Record breaking freshers footfall at The Merrion Centre
Freshers’ 2025 delivers biggest week of student visitors to date The Merrion Centre has once again cemented its position as the heart of Leeds student life, welcoming record-breaking numbers of visitors during this year’s Freshers’ period. The start of the new term saw more than 416,000 visitors at the Merrion Centre, with Freshers’ Week delivering…
White Rose Shines a Spotlight on Local Heroes
White Rose Shopping Centre has celebrated some of Leeds’ most inspiring individuals and organisations at its annual Community Awards, which recognise grassroot leaders, dedicated volunteers, and life-saving specialists who make a real difference. This year’s Community Awards honours the incredible local people working hard to benefit their community, with just a few of the 2025…
Bloomin’ marvellous: Campus strikes gold with award
An edible campus, beehives and wooded areas helped clinch gold for the University of Bradford at this year’s Yorkshire in Bloom. The gardening team secured the prestigious prize in Yorkshire in Bloom 2025’s Universities, Colleges and Further Education (FE) Establishments category, moving up from the Silver Gilt prize in 2024. They were also named joint…
Chadwick Lawrence welcomes 18 new starters as headcount surpasses 250
Yorkshire legal experts Chadwick Lawrence has announced the appointment of 18 new team members – a significant milestone that takes total headcount to 252. The new recruits span the firm’s Yorkshire office network, strengthening teams across Leeds, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Bradford and Horbury, in every corner of the business, reflecting the firm’s commitment to investing in…
Bolton-based Barlow Andrews announces rebrand following acquisition
Bolton-based accountancy firm, Barlow Andrews has today announced its official rebrand to AAB. The strategic move comes 12 months after the firm joined the rapidly expanding professional services challenger brand, AAB. This latest development sees Barlow Andrews finalise integration in the AAB Group and highlights its alignment with their focus on delivering specialist, full-service support…
Transpennine Route Upgrade prepares for major upgrades between Dewsbury and York
Customers are being urged to check before they travel as work between Dewsbury and York throughout October and November means there will be changes to services. The closures of the railway are in place to facilitate essential work as part of the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade. From Monday 6 October until Friday 24 October (excluding…
New 1.5-acre park opens next to 78 new Passivhaus homes
A new green space for all to enjoy has been opened as part of work to build 78 ultra low-energy homes at Burnholme Green. A 1.5-acre park has been opened with play and exercise areas, meadows and coppices of trees, connected to the local communities by a network of paths dotted with benches. Across the…
Module shortlisted for AMBA CSR and Sustainability Award
A University of Bradford module on sustainability has been shortlisted for a prestigious international award. The Circular Design for the Real World module is a finalist in the Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability Initiative category at the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and Business Graduates Association (BGA) Excellence Awards 2026. Dr Farzaneh Fakhredin, Lecturer…
Another key appointment for Andrew Jackson
Sarah Thomsen joins as partner and head of contentious probate Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Thomsen as a partner and head of the firm’s contentious probate team. A registered contentious trust and probate specialist and a full member of the ACTAPS (Association of Contentious Trust and Probate…
Equans to deliver Leeds warm homes boost
Energy and regeneration expert Equans has secured a contract with Leeds City Council to make over 270 council-owned homes in Seacroft more affordable to heat. Equans will install insulation to external walls and some lofts, proving an extra layer of protection from all types of weather. The new insulation will also prevent heat escaping from…
Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) celebrate the career of Carin Von Doorn, OBE
Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) have put together a film, to celebrate the career of Consultant Congenital Cardiac Surgeon Carin Von Doorn, OBE. It is estimated that Carin has operated on over 5,000 patients in her career, from babies through to adults, and she is soon retiring. CHSF want to ensure Carin’s legacy lives on after…
Thwaites triumphs as AA Group of the Year
Lancashire-based family-run hospitality group, Thwaites – which operates a collection of 23 hotels and inns across England – clinched the coveted AA Group of the Year title at the AA Hospitality Awards 2025. Recognised for delivering exceptional hospitality at one-of-a-kind properties in outstanding locations across the country, Thwaites’ modern spa hotels and coaching inns lie…
First passenger train pulls into Huddersfield station following 30 days of major upgrades
