Bradford joinery apprentice targets ‘WorldSkills Shanghai 2026’
Following national success at SkillBuild 2024, Bradford College’s joinery apprentice Ahmed Shakir has been shortlisted for a chance to represent ‘Squad UK’ at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Supported by his Bradford employer, Abrahams & Carlisle, Ahmed now joins an intensive 18-month training programme with the end goal of competing against other young tradespeople at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in…
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…
Leeds confirmed as UKREiiF 2026 host city
Following on from many successful years, The UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) has announced it will remain in Leeds for a fifth consecutive year, for 2026. Formed in 2022 UKREiiF has quickly become the UK’s leading platform in the regeneration, development and property sectors – bringing together investors, developers, housebuilders and end-users…
Leeds flats enter a low carbon future
Residents in three blocks of flats in Leeds now have warmer, cheaper to heat homes as a result of a project to drive down costly energy use and reduce carbon emissions. Through the project, carried out by energy and regeneration specialist Equans and social housing provider 54North Homes, 98 homes have been improved, making them…
Further investment in York’s city centre
York’s historic city centre is set to be ready for the next, and future, millennia. With funding from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, the council and its partners will reimagine the city centre and develop a ‘city centre spatial plan’ (known as Reimagining York Streets, to tell a new story about the city centre)….
Funding delivers upgrades to 11 community buildings in York
The impact of funding to safeguard the future of community spaces in York’s outer wards was highlighted at a celebration held last Friday (28 March) in Bishopthorpe. In partnership with Community First Yorkshire, City of York Council has supported 11 venues through the Community Buildings Fund, worth a total £133,059. The programme has also benefited from…
Subrosa celebrating 15 Year Anniversary
Subrosa, a team of food and drink industry professionals, are celebrating 15 years in business this Spring. Subrosa was co-founded by Rachel O’Brien and Amanda Peberdy in 2010 and over the last 15 years has grown turnover every year and now employs 18 people at its base in Beamsley, North Yorkshire. The Subrosa team have…
Manningham Housing Association shortlisted for four Northern Housing Awards
Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has been shortlisted in four categories for the Northern Housing Awards 2025, including Landlord of the Year. Other prizes the Bradford-based BME association is in the running for include its Neighbourhood Services team making the cut for Northern Housing Team of the Year, and MHA Customer Panel member Tausif Mohammed being…
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…
Leeds Heritage Theatres appoints key roles at pivotal moment of change
Leeds Heritage Theatres is delighted to announce the appointment of several esteemed industry figures in both new and continuing roles. As we refine our artistic vision and strategy, these appointments will help reinforce our role as a leading cultural voice in Leeds while celebrating our three iconic venues. Matt Collier joins as Head of Development…
The University of York Enterprise Awards 2025
The University of York Enterprise Awards return on 26th June at Merchant Adventurers’ Hall! Celebrating York & North Yorkshire’s top entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers. Award Categories: Outstanding Business Growth – Supported by Barclays Eagle Labs Transformational Leader Award – Sponsored by The Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York Community Changemaker Award –…
Yorkshire Children’s Hospice is named Garden Centre Group’s Charity of the Year
Bradford based Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) group has announced that Martin House Children’s Hospice will be its Charity of the Year for 2025, ten years after its first site at Tong supported the Wetherby based registered charity. Through a series of fund-raising events, collection boxes at the tills and a new ‘Pennies’ initiative, the teams…
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…
Record sponsorship for 2025 Leeds Manufacturing Festival
A record number of sponsors are backing this year’s Leeds Manufacturing Festival, as employers in the region look to innovative ways to address the skills gap in the sector and inspire a new generation of talent to consider careers in the sector. The festival, aimed at connecting young people with engineering and manufacturing employers, launched…
MNA Group become main sponsors of Women’s Team
Bradford Bulls are proud to announce MNA Group as the new main sponsor of the club’s Women’s Team for the 2025 season. This exciting partnership will see MNA Group’s logo take pride of place on the front of the Women’s playing shirts, reinforcing their commitment to supporting the growth and success of women’s rugby league….
