Member News Subjects

Remember lost loved ones at park lantern parade

People are encouraged to contribute to a commemorative lantern parade held in a park. The Festival of the Dead parade, organised by the University of Bradford in collaboration with Cecil Green Arts, Bradford Death Cafe and Kynd, will be at Northcliffe Park, Shipley, on Sunday 16 November from 17:00 to 19:30.   A series of…

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£1m AV transformation at University of Bradford in running for second award

A £1m overhaul of audio-visual infrastructure at the University of Bradford is in the running for its second prestigious industry award, recognising its impact on student experience, sustainability and hybrid learning.  Delivered by Roche AV Pro, the ambitious upgrade tackled years of underinvestment across the campus estate, replacing outdated systems with cutting-edge technology.  The project…

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Bradford helps shape the future of 6G

The University of Bradford is playing a key role in shaping the future of mobile technology, as part of a major European research initiative exploring how 6G networks will transform society.  The University recently hosted the 6th plenary meeting of the EU-funded 6G-PATH project, which brings together 28 partners from 13 countries to design and…

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Don’t leave National Insurance money on the table, Azets warns

Larger businesses across Yorkshire could be missing out on thousands of pounds annually by not claiming their national insurance (NI) allowances, a senior payroll professional has warned. Julie Gunnell, associate director of payroll growth at UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory Azets, working from the York office, said firms could be missing out on…

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Grab five muddy minutes for health boost

A University of Bradford academic is calling on people to embrace nature and spend five minutes in the mud, revealing our gut microbes – affectionately dubbed ‘belly bugs’ – thrive when we do. Dr Elizabeth Kiilu, Assistant Professor of Public Health at the University, said: “Your belly is full of friendly microbes – and they’re…

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York community shapes new rivers trail at soft launch walk

As part of York Walking Festival and York Environment Festival, York residents joined a creative riverside walk to help shape the new York rivers trail.  The trail, co-designed with schools, stakeholders and local communities, will blend art, science and local voices to tell the city’s flood and climate story when it plans to launch in…

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Kiril Mischeff Group acquires East Yorkshire Based Primepak Foods Ltd

Leading food and beverage supplier Kiril Mischeff has completed its latest acquisition, adding food manufacturer and processor Primepak Foods to its expanding group. The Nottinghamshire-based, privately-owned business was once again advised on the 100% share acquisition by leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney. Kiril Mischeff, established in 1935, is one of Europe’s leading food and…

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Record breaking freshers footfall at The Merrion Centre

Freshers’ 2025 delivers biggest week of student visitors to date The Merrion Centre has once again cemented its position as the heart of Leeds student life, welcoming record-breaking numbers of visitors during this year’s Freshers’ period.  The start of the new term saw more than 416,000 visitors at the Merrion Centre, with Freshers’ Week delivering…

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White Rose Shines a Spotlight on Local Heroes

White Rose Shopping Centre has celebrated some of Leeds’ most inspiring individuals and organisations at its annual Community Awards, which recognise grassroot leaders, dedicated volunteers, and life-saving specialists who make a real difference. This year’s Community Awards honours the incredible local people working hard to benefit their community, with just a few of the 2025…

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Bloomin’ marvellous: Campus strikes gold with award

An edible campus, beehives and wooded areas helped clinch gold for the University of Bradford at this year’s Yorkshire in Bloom.  The gardening team secured the prestigious prize in Yorkshire in Bloom 2025’s Universities, Colleges and Further Education (FE) Establishments category, moving up from the Silver Gilt prize in 2024. They were also named joint…

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Schofield Sweeney advises Caledonian Leisure on its growing hotel portfolio

Leading travel operator Caledonian Leisure has added the Broadway Park Hotel, an impressive 104-bedroom hotel in the seaside resort of Sandown on the Isle of Wight, to its growing portfolio. The Leeds-based holiday company was advised on the transaction by leading Yorkshire-based commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney. This marks the fourth addition to Caledonian’s portfolio…

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Chadwick Lawrence welcomes 18 new starters as headcount surpasses 250

