Member News Subjects

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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Sir Stephen Fry urges people to support York Against Cancer and spread the word about the importance of early diagnosis in prostate cancer

In a video to York Against Cancer this prostate cancer awareness month, Sir Stephen Fry has urged people to support the charity and spread the word about the importance of early diagnosis in prostate cancer. Sir Stephen Fry was diagnosed with an aggressive prostate cancer in 2017. In a video for York Against Cancer, he…

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Huddersfield company Accu takes part in trade mission designed to strengthen business opportunities across Europe

Alastair Morris, Managing Director of Huddersfield-based Accu, one of the UK’s fastest growing distributors of precision engineering components, travelled to Switzerland and Germany last week as part of Mayor Tracy Brabin’s West Yorkshire trade mission. Alastair was invited to join the trade mission due to his high-profile work championing UK advanced manufacturing. he was part of…

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Notre Dame News – Industry & Skills

Hyde Park Picture House Cinema Takeover: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Students at Notre Dame returned to Hyde Park Picture House on Sunday 18th January for their cinema takeover project. This is an invaluable opportunity for students to organise and facilitate their very own film screening. The project allows our students to gain invaluable insight and experience…

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Scaling your team? Your workwear should scale with it

For growing businesses across the trades, logistics and hospitality sectors, team presentation becomes increasingly important once you move beyond 10 employees. What often begins as ad-hoc ordering can quickly lead to inconsistencies — mismatched garments, uneven branding and diluted brand identity. In client-facing industries, that inconsistency is visible. At BR Apparel, we partner with Yorkshire…

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York based construction company, William Birch & Sons celebrates the start of Women in Construction Week with Commercial Manager Appointment

William Birch & Sons Ltd, a long-established York-based contractor with over 150 years of heritage, has announced the appointment of Vicky Moss as Commercial Manager, effective 2nd March. The appointment strengthens the company’s strategic focus on commercial performance, disciplined growth and long-term sustainability. Announced during Women in Construction Week, it also reflects the increasing presence…

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‘Have you considered National Defence Agencies?’ Turing Institute expert asks Bradford AI students

Artificial Intelligence expert Timipado Imomotebegha, Data Science Facilitator at the Alan Turing Institute, told University of Bradford that industry was crying out for graduates with AI and data science skills.  The human-computer interaction specialist said: “AI is moving really quickly. You can use your skills to solve real life problems. You are at Ground Zero in terms of your careers. There are so many opportunities…

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Leeds Beckett University launches unique Leeds City Challenge to power student-led innovation across the city

Leeds Beckett University has officially launched the Leeds City Challenge, a bold new initiative designed to harness student and graduate entrepreneurship to tackle real-world challenges facing Leeds. The launch event, held this morning, brought together civic leaders, business figures, entrepreneurs, staff and students to kick-start a programme focused on place-based innovation, inclusive growth and tangible…

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Leeds locals invited to be part of 400-Portrait celebration

To mark 400 years since Leeds received its Royal Charter, award-winning creative studio Buttercrumble is embarking on an ambitious creative challenge: to illustrate 400 portraits of the people who make Leeds, Leeds. During March, Buttercrumble’s twin-founders, Chloe and Abigail Baldwin, will capture residents’ faces in a celebratory drawathon designed to reflect the city’s diversity, warmth…

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Institute for Equity, University Centre awards qualifications to 20!

The Institute for Equity, University Centre – Developing Individuals, Changing Organisations & Society (IEUC) is proud to congratulate learners who have successfully completed academic and professional qualifications in EDI: Certificate in Inclusive Curriculum Leadership Certificate in Leading Equity, Diversity & Inclusion EDI Fellowship © All 20 successful awardees have led change in EDI within their…

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York supports LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week

City of York Council’s fostering team and One Adoption North and Humber, the regional adoption agency for York, North Yorkshire and Humber, are showing their support for LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week (2-6 March) by lighting up the city walls in rainbow colours. Led by charity New Family Social, this year’s campaign, Now’s the Time is calling…

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Accu set to inspire young minds with robotics at UK’s largest 3D printing festival

Accu, a Huddersfield-based engineering business that supplies 50% of the world’s top manufacturers with precision engineering components, is proud to be a platinum sponsor at the UK’s largest 3D printing festival, SMRRF (Sanjay Mortimer RepRap Festival) in Manchester; 7-8th March. Attending SMRRF for the first time, Accu will be giving live demonstrations of its ‘AccuBots’ combat…

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Bradford research praised as teenage pregnancy rise prompts warning

A national expert has warned of complacency over teenage pregnancy after rates increased for the first time in 14 years, adding the University of Bradford is playing a crucial role in understanding and tackling the issue. Alison Hadley OBE, Director of the Teenage Pregnancy Knowledge Exchange and a leading figure in shaping national policy for…

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Refurbished apartments to welcome returning tenants

Five completely refurbished blocks of apartments in Bell Farm are almost ready to welcome new and returning tenants. 40 apartments have been updated significantly to make them considerably more comfortable, safer and more affordable to run. While this major work was underway, tenants were moved to alternative accommodation. A number of former residents have chosen…

