Member News Subjects

Businesses face ‘wake up’ call about international indirect tax obligations

VAT specialists at UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm Azets in Yorkshire have warned that international VAT and Customs Duty rules are like an iceberg ready to strike unsuspecting businesses. They state that although importers and exporters may have a general awareness, many do not fully understand the extent and complexity lurking ‘under the…

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Anytime Couriers renew partnership with Bulls

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the renewal of their partnership with Anytime Couriers, extending a strong and successful collaboration between the two organisations. Anytime Couriers are a leading logistics company specialising in fast and reliable courier services across the UK. Their dedication to supporting local communities is reflected in their ongoing partnerships with sports…

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Major Bradford affordable housing scheme reaches completion

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has announced the completion of a £3.9 million affordable homes development in Eccleshill, Bradford. The One Meadow Victoria Road scheme comprises 19 properties – a mix of two, three and four-bed detached and semi-detached houses for social rent. The newly constructed homes have been delivered through a partnership with Zentra Group…

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‘Bug bounty hunter’ happy to give back to Bradford

A man who works as a ‘bug bounty hunter’ returned to the University of Bradford to pass on his knowledge to students.  Nikhil Rane, 25, who completed a one-year MSc in Cyber Security at the University last year, now analyses the cyber security for a gaming company in London.  He returned to Bradford to give…

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Senior promotions at Lichfields’ Leeds office drive continued growth

UK planning and development consultancy Lichfields has announced the promotion of Emma Gomersal and James Cox to Planning Directors in its Leeds office as its Yorkshire team continues to grow. Emma has a strong background in strategic land, specialising in the promotion of residential and employment sites. She has worked extensively with landowner and developer…

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Local social workers recognised in national ‘Amazing Social Worker’ awards

City of York Council is proud to announce that 15 of its social workers have each received a nationwide award in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the social work profession. ‘Amazing Social Workers’ is a campaign run by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) and champions exceptional work across the profession. The awards…

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Business move for expanding Ilkley engineering company

Ilkley engineering company Ideal Extraction has announced an office move to the International Development Centre on Valley Road as a result of business expansion. Ideal Extraction, owned by directors Steve and Helen Rhodes, design, install and maintain dust and fume extraction systems for many sectors across the UK. The company had been trading from premises…

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Bulls announce new partnership

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce a new partnership with Nuffield Health – which will see the Bulls utilise their impressive facility in Shipley for post-game recovery sessions throughout the 2025 season. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the club’s commitment to player welfare and performance, ensuring that players receive top-tier care to…

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Uncovering stories behind Medieval skeletons found at castle

A film featuring Medieval skeletons examined by a University of Bradford expert has been released. Dr Jo Buckberry, from the University’s School of Archaeological and Forensic Sciences, shared her expertise on History Hits’ ‘Medieval Skeletons Reveal Brutal Final Moments’, which has been released on YouTube. In the film, she examines three skeletons, which date back…

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North Yorkshire developer calls out to key workers

Barratt and David Wilson Homes is shining a spotlight on its Harclay Park and Manor Chase developments in Boroughbridge, which have proven popular with key workers across North Yorkshire. The developments, located on Stump Cross, are conveniently positioned with five hospitals less than 18 miles away, including Ripon Community Hospital, Harrogate District Hospital, and York…

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Nature-inspired bench art revealed ahead of Front Street celebration event

Art of Protest has installed the first phase of new artwork in Acomb ahead of the mural reveal and celebration event later this month. Each of the 8 wooden benches have been transformed with a unique design to reflect links to nature. Each bench is painted with a leaf design from the local woodland. This…

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Bradford’s Online MBA ranked 1st in world (again) for value for money

The University of Bradford’s Distance Learning (online) MBA has been ranked 1st in the world for value for money for the second year running by the Financial Times.  It was also ranked 2nd for ESG and Net Zero teaching, 4th for student demographics and 9th for career progression.  The University’s Distance Learning MBA has featured in the…

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Magistrates charge company guilty of fly posting £5,400

A local company illegally putting up posters in and around York has been found guilty by York Magistrate’s Court and ordered to pay £5,421. Between July and October 2024, a large number of posters appeared in and around York and were reported to City of York Council. The notices were A1 (roughly 60 x 84centimetres),…