Yorkshire legal experts Chadwick Lawrence has announced the appointment of 18 new team members – a significant milestone that takes total headcount to 252. The new recruits span the firm’s Yorkshire office network, strengthening teams across Leeds, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Bradford and Horbury, in every corner of the business, reflecting the firm’s commitment to investing in…

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Major improvements set for York’s Park and Ride

Overnight parking and a host of other improvements to York’s Park and Ride services will be considered at a meeting next week (7 October). The meeting follows a citywide consultation earlier this year around how government funding through the Bus Service Improvement Plan could be best spent on the Park and Ride. Proposed improvements include:…

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Bolton-based Barlow Andrews announces rebrand following acquisition

Bolton-based accountancy firm, Barlow Andrews has today announced its official rebrand to AAB.  The strategic move comes 12 months after the firm joined the rapidly expanding professional services challenger brand, AAB. This latest development sees Barlow Andrews finalise integration in the AAB Group and highlights its alignment with their focus on delivering specialist, full-service support…

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Transpennine Route Upgrade prepares for major upgrades between Dewsbury and York

Customers are being urged to check before they travel as work between Dewsbury and York throughout October and November means there will be changes to services. The closures of the railway are in place to facilitate essential work as part of the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade. From Monday 6 October until Friday 24 October (excluding…

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New strategy to support York children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and their families

City of York Council’s Executive will be asked to approve a new strategy to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families in York next month [7 October]. The five-year strategy, entitled Inclusion and Belonging, sets out to help every child and family in York feel that they belong…

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New 1.5-acre park opens next to 78 new Passivhaus homes

A new green space for all to enjoy has been opened as part of work to build 78 ultra low-energy homes at Burnholme Green. A 1.5-acre park has been opened with play and exercise areas, meadows and coppices of trees, connected to the local communities by a network of paths dotted with benches. Across the…

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Accu looks to roll out robotics stem challenge across West Yorkshire schools

Precision engineering component distributor Accu, based in Huddersfield, has completed a groundbreaking STEM pilot project with Holmfirth High School that challenged pupils to design and build their own Antweight combat robots, with the company now looking to gather interest from schools with a view to rolling out the programme across the West Yorkshire region. The…

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Module shortlisted for AMBA CSR and Sustainability Award

A University of Bradford module on sustainability has been shortlisted for a prestigious international award. The Circular Design for the Real World module is a finalist in the Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability Initiative category at the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and Business Graduates Association (BGA) Excellence Awards 2026. Dr Farzaneh Fakhredin, Lecturer…

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Another key appointment for Andrew Jackson

Sarah Thomsen joins as partner and head of contentious probate Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Thomsen as a partner and head of the firm’s contentious probate team. A registered contentious trust and probate specialist and a full member of the ACTAPS (Association of Contentious Trust and Probate…

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Equans to deliver Leeds warm homes boost

Energy and regeneration expert Equans has secured a contract with Leeds City Council to make over 270 council-owned homes in Seacroft more affordable to heat. Equans will install insulation to external walls and some lofts, proving an extra layer of protection from all types of weather. The new insulation will also prevent heat escaping from…

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Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) celebrate the career of Carin Von Doorn, OBE

Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) have put together a film, to celebrate the career of Consultant Congenital Cardiac Surgeon Carin Von Doorn, OBE. It is estimated that Carin has operated on over 5,000 patients in her career, from babies through to adults, and she is soon retiring. CHSF want to ensure Carin’s legacy lives on after…

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Thwaites triumphs as AA Group of the Year

Lancashire-based family-run hospitality group, Thwaites – which operates a collection of 23 hotels and inns across England – clinched the coveted AA Group of the Year title at the AA Hospitality Awards 2025. Recognised for delivering exceptional hospitality at one-of-a-kind properties in outstanding locations across the country, Thwaites’ modern spa hotels and coaching inns lie…

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First passenger train pulls into Huddersfield station following 30 days of major upgrades

This morning, the first passenger train arrived at the newly rebuilt platforms at Huddersfield Station, marking a major milestone in Phase One of the station upgrades. This achievement takes customers one step closer to faster, cleaner, more reliable trains across the North. Over the past month, our TRU West Alliance has been working around the…

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New Non-Executive Director appointed at Yorkshire Building Society

