Schofield Sweeney ranked in UK Top 20 for Mergers & Acquisitions
Commercial Law Firm also Ranks Second In Yorkshire in Experian Report Award winning commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has soared up the rankings to be named one of the top 20 most active legal advisers for mergers and acquisitions in the latest M&A report from Experian Market IQ. The company’s M&A expertise saw it leap…
M&S-style attacks are just the beginning: new Barometer shows economic risk from cyber breaches rising fast
Large businesses in Yorkshire are increasingly exposed to cyberattacks, with fresh data showing a clear link between company size and breach frequency – but experts are warning that smaller firms may be dangerously underestimating the threat. According to the latest Azets Barometer, just 41% of large UK businesses avoided cybersecurity incidents in the past year…
Switalskis strengthens Leeds presence with move to West Village
Leading Yorkshire law firm Switalskis has relocated its Leeds-based teams to a new office at West Village on Wellington Street. It’s a significant milestone in the firm’s continued growth and investment in the region. After 15 years at nearby St James House, the move to the state-of-the-art, 3,326 sq ft workspace in Bruntwood SciTech’s innovative…
Leeds Charity Ball boosts AABIE fundraising total to £200k
Leading professional services firm AAB welcomed over 300 guests to the third AABIE Charity Ball, held for the first time in Leeds on Saturday 14 June 2025. Taking place at the iconic Aspire venue, the event was a great success, celebrating the growing impact of AABIE as it looks ahead to its 10-year anniversary in…
Azets UK appoints Yorkshire regional managing director
Azets, the UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm, has appointed Claire Needham as its new regional managing director for Yorkshire and the North East. Claire is promoted into the role from her position as Azets’ York office managing partner and head of the UK technical accounting team. She will succeed Russell Turner, who is…
Spending Review can be transformative for new homes and Bradford – housing association CEO
The chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has backed the Chancellor’s commitments to a £39 billion Affordable Homes Programme and a 10-year rent settlement announced in today’s Spending Review. In a statement, Lee Bloomfield said: “For far too long, housing associations have faced an impossible task in trying to provide enough decent homes for…
Schofield Sweeney welcomes Real Estate Partner Tim Richards
Appointment Consolidates Firm’s Position as a Regional Leader in Real Estate Law Award-winning Yorkshire law firm Schofield Sweeney has further enhanced its real estate expertise with the appointment of new partner Tim Richards to the 40-strong specialist team. Tim brings with him a wealth of commercial real estate experience, including advising end-to-end on major land…
Andrew Jackson advises Fortuna Ltd on award of Tristan Da Cunha Lobster Concession
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP is pleased to have acted as legal advisor to Falkland Islands based Fortuna Ltd, which will be taking over the Tristan da Cunha Lobster Concession from 2027. Having won the tender, Fortuna, a leading seafood producer and exporter, will be granted exclusive long-term rights to fish for lobster around the islands…
AWB Charlesworth Solicitors welcomes new Commercial Property Director
AWB Charlesworth Solicitors is pleased to announce that Claire Roberts has been appointed to the role of Director in the Commercial Property department. Felicity Green, Practice Manager of AWB Charlesworth said: “We are delighted that Claire will be joining the Commercial Property team as Director. Claire brings a wealth of skills, experience and achievements to…
Businesses need to boost bottom line with price increases or slide into red
Too many businesses in the Yorkshire run the risk of financial ruin because they are not improving efficiency and removing process waste from their business to counteract increasing input and wages costs. Profit erosion caused by inflation – branded the invisible tax – has repeatedly been identified by the UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm Azets…
Chadwick Lawrence appoints Justine Hunkins to launch Social Housing Management Team
Law firm Chadwick Lawrence has announced the launch of a new Social Housing Management Team, providing nationwide litigation support to social housing providers. A new partner, Justine Hunkins, has been appointed to drive the development of the team. Justine is a social housing litigator, with 19 years’ experience in the social housing sector and arrives…
Yorkshire Building Society and Citizens Advice partnership supports over 11,900 people
An award-winning collaboration between Citizens Advice and Yorkshire Building Society has provided assistance to over 11,900 individuals across the UK over the past four years, and has potentially unlocked more than £6.5 million in additional income for those benefiting from the advice. The partnership allows Yorkshire Building Society to host advisors from Citizens Advice at…
AAB appoints Sarah Teshome as Corporate Tax Partner to support growth in Northern England
Leading professional services firm AAB has appointed Sarah Teshome as Corporate Tax Partner, further strengthening its expanding tax team in Leeds. This appointment underscores AAB’s commitment to helping clients across Northern England to navigate the ever-evolving tax landscape and help them to drive sustainable growth. Sarah brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as…
Blacks Solicitors shows ongoing commitment to supporting emerging regional music talent
