How Mollie turned adversity into academic triumph
When Mollie Browes walked across the stage to collect her Master’s degree from the University of Bradford, it marked the start of a future she once thought impossible. “I’ve been given a second chance by this university,” says the 28-year-old. “They saw potential in me when no one else did. I would not be where…
Major refurbishment of Manningham Housing Association HQ set to begin
Manningham Housing Association (MHA) will close its head office on Manor Row in Bradford next Thursday (18 December) until next summer whilst it undergoes a major refurbishment programme. However, MHA customers can still visit the team by appointment at a new temporary base at Anchor Court until the works are complete. Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief…
Castle Howard and Brew York create bespoke beer to celebrate Oz Christmas extravaganza
Castle Howard and Brew York have collaborated on a unique beer for the festive season celebrating the stately home’s Wizard of Oz Christmas experience. ‘No Place Like Home’, a Hazy Session IPA with a citrus character and floral notes, is brewed at Brew York’s Osbaldwick location and stocked exclusively at Castle Howard for the duration…
Bradford Buy-to-Let 2025: Performance, Forecasts and Why Investors Are Paying Attention
Yorkshire continues to establish itself as one of the strongest-performing property regions in the UK. The latest analysis from our regional insights report shows that several Yorkshire districts have significantly outperformed national averages, and the most recent Savills Residential Forecast places Yorkshire and the Humber as the number one region in the UK for projected…
Ravensthorpe station closure: brand-new station to open in 2028
From Sunday 14 December, Ravensthorpe station will close until summer 2028 to facilitate Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) work on a new, modernised station 200m west of the current location. The new Ravensthorpe station will have a footbridge with lifts for step-free access, along with a new forecourt and drop-off facilities. A new, longer island platform…
Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire handed University honour
Ed Anderson CBE says he feels “extremely honoured” to receive his award from the University of Bradford, describing it as a special moment in a relationship that began more than half a century ago. The former CEO of Leeds & Bradford Airport and lifelong Bruce Springsteen fan – he’s been to see ‘the Boss’ 17…
LCB Win Double at ‘Building the Future’ Construction Awards 2025
Leeds College of Building (LCB) is celebrating after taking home two awards at the ‘Building the Future’ Construction Awards in Birmingham. The college won both the ‘Best Further Education Provider Supporting Careers in Construction’ award and the ‘Best Higher Education Provider Supporting Careers in Construction’ award. Celebrated annually, the Building the Future Construction…
AAB reinforces Yorkshire audit capability with appointment of Abdullah Daji as Audit Partner in Leeds
Leading professional services firm, AAB has announced the appointment of Abdullah Daji as Audit Partner in its Leeds office, further strengthening the firm’s presence and audit capability across Yorkshire. Abdullah will be based in Leeds, joining a 140 strong team, where he will focus on managing a diverse audit client portfolio while playing a key…
Graduates leave legacy with women in STEM network
A pair of students behind a support network group for women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) have left a lasting legacy after graduating from the University of Bradford. Alex Troup and Maleeha Abbass, the Creator and President of the University’s STEMinism Society, which exists to promote STEM subjects, particularly to women and girls, driving…
York firm builds skills for the future thanks to support from City of York Council
A York conservation firm training up the next generation of expert craftspeople has thanked City of York Council for the business support that has helped it thrive. Pinnacle Conservation, established by managing director Adam Hickey in 2019, now employs 58 staff, including nine apprentices, who are all paid the Real Living Wage as part of…
Chief executive celebrated for transforming health services
The Chief Executive of Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised for her leadership and dedication to public service by the University of Bradford. Therese Patten, who has held the post since September 2020, has more than 17 years of board-level experience in the National Health Service. She has received an Outstanding Contribution…
Pioneering scientist given posthumous University honour
A trailblazing female scientist has been honoured by the University of Bradford a year after her death. Professor Diana Anderson MBE’s work focused on using a single test for each type of cancer detection, such as mutation, and she was respected across the world. She retired aged 83 from her role as Professor of Biomedical…
Poverty Proofing© the School Day pilot for York pupils
