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,…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
City of York Council proud to support LGBTQIA+ communities
City of York Council will once again show its support for LGBTQIA+ communities by taking part in York Pride, celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion across the city. Council teams will have a strong and visible presence at York Pride, taking place on Saturday 30 May, where thousands of residents and visitors are expected to come…
Introducing Gresham Office Furniture
Since 1976, we’ve been at the forefront of British workspace furniture manufacturing. For nearly 50 years, we’ve combined expert craftsmanship, innovative design, and precision engineering to create premium furniture solutions made right here in the UK. With thousands of products and decades of industry expertise, we help bring modern workspaces to life. From personalised design…
Bradford alumni wins Study UK Alumni Awards for AI research
University of Bradford graduate Dr Bashir Mohammed, a Senior Lead Gen-AI Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS), has won a prestigious Study UK Alumni award. He was presented with the award – winning the Science and Sustainability category – at a ceremony in Los Angeles yesterday (May 22). Dr Mohammed’s work involves conceptualising and implementing AI integration for…
GSAL named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) has been recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 in the Big Organisation category, in the school’s first year of entering the national awards programme. Published in partnership with employee experience platform WorkL, founded by Lord Mark Price, the nationwide survey celebrates organisations leading…
Oscrete announces Luke Curran as Head of Sales, Ireland
Oscrete has announced the appointment of Luke Curran as Head of Sales for its Ireland sister company, Adcrete. Luke brings 15 years of experience across the readymix, asphalt, quarrying and admixture sectors, having built a strong career in technical, operational and commercial roles throughout his time in Ireland and over a decade in Australia. With…
Schofield Sweeney retains its place in Sunday Times Best Places to Work list
Leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has been named in the official Sunday Times Best Places to Work list for the third year running. The nationwide workplace survey recognises and celebrates the UK’s top employers, showcasing organisations that are leading the way in employee engagement, workplace culture and overall employee experience. The law firm was once again…
Saint Catherine’s and York Against Cancer team up to provide specialist lymphoedema care locally
Saint Catherine’s and York Against Cancer have teamed up to provide specialist lymphoedema care in York. Lymphoedema is a long term condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues, due to lymphatic fluid accumulating. Lymphoedema develops when the lymphatic system (a network of channels and glands throughout the body that helps fight infection and remove…
Michael Crawford CBE marks groundbreaking of new Bradford ‘Home from Home’
Construction begins on new home for families with a baby in neonatal intensive care at Bradford Royal Infirmary, which will open in 2027 Stage and screen legend Michael Crawford CBE joined supporters, families, hospital staff and dignitaries as work officially began on a new ‘Home from Home’ for families with premature or ill baby at Bradford Royal Infirmary. The landmark moment marks the start of construction on the new home, which is being delivered…
York welcomes new Lord Mayor for 26/27
City of York Council’s Annual Council and Mayor Making meeting has seen the appointment of a new Lord Mayor of York, with Councillor Margaret Wells officially appointed as the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of York. Councillor Wells is returning for her second tenure of the highly prestigious and historic office, which is second only…
AAB welcomes two firms in latest strategic growth deal
BpH Wealth Management and Jane Smith Financial Planning join AAB as Assets Under Advice reach £2.5 Billion AAB’s award-winning chartered financial planning team, AAB Wealth, continues to implement its strategic growth plan with the acquisition of two firms – BpH Wealth Management and Jane Smith Financial Planning. The move will mean AAB Wealth serves over…
Huddersfield’s Accu appoints Dan Jack as CEO to lead next phase of global growth
Precision engineering component supplier Accu, based in Huddersfield, has appointed Dan Jack as Chief Executive Officer. Co-founder and outgoing CEO Martin Ackroyd moves into a newly created Chief Digital Officer role, remaining on the Board of Directors to drive the company’s digital and technology vision. Dan Jack joins from Trifast plc, a global designer, manufacturer and…
Bulls sign Riley Dean
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of half-back Riley Dean on an initial deal until the end of the 2026 season. The 24-year-old came through the ranks at Warrington Wolves, making his Super League debut as a 19-year-old in 2019. After a year at Featherstone Rovers in 2023, Dean made the move down…
Azets welcomes new audit partner in Yorkshire
UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm recruits highly-experienced auditor Sarah Palmer in Leeds office International accountancy and business advisory group Azets has strengthened its senior team in Yorkshire with the appointment of Sarah Palmer as an audit and assurance partner. Sarah joins the firm’s Leeds office after more than 17 years at PwC…
What could YOU do with an extra day a week?
