Council to enhance its standards to improve residents’ experience
City of York Council’s Executive will be asked to adopt new standards to support people living with poverty in the city, at a meeting later this month (11 March). The standards are set out in a Charter for Organisational Standards created by York Truth Poverty Commission and aim to make services more responsive to people’s needs rather…
TPE launches TransPennine Kitchen: A First Class feast from coast to coast
First Class TransPennine Express (TPE) customers can now tuck into a tasty new menu while travelling between Liverpool and Newcastle. The new service, TransPennine Kitchen: Coast to Coast combines locally sourced, mouthwatering dishes with exceptional hospitality. Building on the success of TPE’s popular West Coast Kitchen service on its routes between the North West of…
Andrew Jackson advises Woods Tours on purchase of UK’s first electric tour boat
Vessel set for launch this year with Tower of London River Tour Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces that it has assisted Woods Tours on its commission of the UK’s first zero emissions tourist vessel, which is set to launch later this year with a 40-minute Tower of London River Tour that will…
Cross Hills based IT Firm celebrates business accolade from Theo Paphitis
Last month Comprendo IT Support & Consultancy, based in Cross Hills, was presented with their Small Business Sunday winner’s certificate by the business and retail entrepreneur, and self-confessed Shopkeeper, Theo Paphitis. At the Small Business Sunday’s15th anniversary event at the Birmingham ICC, Comprendo’s Sara Haggas accepted the accolade for the business’s winning Instagram post from…
Bradford College wins prestigious national education award
Bradford College has won ‘The Bell Foundation Award for Excellence in ESOL’ category at the 2025 Association of College’s Beacon Awards. The College was the only winner from Yorkshire or Northeast England. The national Beacon awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice in further education colleges and demonstrate the far-reaching impact of colleges on…
93.7% York pupils get first choice of Secondary School
Secondary school admission figures for entry in September 2025 published today [3 March] reveal that 93.7% per cent of York children have been allocated their first preference of school. Parents and carers who applied online can find out where their child has been allocated a place by logging into their parent portal account today via www.york.gov.uk/SecondarySchoolAdmissions….
Drax RNS: Full year results for the twelve months ended 31 December 2024
Strong operational and financial performance, increasing visibility on long-term outlook Twelve months ended 31 December 2024 2023 Key financial performance measures Adjusted EBITDA(1/2/3) (£ million) 1,064 1,009 Net debt(4) (£ million) 992 1,220 Adjusted basic EPS(1) (pence) 128.4 119.6 Dividend per share (pence) 26.0 23.1 Total financial performance measures Operating profit…
Chadwick Lawrence advises on seven-figure sale of occasion wear label Lavish Alice
Yorkshire-based law firm Chadwick Lawrence has advised on the sale of occasion wear label Lavish Alice, known for its A-list clientele including Gigi Hadid and actress Lindsay Lohan, to womenswear brand Club L London. Chadwick Lawrence has provided trusted legal support to Manchester-based Lavish Alice for over a decade and the Corporate team led by…
York supports LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week
City of York Council’s fostering team and One Adoption North and Humber, the regional adoption agency for York, North Yorkshire and Humber, are showing their support for LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week (3-9 March) by lighting up the city walls in rainbow colours. Led by charity New Family Social, this year’s campaign, Change Lives in ‘25 is…
York and N. Yorkshire-based investigators help ensure extradition order and jail time for former Brookside actor
A total of 23 years in prison for a former Brookside actor and his associates has been awarded this afternoon. Former Brookside actor Philip Foster and eight associates have today (28 February 2025) been sentenced for their part in a £13.6 million fraud that ran for over eight years. The sentences handed down at Sheffield Crown Court…
Your invitation to exhibit at the upcoming SEND Next Choices event on Tuesday 24th June 2025
SEND Next Choices – Getting ready for adult life Leeds first direct arena | Tuesday 24th June 2025 | 10am-6pm We are delighted to invite you to exhibit at the forthcoming SEND Next Choices – Getting ready for adult life event on Tuesday 24th June 2025 at Leeds first direct arena. Organised by Leeds City…
Leeds City College achieves NEBOSH Silver Learning Partner status
Leeds City College is proud to announce its recent accreditation as a Silver Learning Partner by the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH). Following a rigorous inspection audit in November, this prestigious upgrade from Bronze status highlights the college’s dedication to exceeding NEBOSH’s principles of learning excellence. Why Choose NEBOSH? NEBOSH, a globally…
Bradford professor prepares to launch Space Tech Assembly
Businesses from this region and beyond can partake in ‘astronomical opportunities’ outlined at the forthcoming Space Tech Assembly in March, according to the University of Bradford professor who is set to open the event. The conference, organised by Space Hub Yorkshire, the UK Space Agency-funded regional space cluster, will examine how space tech is evolving…
Upcoming changes around York Station as Station Gateway project progresses
In the coming weeks, people will notice a lot of changes to the area to the front of York Station as progress on the Station Gateway project continues. The new image reveals paving that will form the new public spaces in the area where Queen Street Bridge used to be, as well as give a…
Bulls bringing the hits to West Yorkshire
