What can businesses do to stay relevant, visible and profitable in the age of AI?
Somewhere in Yorkshire this week, a customer who should have been yours will not search and scroll. They will ask an AI assistant a question. Who is the best accountant for a small manufacturer in Leeds? Which café in Bradford is worth the detour? Which three suppliers should we shortlist? Back will come a handful…
Small business owners say they are in it for the long haul
Small business owners have shown how resilient, resourceful and committed they are despite the challenges that come with running a business. New research shows that 90% percent of business owners say they have experienced at least one particularly difficult period in the past five years [1], which meant they seriously considered giving up their businesses…
North Yorkshire homebuilder sponsors summer party at local school
Five-star homebuilder David Wilson Homes recently sponsored Wheldrake with Thorganby Primary School’s Summer Party. Less than a mile from David Wilson Homes’ Bramble Wood development, Wheldrake with Thorganby School PTA recently held a summer party for it’s pupils and their families. The developer sponsored multiple booths at party, including the DJ booth, facepainting and nail…
Latest appointments strengthen real estate team
Andrew Jackson Solicitors has strengthened its real estate team with the appointments of licensed conveyancer Olivia Griffiths and newly qualified solicitor James Cornforth. Olivia and James will support the firm’s continued growth and enhance its client offering across the region and beyond. Olivia brings more than five years’ experience advising clients on a wealth of…
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust survey identifies area of high biodiversity value at Yorkshire Building Society HQ
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has undertaken a detailed biodiversity survey in the woodland located on the grounds of Yorkshire Building Society’s head office in Bradford. Covering around four hectares, the area stretches from the rear of the Yorkshire Drive offices through to neighbouring Parkside, forming a green corridor in a busy urban area. The study forms…
Walmsley joins the Bulls
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of Grand Final winner Lachlan Walmsley on a two-year deal from the start of the 2027 season! The Australian winger has played a key role in Wakefield’s stunning 2026, culminating with success at Old Trafford last weekend – where he produced a sensational assist for Cam Scott,…
AI and Accounting Software: Practical Tools for Growing Businesses
Running a small or medium-sized business has rarely been more demanding. Rising costs, tighter margins and constant regulatory change keep the pressure on owners to stay on top of their finances. The good news is that technology is making that easier — and faster. Cloud accounting software and artificial intelligence (AI) tools are key terms…
Beyond Horizons: Rethinking Work Experience for Key Stage 3
What we’ve learned from Beyond Horizons: Why earlier workplace experience matters Young people start forming ideas about their future careers long before they enter the workplace. But too often, opportunities to meet employers, explore different industries or understand the career pathways available come too late. Over the past year, the EY Foundation has been testing…
Number of children starting school in York without being toilet trained almost halves, following innovative pilot
The number of children starting school in York without being toilet trained has almost halved this year, following an innovative scheme to help families toilet train their children before they started Reception. City of York Council teamed up with national charitable foundation, Kindred Squared, to support families through this significant developmental milestone. The pilot –…
Plan to deliver York Outer Ring Road improvements is published
Long-standing plans to improve journeys and reduce congestion on York’s A1237 Outer Ring Road have taken a significant step forward with the publication of a new delivery plan. It shows how the changes will be delivered in phases, initially prioritising improvements that will increase capacity at key points on the route, support major new housing…
Charities warned to up their game on cyber security for donors
Charities in Yorkshire need to seriously up their game on cyber security to avoid customer data being hacked by criminals. That is the call to action from Siobhan Holmes, a specialist in not-for-profit organisations such as charities. “Encryption alone is not enough – strong identity, access management and robust policies are equally vital,” she warned….