Partners across the city are working to reduce the barriers faced by York pupils from low-income families in school, with a pilot scheme this autumn. Poverty Proofing© the School Day involves making changes to school policies and practices to reduce the barriers faced by pupils, including addressing issues like financial constraints, stigma, and lack of access…
Council thanks businesses and residents for their support for local young people leaving care
City of York Council is thanking businesses and residents across the city who have already contributed Christmas gifts for children in need and young care leavers in York. The festive season can be a difficult one for many children and young people, particularly those who have had a challenging start in life and who live…
York reaffirms its commitment to improving adult social care
City of York Council has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering the best possible adult social care services following its first ever assessment by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC assessed how York delivers its responsibilities under The Care Act (2014) in June 2025. It looked at nine areas of adult social care to see…
AI Readiness for Microsoft Customers
AI Readiness for Microsoft Customers Data, Governance, Strategy and Adoption That Works AI isn’t just turning on Microsoft Copilot. Sustainable success starts with clean data, strong governance, and a clear strategy followed by careful training and adoption with small pilot groups. Why This Matters Businesses that prepare properly: • Reduce risk and avoid compliance issues…
Bulls sign Esan Marsters
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce we have seen off competition from top Super League and NRL clubs to secure the signing of star outside back Esan Marsters on a three-year deal. The New Zealand born star represented Wests Tigers, North Queensland Cowboys and Gold Coast Titans in the NRL, having made his debut in…
Moon signal man honoured by university
Born in Bradford in 1933, Michael John Dinn’s career helped shape one of the most iconic moments in human history – Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the Moon. Now at 92 (he will turn 93 in April), he has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from the University of Bradford in recognition of his distinguished contributions to deep space tracking and exploration. After…
Leading homebuilder brings quality homes to desirable East Yorkshire location
Barratt Homes is inviting prospective buyers to join the team for a special preview event for its Knights Gate development at LNER Community Stadium on Thursday 4th December. The Knights Gate development, located off New Lane in Huntington, will offer a selection of one to four bedroom homes, perfectly suited to a range of buyers, including first time…
Leading housebuilder invests in the North East
Leading housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes North East, based in Gateshead, has built 606 homes in the region during the past year and contributed £118.6 million to the UK’s economic output. The achievements are highlighted in a new report which measures the housebuilder’s social and economic contribution to the region over the past financial…
Ronan Michael pens full time deal
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce Ronan Michael has signed a new, full-time deal until the end of the 2026 season, after previously signing a two-year deal with the club in 2024. The 25-year-old arrived at the Bulls prior to the start of the 2025 campaign, instantly becoming a fans’ favourite on the terraces with…
Yorkshire garden centre group reaches the final of a regional business award
The team at a Bradford-based garden centre group is celebrating after reaching the final of TheBusinessDesk.com Yorkshire Business of the Year Awards 2026. Yorkshire Garden Centres, owner of Tong, Tingley, Bingley, Otley and Pennine Garden Centres, plus Dean’s York and Scarborough, has been shortlisted in the Large Business of the Year category of the annual…
Bladder cancer may be caused by the body’s response to a common virus, new research suggests
Bladder cancer might be caused by our cell’s response to a common virus which infects nearly everyone in childhood, according to new research led by scientists at the University of York. BK virus establishes a persistent and lifelong infection by hiding in the body, most commonly in the kidney. The dormant infection can reactivate during…
Boost your team’s skills with funded bootcamps
The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group is offering two practical Skills Bootcamps designed to help employers upskill their workforce and strengthen organisational capability. Both programmes are delivered face-to-face at Wakefield College, City Centre Campus, and run over 12 weeks. Skills Bootcamp in Digital Skills (IT Office Skills) Start Date: Friday, 9 January 2026 Schedule: Fridays, 9am–3pm This hands-on programme equips…
Leeds College of Building apprentice wins National Education Award
