Member News Subjects

Carbon Neutral Group reveals why sustainability plans can fail and how businesses can fix this

Consultancy shares some tips on how to create a good starting point when it comes down to sustainability Carbon Neutral Group, one of the UK’s fastest-growing carbon neutral and sustainability consultancies has revealed why some businesses have sustainability plans that can fail and how brands can prevent this happening. Most organisations now recognise the need…

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Adcrete strengthens service delivery with major investment backed by Oscrete

Concrete admixture specialist Adcrete, the official sister company of Oscrete Construction Products in Northern Ireland and Ireland, is marking its 10th anniversary with a significant investment designed to further enhance service, availability and technical support for customers. The Lisburn-based business has completed a major refurbishment of its warehousing and logistics facility, thanks to investment from…

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Global reach of Rotary Peace Fellows showcased

The global impact of the Rotary Peace Fellowship at the University of Bradford has been celebrated as the prestigious scheme looks to recruit future scholars. Bradford’s current group of Rotary Peace Fellows joined some of the 2026-27 academic year cohort to highlight the work of the Fellowship, which is looking for Bradford applicants for the 2027-28 academic…

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Salko UK awarded four-year maintenance contract for Uniper’s Enfield power station

Salko UK, a leading mechanical and electrical solutions provider, has been awarded a major contract encompassing the supply and associated on-site activities for the Once-Through Cooler (OTC) and GT Exhaust works at the Enfield Power Station located in Brimsdown, London. The M&E specialist will also manage ongoing maintenance operations at Uniper’s Grain and Taylors Lane…

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Bulls sign Jack Ormondroyd

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of towering forward Jack Ormondroyd on a season long loan deal – with no recall option. The 34-year-old joins from Oldham RLFC, having spent six years at Salford Red Devils prior, making over 110 appearances. Ormondroyd also enjoyed two spells at Betfred Championship side Featherstone Rovers, sandwiching…

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20 years and 180 million miles: TransPennine Express marks milestone for Class 185 fleet

TransPennine Express (TPE) has marked 20 years of its Class 185 trains with a special celebration at Siemens Mobility’s Ardwick depot in Manchester. The event recognised two decades of an award-winning fleet that has become a backbone of rail travel across the North, travelling almost 180 million miles – the equivalent of circling the earth…

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Bulls and Council develop youth engagement partnership

Bradford Bulls and Bradford Council have developed a new partnership to engage young people across the district and introduce a new generation of fans to rugby league. The Council’s Youth Service has been working with the club following their return to the Super League and have been taking young people to home games. Many of…

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February 2026 insolvency statistics, Azets response

There were 1,878 corporate insolvencies in February 2026, 7.4% more than in January 2026 (1,749) and 6.8% less than in February 2025 (2,015). Covering the Yorkshire region, Richard Oddy is a partner, licensed insolvency practitioner and business restructuring, turnaround and rescue expert at regional accountancy and business advisory firm Azets, with offices in Leeds, Bradford and York….

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Sentio strengthens deal team as market activity picks up

Leeds-based corporate finance firm Sentio Partners has expanded its team, adding depth to its deal delivery capability and continuing its investment in early-career talent as market activity increases. On the back of a strong year with multiple high profile deals across Business Services, Healthcare and Industrials, the firm has appointed Ollie Francis as Assistant Manager…

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Bradford-based Refreshment Systems shortlisted for National Retail Technology Award

Bradford based Refreshment Systems Ltd (RSL), a family-run business based in Bradford, has been shortlisted for the Most Disruptive Retail Technology Award at the Retail Systems Awards. The shortlist recognises RSL’s Vendsmart technology, a new software platform built to transform how vending machines operate. While Vendsmart looks like a vending machine, it runs on completely…

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Final opportunity to have your say on car parking charges consultation

A review of car parking charges in Bishopthorpe Road, Micklegate, The Groves and East Parade/Heworth has entered its final phase with a series of face-to-face drop-in sessions. A consultation has been taking place over the past few months after residents and business in all four of these areas initiated a challenge to parking charges through The Right to…

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North Yorkshire developer reveals top tips for a clutter free home

Housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes is encouraging North Yorkshire residents to think proactively when it comes to decluttering their homes this spring. With the season symbolizing a new beginning, many people also see spring as a chance to renew or rearrange their home, but many people may feel lost when faced with their own…