Students seek funds to help launch ‘dream’ satellite mission
A student-led project at the University of Bradford is seeking to raise £40,000 to help launch a satellite into space next year. Students from the Bradford Rocketry, Aviation and Satellite Society (BRASS) are developing the award-winning Bradford-RFI-1, a cube-shaped satellite measuring just 5cm on each side and weighing around 250g. The project is helping strengthen the…
Bulls seal landmark seven-figure partnership with Hummel & Bartercard
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce a landmark new joint partnership with hummel and Bartercard, in a multi-year, seven-figure agreement representing one of the biggest commercial deals in the club’s recent history. The agreement will see iconic sportswear brand hummel become Bradford Bulls’ Official Kit Partner, supplying the club’s playing kit and training wear from…
Planning ahead for new recycling service
A majority of households are set to move from recycling boxes to wheeled recycling bins next year, making it easier for residents to recycle. Plans which will see around 63,000 homes move from three small recycling boxes to two 180-litre wheeled recycling bins from summer/autumn 2027 during the initial phase. The new bins will provide…
Castle Howard’s Christmas extravaganza draws on historical connection to Charles Dickens, and displays grand Victorian carriage for the first time
The North Yorkshire stately home’s beloved festive event celebrates the relationship between the great Victorian novelist, the wider Castle Howard Estate and Malton Castle Howard is getting ready for Christmas with restoration and research, conserving a major collection item from the Victorian era and uncovering the Estate’s relationship with prolific writer Charles Dickens. The stately…
Kirklees College launches new course guide for 2027/2028 academic year
Kirklees College is delighted to launch its course guide for the 2027/2028 academic year. The guide, now available online and through local schools and careers services, is designed to help prospective students with a range of courses for both school leavers and adults. Aimed at helping students take steps in their training and careers, the…
Outsourced Payroll Services for Leeds Businesses
Is your payroll provider still meeting your needs? With the start of a new financial year approaching, many businesses take the opportunity to review their payroll arrangements. Managing payroll in-house, or working with a provider who doesn’t offer the right level of support, can be time-consuming, stressful, and risky, particularly with payroll legislation continuing to…
Plans Submitted for New CTEC Construction Training Facility
Proposals to create a state-of-the-art construction training facility in Leeds have taken a major step forward, with a planning application now submitted to Leeds City Council. Leeds College of Building (LCB) acquired the Melbourne Street site last November and is set to transform it into a new Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC) building. Located next…
Expect unveils new brand identity to support the next stage of growth
Expect has launched a bold new brand identity, reflecting the company’s evolution and its commitment to helping ambitious businesses grow through adaptable, customer focused logistics solutions. Built around the proposition of “Growth Logistics”, the rebrand represents more than a visual refresh. It signals Expect’s ambition for the future and reinforces its position as a logistics…
Aesthetica Film Festival 2026: The UK’s Creative Industries Meet in York
This November, the UK’s creative industries meet in York. From film and television to music, games, immersive technology and digital media, the BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival returns for its 16th edition from Wednesday 4 to Sunday 8 November 2026, bringing leading creative organisations, established practitioners and emerging talent together across the city. For five days,…
Keighley set for bold transformation as £20m ‘Pride in Place’ programme launches
A call to support the new £20 million Pride in Place programme was made at Friday’s (25 September) Keighley Business Awards, by Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Economy, Regeneration and Planning. Councillor Andrew Judson addressed the event and highlighted the critical role local employers will play alongside the Keighley Neighbourhood Board to secure a lasting…
Trinity Kitchen unveils new autumn line-up
Trinity Kitchen is welcoming foodies to explore its new vendor changeover. With five exciting independent traders to its line-up, offering everything from bao buns and burgers to tacos and Thai fried chicken. From Monday 28th September, foodies can enjoy dishes from Ka Bao, Shoot the Bull, Spuds ‘n’ Bros, Tikks Thai Kitchen and El Piloto….