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Deal completes for supported living and day service provider

Hollybank Trust (‘Hollybank’) has acquired one of Calderdale’s leading providers of support services for people with learning disabilities. The charity, based in West Yorkshire, has signed a deal for Halifax-based Community Support Services (‘CSS’), following the retirement of Dawn and Danny Hartley who founded the business 30 years ago, in 1995. CSS has grown organically…

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GSAL student joins prestigious Children’s Commissioner youth ambassador programme

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is proud to celebrate the achievement of sixth form student, Naemi Asmerom, who has been appointed as one of only 17 youth ambassadors nationally for the Children’s Commissioner for England, following a highly competitive selection process. The youth ambassador programme, led by Dame Rachel de Souza DBE, provides young…

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Council secures more than £3.4m funding for warmer homes

Council leaders have confirmed that City of York Council will receive more than £3.4m of funding thanks to two separate grants. The funding, announced this week by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, will be used to upgrade around 280 homes over the next three years, to reduce carbon emissions and fuel poverty…

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Bradford start-up off to Houses of Parliament to launch UUK campaign

University of Bradford start-up i-Diagnose, which aims to save the NHS thousands of pounds by using artificial intelligence to slash training costs, has been invited to the House of Lords as part of the Universities UK ‘Unis start up the UK’ campaign. Sania Bibi and Aaron Walshaw, who started their business through the University’s BREE…

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YBS Commercial grows balance sheet to more than £2bn in 2024, lending close to £500 million to commercial investors and landlords

YBS Commercial Mortgages, the commercial lending arm of Yorkshire Building Society, has revealed it had another strong year in 2024, as commitment to broker relationships and personalised service catalysed the growth of its balance sheet to £2.2bn. The commercial lender completed £0.453bn of commercial mortgage loans during the year; £377m of which went into servicing…

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Old Boys giving back through new sports scholarship

A group of former University of Bradford students have teamed up to launch a new sports scholarship. The Team Bradford Spirit of Sport Scholarship, which starts during the 2025/26 academic year, will give five University of Bradford students £1,500 per year towards their living costs.  The scholarship has been funded by the Football Club Old…

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Yorkshire & Humber Construction Market poised for growth, driven by private housing boom

The latest Construction Market Intelligence (CMI Q1 2025) report from Yorkshire & Humber-based construction and property management consultant, Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB UK) forecasts a positive outlook for the region’s construction sector, with private housing emerging as the fastest-growing sector. Key Regional Developments Regional market sentiment remains generally optimistic, with significant development activity across the region’s larger…

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‘Iconic’ tenant thanks Unity Enterprise team for special business adventure

A longstanding tenant of a prominent Leeds enterprise hub has expressed her gratitude to the not-for-profit organisation that helped her business thrive. Corinne Lapierre has been making high-quality craft kits and textile accessories at Unity Business Centre (UBC) in Chapeltown for over 12 years. UBC is one of three centres managed by Unity Enterprise (UE),…

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Court of Protection specialist to present masterclass in York

Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces that Amy Floater, head of the firm’s Court of Protection team, will present an important update masterclass in York, in association with leading training provider, For Legal. Amy, who has specialised in Court of Protection matters for several years, will provide legal practitioners with an overview of…

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Work to protect key heritage building uncovers unique history

A renovation scheme to secure the city’s historic Mansion House for years to come has uncovered some unique history. Over £1.3m is being invested in a range of essential repairs and improvements, including re-roofing the building, repairing its windows and ensuring it is health and safety-compliant. As part of the renovation, a new glimpse of…

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Striker-turned-Premier League chief back in Bradford

A former footballer-turned Premier League executive returned to the University of Bradford 40 years after first arriving as a student.  Iffy Onuora, Head of Race Equality and Inclusion at the FA Premier League, learned about the University’s commitment to social mobility and diversity during his return visit.  He studied BSc Social Sciences at the University…

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New chapter for historic Leeds Library with opening of £2.3m extension

The Leeds Library turns the page on a new chapter in April with the unveiling of a new extension. In an investment totalling £2.3million, the library has extended its historic home on Commercial Street and created new facilities including an event space for education and community activities, a rooftop reading terrace, more space for books…