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City of York Council celebrates National Social Work Day [17 March] with local social workers nominated for national awards

Social workers from City of York Council’s Adult and Children’s Social Work teams have been nominated for the national Amazing Social Worker awards. Organised by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), the campaign aims to recognise individual and collective achievements in social work, shining a spotlight on the countless examples of exceptional social work practice in…

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Henley embarks on new chapter with MBO and acquisition

Henley Construction Management Group (“Henley”), a specialist construction group headquartered in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, has completed a management buyout (MBO) alongside the acquisition of Smart Crosby International (SCI), a leading engineering and consultancy practice. The MBO was completed by long-standing senior team members Tom Cardoe, Jon Henley, Dave Cawley and Jim Wenham. It marks a…

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York welcomes two new Youth Parliament representatives

City of York Council is pleased to announce the results of the recent online election for York’s representatives in the UK Youth Parliament. Following a strong turnout from young people across the city, Will has been elected as York’s new Member of Youth Parliament (MYP), with William chosen as Deputy Member of Youth Parliament (DMYP)….

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Caribbean streetfood favourite Jerk Junction announces Trinity Kitchen launch

Foodie fans can enjoy a taste of the Caribbean at Trinity Kitchen as Jerk Junction prepares to join the line-up. Serving up real, authentic Caribbean flavours, Jerk Junction will offer mouth-watering dishes, from dumplings and jerk chicken – flame-grilled and packed with authentic island spices – to rice and peas and curried goat. The street…

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Work underway on new £100m TrainCare Centre in Shipley

The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has this week welcomed Leader of Bradford Council, Susan Hinchcliffe, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw and Councillor Liz Rowe to its Shipley site, where the programme is investing over £100m in the construction of a new TrainCare Centre. The rail depot will initially be used to house and maintain Northern’s fleet of…

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Bradford broker opens Harrogate base to support expansion plans

Family and employee owned insurance firm, TL Dallas, is expanding its footprint in North Yorkshire with a new presence in Harrogate, as the Bradford-headquartered firm continues to invest in regional growth. The long-established insurance broking, risk management and financial services group will operate from premises at 36 Victoria Avenue, placing its team in the centre…

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Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College named finalist for FE College of the Year

Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College, based on the outskirts of Leeds City Centre, has been shortlisted in recognition of its commitment to academic excellence, student support and innovative partnerships that help prepare young people for their future. The college welcomes students from across Leeds and provides an inclusive learning environment focused on both academic…

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Last chance to secure a home at popular North Yorkshire development

Five-star housebuilder Barratt Homes announces final six homes for sale at popular Whitby development, Abbey View. Barratt Homes is urging property seekers looking to buy at Abbey View to act quickly as the final six homes remain. A selection of two, three and four bedroom homes are still available, starting from just £204,995. Abbey View offers…

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Idle Travel run with the Bulls in 2026

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce a brand-new partnership with Idle Travel, who will sponsor the club’s new kit van as the Bulls’ return to the Super League in 2026. As the club prepares for an exciting new era, the electric kit van represents a modern step forward in supporting the first team and wider rugby operations across the…

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Yorkshire garden centre group shortlisted for national people and culture award

A Bradford-headquartered garden centre group is celebrating after being shortlisted for a prestigious national HR award. Yorkshire Garden Centres Group has reached the final in the Large Organisation of the Year category at the British HR Awards, which celebrate organisations and individuals delivering a world-class people experience. The recognition comes after a period of significant…

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Bradford College Named ‘Apprenticeship Provider of the Year’ 

Bradford College has been named ‘Apprenticeship Provider of the Year’ at the national Apprenticeship & Training Awards 2026. Announced at the Apprenticeships and Training Conference gala dinner and awards evening at the ACC Liverpool, the award recognises a provider that specialises in delivering apprenticeships and has achieved outstanding results. Bradford College was among 19 winners…

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Accu wins Exporter of the Year Award!