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Bradford-led research could cut cement CO2 emissions by 40%

The University of Bradford is set to play a central role in a ground-breaking international research project which could dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry. Working with a Post Doctoral Research Fellow from Tianjin University, China, and the Holcim Innovation Center, France, Bradford researchers will help develop a new concrete technology capable…

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New member introduction: BR Apparel

The Premium Standard in Branded Workwear Across Yorkshire BR Apparel is a trusted partner to ambitious businesses seeking a higher standard in branded workwear. We specialise in supporting growing companies with 10–50 employees who recognise that team presentation is a direct reflection of their brand. Through carefully selected premium garments, precision embroidery and refined finishing,…

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Bradford Hospitals Charity launches Easter Appeal

Bradford Hospitals Charity is calling for donations to help brighten the day for patients spending Easter Sunday (5 April 2026) in hospital. The charity, which supports Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, hopes to lift spirits across its hospital sites. They’re asking the public to donate chocolate eggs, small treats, and comforting gifts to patients….

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York seeks to tackle childhood inequalities with new Centre of Excellence for early childhood development

Proposals that would see York become a Centre of Excellence for early childhood development, helping to tackle childhood inequalities, will be considered for approval by the council’s Executive next month (3 March). The proposals reflect the authority’s ambitions to support communities and reduce inequalities in child development, including health and wellbeing, school readiness and healthy…

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Adult tickets just £10! Kids go FREE!

Supporters and families are set for a spectacular afternoon of rugby league and live entertainment when Bradford Bulls host Toulouse Olympique at Bartercard Odsal Stadium on Sunday 1st March. As part of an unmissable matchday offer, adult tickets are available for just £10, with kids going completely free, providing outstanding value for families looking to enjoy a full afternoon of sport and entertainment. Gates…

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More, better quality affordable homes proposed

As part of the Council’s commitment to increase the quantity and quality of homes in York, it is proposing to develop 93 new affordable homes on the city centre Castle Mills site. Details are outlined in a report to Executive councillors being discussed next week. Another Executive report will outline plans to provide additional pitches…

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Brit Systems run with the Bulls in 2026

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce a brand-new partnership with Brit Systems, who join the club for the Bulls’ return to the Super League in 2026. Brit Systems will feature as sponsors on the club’s brand new warm up jumpers, which were first seen by supporters at Doncaster in pre-season – as well as enjoy the season as Hospitality…

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Comic artist raises £25,000 for Bradford mental health charity in memory of her brother

Award‑winning British comic book artist and author Zoe Thorogood has donated £25,000 to local mental health charity Bradford District and Craven Mind. The donation was made in memory of her brother James, who died by suicide in 2024 at the age of 23. In the wake of her brother’s death, Zoe turned to her art…

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Council asked to commit to York Cultural Strategy

City of York Council is set to consider whether to adopt the York Cultural Strategy at an Executive meeting on 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…

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City of York Council set to expand smoke control area to improve air quality and health

City of York Council is set to approve plans to expand the Smoke Control Area (SCA) to cover the entire city, in a major step towards cleaner air and healthier communities, at a meeting next week. Currently, 80 per cent of York’s households are within an SCA. The new citywide approach will ensure consistent rules…

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Yorkshire Building Society partners with Plain Numbers to improve customer understanding

Yorkshire Building Society has entered a new partnership with Plain Numbers, an organisation dedicated to helping companies communicate numbers clearly and effectively. The partnership is designed to make life easier for members and customers by improving how the Society explains financial information — particularly for those who may find numbers challenging or overwhelming. Plain Numbers is…

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Homebuilder prepares to unveil luxury development in North Yorkshire

Leading homebuilder David Wilson Homes prepares to unveil its Castra Park development in Huntington. Located in the popular village of Huntington, Castra Park will offer a range of luxurious, energy-efficient two, three and four bedroom homes. The development offers a great opportunity for first-time buyers and families to find their ideal home in a picturesque area on…

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Schofield Sweeney strengthens team with new appointments and promotions

Yorkshire law firm Schofield Sweeney has expanded its team through a series of promotions and senior appointments, broadening its service offering and strengthening its company culture. The firm has recruited three new senior team members and promoted three employees in the business. The new hires include Dorrien Peters, who joins the firm from Knights as…

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New measures to enable safe and accessible city centre events

Councillors will receive an update on measures to keep city centre events safe and make them more accessible to all at an Executive meeting next week (3 March). The report provides a progress update into the ongoing work led by City of York Council in partnership with a variety of stakeholders, including North Yorkshire Police,…

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Yorkshire Garden Centre group celebrates primroses with month long festival

A Yorkshire garden centre group is marketing the approach of spring with a celebration of primroses. The month-long Primrose Celebration will take place at Yorkshire Garden Centres’ sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, Pennine, York and Scarborough until March 14th. “Primroses are the first true sign of spring and a welcome reminder that it’s time…

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