Bradford Bulls are excited to announce the renewal of their partnership with Hits Radio West Yorkshire, a relationship that continues to strengthen the club’s connection with fans and the wider community. As part of this collaboration, Hits Radio West Yorkshire will remain a key partner, supporting the Bulls to connect with existing and new fans. Hits Radio…
Weidmann support upgrade to local children’s playground
Weidmann UK is thrilled to support its local community by contributing vital funds to the Parish Council. As a major employer in the region, Weidmann was approached to provide financial support to upgrade and improve the local children’s playground that had fallen into disrepair. The donation will contribute towards replacing outdated and worn-out surfaces with…
Bradford seals £1m funding for 6G research projects
The University of Bradford has been awarded £1 million from the European Union’s Horizon Innovation Action programme to lead pioneering research into the socio-economic and sustainability impacts of disruptive technologies, including 6G networks and edge computing. Secured by a team of researchers at the University’s School of Management, the funding supports three ambitious projects—COP-PILOT, 6G-VERSUS,…
Reopened Huddersfield garden centre donates plants to local school
The team at a Huddersfield garden centre celebrated the reopening of its site by donating plants to a local primary school. Yorkshire Garden Centres acquired the former Dobbies Garden Centre Pennine at Shelley and has renamed it Pennine Garden Centre in line with its growing family of centres at Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, York and…
New homeless prevention drop-ins start today
As the risk of homelessness continues to worry many residents and be a reality for some, City of York Council is increasing support to help people keep their home. Additional to ongoing work to help people keep their homes, new face-to-face support starts today. At the monthly Homeless Prevention drop-in sessions, the team will work…
Azets UK announces new director in Yorkshire amid raft of promotions
International business advisory group Azets has announced 11 promotions across its three offices in Yorkshire. Edward Cliff (Audit & Assurance, York) has been promoted to Director while, also in the York office, Bethan Hughes has been appointed Senior Manager, Adam Wingrove Manager and Rutendo Chikukwa Assistant Manager. Also in York, Ashley Greaves and Benjamin Jones…
HSBC Leader Encourages York Businesses to embrace ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’
Earlier this month, HSBC UK’s Head of Technology Sector encouraged York businesses to adapt to thrive in the climate of ‘functional disruptive change’ represented by the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In his keynote address to over 60 businesses at the first York Tech Forum on 13 February, Roland Emmans explored the fast-moving tech…
Broadcaster fondly remembers Bradford student days
A news and sports broadcaster who has retired after more than 40 years says his time as a student at the University of Bradford stood him in good stead throughout his career. Nick Powell, who studied BA Modern Languages, German and Russian at the University of Bradford between 1977 and 1981, has retired following a…
Yorkshire garden centre group is shortlisted for a national people and culture award
The team at a Bradford-headquartered garden centre group is celebrating after being shortlisted for a prestigious national HR award. Yorkshire Garden Centres Group has reached the final in the People Team of the Year (500 – 1,000 employees) at the British HR Awards which celebrate organisations and individuals that are driven by delivering a world-class…
Final days of Doggerland interactive map and animation
AI will help us find ‘goldilocks’ zone for human life Archaeologists from the University of Bradford have created an interactive simulation tool to chart the evolution (and demise) of Doggerland – the Ice Age landmass that once connected the UK to mainland Europe. It is part of a project known as Unpath’d Waters, funded by…
AI-powered eye surgery could mean the end for glasses post cataract surgery
CustomLensAi invited to join prestigious Microsoft for Startups Hub A revolutionary approach that uses AI to help improve cataract surgery outcomes could mean the majority of post-op patients no longer need glasses. A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between visual computing experts at the University’s of Bradford’s School of Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Electronics (CSAIE)…
York City walls to be illuminated in orange and blue in commemoration of Joseph Rowntree
To mark the 100th anniversary of Joseph Rowntree’s death, City of York Council will illuminate the city walls in blue and orange tonight, paying tribute to his lasting impact on the city. Joseph Rowntree is one of York’s most well-known names, not just for his business success but for his significant contributions to social reform…
Topps Tiles partners with colleges to tackle national skills shortage
A new education partnership designed to boost the number of qualified tilers in the UK has been launched by Topps Tiles. The UK’s number one tile specialist is teaming up with Leeds College of Building and South & City College Birmingham to inspire the next generation of skilled tradespeople. The partnership comes in response to…
Driving sustainability in business: Docuflow receives GreenMark Certification
Docuflow Ltd., a leading provider of workplace solutions and digital transformation services, is delighted to announce its recent accreditation with the prestigious GreenMark Certification. This recognition highlights the company’s strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to set the standard in corporate social responsibility. Docuflow achieved a…
York and Yorkshire-based investigators help secure jail for plumbing fraudster who exploited vulnerable homeowners
A man from Bolton who targeted victims across the North West has been sentenced to 4 years in prison at Bradford Crown Court today, after defrauding vulnerable customers out of a total of £250,000. Suhaib Sirajudin, 39, of Fifth Avenue, Bolton, operated as an ‘emergency plumber’ and pleaded guilty to two counts of fraudulent trading…