Accu, the Huddersfield-based precision engineering component distributor, has won the prestigious ‘Exporter of the Year’ category at the ‘Made in Yorkshire’ awards, held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds last week.  The company, alongside the other category winners from the evening, will now go forward to the national Made in the UK Awards in June. Accu…

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Chadwick Lawrence donates £2,500 to support a number of initiatives this Ramadan

Law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has donated £2,500 to a number of initiatives over Ramadan, as part of its ongoing charitable work. The firm held an Iftar at its Leeds office on 5th March, bringing together colleagues from across its eight West Yorkshire offices to break the fast at sunset. Open to colleagues of all faiths…

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Inheritance tax time-bomb is looming – Yorkshire farmers should act now

The fuse is burning down on the government’s inheritance tax (IHT) time-bomb for farmers, UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm Azets in Yorkshire has warned. Under legislation to be introduced by the Finance Act 2026 new restrictions will apply to the amount of Agricultural and Business Property Reliefs available on the estates of farmers…

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Made in Yorkshire returns at Trinity Leeds and White Rose to inspire the next generation of retail talent

Trinity Leeds and White Rose Shopping Centre have once again hosted their industry-led challenge, ‘Made in Yorkshire’, welcoming three local schools to compete in a ‘Dragons’ Den’-style pitch. Made in Yorkshire is a cross-school competition that challenges students to design an innovative community space for the city, before competing in a live pitch to present…

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Apprenticeships: a young person’s perspective

Too many young people in the UK feel they need to leave the communities they grew up in to succeed elsewhere. This has a profound impact on local economies across the country. For example, £1.5 billion is lost every year from young people leaving North Yorkshire. It is a similar story for other regions across the UK. What…

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Why getting staff uniforms right matters more than many businesses realise

For many businesses, staff uniforms are often treated as a simple purchase. In reality, getting uniforms right can directly impact presentation, staff confidence, day-to-day operations and unnecessary cost. One of the most common issues businesses face is garment sizing. A uniform order can look straightforward on paper, but problems often begin once garments arrive. Staff…

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Leading North East housebuilder announces new Managing Director

In line with International Women’s Day (8th March), Barratt and David Wilson Homes North East is putting the spotlight on its new Managing Director, Jo Ainsley. Middlesborough born, Jo brings more than 18 years of experience in the construction industry, including work at Taylor Wimpey and Vistry. Jo is now an ambassador for the leading developer, supporting the…

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Why Microsoft MVP expertise gives your business a strategic advantage

Microsoft’s ecosystem is shifting faster than ever, new AI features, platform changes, governance updates and Copilot capabilities arrive monthly. For most businesses, that pace creates a simple challenge: how do you make confident decisions when the technology won’t sit still? That’s where recognised expertise matters and why partners backed by Microsoft MVP leadership, like iThink…

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Andrew Jackson expands litigation and dispute resolution team amid growing client demand

Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has expanded its commercial litigation and dispute resolution (LDR) practice with a series of senior appointments, reflecting growing client demand. The developments come as long-standing partner Hugh Smith prepares to retire after 37 years with the firm. Led by Nick Dean, partner, and head of the LDR practice, the team has…

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City of York Council approves £4.8m Crisis and Resilience fund for the next 3 years

City of York Council has approved a new three year Crisis and Resilience Fund to support residents on low incomes who experience a financial shock, as well as to strengthen long‑term financial resilience across the city. The new scheme, approved at today’s Decision Session for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, and Equalities, will run from 1…

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Teachers report limited or no training to support neurodivergent pupils, new study finds

Nearly 25 percent of teachers report receiving no training on how to support neurodivergent pupils, and most of those who did describe it as brief and limited in scope, according to new research from York St John University and the University of Surrey. Researchers surveyed 177 teachers and support staff in mainstream schools in the…

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New LCB Assistant Principal to steer partnerships and adult provision

A former director in the education and training sector has joined Leeds College of Building (LCB) as Assistant Principal -Partnerships & Adults. Carly Sidebottom joins LCB in the new role following her position as Director of Business Strategy & Compliance at regional training provider, Total Training Provision. Prior to that, Carly served as Head of…

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Schofield Sweeney advises on nursery acquisition

A day nursery in Reigate, Surrey has been acquired by Kids Planet Day Nurseries – one of the UK’s largest nursery groups. Established in March 2020, Somers House Nursery, part of Cavendish Lodge Nursery and Pre-Schools, owned by Jodie and Kevin Potter, is a reputable 80-place setting that offers year-round childcare for babies from six…

