yorkshire. This is a newly created role for the county and it will be of vital assistance to our clients – active fishermen, former fishermen and their families. “The region has a strong history of fishing,…
We’ve got the power – could you be the face of Harrogate’s electrifying new buses?
The Harrogate Bus Company launches search for locals to get in the picture – on the back of a sparkling new electric bus Could you be the star on the back of a sparkling new electric bus in Harrogate? The spa town’s leading bus operator, The Harrogate Bus Company, is launching a quest to find…
Money launderers jailed for £1 million fraud after York-based investigation
Five money launderers who laundered the proceeds of bogus computer service companies that conned victims – many of whom were elderly and vulnerable – out of over £1 million have been sentenced to 9 and a half years imprisonment at Leeds Crown Court (3 June 2024). The sentences follow an investigation led by the National…
‘Tree of Pride’ set to return to White Rose this month
In celebration of Pride Month, White Rose Shopping Centre is once again hosting its ‘Tree of Pride’ on 8th and 9th June, inviting visitors to decorate the tree with their pledges to work toward a more inclusive and caring future. Following a successful debut in 2023, the community art piece will be touring the country gathering the…
Leeds Beckett experts leading new project to reduce carbon footprint of Leeds manufacturers
Business and computing experts at Leeds Beckett University are joining forces with Leeds-based Quality Bearings Online Ltd (QBOL) to reduce the company’s carbon footprint, by creating an innovative new business model for the net zero era. The project is a 30-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK. The academics and QBOL will create…
Latest acquisition boosts AAB Wealth Assets Under Advice to £800 Million
Award-winning chartered financial planning firm, AAB Wealth, has today announced the acquisition of Synergy Financial Planning, based in Bishopbriggs, Central Scotland. Having experienced year-on-year growth since the firm was established in 2011, following this latest acquisition, AAB Wealth will have assets under advice (AUA) in excess of £800 million. The combined team of 37 are…
Drax Foundation helps 148 UK schools save £1.6m in energy costs and reduce their CO2 emissions by 1,700 tonnes
The Drax Foundation, which is the corporate foundation of the renewable energy company Drax Group, launched a three-year programme in 2023 to donate £4.5m to projects that help schools and other community-led organisations to become more energy efficient. In the first year of operation, the programme has supported the energy education charity, Energy Sparks, and…
Ride with pride! Transdev’s colourful celebration of diversity takes to the road
‘Everyone’s welcome on our buses’ message seen by thousands at York Pride as specially designed double decker makes its debut Ride with Pride – the message is clear to all as Yorkshire-based bus operator Transdev’s newly-designed double decker takes to the streets of historic York. Bus number 2421 has now become Transdev’s standard bearer for…
West Yorkshire homebuilder’s gardens given wildlife-friendly accreditation
Leading developer David Wilson Homes has received accreditation from the RSPB for the wildlife-friendly gardens at its Centurion Meadows development in Burley in Wharfedale. As part of its corporate partnership, the housebuilder has created gardens in line with RSPB guidance, in a bid to create a welcoming space for wildlife and to inspire new homeowners…
West Yorkshire school’s launch event supported by local housebuilder
Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West were recently invited to Southroyd Primary School in Pudsey, where the team watched the children perform their Leeds Rhinos Dance Spectacular, to mark the launch of the school’s exciting new eco-friendly building project – ‘The Cabin’. Representatives of the housebuilder’s Commercial team visited Southroyd Primary School, located near…
MOU agreed to develop ‘bioship’ technology and plans to construct the world’s first biomass-fuelled ship
New bioship technology would use gas from biomass to propel ship MoU between Japanese and British companies contains plans to develop bioship by the end of the decade Technology could decarbonise shipping of biomass pellets to Japan, potentially reducing carbon emissions by 22% Leading Japanese companies, NYK Line (NYK), NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers (NBP),…
Authentic Vietnamese street food comes to the Merrion Centre
Pho 37 Set to bring the authentic tastes of Vietnam to Leeds The Merrion Centre has announced its newest addition which is set to join its ever expanding culinary scene with the upcoming opening of Pho 37, offering authentic Vietnamese street food. This exciting venture is due to open its doors to the public in…
Castle Employment named one of The Sunday Times best places to work