Yorkshire Building Society has announced Elaine Bucknor joined its Board as Non-Executive Director on 26 September. She brings 30 years’ experience in the technology sector, including the delivery of complex multinational programmes and innovative strategies to support organisational transformation and growth. Elaine has held executive, operational and consultancy roles with leading companies in the telecommunications,…

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Azets’ six SME savings suggestions

Small changes could help Yorkshire SMEs lessen the pressure on their finances, staff and management, a senior accounting professional has said. Matthew Grant, partner and head of accounts and business advisory at international accountancy and business advisory group Azets in Yorkshire, is encouraging directors and owners of SMEs to explore their options around technology, tax…

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Beware QR codes in Council car parks and texted parking fines

City of York Council is warning drivers to stay vigilant after its car parks were targeted by a fake QR code parking scam and as a wider parking ticket scam hits the country. A widespread parking scam involving fake Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) has targeted people across the country in recent weeks. Scammers send text…

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UK Small Business Commissioner to launch York Business Festival 2025

Speakers and themes announced for exciting and ambitious programme of public events this November York Business School at York St John University is delighted to announce a packed programme of events for York Business Festival 2025. Alongside invited expert speakers and hosts, the Festival is a showcase of the support that York Business School and…

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Outstanding student achievements recognised at Leeds College of Building Awards

Leeds College of Building (LCB) students and apprentices from the 2024/2025 academic year have been honoured at the annual BIG (Building Industry Greats) Awards. More accolades than ever before were handed out, including 44 trophies, seven Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) QUEST Technician Scholarships, and one medal from the British Tunnelling Society Young Members. Virgin…

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Otley Garden Centre celebrates refreshed catering offering with mayoral visit

The team at Otley Garden Centre celebrated the reopening of its popular restaurant by hosting Otley Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Carter, for afternoon tea recently. Cllr Carter, along with his wife and consort Denise, was invited to Blooms, the refurbished and renamed 200-seater table service restaurant, by Otley Garden Centre’s catering manager, Marina Jannetta. Yorkshire…

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MP officially opens brand-new housing development in North Yorkshire

Member of Parliament for York Outer, Luke Charters, has officially unveiled a brand-new housing development in Copmanthorpe. The constituency MP joined Barratt Homes to celebrate the launch of the 75-home development, named Russet Park. Set to deliver a selection of one to five bedroom properties, the growing community offers house hunters a village retreat only…

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Topping out ceremony marks milestone in multi-million-pound Bradford College building project

Bradford College marked a significant milestone as governors and special guests gathered at the £19.3 million Junction Mills development for a commemorative topping-out ceremony. The college event celebrated the highest point of the building’s structure being put in place, signalling the next phase of work to create a cutting-edge training facility for automotive, digital, and…

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Chadwick Lawrence advises Huddersfield Town AFC on landmark Accu Stadium share acquisition

Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has advised its long-standing client, Huddersfield Town AFC (HTAFC), on the successful acquisition of shares in Kirklees Stadium Development Limited. This makes the Club the sole shareholder of the company that holds the long-term lease to its home ground, the Accu Stadium. The acquisition marks a major milestone in the Club’s ongoing…

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Manningham Housing Association up for three national awards

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has been named as a finalist in three categories at the Housing Executive Awards, including Housing Association of the Year. The recently completed £4.3million Odette’s Point development at Shann Lane in Keighley – delivered in partnership with Avant Homes, Homes England and Bradford Council – has also been shortlisted for Best…

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Leeds based OPM Labels & Packaging Group Wins Prestigious “Converter of the Year” Award at Labelexpo Europe

Judges praised the independently owned family business for their product development, inclusive company culture, investment in people and training, and their ongoing community and charitable work. About OPM Labels and Packaging Group: Founded over 40 years ago, OPM Group has grown from a traditional self-adhesive label printer into one of the UK’s leading providers of…

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A mountain of inequalities: York St John academic campaigns to raise the profile of women in mountaineering

Dr Jenny Hall to open Kendal Mountain Film Festival with panel discussion honouring the first woman to summit Everest   “For too long, mountaineering adventure has been portrayed through a narrow lens: white, fit, fearless… and male”  In May 1975, Junko Tabei became the first woman to summit Everest, but her incredible story is still…