Leading Yorkshire law firm, Blacks Solicitors, is the proud sponsor of the ‘Sounds Of Leeds Conservatoire’ event series, an initiative focused on supporting and nurturing emerging regional talent and connecting budding artists with experienced industry professionals. The ‘Sound Of’ series, hosted by specialist music and performing arts school Leeds Conservatoire, offers students and the public valuable…
Five fee earner promotions at Chadwick Lawrence following successful year
Leading Yorkshire law firm Chadwick Lawrence has announced the promotions of five fee earning team members, as it looks to build on its continued success entering the new financial year. Julia Wilding is promoted to salaried partner, wills and probate. Having qualified as a solicitor in 1997, Julia has 28 years of experience in private…
Simon Watson begins role as Yorkshire Building Society’s Chief Commercial Officer
Simon Watson has stepped into role as Yorkshire Building Society’s new Chief Commercial Officer. He will lead teams responsible for mortgages, savings and marketing and digital channels. He joins the mutual from NatWest Group, where he has worked since 2011. Most recently in the role of Managing Director of Affluent Banking & Investing, he held…
Andrew Jackson Solicitors to co-host event for region’s leisure park operators
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces that it will host an event aimed at leisure park operators, alongside NatWest, Sanderson Weatherall and Smailes Goldie, later this month (21st May). Focusing on the key operational issues, opportunities and challenges facing leisure park operators, the event will feature a keynote speech from Harry Rix, director…
Five fee earner promotions at Chadwick Lawrence following successful year
Leading Yorkshire law firm Chadwick Lawrence has announced the promotions of five fee earning team members, as it looks to build on its continued success entering the new financial year. Julia Wilding is promoted to salaried partner, wills and probate. Having qualified as a solicitor in 1997, Julia has 28 years of experience in private…
Schofield Sweeney supports ‘home city’ again with Bradford Showcase partnership
Leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney will play a key role in showcasing the Bradford district’s planning and investment potential at an event alongside the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), in Leeds from May 20th-22nd. Working in partnership with Bradford Council, Schofield Sweeney, which has one of the region’s largest and most…
TL Dallas strengthens in-house claims team
Leading independent insurance broker, TL Dallas, has expanded its highly respected in-house claims team with the appointment of claims handler, Caroline Thorpe. Caroline brings over 12 years of specialist experience in the health and care claims sector, having previously worked at Bupa and Markel. Her expertise includes handling complex cases involving employers’ and public liability,…
AAB strengthens senior leadership team to drive growth in London
Leading professional services firm AAB has expanded its senior team in London, underlining its strategic commitment to growth and enhanced client support in the capital. AAB, a top-25 UK firm that has trebled in size since 2021, has appointed Jai Raja as Audit Partner, James Snape as Audit Director, and Greg Smythe as Tax Director…
Andrew Jackson welcomes partner to corporate team
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has welcomed Keith Benton as a partner into the corporate team, further strengthening the firm’s commercial and intellectual property law offering to clients across Yorkshire and the Humber, and beyond. Keith – who joins Andrew Jackson from another large regional practice – has many years’ experience as a…
Schofield Sweeney triumph at FB Yorkshire Business Hero Awards 2025
Leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney is celebrating after a double win at the Yorkshire Business Hero Awards. The West Yorkshire-based firm secured the Diversity, Inclusion & Equality award for the third time in four years, with Marketing Director Ann-Marie Keighley and her team being named Marketing & Digital Disruptor of the Year award at…
Students present their case before judge at mock trial final
Students from two schools took part in the final of a mock trial competition held at the University of Bradford. Bradford Grammar School and Ripon Grammar School sent teams of budding barristers to take part in the mock trial, heard before Judge Jonathan Rose, Honorary Recorder of Bradford. Students from Bradford Grammar School prosecuted, while…
Further growth for Andrew Jackson’s Private Client team
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has welcomed Suzgo Kaluluma, an experienced private client specialist, as a partner, and Lucy Martindale, a chartered legal executive, marking further growth for its highly-rated practice. Suzgo has substantial experience of advising clients on inheritance tax and estate planning matters, the preparation of wills and Lasting Powers of…
Andrew Jackson advises on acquisition of Falkland Islands’ first container vessel
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces that it has acted as legal advisor to Falkland Islands based Consolidated Fisheries Limited (CFL) on its acquisition of MV Unispirit, which is the Islands’ first container vessel. The vessel was handed over to new ownership in Montevideo on 7th April 2025. The 6296 gross tonne vessel was purchased from…
Partners among several promotions at Andrew Jackson Solicitors
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP is delighted to announce several promotions, including three new partners, in recognition of the talent and commitment across the firm. Having undertaken their legal training and subsequently gaining their legal qualifications with Andrew Jackson Solicitors, Yasmin Fenton and Harry Mills (real estate and property), and Andrew Coish (shipping and transport) have…
Dallas Scott Davey strengthens its estate and farm offering