That’s the question we ask every business owner we meet, because most teams spend hours each week on emails, routine admin, reports, and repetitive tasks that AI can handle in minutes. At iThink365, we help and show businesses how to put Microsoft 365 Copilot and AI Agents to work properly. Not as a gimmick, not…
Residents from Hambleton Grange enjoy immersive historical day out at Leeds Armouries Museum
Residents from Hambleton Grange Care Home in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, enjoyed a memorable and long-awaited trip to the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds after requesting a visit during their regular residents’ meetings. Thanks to a timely opportunity to swap the care home minibus to a day when the museum was open, the lifestyle team were able…
K-pop Korner to launch first Yorkshire store at Leeds Merrion Centre
The Merrion Centre is set to welcome one of the UK’s fastest-growing specialist music retailers as K-pop Korner opens its first Yorkshire location this May. Officially soft launching on 22 May 2026, K-pop Korner Leeds will open as an initial pop-up store, becoming the brand’s fourth UK location and its first in the North of…
Family fun with Shaun The Sheep & White Rose this May
A new Shaun the Sheep augmented reality trail will visit White Rose Shopping Centre next month, alongside a line-up of fun half-term activities. Families are invited to embark on a free adventure with the Shaun the Sheep: Fun with the Flock augmented reality trail at the city shopping destination, bringing the much-loved Shaun the Sheep character…
Archbishop Holgate’s School triumphs at York Young Citizen’s Public Speaking Competition
Archbishop Holgate’s School has won this year’s prestigious York Young Citizen’s Public Speaking Competition. Secondary school pupils from schools across the city battled it out for the top slot, going head-to-head to debate one of four topics: Smart phones make present day life much better for children. York is a city with a past but…
Football’s coming home – new bar & huge new football venue announced for England fans this Summer
Trinity Kitchen will turn into one of the city’s biggest hotspots to watch the World Cup this summer, transforming into an evening fan zone with three super-sized 5m x 3m screens, a brand new bar, DJs, brass bands and space for up to 1,000 supporters. Free to attend and opening in time for the start…
Kids’ Carnival comes back to White Rose due to popular demand
Families are in for a treat this half term as the ever-popular Kids’ Carnival returns to White Rose Shopping Centre with rides and games for all ages from 21st – 31st May. The free-to-enter carnival will run from 11am – 9pm during school holidays and weekends, and from 3pm–8pm on weekdays outside of school holidays. Guests can…
Salko UK awarded nine month contract extension across RWE’s Pembroke and Staythorpe sites
Leading mechanical and electrical solutions provider, Salko UK, has been awarded a nine month contract extension securing continued delivery of ongoing maintenance support RWE’s Pembroke and Staythorpe sites through to the end of 2026. Establishing itself as a trusted partner for RWE, the leading power generator in the UK, Salko UK will oversee ongoing maintenance…
North Yorkshire development proves popular with early sales success
Barratt Homes has reported excellent early sales success at its brand-new Knights Gate development in Huntington. After the launch of its show homes and sales office in early February, ten keen house buyers have already reserved their new homes. With the development already generating significant interest, early signs show that it is going to be popular with…
Big Changes and Bigger Fun: The All-New Village Hotel Leeds South!
Check Out What’s Bubbling Under One Roof! The secret is out—Village Hotel Leeds South is having a major glow-up, and we can’t wait for you to see it! We’re taking our “Everything Under One Roof” vibe to a whole new level with serious upgrades across the board. Whether you’re here to sweat, sleep, or socialise,…
100 Bradford businesses back local hospital charity
From takeaways to pharmacies, businesses unite behind families with babies on the neonatal intensive care unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary. More than 100 businesses and faith organisations across Bradford have committed to supporting Bradford Hospitals Charity, showing strong community backing for local healthcare. The money raised and donated will help build a ‘Home from Home’,…
The Link Between Fuel and Food
When people talk about the cost of living, they talk about energy bills, mortgages and wage stagnation. Rarely does the conversation land on fuel. And almost never does it land on the cold chain that moves food from producer to plate. That invisibility is part of the problem. I want to make the connection explicit,…
Manningham Housing Association awarded funds to train tenants for leadership roles
Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has secured £70,000 of government funding to boost tenant involvement in important decisions made by landlords in Yorkshire and Humber, and the North East. Working in partnership with the Housing Diversity Network (HDN) – a not-for-profit social enterprise that specialises in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for the housing sector – the…
Breaking free from the spreadsheet trap
How Excel Could Be Holding Your Organisation Back For many organisations, Excel has slowly become embedded in everyday operations. Holiday tracking, scheduling, order handling, approvals and finance processes. If a workflow exists, chances are someone has built it in a spreadsheet. And initially, that works just fine. But as organisations grow, expectations increase, and AI…
