York’s 100 year-old D-Day veteran receives prestigious city honour
Ken Cooke, who took part in D-Day in 1944 and fought in Europe during World War Two, has joined an illustrious group in becoming an Honorary Freeman of York. Conferring the honour took place at an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council, at the city’s Guildhall yesterday (Thursday 16 July). Mr Cooke, aged 100, was a…
Hidden historic space at St Leonard’s to open to the public this summer
Visitors to York will soon be able to enjoy access to a rarely seen section of the city’s historic monastic hospital, as partners across the city come together to open the usually closed area at St Leonard’s for the summer season. City of York Council has been working alongside Explore York, York Museum Trust, York BID and York Archaeology to make…
Ed Anderson CBE receives honorary award from the University of Leeds
Honorary Degrees to recognise success England rugby star Ellie Kildunne MBE and renowned political correspondent Steve Rosenberg are among those recognised with honorary degrees by the University of Leeds. Social change campaigner Tina Leslie MBE also received an honorary degree, and Leeds alum Rachel Lord returned to the University to receive her award. Peter and…
PlanBEE Rail apprentices celebrate landmark graduation at National Railway Museum
The first-ever graduation ceremony for the PlanBEE Rail apprenticeship programme took place on Wednesday 15 July at the National Railway Museum in York, marking a milestone moment for the scheme and celebrating the achievements of its inaugural cohort, with seven of the graduates moving into permanent roles across the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) and its wider partners. TRU is a…
Unbelievable! Football legend Kammy honoured for inspiring others
Footballer, manager, pundit, TV presenter and singer – Chris Kamara MBE has done it all during his career. The former Bradford City AFC player and manager has another title to add to that list – Doctor of Health – after receiving an honorary award from the University of Bradford. Nicknamed Kammy, Chris revealed in 2022…
Aesthetica marks 20 years with landmark programme exploring the future of contemporary art
Aesthetica announces Aesthetica 20, a major anniversary programme redefining how contemporary art is made, experienced, and understood, culminating in the Aesthetica Art Prize 2026 exhibition at York Art Gallery. Contemporary art is undergoing a profound shift in how it is produced, circulated, and interpreted. At Aesthetica, this moment is being met with clarity and ambition…
Trinity Leeds and White Rose Shopping Centre are driving local growth, contributing over £308m to the local economy and supporting more than 6,300 jobs
Landsec, owner of one of the UK’s leading retail destination portfolios, has released its annual social and economic impact report revealing how Trinity Leeds and White Rose are helping to drive local growth, contributing £308,095,816 to the local economy and supporting 6,347 jobs in 2025.* Together, Trinity Leeds and White Rose Shopping Centre play an important…
TWC Facilities Ltd partners with Yorkshire Air Ambulance to support lifesaving services
TWC Facilities Ltd is proud to announce a new partnership with Yorkshire Air Ambulance, providing sanitary bin and mat services at the Nostell site, with support set to extend to its new Skipton Bridge site later this year. As part of the partnership, TWC Facilities Ltd will deliver a regular four-weekly service, helping to maintain…
Three new partners strengthen law firm’s senior team
Lincolnshire and Yorkshire law firm Wilkin Chapman Rollits has strengthened its senior team by hiring a new partner and promoting two of its lawyers to partnership. Employment law specialist Sara Ellison is the latest partner to join the firm’s Lincoln office, while family lawyer Stacey Heeley and insolvency expert Louisa Shilleto have been promoted to…
Hull Road Park awarded the coveted Green Flag Award as it is officially recognised as one of the country’s best parks
Hull Road Park in York raises prestigious Green Flag Award after achieving international quality mark for parks and green spaces City of York Council is celebrating today after receiving a Green Flag Award for Hull Road Park. It comes as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year. Hull Road…
Brand-new homes in Whitby provide the perfect setting for modern living
Barratt and David Wilson Homes is highlighting Whitby’s growing appeal among house hunters, showcasing the many qualities that make it an ideal place to live. The new community taking shape at the housebuilder’s Abbey View and Chaloners Green developments offer an appealing location, alongside a choice of three and four bedroom homes designed to suit a wide range of…
Delivering more than solutions – building lasting partnerships
Strong business relationships are often built through shared values, trusted service, and meaningful connections — something clearly reflected in the growing relationship between Same Day Solutions Limited and Sound Leisure. Both businesses connected through the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, demonstrating the power of local networking and how Chamber members can successfully support…
Grand opening launch event of Volcano Falls Adventure Golf White Rose Shopping Centre, Leeds