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Core Telecom Supports The Endometriosis Foundation’s Women’s Run Series

At Core Telecom, we are committed to supporting initiatives that make a tangible difference in society. When we learned about The Endometriosis Foundation’s Women’s Run Series, we knew it was a cause we had to stand behind. Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects millions of women worldwide, yet it remains incurable. Spreading awareness about…

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New Boots Opticians store with innovative eye scan technology opens in Trinity Leeds

A new stand-alone Boots Opticians store has opened in Trinity Leeds offering optomap® as part of its Ultimate Eye Test, which could help to detect signs of serious health conditions including diabetes and hypertension. The store, which is located on the ground floor of Trinity Leeds, provides an inspiring and inviting shopping experience for customers…

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Cost Matters: ‘Redefining Excellence in Quantity Surveying’ Conference – June 2025

Rob Hubbard, Principal Consultant and Owner of Cantidad Limited, is pleased to announce their inaugural conference, “Cost Matters: Redefining Excellence in Quantity Surveying.” This one-day event is designed for commercial professionals at all levels and will bring together commercial professionals from across the construction industry, from emerging talent to seasoned experts, for insightful presentations, interactive…

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Young mum praises stop smoking team as referrals double and new online group support launched

A young mum who started smoking aged 12 has told how City of York Council’s Health Trainers helped her quit smoking for good so she can stay healthier and live longer. Mum-of-two Alex, from York, has told her story on No Smoking Day (Wednesday 12 March) as the Health Trainer service expands its successful Swap2Stop programme further…

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Oscrete’s new testing facility helps reduce carbon footprint

Bradford-based concrete admixture manufacturer Oscrete has doubled its customer trials following investment in its expanded and upgraded laboratory. Oscrete’s enhanced, secure laboratory with dedicated office, tests admixtures to evaluate and optimise their effects on concrete’s properties. The new, advanced 100m² lab is a full concrete testing facility, in use up to six days a week….

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Leeds Manufacturing Festival launches 2025 programme with need for ‘generational shift’ topping the agenda 

The shortage of new talent that continues to hamper growth in the manufacturing and engineering industries is the focus of the Leeds Manufacturing Festival, which returns this month with a packed programme running through to September. The festival, which kicks off this week at a high-profile launch event in the city, is focused on raising…

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Chadwick Lawrence invests in local community with sponsorship of five Yorkshire rugby clubs and two Leeds Rhinos players

Leading Yorkshire law firm Chadwick Lawrence has announced the renewal of its longstanding sponsorship of Leeds Rhinos, as it approaches almost 20 years of being the official legal partner to the rugby club. The firm has also committed to supporting five other local rugby clubs for the upcoming season. This season, in addition to sponsoring…

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Trinity Leeds and White Rose host Made in Yorkshire initiative, encouraging next generation to reimagine the future of retail

Trinity Leeds and White Rose Shopping Centre have hosted their enterprise challenge, ‘Made in Yorkshire’, with three local schools competing in a ‘Dragons’ Den’-style pitch. Made in Yorkshire is a cross-school competition with students tasked with designing a brand-new community space for the city before going head-to-head and pitching their proposals in the finals. Centred…

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Scarborough’s Grand Hotel joins the Disability Confident Scheme

The Disability Confident Scheme aims to create a movement of change, encouraging employers to think differently about disability and long-term health conditions and take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop disabled people. It was developed by employers and disabled people’s representatives to make it rigorous but easily accessible. Mark Johnston General Manager…

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Yorkshire garden centre group appoints new board member

The team at a Bradford-headquartered garden centre group with sites in West and North Yorkshire has made a new appointment to its board of directors. Neil Barwise-Carr, former Head of People and Culture at Yorkshire Garden Centres, has been promoted to the position of Director of People and Culture to lead a team of 573…

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Brainstorm Club launches fully funded Sales & Marketing alignment programme for West Yorkshire SMEs

New “Align4Growth” initiative offers 4-week transformation programme with 12 months’ support at no cost to qualifying businesses Brainstorm Club, a West Yorkshire-based consultancy specialising in revenue growth strategies, today announced the launch of its fully funded Align4Growth programme. This initiative aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Yorkshire rapidly improve revenue by aligning…

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Brand new networking group hosts inaugural event in Cross Hills

Last Thursday, two Cross Hills business joined ranks to hold their first networking event for local businesses. The breakfast meeting was met with great enthusiasm by those who attended and the organisers hope it will become a regular event. IT support and services firm, Comprendo IT, and property management agency, Macaulay & Co, both situated…

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Anita active and Bradford Bulls champion breast support in sport!