Transpennine Route Upgrade Community Fund now open for applications
Communities across the North are being encouraged to apply for a share of £270,000 as the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) opens applications for the third year of its Community Fund. Community groups, schools and charities located within five kilometres of the Transpennine route, between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York, can now submit applications for projects…
“Hey Copilot”: A Hands-Free Way to Work with Microsoft 365 Copilot
Sometimes the smallest features can make the biggest difference to how we work. One of the latest additions to Microsoft 365 Copilot is voice activation using the phrase “Hey Copilot”, giving people a quicker way to start a conversation with Copilot without opening the app manually. For anyone who finds typing long prompts a barrier,…
York’s newest cycle lanes and pavements open for public use from Monday
Everyone travelling near York Station will be able to use new dedicated cycle routes and pavements from next week as the York Station Gateway scheme takes another step forward. From Monday morning (28 September) cyclists, pedestrians and mobility aid users will be able to use the new cycle lanes and pavements delivered as part of…
Leeds College of Building Welcomes New Director of CTEC
Leeds College of Building (LCB) has announced Natalie Dodds as its new Director of CTEC (Construction Technical Excellence Colleges). She takes up the role after serving as Director of Campus at Rotherham College. Natalie played a significant leadership role in driving quality, curriculum development, and strategic growth at the college, which is part of the…
Castle Howard Arboretum welcomes young female Red Squirrel just in time for autumn
Cinnamon the red squirrel has arrived at the Castle Howard Arboretum in North Yorkshire, just in time for autumn. Named by the Red Squirrel Volunteers at the Arboretum, Cinnamon joins two-year-old David Attenborough, who was named by public vote earlier in the year. The young female is settling into her new home in the Arboretum’s…
York Business Festival returns to offer free practical support, insights and networking for businesses across the region
York St John University brings together business leaders, industry professionals and academic experts for inspiring two-day programme. York St John University is proud to be hosting a packed programme for York Business Festival this October. Taking place across two days, attendees gain direct access to the expertise of academics and researchers from York Business School and the wider University as well as a host…
University reaches £3.6m Turing grants and over 2,000 student placements since scheme began
The University of Bradford has made over £3.6m in Turing grants, delivering over 2,000 overseas student placements, since the scheme first launched in 2021. The news comes as the Turing Scheme enters its final year, before the UK rejoins the EU-sponsored Erasmus+ in 2027. In its final year, Bradford was awarded £693,097 to provide 395…
Budgeting & Forecasting: Your Financial Roadmap
Running a business today is no small task. Between daily operations, customer needs, and staying competitive, budgeting can easily fall down the list. Yet a well-planned budget is vital — it helps keep your finances on track, supports growth, and helps you make informed decisions. Think of it as your financial roadmap — showing where…
A Year in Partnership: Sentio and Smart Works Yorkshire
Looking back on twelve months of backing a charity that’s now reaching further than ever. “Smart Works gave me back my confidence that has been lost for too long. Everyone here is amazing and so kind. Thank you for everything.” — Shannon, Smart Works client A year ago, Sentio Partners, a mid market M&A firm…
All aboard: Meet the new voices bringing TPE journeys to life
Customers travelling with TransPennine Express (TPE) are set to hear a new sound on board, as three colleagues’ step into the spotlight as the voices behind journeys across the network. Following an internal competition open to colleagues across the business, conductors Daniel Burn (York), Grant Rodden (Glasgow) and Sophie Howse (Cleethorpes) have been chosen as…
Buying new could help North Yorkshire homeowners save more
As households across the country are encouraged to take a closer look at their finances during UK Savings Week, taking place from 21st to 27th September, Barratt and David Wilson Homes is highlighting how buying a brand-new home could help North Yorkshire house hunters make savings that extend beyond the initial purchase. With the cost…
AABIE celebrates 10 years of supporting communities as charity ball raises £80,000
AAB’s annual Charity Ball has raised more than £80,000 for AABIE, the firm’s dedicated charity, as colleagues, clients and supporters gathered at the Hilton Glasgow on Friday 18 September to celebrate the charity’s 10th anniversary. To date, AABIE has supported over 325 charities, awarded more than £590,000 in grant funding, and contributed over 7,000 hours…
Yorkshire Building Society announces New Chief Financial Officer
Yorkshire Building Society has announced the appointment of James Mack as its new Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director, subject to regulatory approval. With over 20 years’ experience in financial services, he is currently Chief Executive Officer at John Lewis Money and previously held the role of Chief Financial Officer at Barclays UK and Aldermore,…