This morning, the first passenger train arrived at the newly rebuilt platforms at Huddersfield Station, marking a major milestone in Phase One of the station upgrades. This achievement takes customers one step closer to faster, cleaner, more reliable trains across the North. Over the past month, our TRU West Alliance has been working around the…
New Non-Executive Director appointed at Yorkshire Building Society
Yorkshire Building Society has announced Elaine Bucknor joined its Board as Non-Executive Director on 26 September. She brings 30 years’ experience in the technology sector, including the delivery of complex multinational programmes and innovative strategies to support organisational transformation and growth. Elaine has held executive, operational and consultancy roles with leading companies in the telecommunications,…
Azets’ six SME savings suggestions
Small changes could help Yorkshire SMEs lessen the pressure on their finances, staff and management, a senior accounting professional has said. Matthew Grant, partner and head of accounts and business advisory at international accountancy and business advisory group Azets in Yorkshire, is encouraging directors and owners of SMEs to explore their options around technology, tax…
Beware QR codes in Council car parks and texted parking fines
City of York Council is warning drivers to stay vigilant after its car parks were targeted by a fake QR code parking scam and as a wider parking ticket scam hits the country. A widespread parking scam involving fake Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) has targeted people across the country in recent weeks. Scammers send text…
Outstanding student achievements recognised at Leeds College of Building Awards
Leeds College of Building (LCB) students and apprentices from the 2024/2025 academic year have been honoured at the annual BIG (Building Industry Greats) Awards. More accolades than ever before were handed out, including 44 trophies, seven Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) QUEST Technician Scholarships, and one medal from the British Tunnelling Society Young Members. Virgin…
Otley Garden Centre celebrates refreshed catering offering with mayoral visit
The team at Otley Garden Centre celebrated the reopening of its popular restaurant by hosting Otley Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Carter, for afternoon tea recently. Cllr Carter, along with his wife and consort Denise, was invited to Blooms, the refurbished and renamed 200-seater table service restaurant, by Otley Garden Centre’s catering manager, Marina Jannetta. Yorkshire…
MP officially opens brand-new housing development in North Yorkshire
Member of Parliament for York Outer, Luke Charters, has officially unveiled a brand-new housing development in Copmanthorpe. The constituency MP joined Barratt Homes to celebrate the launch of the 75-home development, named Russet Park. Set to deliver a selection of one to five bedroom properties, the growing community offers house hunters a village retreat only…
Topping out ceremony marks milestone in multi-million-pound Bradford College building project
Bradford College marked a significant milestone as governors and special guests gathered at the £19.3 million Junction Mills development for a commemorative topping-out ceremony. The college event celebrated the highest point of the building’s structure being put in place, signalling the next phase of work to create a cutting-edge training facility for automotive, digital, and…
Chadwick Lawrence advises Huddersfield Town AFC on landmark Accu Stadium share acquisition
Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has advised its long-standing client, Huddersfield Town AFC (HTAFC), on the successful acquisition of shares in Kirklees Stadium Development Limited. This makes the Club the sole shareholder of the company that holds the long-term lease to its home ground, the Accu Stadium. The acquisition marks a major milestone in the Club’s ongoing…
Manningham Housing Association up for three national awards
Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has been named as a finalist in three categories at the Housing Executive Awards, including Housing Association of the Year. The recently completed £4.3million Odette’s Point development at Shann Lane in Keighley – delivered in partnership with Avant Homes, Homes England and Bradford Council – has also been shortlisted for Best…
Leeds based OPM Labels & Packaging Group Wins Prestigious “Converter of the Year” Award at Labelexpo Europe
Judges praised the independently owned family business for their product development, inclusive company culture, investment in people and training, and their ongoing community and charitable work. About OPM Labels and Packaging Group: Founded over 40 years ago, OPM Group has grown from a traditional self-adhesive label printer into one of the UK’s leading providers of…
A mountain of inequalities: York St John academic campaigns to raise the profile of women in mountaineering
Dr Jenny Hall to open Kendal Mountain Film Festival with panel discussion honouring the first woman to summit Everest “For too long, mountaineering adventure has been portrayed through a narrow lens: white, fit, fearless… and male” In May 1975, Junko Tabei became the first woman to summit Everest, but her incredible story is still…