Foster Care Fortnight: York children and young people need local foster carers now
City of York Council’s fostering team is urging local people like you to help change children and young people’s lives through fostering. The council always needs local people to provide safe, loving homes to children and young people who can’t live with their birth families. And there are lots of benefits to fostering with your…
North Yorkshire housebuilder supports community and homelessness charity with £3,000 donation
Barratt and David Wilson Homes has donated £3,000 to Chocolate & Co, a permanent community café and charity in York supporting people facing homelessness, addiction and barriers to employment. Chocolate & Co was established in 2024, although its work began several years earlier following the loss of two close friends to addiction during lockdown. A mother and…
Azets warns Yorkshire charities of HMRC clampdown
Warning to Yorkshire charities over increased HMRC activity in sector Charities and not-for-profit organisations in Yorkshire are being warned to ensure all their procedures and records are watertight in the light of new and enhanced compliance activity by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). HMRC has recently initiated a programme of Structured Risk Reviews (SRRs) across…
Green plaque honours global impact of Bradford Sling
A World Origin Site green plaque has been unveiled at the University of Bradford to commemorate the global impact of the Bradford Sling and the world‑leading Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU), where the innovation was developed. The internationally recognised Bradford Sling, created at the University following the 1985 Bradford City fire, is a simple but highly…
Yorkshire engineering firm celebrates success at HSBC’s Small Business Awards
Leading mechanical and electrical engineering firm Salko UK, is celebrating after its family business has been recognised by a leading national award. Salko UK was awarded the Yorkshire, Humber and the North East ‘Family Business Award’ at last night’s HSBC Small Business Awards. The business was recognised for its strong family ethos and active involvement…
Jerk Junction announces launch date at Trinity Kitchen
Caribbean street food favourite Jerk Junction has announced it will open to the public at Trinity Kitchen next week – with 100 prizes up for grabs, alongside a live DJ. Food fans will get to ‘spin the wheel’ for the chance to win free meals, sides, drinks and Jerk Junction merchandise when it opens at…
Chatang launches custom bubble tea and malatang at Merrion
New grab-and-go destination for handcrafted teas and bold East Asian flavours arrives in Leeds A fresh and exciting concept has arrived in Leeds as Chatang opens its doors on Woodhouse Lane, introducing a vibrant menu of authentic East Asian flavours at the Merrion Centre. Following an initial soft opening, Chatang will officially celebrate its Grand…
The Grammar School at Leeds unveils exciting plans to transform its sixth form centre
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) has announced plans to refurbish and upgrade its sixth form centre, creating a space to enhance independent learning, collaboration and student wellbeing. The project forms part of the school’s ongoing investment in its 140-acre campus, following the opening of The Cryer, GSAL’s performing arts centre, in 2025, and reflects…
New innovation partnership to accelerate growth of Shipley textile manufacturers
Marketing and business experts at Leeds Beckett University (LBU) are partnering with Shipley-based Specialised Covers to secure the long-term growth and sustainability of the family-owned bespoke protective textile cover manufacturers. The two-year project is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) through Innovate UK, and is led by Dr Catherine…
AI questions validity of famous Anne Boleyn sketch
This year marks the 490th anniversary of the death of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and one of the most controversial, and celebrated, figures in British history, not least because of her pivotal role as catalyst of the English Reformation. It was famously Anne Boleyn’s refusal to become Henry VIII’s mistress that prompted…
Bradford mum hosts charity ball in memory of her son
A Bradford mum is hosting a charity ball to raise money for children in hospital, in loving memory of her son, Axl. Claire Walker from Wibsey, has spent the past ten years fundraising for Bradford Hospitals Charity after losing her son Axl just days before his third birthday. “I just want to make a difference,”…
Bradford students ‘over the moon’ after stellar USA trip
A group of 30 lucky Bradford College students returned to Earth with a bump after a trip of a lifetime to study science and engineering in the USA. The Level 2 and 3 Science and Computing students spent 13 days working at prestigious organisations, including NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and The Kennedy Space Centre…
York takes major step towards becoming an Inclusive Recovery City
Over 150 businesses, public, voluntary and community sectors gathered at the LNER Community Stadium today for a landmark briefing on York’s ambition to become an Inclusive Recovery City (IRC). The event marked a significant milestone in York’s commitment to tackling stigma around substance use and recovery, and to creating a city where people in recovery…
Independent financial services firm focuses on Scotland for growth
An independent financial services company has launched a recruitment drive in Scotland as it continues to grow its client base. The drive forms part of T L Dallas Independent Financial Services Limited’s wider strategy to build on its long-standing connections north of the border. Director, Jane Maclauchlan, who has worked for the firm for 19 years,…