The Leeds Library launches new exhibition programme showcasing artists from Yorkshire and the North
Art at No.15 opens on 1 October, bringing contemporary art into the library’s new city-centre extension The Leeds Library is launching Art at No.15, a new programme of contemporary art exhibitions showcasing artists from Yorkshire and the North. The inaugural exhibition opens on 1 October in No.15, the library’s recently opened extension to its Grade…
Smart concrete could pave the way for wirelessly charging EVs as they drive
Researchers at the University of Bradford are developing WattCrete, an innovative ‘smart concrete panel technology’ that significantly improves power transfer efficiency while electric vehicles charge up in motion. Professor Ashraf Ashour and Dr Boğaçhan Başaran, from the University’s Department of Engineering, have been awarded £236,000 by the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship to develop…
‘Student Shopper Sweep’ returns to Trinity Leeds
Students in Leeds are set for an unforgettable start to the academic year as Trinity Leeds has announced the return of the ‘Student Shopper Sweep’ with DJs, freebies and the chance to win £100 every 30 minutes. Taking place on Thursday, 24th September, the free event will give students the chance to win £100 shopping…
“Summer of sorrow” for businesses
There were 1,946 corporate insolvencies in August, 0.6% more than in July (1,934) and 3% less than in August 2025 (2,007) in England and Wales, according to new statistics published today. (18 SEPTEMBER 2026) Richard Oddy, a restructuring and insolvency partner in Yorkshire at Azets, the UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm with offices…
Thousands expected at Bradford’s Festivals of the Dead
Thousands of people are expected to attand a Bradford community project exploring remembrance, loss and celebration. Festivals of the Dead, a collaboration between Cecil Green Arts, the University of Bradford and Bradford Death Cafés. It will culminate in two large-scale lantern events this autumn, bringing together communities from across the district to reflect, remember and…
York Business Festival 2026
York Business Festival returns to offer free practical support, insights and networking for businesses across the region. York St John University brings together business leaders, industry professionals and academic experts for inspiring two-day programme . York St John University is proud to announce a packed programme for York Business Festival this October. Taking place across…
Bradford College opens cutting-edge £19.3m Motor Vehicle & Engineering building
Bradford College has officially opened its latest multi-million-pound facility after nearly two years under construction. The new Junction Mills building on Thornton Road will offer students training in modern automotive and digital engineering and will be vital in supporting the growth of electric and hybrid vehicle capability within West Yorkshire. The four-storey new build was…
More local people set to benefit from expanded Community Health Champions programme
More people in York will get help to find health services, support groups and wellbeing advice close to home thanks to a £14,000 funding boost from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. The funding will enable City of York Council to recruit and train a new team of Community Health Champions in neighbourhoods including…
No tricks, just treats: spooktacular Pumpkin Trail awaits at White Rose this half term
White Rose Shopping Centre is inviting families to join the Halloween fun this half term with a free seasonal pumpkin trail running from Friday 23rd to Saturday 31st October. Guests of all ages can explore the centre on their search for 12 pumpkins hidden in store windows, with a sweet treat up for grabs once they’ve tracked…
Top 10 subject rankings help Bradford surge up Guardian league table
The University of Bradford has closed in on the UK’s top 50 universities after climbing 18 places in the Guardian University Guide 2027. The University is now ranked joint 51st out of 123 institutions, while a number of subjects have earned national recognition. Bradford’s Paramedic Science programme is second nationally, while its Chemical Engineering programme is sixth in the…
York organisations invited to apply for Good Place, Warm Place Fund
Community organisations across York are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to £5,000 to help provide warm, welcoming spaces for residents this winter. City of York Council’s Good Place, Warm Place Fund has £40,000 available to support organisations that run, or are planning to run, Warm Places during the colder months. Applications are…
Government appoints York’s Children’s Services to help others improve
City of York Council has been appointed by the Department for Education (DfE) to help improve children’s services in other local authorities across the country. The council will become a Children’s Social Care Improvement Team (CIT), recognising it’s work with local children, young people and families. The appointment also highlights the authority’s own improvement journey, which saw York’s Children’s…
Azets UK invest in next generation in Yorkshire
UK top 10 accountancy firm Azets has welcomed 23 new graduates and school leavers at its offices in Yorkshire. It has recruited the next generation of accountants and business advisors across multiple service lines in Leeds, Bradford and York. Within the new intake, 13 of the new apprentices are in audit, six are in Accounts…