Member News Subjects

Refreshment Systems celebrates winning success at The Vendies Awards

Bradford-based Refreshment Systems has won Collaboration of the Year at The Vendies Awards for its partnership with Oakhouse Foods, while also being highly commended for Best Vending Project for its Vendsmart technology. Refreshment Systems is celebrating a successful evening at this year’s Vendies Awards after winning Collaboration of the Year for its partnership with Oakhouse…

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Star names announced as Bradford Literature Festival returns with biggest programme yet

What do Green Party MP Hannah Spencer, music legend Cat Stevens and Bake Off star Prue Leith have in common?  That’s right, they’re all taking part in this year’s star-studded Bradford Literature Festival, from July 3-12.  They will be joined by not one but two former Emmerdale actors Bradley Riches and Jessie Elland, poet Lemn Sissay, former first Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf, writer, novelist…

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Bulls announce Taco Bell tie-up

Bradford Bulls are proud to announce an exciting new partnership with global food brand Taco Bell, coinciding with the opening of Taco Bell’s new flagship restaurant at Odsal. The new store, located by Odsal Roundabout, will officially open its doors on Thursday 11th June, – with four first team players in attendance from 4pm, marking…

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Blacks announces strong financial year as firm unveils refreshed brand

Blacks Solicitors LLP has today announced a record financial year alongside the launch of a refreshed brand identity, reflecting the firm’s continued growth and development. The 2025/2026 financial year was the strongest in Blacks’ history, with turnover exceeding £22.9 million for the first time. During the year, Blacks supported clients across the UK, including Morrisons,…

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Bulls sign Sam Eseh Jr from 2027

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of towering front row forward Sam Eseh Jr on a three-year deal from 2027. The 22-year-old, who stands tall at 6ft 3in, made his Super League debut as an 19-year-old for Wakefield Trinity and has since featured 30 times in the top tier – with spells at Hull…

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STRI Group plays key role in FIFA World Cup 2026™ with Elite Pitch Alliance partnership

STRI Group is playing a central role in the delivery of world-class playing surfaces for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as part of the Elite Pitch Alliance (EPA), a specialist consortium formed to design, construct and manage tournament-ready pitches across North America. The Elite Pitch Alliance (EPA) brings together industry-leading expertise from STRI Group, DA…

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A luxury arrival to land at White Rose: Hotel Chocolat is coming soon

Chocolate fans in Leeds are in for a cocoa-powered upgrade. The new space in White Rose Shopping Centre will combine a luxury retail store with a dedicated Velvetiser Café, allowing guests to explore cacao in all its forms. The Velvetiser Café will serve bespoke bakes and cakes inspired by Hotel Chocolat’s most-loved chocolates, designed to pair…

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Record success for LCB at UK’s largest construction skills competition

Leeds College of Building (LCB) students delivered one of the college’s strongest-ever performances at the regional heats of SkillBuild 2026, the UK’s largest construction skills competition for trainees and apprentices. Delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), SkillBuild is a series of regional competitions held across the UK for 12 trade specialisms, testing technical skills,…

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Castle to host free Employer Update for Yorkshire businesses ahead of Employment Rights Act changes

Yorkshire businesses are being encouraged to prepare early for major employment law changes that could affect how they recruit, manage and retain staff from 2026 onwards. Castle HR & Training Solutions and Castle Employment Solutions are hosting a free face-to-face Employer Update on 25 June to help employers understand the upcoming Employment Rights Act changes…

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We want your views to shape accessible and inclusive play areas in York

We are inviting people across York to help shape the future of the city’s play areas, as part of our major investment in parks and green spaces. We have launched the Accessible and Inclusive Play Areas Survey 2026 to gather views from disabled children and young people and their parents and carers, so we can…

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Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards celebrate Yorkshire’s next generation of manufacturing talent

The Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards returned this week, with a rollcall of some of the brightest talent in West Yorkshire’s manufacturing and engineering industry. Apprentices, graduates, rising stars and mentors, as well as employers and manufacturing leaders, were all recognised for their contribution to the sector. Held at Leeds Beckett University on 4 June, as…

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A value-added boost for Yorkshire charities

A long-standing tax levied on businesses donating to charities has now been removed, a major accountancy and advisory firm in Yorkshire has said. Azets, with offices in Leeds, Bradford and York, wants to remind businesses that they can now give goods to registered charities without paying VAT. The news comes at a time of falling…

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Three new partners appointed at Wilkin Chapman Rollits

Law firm Wilkin Chapman Rollits has further strengthened its senior team with the appointment of three new partners, including one in its York office. Experienced commercial litigator Dean Hill has joined the Lincolnshire and Yorkshire firm as  a partner in the dispute resolution team, based in York. Dean joins as a lateral hire from Ramsdens…

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Savills appointed to sell Crab Manor Hotel in Thirsk, North Yorkshire

International real estate advisor Savills has been appointed by a private individual to sell the long leasehold of the Crab Manor Hotel and Crab and Lobster Restaurant in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, for offers over £4 million. The boutique hotel provides 20 individually designed  en-suite rooms within the 18th century Georgian manor house. The rooms are inspired…