Volcano Falls Adventure Golf, the latest immersive entertainment destination from Funstation, has officially opened at White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds. Building on more than 20 years of creating memorable leisure experiences across the UK, the new venue combines adventure golf, electric darts and a licensed bar under one roof. The opening marks the 16th venue…
Time to shine as Diamonds Factory arrives at Trinity Leeds
Luxury jewellery store Diamonds Factory is now open at Trinity Leeds, offering affordable pieces from earrings and pendants to wedding rings and bracelets. Priding itself on bespoke handmade pieces and expert craftmanship, the new store will offer guests a chance to view its collections and seek expert advice. The family-run business with more than four…
Schofield Sweeney partner joins national succession planning taskforce
A partner at leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has been appointed to the steering committee of the newly formed Succession Alliance – a UK-wide taskforce aimed at improving succession outcomes across financial planning. Established by the Consumer Duty Alliance, the Succession Alliance aims to improve consistency, raise expectations and provide practical education across the…
Growth for Andrew Marr International with acquisition of Seafish UK
Fastnet Fish Holdings (“Fastnet”), a subsidiary company of Andrew Marr International, has strengthened its position as one of the UK’s leading seafood businesses with the acquisition of Seafish U.K. Limited (“Seafish”), a long-established Hull-based manufacturer of frozen seafood products and bespoke sauce solutions. The acquisition brings together two businesses with deep roots in the Humber…
York rivers trail launches to connect people, place and flood resilience
A new way to explore York’s rivers has launched this summer, inviting residents and visitors to discover how water shapes the city, its communities and its future. The York rivers trail: the rivers and us is a walking and wheeling trail along the River Ouse in York, combining art, storytelling and digital experiences to help people understand…
Vice-Chancellor signals new chapter for University of Bradford
The University of Bradford’s incoming Vice-Chancellor Professor Gillian Murray has signalled “a new era” for the university focused on innovation and partnerships. Professor Murray, who will take up her new role on Monday, July 13, at the start of the University’s summer graduation week, has a strong track record in leading large-scale partnership programmes between…
Experienced Insurance Account Executive appointed to support client growth
Bradford headquartered independent insurance broking and risk management firm, TL Dallas, has appointed experienced insurance professional John Loran as an account executive, strengthening its commercial team in Glasgow, as the business continues to expand its presence across Scotland. John joins TL Dallas with 18 years’ experience in the insurance sector, having worked across commercial insurance,…
Craven College celebrates excellent Ofsted report
Craven College is celebrating the publication of its latest Ofsted report, which has recognised the College’s excellence across a number of key areas under the inspectorate’s new education inspection framework. The College achieved an impressive four ‘Strong’ judgements, recognising the quality of its education, student experience and employer-focused approach. Underpinned by expert teaching and industry-standard…
North Yorkshire housebuilder donates £3,000 to homelessness charity
Barratt and David Wilson Homes has donated £3,000 to Sleepsafe Selby, helping to support vulnerable adults experiencing homelessness. Established in 2018, Sleepsafe Selby aims to support local rough sleepers and help individuals to overcome challenges that prevent them from maintaining safe and secure housing. Providing accommodation for up to 10 people at a time, the…
Specialist People Services completes refinancing with Virgin Money
Specialist People Services (SPS), the parent company of Driver Hire, has completed a refinancing of its senior and mezzanine facilities with Virgin Money. The deal, which followed a competitive process, secured a £25m funding package to support both the refinancing and future growth of the business. It replaces the existing facilities with a more competitive…
Schofield Sweeney represents Easy Bathrooms in successful high-profile IP case
Yorkshire-based commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has acted in the successful defence of a significant trade mark and passing off claim, brought against its client Cubico (UK) Limited, trading as Easy Bathrooms, by the owners of easyJet. Founded in Yorkshire in 2013, Easy Bathrooms has grown from a single showroom into one of the UK’s…
Chadwick Lawrence invests in training and support for the next generation of lawyers
Northern law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has awarded training and funding support for 11 team members, furthering its commitment to developing the next generation of legal professionals. The successful candidates are Sara Ali, Tom Coombes, Daniella Omoragie, Katie Smith, Ben Hess, Shayan Malik, Ethan Ward, Fran Whiting, Jess Goodwin, James Lockwood and Nadia Mohammed. They…
Blacks expands Real Estate Litigation team