Bradford Garden Centre to host gardening masterclass with TV gardener
A Bradford garden centre is hosting a gardening masterclass with a respected horticulturalist next month. Renowned gardening expert and TV presenter, David Domoney will be in The Mezzanine at Tong Garden Centre on Saturday, 26th April to share his expertise for creating vibrant, successful gardens that thrive and reward all year round. “Whether you’re new…
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…
Crysp visit the US: Women in BIM & Digital Twin Event
Bradford based technology business, Crysp have been in the US again, supporting two initiatives and celebrating their recent successes. Initiative 1: Women in BIM in New York “We aim to encourage women in BIM related roles to have a strong voice. By bringing together women in our industry supports the need to bridge digital skills…
Free sporting fun warm up at Community Stadium this weekend before England takes on Italy
York will kick off a summer of rugby with a range of fun, free activities on Sunday (23 March) at the York Community Stadium. Over the summer months, six of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 matches will take place in York. The opening game of the tournament will take place between England and USA…
New expert report published to share practical advice for growing local economies
Experts at Leeds Beckett University, with leading business support provider Exemplas, have designed a new blueprint for boosting the growth of local economies, through a partnership delivery of business support and academic research. The team have worked together since 2022, delivering grassroots business support programmes to SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) on behalf of the…
University takes over Bradford City match
The University of Bradford showed its support for Bradford City in style at one of the club’s home matches. Staff and students bolstered the crowd for the ‘University of Bradford Takeover Day’ at Bradford City’s home clash with Tranmere Rovers in Sky Bet League Two. The stadium’s TL Dallas Community Stand featured students, staff,…
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…
Anytime Couriers renew partnership with Bulls
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the renewal of their partnership with Anytime Couriers, extending a strong and successful collaboration between the two organisations. Anytime Couriers are a leading logistics company specialising in fast and reliable courier services across the UK. Their dedication to supporting local communities is reflected in their ongoing partnerships with sports…
Major Bradford affordable housing scheme reaches completion
Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has announced the completion of a £3.9 million affordable homes development in Eccleshill, Bradford. The One Meadow Victoria Road scheme comprises 19 properties – a mix of two, three and four-bed detached and semi-detached houses for social rent. The newly constructed homes have been delivered through a partnership with Zentra Group…
Senior promotions at Lichfields’ Leeds office drive continued growth
UK planning and development consultancy Lichfields has announced the promotion of Emma Gomersal and James Cox to Planning Directors in its Leeds office as its Yorkshire team continues to grow. Emma has a strong background in strategic land, specialising in the promotion of residential and employment sites. She has worked extensively with landowner and developer…
Business move for expanding Ilkley engineering company
Ilkley engineering company Ideal Extraction has announced an office move to the International Development Centre on Valley Road as a result of business expansion. Ideal Extraction, owned by directors Steve and Helen Rhodes, design, install and maintain dust and fume extraction systems for many sectors across the UK. The company had been trading from premises…
Bulls announce new partnership
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce a new partnership with Nuffield Health – which will see the Bulls utilise their impressive facility in Shipley for post-game recovery sessions throughout the 2025 season. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the club’s commitment to player welfare and performance, ensuring that players receive top-tier care to…
North Yorkshire developer calls out to key workers
Barratt and David Wilson Homes is shining a spotlight on its Harclay Park and Manor Chase developments in Boroughbridge, which have proven popular with key workers across North Yorkshire. The developments, located on Stump Cross, are conveniently positioned with five hospitals less than 18 miles away, including Ripon Community Hospital, Harrogate District Hospital, and York…
Bradford’s Online MBA ranked 1st in world (again) for value for money
The University of Bradford’s Distance Learning (online) MBA has been ranked 1st in the world for value for money for the second year running by the Financial Times. It was also ranked 2nd for ESG and Net Zero teaching, 4th for student demographics and 9th for career progression. The University’s Distance Learning MBA has featured in 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…
Council secures more than £3.4m funding for warmer homes
Council leaders have confirmed that City of York Council will receive more than £3.4m of funding thanks to two separate grants. The funding, announced this week by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, will be used to upgrade around 280 homes over the next three years, to reduce carbon emissions and fuel poverty…
Bradford start-up off to Houses of Parliament to launch UUK campaign