Leeds Beckett University recognised for outstanding partnerships in national Knowledge Exchange Framework
Leeds Beckett University (LBU) has been recognised for the strength of its research and partnerships in the fifth national Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF), published today by Research England. The university remains in the top 20% of UK institutions for Working with Business, Working with the Public and Third Sectors, and Research Partnerships. It also retained…
Hooley pens permanent deal
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the permanent signing of Luke Hooley on a two-year deal. The 27-year-old came through the junior ranks at the Bulls, signing his first professional contract with the club before joining Wakefield in 2017. A permanent stay at Batley Bulldogs followed where three years of impressive performances saw him earn…
Bake-off TV test Slovak style for Lenka
A University of Bradford staff member is gearing up for TV stardom as a contestant on the Slovakian version of The Great British Bake-off. Lenka Kaur is one of 12 contestants on the new series of the Slovak version of the long-running programme, called Pecie cele Slovensko, which translates to ‘The Whole of Slovakia is…
University nursery maintains ‘Outstanding’ status
The University Nursery has maintained its “Outstanding” status following its latest inspection by Ofsted, the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. The Nursery, situated on Laisteridge Lane, Bradford, was awarded “Outstanding” in all four categories: Quality of education Behaviour and attitudes Personal development Leadership and management. The report stated: “Children at this…
Huddersfield station set to reopen next week with new temporary layout
Huddersfield station will reopen on Monday 29 September with three rebuilt and extended platforms under new numbering, marking an important step in the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU). From this date, only platforms 1, 2 and 3 will be in use, meaning trains will run to and from different platforms than before and some services will…
SEND CENTRAL York’s new hub for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities launches
SEND CENTRAL, York’s new city hub for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is now open to families across the city [Monday 22 September]. The hub was officially opened by the Deputy Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Margaret Wells on Saturday [20 September]. The new hub is York’s flagship Family…
Bradford ranked top for first-generation and ethnic minority students
The University of Bradford has been ranked top in England and Wales for its number of first-generation and black and ethnic minority background students, according to the Times and the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. Bradford moved up 25 places in the guide’s overall rankings to 86 out of 130 institutions. A total of…
Castle Howard’s Conservation Volunteer program wins Environmental Initiative of the Year at the Yorkshire Post Rural Awards
Castle Howard’s new Conservation Volunteer programme was awarded Environmental Initiative of the Year at the Yorkshire Post Rural Awards on Thursday 18th September. The Conservation Volunteer group formed in December 2024, with the programme quickly becoming an important element of the Estate’s natural environmental strategy. In just six months, the volunteer group has delivered measurable…
Trinity Leeds to launch Student Shopper Sweep event
Leeds students are set for an unforgettable start to the academic year as Trinity Leeds brings back its hugely popular Student Shopper Sweep, packed with shopping sprees, exclusive student offers and heaps of prizes to be won. Inspired by the classic ‘Supermarket Sweep’, lucky students can win the chance to take part in a packed…
Group Head of Private Clients appointed at TL Dallas
Leading independent insurance broking and risk management firm, TL Dallas, which is headquartered in Bradford, has appointed Caroline Pullich as Group Head of Private Clients, further strengthening the family firm’s expertise in delivering bespoke insurance and wealth protection services to high-net-worth individuals and families across the UK and Northern Ireland. Caroline brings more than three…
Statement from the Leader of City of York Council, Cllr Claire Douglas
Below the Council Leader’s statement is a joint statement from Askham Bryan College, York College, York St John University and the University of York. “York is built on its civic pride, history of social justice and strong communities. Each and every day, residents come together and volunteer their time to support one another, care for their…
Housebuilder serves up donation for North Yorkshire tennis club
A leading housebuilder has helped a tennis club in Marton cum Grafton with its pickleball set-up. Marton cum Grafton Community Tennis Courts Association recently laid down markings for a pickleball court on its premises, and Barratt Homes helped the club on its way with a £150 donation towards new equipment for those taking up the…