The Real Estate Litigation team at Blacks Solicitors LLP, one of Yorkshire’s leading law firms, has strengthened its offering with the appointment of two new solicitors. Following a period of sustained growth and increasing demand, the team has appointed Chloe Ward and Jess Bowen as Associate Solicitor and Solicitor – taking the team’s total headcount…
TRU celebrates successful Community Fund projects across route
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is showcasing some of the organisations from its 2025 Community Fund round, who have used their grants to improve local spaces and places. Launched in 2024, the TRU Community Fund aims to help local community groups, schools and charities to create or enhance community-focused facilities across the 70-mile route. The second iteration in 2025 saw 35 successful applicants offered small, medium and large…
Korean Beauty store moida set to arrive at Trinity Leeds
Trinity Leeds is set to welcome beauty retailer moida, bringing the finest handpicked Korean skincare to the heart of the city. The store will offer guests an extensive range of authentic K-beauty products from brands such as Dr. Althea, Beauty of Joseon, Tirtir, Medicube, Biodance and many more. Named after the Korean word meaning ’to…
The Institute for Equity, University Centre launches major strategic expansion on its 6th birthday
On its 6th Birthday, the Institute for Equity, University Centre launches Major Strategic Expansion with Three New Academic Schools to Drive Global Leadership and Social Transformation Marking exactly six years of delivering pioneering education, the Institute for Equity, University Centre (IEUC) has today unveiled a bold and historic expansion of its academic architecture. Moving dynamically…
Aesthetica marks 20 years with landmark programme exploring the future of contemporary art
Aesthetica announces Aesthetica 20, a major anniversary programme redefining how contemporary art is made, experienced, and understood, culminating in the Aesthetica Art Prize 2026 exhibition at York Art Gallery. Contemporary art is undergoing a profound shift in how it is produced, circulated, and interpreted. At Aesthetica, this moment is being met with clarity and ambition…
Over one million tickets sold to LNER York Community Stadium events
Picture caption – L-R – Phil Donhay – Chief Executive (Designate) GLL, Peter Bundey – Chief Executive GLL, Cllr Claire Douglas Leader of City of York Council, Justin Jardine – Chief Officer Corporate Development GLL. City of York Council is celebrating a major milestone as more than one million tickets have now been sold to…
Paralympic champion, children’s television pioneer and community leaders among Leeds Beckett Honorary Graduates 2026
Leeds Beckett University is to award Honorary Doctorates to five outstanding individuals at its summer graduation ceremonies in July, recognising achievement across sport, broadcasting, law, healthcare and public service. Nine-time Paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockroft CBE, television presenter and inclusion advocate George Webster, legal trailblazer Lubna Shuja, community nursing leader Steph Lawrence MBE and children’s rights champion Baroness Anne Longfield will all…
Chadwick Lawrence invests in training and support for the next generation of lawyers
Northern law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has awarded training and funding support for 11 team members, furthering its commitment to developing the next generation of legal professionals. The successful candidates are Sara Ali, Tom Coombes, Daniella Omoragie, Katie Smith, Ben Hess, Shayan Malik, Ethan Ward, Fran Whiting, Jess Goodwin, James Lockwood and Nadia Mohammed. They…
Checks to start on Council Tax discount recipients
Checks by the Council will start next month on households claiming a single person’s discount on their Council Tax. From July this year, the Council will start a regular review of who is getting and who is still eligible for the single person’s discount. This is a 25 per cent reduction in Council Tax for…
70% of UK businesses fear economic uncertainty most as climate hits profits, hiring and costs, Azets research finds
UK businesses have been hit hard by economic issues and remain worried and pessimistic about the future of UK plc, according to new research from international accountancy and business advisory group Azets. The findings of the Q2 2026 Azets Barometer showed that economic uncertainty was the biggest concern over the next year for nearly 70%…
28 days of TRU improvement works completed in West Yorkshire
Major improvement works modernising the railway between Morley and Dewsbury in West Yorkshire have taken the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) a step closer to delivering faster, more frequent trains on a more reliable and greener network across the North. Work began on Saturday 30 May and ran until Saturday 27 June. During this period, teams…
City of York Council marks Armed Forces Day and honours service community
City of York Council is joining communities across the UK to mark Armed Forces Day on Saturday 27 June, recognising the vital contribution of serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets and their families. The council is proud to support the Armed Forces community through its commitment as a Gold Award signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant,…