University of Bradford start-up i-Diagnose, which aims to save the NHS thousands of pounds by using artificial intelligence to slash training costs, has been invited to the House of Lords as part of the Universities UK ‘Unis start up the UK’ campaign. Sania Bibi and Aaron Walshaw, who started their business through the University’s BREE…
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…
Yorkshire & Humber Construction Market poised for growth, driven by private housing boom
The latest Construction Market Intelligence (CMI Q1 2025) report from Yorkshire & Humber-based construction and property management consultant, Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB UK) forecasts a positive outlook for the region’s construction sector, with private housing emerging as the fastest-growing sector. Key Regional Developments Regional market sentiment remains generally optimistic, with significant development activity across the region’s larger…
Work to protect key heritage building uncovers unique history
A renovation scheme to secure the city’s historic Mansion House for years to come has uncovered some unique history. Over £1.3m is being invested in a range of essential repairs and improvements, including re-roofing the building, repairing its windows and ensuring it is health and safety-compliant. As part of the renovation, a new glimpse of…
New chapter for historic Leeds Library with opening of £2.3m extension
The Leeds Library turns the page on a new chapter in April with the unveiling of a new extension. In an investment totalling £2.3million, the library has extended its historic home on Commercial Street and created new facilities including an event space for education and community activities, a rooftop reading terrace, more space for books…
New Boots Opticians store with innovative eye scan technology opens in Trinity Leeds
A new stand-alone Boots Opticians store has opened in Trinity Leeds offering optomap® as part of its Ultimate Eye Test, which could help to detect signs of serious health conditions including diabetes and hypertension. The store, which is located on the ground floor of Trinity Leeds, provides an inspiring and inviting shopping experience for customers…
Oscrete’s new testing facility helps reduce carbon footprint
Bradford-based concrete admixture manufacturer Oscrete has doubled its customer trials following investment in its expanded and upgraded laboratory. Oscrete’s enhanced, secure laboratory with dedicated office, tests admixtures to evaluate and optimise their effects on concrete’s properties. The new, advanced 100m² lab is a full concrete testing facility, in use up to six days a week….
Leeds Manufacturing Festival launches 2025 programme with need for ‘generational shift’ topping the agenda
The shortage of new talent that continues to hamper growth in the manufacturing and engineering industries is the focus of the Leeds Manufacturing Festival, which returns this month with a packed programme running through to September. The festival, which kicks off this week at a high-profile launch event in the city, is focused on raising…
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…
Trinity Leeds and White Rose host Made in Yorkshire initiative, encouraging next generation to reimagine the future of retail
Trinity Leeds and White Rose Shopping Centre have hosted their enterprise challenge, ‘Made in Yorkshire’, with three local schools competing in a ‘Dragons’ Den’-style pitch. Made in Yorkshire is a cross-school competition with students tasked with designing a brand-new community space for the city before going head-to-head and pitching their proposals in the finals. Centred…
Yorkshire garden centre group appoints new board member
The team at a Bradford-headquartered garden centre group with sites in West and North Yorkshire has made a new appointment to its board of directors. Neil Barwise-Carr, former Head of People and Culture at Yorkshire Garden Centres, has been promoted to the position of Director of People and Culture to lead a team of 573…
Brainstorm Club launches fully funded Sales & Marketing alignment programme for West Yorkshire SMEs
New “Align4Growth” initiative offers 4-week transformation programme with 12 months’ support at no cost to qualifying businesses Brainstorm Club, a West Yorkshire-based consultancy specialising in revenue growth strategies, today announced the launch of its fully funded Align4Growth programme. This initiative aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Yorkshire rapidly improve revenue by aligning…
Efforts to improve the Jubilee Terrace to Scarborough Bridge path take a step forward
Work to invest £1.7m in improvements to a well-used riverside path could take a further step forward next week (11 March). At a decision session the council’s Executive Member for Transport will be asked to agree to progress work on the Jubilee Terrace to Scarborough Bridge riverside path to detailed design and construction. This meeting…
Olympic champion Tessa Sanderson CBE inspires GSAL pupils ahead of International Women’s Day
Pupils at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) were treated to an inspiring visit from Olympic gold medallist Tessa Sanderson CBE on Wednesday 5 March, as the former javelin thrower shared her journey to sporting success ahead of International Women’s Day. Tessa, who made history as the first black British woman to win an Olympic…
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….
Bradford vying for two national student nursing awards
The University of Bradford has been shortlisted in two categories at the Student Nursing Times Awards 2025. Bradford is nominated in the Partnership of the Year category, for its work with New Vision Bradford/Waythrough on overdose awareness and response training and for the Student Placement of The Year: Community award. Natalie Finch, Assistant Professor Mental…