Yorkshire, UK – Castle Employment Group is thrilled to announce its inclusion in The Sunday Times prestigious list of the Top 100 Companies to work for. This accolade recognises the dedication and effort Castle Employment places in creating an exceptional workplace culture that adheres to rigorous standards of employee satisfaction and wellbeing. Every year, The…
Yorkshire Building Society colleagues clock up 6,500 hours for good causes
Colleagues at Yorkshire Building Society gave over 6,500 hours of their time to good causes in 2023 and the Society hopes that even more will get involved with community activities this year, the mutual has said ahead of Volunteers’ Week (3-9 June). Yorkshire Building Society allows each employee up to 31 hours of volunteering time…
RJJ Software wins prestigious Digital Transformation Award
RJJ Software, a leading software development firm, has won the prestigious 2024 Digital Transformation Award at this year’s UK Business Awards. The nomination recognized companies that have demonstrated exceptional innovation in their approach to digital transformation, leveraging emerging technologies or implementing creative solutions to drive digital change. As a company specializing in .NET, Python, and…
Leeds Beckett to host employer workshop for new degree apprenticeship aimed at bridging the digital skills gap
Leeds Business School invites employers to a free lunch and workshop event on 4th June to learn about our Digital Marketer Degree Apprenticeship. Designed to address the growing demand for digital expertise in the region, Leeds Business School will be offering the qualification from January 2025. To help employers in the region learn more about…
Council support for struggling households
Ahead of Government financial support ending in September 2024 for households battling the cost of living crisis, residents are urged to claim all they are eligible for and see where they can get discounts and lower their bills. The reduced Household Support Funding for York of £1,037,906 is available until 30 September, and will provide…
Ousewem unveils powerful video collaboration with The Artery to address environmental challenges
Ousewem, an innovative flood resilience project supporting vulnerable North Yorkshire communities, is proud to unveil an insightful video created in partnership with The Artery, a champion for creativity and collaboration in North Yorkshire’s rural and coastal communities. Founded on the principles of fostering creativity and empowering early-career creatives, The Artery has received funding from Innovate…
Council supports Pride month
City of York Council will be joining communities across the city to celebrate Pride Month, joining in the annual Pride parade on Saturday (1 June). Under a Pride banner, council staff will parade from York Minster through the city to the lively and varied celebration at the Knavesmire. There, council staff and partners will be…
Look Say Sing Play Stay and Play sessions prove a hit with parents
Over 2,200 parents, carers and young children have attended popular stay and play sessions delivered by Explore in partnership with City of York Council over the last three months. The weekly, hour-long sessions are for parents and carers with children aged 0-2 years, and are held at the libraries in Tang Hall, Acomb and York….
The Belfrey awards Simpson contract for its major building project
St Michael le Belfrey, a thriving Grade I listed church in York city centre, has awarded the Contract for Impact – its major repair and reordering project – to Simpson, a York based construction company with significant expertise in restoration and conservation. The rigorous tender exercise was overseen by cost consultants Morham & Brotchie and…
Bradford bike shop wins award for UK’s ‘Smallest and Greatest’ firms
Pennine Cycles has been crowned Britain’s best High Street Hero small business at The Small Awards A business from Bradford, which is an independent bicycle shop, was celebrated as best High Street Hero business at this year’s Small Awards. Pennine Cycles won the award which recognises and celebrates the nation’s standout independents that play a…
Celebrating 20 years in 2020 for Pennine Cycles
Bradford bike shop owners Paul and Sandra Corcoran are celebrating owning their business, Pennine Cycles, for 20 years this month. February is the 20th anniversary for the couple who bought the business after the previous owner and founder of Pennine Cycles, Johnny Mapplebeck retired and emigrated to Canada when he was 80 years old. Paul,…
Innovative flood resilience project introduces talking lampposts to Yorkshire
Ousewem, an innovative flood resilience project, is transforming community engagement efforts by enlisting the help of talking lampposts to raise awareness about natural flood management (NFM) in North Yorkshire. Led by City of York Council, in collaboration with North Yorkshire Council, Ousewem aims to identify and deliver nature-based solutions (NbS), including NFM, to reduce flood…
York Children’s Services’ worker receives national award
A City of York Council staff member working with children and young people in care has won a national award for her work. Annie Whitley, a Corporate Parenting and Co Production Advisor, was nominated at the national Frontline Awards, which Celebrate amazing social workers and young people with lived experience of social work. Frontline described Annie’s…