Celebrate the Festive Season at Hotel Indigo & Banksia Restaurant, Leeds
The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching, and Hotel Indigo Leeds — together with its stylish in-house Banksia Restaurant — is delighted to unveil its Christmas party packages for 2025. Whether you’re planning a corporate celebration, a festive get-together with friends, or a seasonal escape to the city, our carefully crafted packages…
Andrew Jackson welcomes Shadow Minister Robbie Moore MP for keynote event
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces that it will host an event next month which focuses on the future of farming and landed estates, alongside co-hosts Virgin Money, Smailes Goldie, and Dee Atkinson & Harrison. Introduced by Helen Mellors, head of agriculture and landed estates at Andrew Jackson Solicitors, the event will feature…
Kurt Haggerty appointed Bradford Bulls Head Coach
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the appointment of Kurt Haggerty as the club’s new Head Coach on a three-year deal. The 36-year-old played for the Bulls in 2016, having also represented Leigh Centurions, Widnes Vikings and Barrow Raiders during his playing career. Having hung up his boots in 2017, Haggerty has been Assistant Coach…
TRU launches second round of Community Fund with £250,000 for local communities
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is launching the second round of its Community Fund, offering £250,000 to support local community groups, schools and charities along its major railway route. Building on the success of last year’s scheme, the TRU Community Fund will provide grants of £1,000, £5,000, £10,000 or £20,000 to organisations within five miles…
More dates announced for free slippers to be handed out
Over 250 pairs of slippers have been handed to older people to help reduce the risk of them falling, as the latest Slipper Socials are revealed in this, Falls Prevention Awareness Week. Slipper Socials are being held across the city, offering anyone aged 60 or over free slippers. A well-fitting pair have been shown to…
Hallas pens new one year deal
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce Sam Hallas has signed a new one-year deal with the club! The boyhood Bradford fan is in his third spell donning the red, amber and black. Having initially joined on loan in 2017, Hallas remained a Bull until a brief spell with Newcastle in 2022. The 28-year-old returned for…
Harewood and the hunt for the half million pound stick in Capability Brown’s Serpentine Lake
September 2025 – February 2026 Crafted by Lancelot Capability Brown in the 18th Century, Harewood’s landscape encompasses 4000 acres and represents one of Brown’s most famous vistas. Upon first glance, it’s the perfect example of Brown’s work, but there are issues that lie deep beneath the surface. Harewood has had a turbulent relationship with Capability…
Huntington School becomes first in York to receive Gold Healthy Schools Award
Huntington School has become the first in the city to be awarded a Gold Healthy Schools’ Award. The award is part of City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council’s Healthy Schools Programme. The programme aims to encourage state-funded schools across the county to work towards improving the health and wellbeing of pupils through a…
Ece wins national student prize for academic excellence
A University of Bradford student who was part of a scholarship to encourage women to continue their research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) has received a national prize. Ece Karadal, a MSc Advanced Biomedical Engineering student, has been awarded an Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Student Prize for her academic excellence….
Don’t get caught out by umbrella company changes, Azets warns
Yorkshire business and advisory group Azets is urging businesses to prepare for changes in their legal responsibilities around employment tax following the government’s increased regulation of umbrella companies. From 6 April 2026, the responsibility for accounting for National Insurance contributions (NIC) and pay as you earn (PAYE) will be moved from the umbrella company to…
City of York Council puts pride back into local communities
City of York Council is proud to introduce York’s new Neighbourhood Caretakers – a team that looks at improving public spaces, supporting community-led action, and putting pride in our city. The dedicated team will work closely with residents, councillors, and volunteers to deliver visible improvements in local areas — from removing weeds and street cleaning…
Bradford’s Oscrete announces further growth with customer integration
Bradford-based concrete admixture manufacturer Oscrete has announced its successful integration of customers from Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC) specialists, Cemcotec. Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) is a key tool in building design due to its low weight and high strength qualities, making it ideal for architectural facades, panels and decorative construction. The amalgamation of Cemcotec customers into…