Bradford College Careers Adviser wins National Education Award
A long-serving Bradford College careers adviser has won the coveted ‘Support Staff of the Year’ title in the national NCFE Aspiration Awards. The annual awards celebrate learners, apprentices, educators, support staff and educational organisations making an outstanding impact in learning across the UK. From going above and beyond to exceed expectations, to overcoming obstacles to…
Bradford College, Production Park and Academy of Live Technology launch landmark partnership through The Producing Academy
Bradford College has announced a major new partnership with Production Park and Academy of Live Technology (ALT), anchored by its flagship Producing Academy, to create industry-leading training and employment pathways into the UK’s fast-growing creative and live events sectors. The three organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deliver a collaborative programme of skills,…
Professor laments $2.9 trillion spent on war as he accepts Luxembourg Peace Prize
Luxembourg Peace Prize 2026 winner Emeritus Professor Tom Woodhouse from the University of Bradford used his acceptance speech to warn of a global imbalance between spending on war and investment in peace. Professor Woodhouse, awarded in the category of outstanding contribution to peace education, was presented with his award by the Schengen Peace Foundation at a ceremony in the European Convention Center in…
Industrial waste management firm named York and North Yorkshire’s top ranked business for 2026
The region’s business community gathers at York St John University for the prestigious Top 100 awards. The best performing and most impactful businesses in York and North Yorkshire have been unveiled at a high-profile event at York St John University this afternoon. Hosted by York Business School in partnership with York Press, the York and…
Schofield Sweeney strengthens team with senior appointments
Yorkshire law firm expands team with four senior recruits and influx of legal talent Leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has made four senior appointments as part of a significant intake, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing service offerings and operational capabilities. Among the new hires are Leonie Sutherland, who joins the Real Estate team as…
Sutton pens new deal
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce earlier today, vice-captain Ryan Sutton put pen-to-paper on a new two-year deal! The prop forward became an instant fans favourite when first pulling on the red, amber and black – with his work rate and ability to do big minutes leaving a lasting impression on the Bulls supporters. Ryan…
A sparkling addition: Lovisa now open at White Rose
Global fashion jewellery brand Lovisa has opened a brand-new store at White Rose Shopping Centre. The new store features more than 15,000 individual pieces of jewellery including the latest earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, bangles, and hair accessories. Lovisa’s professional piercing service is also on offer, free-of-charge with the purchase of any piercing studs and with all children under the age of nine receiving a free doughnut pillow to support healing…
Chadwick Lawrence announces nine associate and salaried partner promotions following record year
Northern law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has announced a series of promotions across the business, recognising the outstanding achievements, dedication and contribution of its people following a record year for the firm. Nine internal promotions have been made, including four new salaried partners, three associate solicitors, one senior associate and one senior licensed conveyancer. The…
Experienced Head of Compliance launches Quinn Oath Advisory to support growing and regulated firms
Quinn Oath Advisory Limited has launched to provide practical compliance, governance, risk and senior advisory support to businesses that need experienced expertise without the cost or commitment of a permanent hire. Founded by experienced Head of Compliance, Helen Quinn, the firm has been created to support financial services and regulated businesses with the increasing demands…
Work begins on major refresh of construction college façade
Work has begun on a new look for Leeds College of Building’s (LCB) North Street Campus building. As part of ongoing improvements to its estate, LCB is over-cladding the façade of the building that has been its home since the 1960s. In addition to increasing the kerbside appeal of the North Street Campus, the works…
Bradford breaks into top 500 global QS rank
The University of Bradford has been ranked among the world’s top 500 universities for the first time, marking a significant milestone in its continued rise on the global stage. In the latest QS World University Rankings 2027, published on 18 June, Bradford climbed 14 places to 497th in the world, securing its place in the…
York Youth Festival returns to Rowntree Park this summer
Young people across the city are invited to take part in the York Youth Festival, returning to Rowntree Park on Wednesday 22 July, from 2pm to 5pm. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the festival will once again provide a free, fun and welcoming space for young people to come together, enjoy activities,…