Road closures for planned resurfacing works
City of York Council will be carrying out resurfacing works on Bishopthorpe Road and Elvington Lane (B1228) requiring road closures this June. Works will start on Bishopthorpe Road on the evening of Friday 31 May and be complete by Wednesday 19 June, weather permitting. Bishopthorpe road will be closed to vehicle traffic: 6.30 pm on…
Navigating the complexities of VAT in a digital world
The e-commerce landscape has evolved significantly over recent years, revolutionising the retail sector by enabling businesses to reach global markets. However, the rise of digital services and online shopping, both B2B and B2C, has generated some complex tax implications, in particular relating to Value Added Tax (VAT). VAT—a consumption tax—is generally applied based on where goods and…
Council launches Buzz About York
City of York Council is launching the ‘Buzz About York’ campaign to promote biodiversity and help wildlife flourish across the city. We are trialling sustainable planting in flowerbeds with long-lasting, perennial plants that will provide a good source of nectar for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. This will: increase biodiversity; provide habitats for insects and…
York St John celebrates the city’s Festival of Ideas
York’s Festival of Ideas 2024 starts this weekend (Saturday 1 June). Featuring world-class speakers, exhibitions, theatre, music, films, guided walks, family-friendly activities, and much more, the York Festival of Ideas offers a huge range of stimulating and diverse events for all ages and interests – with most events free. Now in its 13th year,…
Behind the scenes of TPE’s new timetable as train operator increases services on some routes across the North of England and into Scotland
TransPennine Express (TPE) is showing how its timetable is created ahead of changes to some of its services in June, as well as encouraging customers to be prepared and check their journeys. The new timetable will be brought in from Sunday 2 June, along with the rest of the national rail network. The behind-the -scenes…
Castle Employment named one of the Sunday Times best places to work
Yorkshire, UK – Castle Employment Group is thrilled to announce its inclusion in The Sunday Times prestigious list of the Top 100 Companies to work for. This accolade recognises the dedication and effort Castle Employment places in creating an exceptional workplace culture that adheres to rigorous standards of employee satisfaction and wellbeing. Every year, The…
West Yorkshire plantsman fulfils a lifelong ambition to build an RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden
Such is a Halifax plant buyer’s commitment to conservation and gardening that he used annual leave to volunteer on the build of an award-winning garden at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Marc Salama took leave from his position as Commercial Plant Manager at Yorkshire Garden Centres to work on the Gold medal-winning Water Aid…
Twin sisters publish The Brand Power Manifesto to upskill female entrepreneurs
Chloe and Abigail Baldwin, are twin sisters, business partners, and now co-authors. They were shaped by their modest upbringing and sought out their own opportunities. With no prior business experience (but fuelled by sheer determination) they established Buttercrumble, an award-winning creative studio. Their inspiring but down-to-earth story is now immortalised in their debut book, The…
A fine line: top tips for a suitable work-life balance at home
North Yorkshire housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes has compiled a series of top tips to achieve a good work-life balance. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week (13th to 19th May), the leading homebuilders are stressing the importance of making sure work and home life are kept separate. This year’s theme is “Movement: Moving…
UK first – AA launches a trio of full-electric recovery vehicles
Up to 6000 kg payload and 170 mile range from one charge Major focus on piloting shift to low emissions vehicles in preparation for net zero Fully electric recovery trucks will be hitting the UK’s roads thanks to a pioneering launch from The AA. The move will see The AA become the first UK-based roadside…
Bradford’s largest housing provider opens new hubs in the community
Housing provider Incommunities has opened two of a planned five local community hubs, helping customers to access their services face-to-face. The hubs will mean that customers in Allerton, Bradford and Deighton, Huddersfield can speak to Incommunities staff without having to travel to Shipley or making a home appointment. The two new hubs are located at…
First flight to Dalaman in 13 years takes off from Teesside
A Turkish gem has returned to Teesside departure boards for the first time in 13 years – with a jet full of TUI holidaymakers setting off on Tuesday morning (28 May). The sold-out service to Dalaman was the first of a programme which will see flights to and from Teesside every Tuesday until 17 September….