A Leeds College of Building (LCB) apprentice has scooped one of the country’s top education prizes at this year’s National Apprenticeship & Skills Awards. Elyssa Marshall, a Level 2 Property Maintenance Operative apprentice at Yorkshire Housing Association, won the ‘Amazon Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Award’, beating finalists from across the nation. Elyssa progressed to…
Festive fun: Middlesbrough homebuilder to host fundraising community Christmas event
Leading homebuilder David Wilson Homes is set to host a community Christmas event at its Grey Towers Village development in Nunthorpe. David Wilson Homes is inviting residents of Nunthorpe to visit the Grey Towers Village development on the 4th December from 5pm, promising a full festive evening out for the family for under £10. All…
Former Morrisons and B&Q executive receives University honour
A former Morrisons executive and retail property director has been recognised for his commitment to the University of Bradford with an honorary award. Terry Hartwell is an experienced corporate real estate professional who has operated at board level in FTSE 100 companies for 25 years. He has been made a Doctor of the University of…
Arts executive given birthday present with a difference
An artistic and creative director received a birthday present with a difference – an honorary award from the University where she studied. Kully Thiarai, who has led a number of arts organisations during her career, including as Creative Director and Chief Executive of Leeds 2023, has received an honorary award from the University of Bradford,…
Castle Howard’s Christmas events to star in Channel 4 documentary series
Castle Howard’s Christmas events will feature in a new Channel 4 documentary series, ‘A Very British Christmas’. The programme is a three-part series following designers Adrian Lillie and Charlotte Lloyd Webber from CLW Event Design as they create festive experiences for iconic British stately homes, with one episode dedicated to Castle Howard’s extravaganza. The Castle…
£1.2m project to uncover Industrial Revolution’s impact on health
A ground-breaking £1.2 million international research project led by the University of Bradford will investigate how the Industrial Revolution affected human health across Britain and the USA. ‘Dead and Buried: Investigating changes in health during the Industrial Revolution using documentary records and human skeletal remains’, a three-year project between Bradford and SUNY Plattsburgh, the state university…
Discover the benefits of three-storey living at North Yorkshire development
Barratt Homes is showcasing its spacious three-storey homes at its Harclay Park development in Boroughbridge, designed for modern living. These three-storey homes feature adaptable layouts giving homeowners the freedom to create distinct spaces for everyday living, working and relaxing. Located on Stump Cross, Harclay Park features a range of three-storey, three and four bedroom homes, suitable for…
Don’t fall foul of the Tipping Act, Azets warns businesses
Hospitality and service industry businesses in Yorkshire could face fines and the prospect of an employment tribunal if they don’t comply with the Tipping Act, two experts have warned. The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 rules that employers must pass on all tips, gratuities and service charges to workers without deductions. This act impacts…
All aboard for festive feasting as TPE unwraps its new seasonal menu
TransPennine Express (TPE) is spreading festive cheer on board this winter with the launch of its new seasonal dishes. The new offering with be available from Monday 1 December to Sunday 4 January across its First Class menus: TransPennine Kitchen- West Coast and Coast to Coast. The seasonal offering introduces a selection of locally sourced…
Further growth for Andrew Jackson’s family law practice
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has welcomed solicitor Holly Ackroyd to its family team, marking further growth for the firm’s highly regarded family law practice. Holly will assist on financial and children’s issues arising from relationship breakdown. In addition to managing her own matters, she will also work alongside other members of the…
Council proposes update to Garden Waste Subscription Scheme for 2026
City of York Council is set to consider an update to its garden waste subscription service at the Executive meeting on 2 December 2025. The proposal includes an increase in the annual subscription fee from £49 to £52 for the 2026 season, in line with North Yorkshire Council and to help cover rising service costs. The garden…
Season’s eatings: Trinity Kitchen welcomes a new street food lineup this festive season
Trinity Kitchen has welcomed a host of new street-food vendors, ready to tantalise tastebuds in the run up to Christmas. From Mac & Cheese and loaded Chicken Nuggets and Tater Tots to succulent burgers and slow-cooked spicy Birria tacos, guests are in for a truly indulgent treat. Christmas favourite Nelly’s Barn is back alongside the much-loved Big Mouth…
Bulls sign Joe Mellor