ANITA is delighted to announce an exciting collaboration with the Bradford Bulls’ women’s rugby team just in time for International Women’s Day! The alliance establishes Anita active as the official sports bra brand for the Bradford Bulls for the 2025 season and aims to provide top-quality breast support for the club’s players, while promoting awareness…

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Painting & Decorating students tackle striking football mural

A recent collaboration between Leeds College of Building and local artist Nicolas Dixon resulted in an eye-catching football mural at the GOALS soccer centre in Kirkstall. An all-female group of City & Guilds Level 1 Painting & Decorating Diploma students spent two weeks working with the artist, whose artwork can be seen around the world, completing…

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Efforts to improve the Jubilee Terrace to Scarborough Bridge path take a step forward

Work to invest £1.7m in improvements to a well-used riverside path could take a further step forward next week (11 March). At a decision session the council’s Executive Member for Transport will be asked to agree to progress work on the Jubilee Terrace to Scarborough Bridge riverside path to detailed design and construction. This meeting…

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York school students get taste of construction careers

Fifteen Year 11 students from across York got the chance to get a real-world insight into the construction industry. Their industry taster day began with a tour of the York Central construction site, where students learned about ongoing work on one of England’s largest brownfield development, and future career opportunities represented by this landmark project….

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Looking for a new job? Visit York Jobs Fair

Anyone looking for work, support with training or getting new qualifications is invited to the latest York Jobs Fair on Tuesday 11 March. The popular event will be held at York Barbican from 1-6pm and will showcase representatives from 50 employers including Aviva, GMI Construction, Pearltech, Rack Systems (Engineering) Limited and Yorkshire Housing. A range…

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Olympic champion Tessa Sanderson CBE inspires GSAL pupils ahead of International Women’s Day

Pupils at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) were treated to an inspiring visit from Olympic gold medallist Tessa Sanderson CBE on Wednesday 5 March, as the former javelin thrower shared her journey to sporting success ahead of International Women’s Day. Tessa, who made history as the first black British woman to win an Olympic…

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Underinsurance is an unhealthy risk for many health and care operators

Many firms operating in the health and care sector don’t realise the serious implications of being underinsured, warns insurance broker, James Bright, from the health and care division of Bradford based, independent insurance broking and risk management specialist, TL Dallas. James said: “Underinsurance in the health and care sector can lead to severe financial, legal,…

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Regional legal powerhouse to launch April 2025

Two of Lincolnshire’s and Yorkshire’s leading law firms have announced they are to merge on 1 April 2025. Wilkin Chapman LLP and Rollits LLP will merge under the trading name of Wilkin Chapman Rollits. The new firm will have more than 500 people including 70 partners and have a combined annual turnover of £40 million….

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Atlantic challenge pushes Yorkshire dad to the limit – and reinforces the power of family

YORKSHIRE dad Matthew Pitchforth says battling the Atlantic’s brutal waves and isolation for 39 days taught him one thing: nothing matters more than family. Having completed the World’s Toughest Row, a gruelling 3,000-mile journey across the ocean, and raising nearly £250,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, he now reflects on the immense physical and…

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Bradford vying for two national student nursing awards

The University of Bradford has been shortlisted in two categories at the Student Nursing Times Awards 2025.  Bradford is nominated in the Partnership of the Year category, for its work with New Vision Bradford/Waythrough on overdose awareness and response training and for the Student Placement of The Year: Community award.  Natalie Finch, Assistant Professor Mental…

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Council to enhance its standards to improve residents’ experience

City of York Council’s Executive will be asked to adopt new standards to support people living with poverty in the city, at a meeting later this month (11 March). The standards are set out in a Charter for Organisational Standards created by York Truth Poverty Commission and aim to make services more responsive to people’s needs rather…

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