Arts students bring colour, vision and vibrance to campus for end of year shows
York St John University Degree Show Exhibitions open their doors to the public From sculpture to photography, graphic design to animation: York St John University is proud to welcome friends, family and members of the public to the Art and Design Degree Show Exhibitions 2024. The Art Degree Show will feature sixty exhibiting artists across…
Yorkshire garden centres awarded membership of prestigious Garden Centre Association
Two members of a Bradford-based garden centre group have been accepted as members of the Garden Centre Association (GCA), joining an elite group of 200 garden centres nationwide. Tingley and Otley Garden Centres were awarded membership of the GCA, which champions professionalism in garden centre retailing, after passing a stringent audit that covered all elements…
YorHome announces home improvement grants and 12 months rent up-front for new landlords
City of York Council’s not-for-profit letting agency YorHome is offering new incentives for landlords signing with us. Besides offering probably the lowest management fees in the city, we’re now offering market-beating benefits of 12-month’s rent up front and funding for certain home improvements. Anyone with a residential property in or immediately around York who is…
Dome is where the Farke is: Trinity Leads play-off push
Shopping Centre’s Super-Sized Show of Support for Leeds United is the City’s Biggest. Football fever is reaching new heights as a 294-square-metre portrait of Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has been unveiled on the glass dome roof of Trinity Leeds shopping centre ahead of this Sunday’s Championship Play-Off Final. The supersized Farke portrait – which…
Major refurbishment to Glen Lodge’s original building starts
After adding 27 extra homes to Glen Lodge in 2018, work is starting to refurbish and make the 32 original apartments more energy-efficient, accessible and comfortable. This popular independent living community in Heworth was originally built in the 1970s and a £4 million investment in 2018 added 25 new apartments and two new bungalows to…
Carpentry students create bug hotel for RHS cancer-awareness garden
For the second consecutive year, students at Leeds College of Building are using their skills to help create a poignant RHS show garden. The Level 1 Diploma Carpentry & Joinery students have crafted two five-foot triangular wooden bug hotels. The structures will feature at the main entrance of a garden going on display at RHS Tatton Flower…
York scientist wins international award for his work to tackle unnecessary animal testing
Dr Owen Kavanagh from York St John University founding member of group honored by the Lush Prize 2024 “We believe it’s time to put an end to the bias in favour of animal-based methods in research as often non-animal methods are more suitable and ethical.” Dr Owen Kavanagh, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science at York…
Council elects new Lord Mayor and confirms new Executive Team
City of York Council has elected the new Lord Mayor of York, and approved its new leadership team at a full council meeting today (23rd May 2024) Councillor Claire Douglas remains as the Leader of the Council and has responsibility for Policy, Strategy and Partnerships. Councillor Pete Kilbane stays as Deputy Leader with executive portfolio…
Melissa Butler joins AWB Charlesworth Solicitors
Melissa Butler has joined AWB Charlesworth Solicitors as paralegal in the Wills, Trusts and Probate department. AWB Charlesworth’s work in this area is growing, and they now have a team of eleven, including five solicitors and a specialist probate and trusts accountant. In turn, the department works closely with other departments in the firm: Residential…
Transdev’s Yorkshire workshop wonders in UK skills challenge
Testing road ahead for bus firm’s mechanical, electrical and bodywork stars From experienced engineers to rising stars of the workshop – Yorkshire-based bus operator Transdev’s team of all the talents are to take on the ultimate test. The Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE) is celebrating Britain’s best in bus and coach engineering with its…