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Move into a new home this spring with leading North Yorkshire developer

House hunters in North Yorkshire looking to move in for spring are encouraged to view David Wilson Homes’ Chaloners Green development. Chaloners Green offers a selection of two, three and four bedroom homes, from just £194,995, that could be ready to move into as soon as spring this year. Just two miles from Whitby town centre, it…

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North Yorkshire housebuilder donates to Copmanthorpe Parish Council

Leading housebuilder Barratt Homes has donated to Copmanthorpe Parish Council to support the upkeep of Copmanthorpe cemetery. Five-star homebuilder, Barratt Homes, which is currently building at Russet Park in Copmanthorpe, has donated £300 to Copmanthorpe Parish Council. The donation is intended to go towards equipment and support for the upkeep of the cemetery nearby the development. A…

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Salko UK strengthens leadership support with Executive Assistant appointment

Leading mechanical and engineering contractor, Salko UK, has appointed Kathryn Harman as Executive Assistant, strengthening its senior leadership team as the business continues to expand across the UK and Europe. In her new role, Kathryn will oversee day-to-day executive coordination, streamline internal processes and act as a central point of contact across departments to ensure smooth…

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Council commits to York Cultural Strategy

City of York Council has confirmed it will adopt the York Cultural Strategy following a Decision Session today, Tuesday 3 March. The strategy, though funded by the Council thanks to a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, was developed independently by arts, heritage and cultural organisations across the city.  It lays out a clear…

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Bradford scores national double for student affordability

Bradford has achieved a national double for student affordability, with new data revealing the University of Bradford offers the UK’s best value halls of residence while the city itself has been ranked the most affordable place in the country to study. The city’s University has the UK’s cheapest accommodation, with an average cost of £97.75…

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The traditional tax return is dead – long live Making Tax Digital 

Landlords, sole traders and the self-employed in Yorkshire are being urged to prepare for ‘the death of the traditional tax return’ in April. Azets, an accountancy and business advisory group with three offices in Yorkshire, is warning that those with gross income above £50,000 per year will have to comply with a new Making Tax…

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£40,000 helps create comfort for hospice residents

A Keighley chemical company has completed its latest donation to a local hospice bringing its total contribution to £40,000. Airedale Group’s long running partnership with Sue Ryder’s Manorlands has seen staff at the manufacturer compete in marathons, a dragon boat race, a football match, sweepstakes, cycle rides, a straw race and ‘It’s a Knockout’ contests…

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94% York pupils get first choice of Secondary School

Secondary school admission figures for entry in September 2026 published today [2 March] show that 94% per cent of York children have been allocated their first preference of school. Parents and carers who applied online can find out where their child has been allocated a place by logging into their parent portal account today via www.york.gov.uk/SecondarySchoolAdmissions….

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Leeds shopping centre and Yorkshire art organisation team up to raise breast cancer awareness during National Self-Check Month

Yorkshire art organisation Sand in Your Eye has partnered with White Rose Shopping Centre to showcase an impactful display highlighting the importance of breast cancer awareness: seven unique nude torsos, each sculpted from ice and snow. Created to illustrate the statistic that one in seven people will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in their life…

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Serendipity, strategy and the power of partnerships – Professor Duncan Sharp reflects on leadership, partnership and the power of opportunity

Leeds Beckett academic Professor Duncan Sharp will be sharing insights into how his career has been shaped as much by unexpected conversations as by deliberate choice during his inaugural professorial lecture. In the lecture on Wednesday 11 March, Professor Sharp will explore how his career has been shaped not by a single planned pathway, but by the interaction…

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Sustainable Property through Architecture and Design

Approximately 45% of greenhouse gas emissions in West Yorkshire are generated by buildings, and it is this aspect where those in the industry and even homeowners can make a difference. The tightening up of UK Legislation requires all new buildings meet set emissions targets, however we have Europe’s oldest building stock and the biggest challenge…

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First Bus on board as main sponsors of Women’s team

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce a major partnership with First Bus – which includes the local bus operator becoming the Main Sponsors of our Women’s team! The partnership strengthens an ongoing relationship built on shared community values and a commitment to sustainability. Building on the success of last year’s partnership, Bradford Bulls and First…

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