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of Joe Mellor on a one-year deal! Mellor becomes the 14th new face in the Kurt Haggerty era – linking back up with his new head coach along with the likes of Jayden Nikorima, Ethan Ryan and Loghan Lewis. Having come through the ranks at Wigan, Mellor…
How AI can be used to help combat wildfires
The University of Bradford is using artificial intelligence (AI) to spot wildfires early and send alerts to emergency teams, helping them act quickly and reduce damage. Wildfire detection in remote areas is risky for responders, an issue raised at AI for All, the University of Bradford’s event at MyLahore in Birmingham on using new technologies…
Bradford College launches new academy for creative skills
The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, officially opened Bradford College’s new skills development space for the creative leaders of tomorrow. ‘The Producing Academy’ is an exciting new facility designed to nurture the wave of creative talent needed across West Yorkshire, helping to position the region as a national powerhouse for the creative industries. Covering…
Accu fasteners part of world first marine seagrass harvester
Precision engineering component distributor Accu has collaborated with Tandem Ventures, an organisation which specialises in science, technology and conservation innovations, and Project Seagrass, a marine conservation organisation, in the development of the world’s first underwater seagrass harvester. Seagrass thrives in vast meadows in sheltered coastal waters and these ocean meadows are known as the lungs…
Head of Strategic Partnerships reacts to Autumn Budget
Andy Clarke, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Ahead Partnership: “We welcome the additional information provided around the Youth Guarantee in today’s budget. With more than one million young people currently NEET and national productivity still lagging, this type of targeted investment is essential. The Prime Minister has talked about putting apprenticeships on an equal footing…
Budget 2025: Housing Association CEO backs two-child benefit cap removal but concerned over cost of living
The chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has welcomed the Chancellor’s decision to abolish the two-child benefit cap in today’s Budget. In a statement, Lee Bloomfield said: “As a housing association which places a special emphasis on providing high quality affordable properties for larger families, the removal of the two-child benefit cap is positive…
York set to boost NHS Health Checks for better health
City of York Council has announced plans to recommission its NHS Health Checks programme, reaffirming its commitment to improving health and wellbeing and reducing health inequalities across the city. The NHS Health Check is a free, nationally recognised programme designed to identify early signs of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions among residents aged 40–74 who do…
Businesses collaborate with childcare providers to celebrate National Tree Week
The team at a Bradford-based garden centre group has collaborated with its managed print supplier to celebrate National Tree Week with a childcare provider in Wakefield. Yorkshire Garden Centres, owner of Tong, Tingley, Bingley, Otley and Pennine Garden Centres, plus Dean’s York and Scarborough, has partnered with Oyster to provide the Nurtured Childcare group of…
Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) – Information for Employers – Please give your views (2 minute survey)
What is Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)? In a nutshell, and in the context of providing employers with higher skills training packages for employees, LLE consists of Higher Education modules from high value technical courses delivered as standalone training opportunities for employees or individuals. Scheduled to start in 2027, LLE training packages will be fully funded…
Where to invest in Leeds: the city’s best buy-to-let areas for 2025
Leeds as a Buy-to-Let Market Leeds continues to rank among the most dynamic property markets in the North of England, combining affordability, consistent rental demand and strong employment growth. The city attracts a wide tenant base of students, professionals, and families, making it one of the UK’s most resilient regional markets. Over the past five…
LCB roofing apprentices scoop gold and silver at SkillBuild 2025 national final
Two Leeds College of Building (LCB) apprentices were crowned winners at this year’s SkillBuild national final, securing first and second places in the Roof Slating & Tiling category. Dalton Roofing apprentices Samuel Jinks and Levente Szasz won gold and silver medal places respectively at the event held at Arena MK, Milton Keynes. SkillBuild is the UK’s largest…
Introducing Hospitable Automation
Are your floors really clean? Could a robot meet and greet your customers? Hospitable Automation is on the move across the UK, showcasing the future of service — our innovative cleaning and meet and greet/event guidance robots. Our mission isn’t to replace people, but to enhance the guest experience, delight families, and empower teams by…