A leading specialist in agricultural and commercial insurance, Dallas Scott Davey (DSD), has appointed Toby Baker as part of its strategic growth and ongoing specialisation in estates and farm insurance. DSD is part of Bradford based insurance broking and risk management firm, TL Dallas. Toby, a highly experienced rural risks insurance broker, will be an…
Chadwick Lawrence raises life-changing funds to support children through education at the annual charity Iftar
Yorkshire-based law firm Chadwick Lawrence has hosted its third annual charity Iftar, raising vital funds for The Citizens Foundation (TCF) that will support 186 school children through a year of education. The event, which brought together local businesses and individuals to promote diversity, inclusivity and different faiths and religions, was held at The Madisson Bradford…
Andrew Jackson advises the Kexgill Group on £58.5 million refinance facility for student accommodation expansion
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP is delighted to have advised the Kexgill Group, a leading provider of student accommodation across the north of England, on a £58.5 million refinance facility provided by Aldermore Bank. The transaction will support Kexgill’s growth plans for newly developed student accommodation, including a further 170 new bedrooms in prime city locations…
AAB shortlisted for prestigious British Business Award
Leading UK and Ireland professional services firm, AAB, has been shortlisted as one of the finalists in this year’s British Business Awards, which celebrates and recognises trailblazers across the UK business community. AAB is the only company which combines both financial and professional services to feature in the shortlist for the Stellar Omada Financial Services…
Chadwick Lawrence Managing Partner wins Professional Services Leader of the Year
Neil Wilson, managing partner of Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors, was awarded Professional Services Leader of the Year at The Business Desk Yorkshire Leadership Awards last night. The Yorkshire Leadership Awards, which took place on Thursday 20 March at The Royal Armouries in Leeds, was created to celebrate people who are role models within their organisations, and…
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…
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),…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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….
Andrew Jackson advises Woods Tours on purchase of UK’s first electric tour boat
Vessel set for launch this year with Tower of London River Tour Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces that it has assisted Woods Tours on its commission of the UK’s first zero emissions tourist vessel, which is set to launch later this year with a 40-minute Tower of London River Tour that will…
Chadwick Lawrence advises on seven-figure sale of occasion wear label Lavish Alice
Yorkshire-based law firm Chadwick Lawrence has advised on the sale of occasion wear label Lavish Alice, known for its A-list clientele including Gigi Hadid and actress Lindsay Lohan, to womenswear brand Club L London. Chadwick Lawrence has provided trusted legal support to Manchester-based Lavish Alice for over a decade and the Corporate team led by…
Azets UK announces new director in Yorkshire amid raft of promotions
International business advisory group Azets has announced 11 promotions across its three offices in Yorkshire. Edward Cliff (Audit & Assurance, York) has been promoted to Director while, also in the York office, Bethan Hughes has been appointed Senior Manager, Adam Wingrove Manager and Rutendo Chikukwa Assistant Manager. Also in York, Ashley Greaves and Benjamin Jones…
HSBC Leader Encourages York Businesses to embrace ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’
Earlier this month, HSBC UK’s Head of Technology Sector encouraged York businesses to adapt to thrive in the climate of ‘functional disruptive change’ represented by the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In his keynote address to over 60 businesses at the first York Tech Forum on 13 February, Roland Emmans explored the fast-moving tech…
PIB Insurance Brokers expands Leeds presence with appointment of James Tosh as Branch Director
PIB Insurance Brokers is making a significant investment in Leeds with the appointment of James Tosh as its new Branch Director. James joins from Aon and brings extensive industry expertise to drive growth in the region. His appointment marks a key milestone in PIB’s strategy to expand its regional footprint, strengthen client relationships, and build…
Yorkshire Building Society appoints Chief Commercial Officer
Yorkshire Building Society has appointed a new Chief Commercial Officer. Simon Watson will join the mutual on 1 May from NatWest Group, where he has worked since 2011. Currently in the role of Managing Director of Affluent Banking & Investing, he has held a number of senior leadership positions spanning personal and private banking, digital…
AAB announces the appointment of Sarah Hex as Business Development Partner in Leeds
Leading UK and Ireland professional services firm, AAB, has announced the appointment of Leeds-based Sarah Hex as Business Development Partner. Sarah brings over 20 years of experience in professional, financial and investment services. An accomplished business development and client services leader, she will lead strategic business development for AAB across the North of England. An…
Bank of England monetary policy expert to deliver lecture at Leeds Beckett University
Leeds Beckett University is delighted to welcome Dr. Catherine L. Mann, External Member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), to deliver the highly anticipated Economic Prospects Lecture on 11 February. Attendees will gain insights into the Bank’s latest Monetary Policy Report, to be released on 6 February. Catherine will address how the…