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Leeds Beckett University recognised for outstanding partnerships in national Knowledge Exchange Framework

Leeds Beckett University (LBU) has been recognised for the strength of its research and partnerships in the fifth national Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF), published today by Research England. The university remains in the top 20% of UK institutions for Working with Business, Working with the Public and Third Sectors, and Research Partnerships. It also retained…

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Glittering launch for the Schofield Sweeney Bradford Professionals Network

Firm hosts almost 200 professionals at Bradford Live Leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney welcomed almost 200 guests to the launch of their Bradford Professionals Network at Bradford Live. The inaugural event, aimed at bringing together businesses and organisations from across the Bradford district to promote and celebrate the city’s business community, was one of…

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When Labour Costs Rise, Robots Create New Value

What happens when wages climb, staff shortages worsen and customers still expect the same high standards? It is a dilemma many businesses across Yorkshire are grappling with right now. From hotels struggling to fill cleaning shifts to warehouses facing gaps on the night roster to hospitals under pressure to keep services running, the challenge is…

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Hooley pens permanent deal

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the permanent signing of Luke Hooley on a two-year deal. The 27-year-old came through the junior ranks at the Bulls, signing his first professional contract with the club before joining Wakefield in 2017. A permanent stay at Batley Bulldogs followed where three years of impressive performances saw him earn…

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Bake-off TV test Slovak style for Lenka

A University of Bradford staff member is gearing up for TV stardom as a contestant on the Slovakian version of The Great British Bake-off. Lenka Kaur is one of 12 contestants on the new series of the Slovak version of the long-running programme, called Pecie cele Slovensko, which translates to ‘The Whole of Slovakia is…

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University nursery maintains ‘Outstanding’ status

The University Nursery has maintained its “Outstanding” status following its latest inspection by Ofsted, the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. The Nursery, situated on Laisteridge Lane, Bradford, was awarded “Outstanding” in all four categories: Quality of education Behaviour and attitudes Personal development Leadership and management. The report stated: “Children at this…

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Huddersfield station set to reopen next week with new temporary layout

Huddersfield station will reopen on Monday 29 September with three rebuilt and extended platforms under new numbering, marking an important step in the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU). From this date, only platforms 1, 2 and 3 will be in use, meaning trains will run to and from different platforms than before and some services will…

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SEND CENTRAL York’s new hub for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities launches

SEND CENTRAL, York’s new city hub for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is now open to families across the city [Monday 22 September]. The hub was officially opened by the Deputy Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Margaret Wells on Saturday [20 September]. The new hub is York’s flagship Family…

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Bradford ranked top for first-generation and ethnic minority students

The University of Bradford has been ranked top in England and Wales for its number of first-generation and black and ethnic minority background students, according to the Times and the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. Bradford moved up 25 places in the guide’s overall rankings to 86 out of 130 institutions. A total of…

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The Lord Mayor’s invitation to support and attend the Christmas Cheer Receptions

The Lord Mayor and Sheriff of York announce a fundraising concert, an appeal for raffle prizes and the opening of applications to attend the Christmas Cheer Receptions, when 400 of York’s senior residents are invited to join them at the city’s spectacular Assembly Rooms. The annual receptions for residents aged 65 and over, will take place…

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Castle Howard’s Conservation Volunteer program wins Environmental Initiative of the Year at the Yorkshire Post Rural Awards

Castle Howard’s new Conservation Volunteer programme was awarded Environmental Initiative of the Year at the Yorkshire Post Rural Awards on Thursday 18th September. The Conservation Volunteer group formed in December 2024, with the programme quickly becoming an important element of the Estate’s natural environmental strategy. In just six months, the volunteer group has delivered measurable…

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Trinity Leeds to launch Student Shopper Sweep event

Leeds students are set for an unforgettable start to the academic year as Trinity Leeds brings back its hugely popular Student Shopper Sweep, packed with shopping sprees, exclusive student offers and heaps of prizes to be won. Inspired by the classic ‘Supermarket Sweep’, lucky students can win the chance to take part in a packed…

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