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Wyedean’s medal ribbon production hits record high

Internationally renowned manufacturer of braid and military uniform accoutrement, Wyedean Weaving, has reported doubling its medal ribbon orders since 2024. The fourth-generation family business has seen its medal making partnerships rocket as uniformed services, medal mounters, dealers and retailers around the world seek out the company’s British manufacturing expertise in medal ribbon manufacture. After securing…

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England v Germany veterans game marks 1966 World Cup anniversary with powerful message about later life fitness

Documentary follows England’s Veteran Over 75s as they overcome strokes, cancer and bypass surgery to be fit for historic rematch with Germany this July. England’s Veteran Over 75s football team have announced they will mark the 60th anniversary of England’s victory over Germany with a commemorative match against their European rivals. The game was the…

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Yorkshire Building Society appoints new Non-Executive Directors

Yorkshire Building Society today announces the appointment of two new Independent Non-Executive Directors. Barry O’Dwyer and Philippa Brown join the Board from 2 June, bringing extensive experience across financial services, customer-focused businesses and digital transformation. Barry has almost 40 years’ experience in financial services, particularly insurance and pensions. He is currently Group Chief Executive of…

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Bulls launch Send Space

Bradford Bulls are proud to announce the launch of a dedicated Matchday SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Support Space at home fixtures, delivered in partnership with Our Space. The initiative reinforces the club’s commitment to ensuring that matchdays at the Bulls are welcoming, accessible and enjoyable for all families. The new provision offers a calm, inclusive…

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Chadwick Lawrence strengthens regulatory team with senior solicitor appointment in Darlington

Northern law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has appointed highly regarded Teesside solicitor Simon Catterall to strengthen its specialist regulatory law team, bolstering the firm’s presence in the North East. Catterall joins the firm’s expanding regulatory department, bringing decades of experience representing businesses and individuals facing prosecution or investigation by public authorities across Northern England. He…

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James Sweeting shares lessons from 30 years in business at Humber Business Week

Andrew Jackson Solicitors hosts more than 120 delegates for flagship event James Sweeting, co-founder of Pipers Crisps, Lincoln & York, and Sumo UK, was keynote speaker at a flagship event hosted by Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP this morning, marking the start of Humber Business Week. More than 120 business leaders and professionals from across the…

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University of Bradford expands China offering

The University of Bradford has strengthened its international footprint after securing approval to deliver two new academic programmes in China.  The Chinese Ministry of Education has formally approved a postgraduate engineering management programme with China University of Petroleum-East China (UPC), alongside an undergraduate business and management programme at the Sino-British College in Shanghai.  Both programmes will launch in September and…

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A wave of new Summer street food arrives at Trinity Kitchen

Step into summer with fresh flavours and sunshine-ready bites at Trinity Kitchen as a sizzling selection of new vendors arrive. From authentic Sri Lankan dishes to classic crispy fried chicken burgers, the latest line-up is set to serve up something for every foodie this summer. Guests can soak up global flavours from the likes of Ayubowan, Rico,…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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Caleb Aekins pens new deal

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce Caleb Aekins has signed a new one-year deal keeping him at the club until at least the end of the 2027 season. The 28-year-old has made an instant impression since joining the Bulls for our return to Super League, scoring two tries and notching six assists – having featured…

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AOC Nationals 2026

Last weekend, Team ND attended the Association of Colleges (AOC) National Championships in Nottingham. The weekend brings together the top sporting students from colleges around the country, each representing their county with the aim of winning the Wilkinson Sword. We brought representatives for Yorkshire in volleyball, badminton, table tennis, tennis, and endurance running. The weekend…

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Play installation by Yorkshire artist opens at Castle Howard

An interactive art installation designed to encourage people of all ages to play has opened at Castle Howard, Yorkshire’s most famous stately home. Open to the public from today, Playshapes: Castle Constructors is a large-scale, hands-on installation made from five one-metre coloured cubes that can be broken down into steps, triangles, polygons, cylinders and prisms….

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Bulls form SEEEN partnership

Bradford Bulls are pleased to announce a multi-year partnership with SEEEN. The collaboration will deliver a first-of-its-kind digital fan experience in rugby league, using SEEEN’s interactive technology to showcase and celebrate the club’s rich history. Central to the partnership is the launch of an immersive digital hub featuring the Bradford Bulls’ “Top 100 Moments.” Fans…

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Council shares transport information as York Station Gateway Highway works set to complete

City of York Council has published travel information for residents and visitors to assist them to get to the city centre and station in advance of upcoming road closures around York Station. Work to finish the carriageway surfacing around York Station will start on 1 June and be carried out in four stages. Details for…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Chadwick Lawrence appoints Leanne Franks as Equity Partner

Northern law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has promoted Leanne Franks to equity partner, recognising her outstanding contribution to the firm over the past 11 years. As partner and head of the corporate and commercial department, Franks has played a key role in strengthening the firm’s commercial offering and shaping the direction of the team. Now…

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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…

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