Member News Subjects

Blacks Solicitors leads on sale of Yorkshire Raw Feeds to The Nutriment Company

Leading Yorkshire law firm Blacks Solicitors LLP has advised the shareholders of Yorkshire Raw Feeds in the sale to The Nutriment Company (TNC), one of Europe’s fastest-growing natural pet food groups. Completing on 17th June, Rebecca Holden, Partner and Head of Corporate, assisted by Trainee, Leon Cordero advised on all aspects of the transaction. Specialists…

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University brings business leaders together as AI shift accelerates

Business leaders from across the region are invited to come together next month to explore how organisations can respond to the rapidly accelerating impact of artificial intelligence.  The University of Bradford will host a one-day forum on 18 June, bringing together senior figures from industry, the public sector and academia to explore how AI is…

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7 behaviours you need to kickstart your STEM career

Diana Bird, Executive Principal, Leeds City College  More students are leaving school with solid technical knowledge in 2026: think coding, digital content and data literacy. But do you have the behaviours and mindset needed to thrive at work and develop successful Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers? The world of work demands a much…

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Football Fanzone unveils big screen for England fans to watch World Cup action

Super-sized screens are being installed, the drinks are being chilled and street food is being prepared as Trinity Kitchen is set to host its own Football Fanzone showing the World Cup games this week – kicking off with England vs. Croatia on Wednesday, 17th June. The Trinity Leeds foodie favourite is transforming into an evening fan…

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Accu expands undergraduate scholarship scheme to support next generation of engineers

Accu, the Huddersfield-based precision engineering components supplier trusted by 75% of the world’s top manufacturers, has expanded its undergraduate scholarship scheme to support the next generation of engineering talent. Working in partnership with Zero Gravity – a tech company that identifies high-potential students from low-opportunity backgrounds – Accu aims to reach aspiring engineers early in…

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Es Devlin responds to Vanbrugh with new artwork for Castle Howard

Internationally renowned artist and designer Es Devlin presents Library of the Four Winds, a new public sculpture in the Temple of the Four Winds at Castle Howard. The work is on show from 13 June – 27 September and is conceived to mark the tricentenary of Sir John Vanbrugh (1664-1726), the visionary architect behind Castle…

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Why financial responsibility is so difficult to rest from

At senior level in banking, lending, wealth management and financial leadership, money is never just money, is it? It represents security. Payrolls. Mortgages. Business continuity. Family stability. Long-term futures. That is why the pressure in these roles is rarely superficial. Leaders in finance are not only managing figures. They are carrying the emotional and practical…

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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 –…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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:…

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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