One year on – Our AA fleet celebrates HVO truck trial progress
As part of our award-winning, innovative “test and scale” approach to fleet decarbonisation, we have expanded our trial of hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) from three to 15 vehicles. This allows us to further evaluate the viability of this alternative fuel in dealing with roadside recovery demands in real-world settings. If this trial extension proves successful,…
Bradford College and Metalcraft Group confirm transformative engineering partnership
The opening of an industry-standard engineering suite at Bradford College’s Trinity Green Campus has brought students one step closer to their dream job in the industry. The brand new engineering facility is the result of a collaboration between Bradford-based metal fabrication and engineering company Metalcraft Group and Bradford College. The partnership means T Level Engineering students…
Local Plan takes another step closer to unlocking York’s development and growth ambitions
City of York Council is set to consider the adoption of its Local Plan following the findings of the Inspector’s Report on the Examination of City of York’s Local Plan, which will be presented for consideration at Full Council on Thursday 27 February. Once adopted, this Plan will be the city’s first comprehensive development framework…
Bradford District and Craven Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Movement
Yorkshire Building Society and TL Dallas are among the first businesses to join the Workplace Wellbeing Movement, a programme for businesses led by Bradford District and Craven Mind. Bradford District and Craven Mind (BDC Mind) are a local mental health charity that support people of all ages with their mental health and wellbeing. They also…
York Learning’s ‘Jobs, Skills and Apprenticeships Fair’ to return in March
York Learning’s popular ‘Jobs, Skills and Apprenticeships Fair’ is back at York Barbican on Tuesday 11 March, with opportunities for around 80 exhibitors to meet some 1,000 people looking for work or training. The event is open to any employers, training providers and information, advice and guidance services in the York area, from 1pm –…
Burns unit visit part of 56for56 appeal
Firefighters from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) visited the University of Bradford-based Burns Unit after crews launched a £56,000 fundraising appeal to mark the 40th anniversary of the Bradford City fire. Proceeds raised for the 56for56 appeal, organised by the firefighters based at Bradford Fire Station, will go towards the Plastic Surgery and…
Property regeneration and development consultancy AspinallVerdi almost doubles the size of head office in Leeds by relocating to 31 The Calls
Independent property regeneration and development consultancy AspinallVerdi has relocated to almost double the size of its head office in Leeds following growth in staff numbers and rising demand for its services from an increasing number of clients. The market-leading consultancy has moved from its 975 sq ft location at Studio 7 46 The Calls in…
Start a new career in child and family social work
The Step Up To Social Work programme at City of York Council opens for recruitment today [17 February] until 25 March, enabling aspiring social workers to apply for a place on the intensive but highly rewarding training programme. Step Up To Social Work is a 14-month, full-time training programme for talented graduates and career changers to become…
Housing staff to support tenants experiencing domestic abuse
To help support Council tenants who are experiencing domestic abuse, City of York Council’s housing staff will be trained and supported to spot the signs and support victims and survivors. As part of the Council’s wider work to tackle or prevent domestic abuse, a new policy was agreed on 5 February which commits the Council…
Concrete technician nominated in national emerging talent award
A Bradford concrete technician has been shortlisted in a national industry awards scheme after making a positive contribution to the sector. Oscrete employee, Keiron Todd (25), made the top 10 national nominations for the concrete industry’s Emerging Talent Awards which recognise and reward the achievements and efforts of those in the early stage of their…
Bradford City AFC crowned Apprenticeship Games 2025 champions
Bradford City AFC has been crowned winner of the third annual Bradford College Apprenticeship Games, marking National Apprenticeship Week (10th – 16th February). In partnership with CBRE, the action-packed event brings together teams of apprentices and their employers for a day of fun, themed challenges. Each squad competes for the coveted Apprenticeship Games title, while also celebrating the positive…
Community projects to benefit from University-backed fund
Community projects will benefit from a £800,000 fund, part of a project which includes the University of Bradford. The Communities Innovating Yorkshire Fund (CIYF) has launched as part of the Yorkshire and Humber Policy Innovation Partnership (YPIP). Under CIYF, chosen community organisation projects from across Yorkshire and Humber will receive individual awards of up to…
York furniture charity gets a boost through council-funded scheme
Through a partnership between City of York Council and York Centre for Voluntary Services (CVS), charities working to support residents across the city can access expert support to tackle challenges and maximise their social impact. One of the charities that has benefited from the project is York Community Furniture Stores (CFS), which has tackled furniture and digital poverty across…
Further progress on York Station Gateway project
Upcoming works on the Station Gateway project have been confirmed as the project progresses. In recent weeks paving has been laid and footpath and kerb improvements are happening near to the Blossom Street Junction. This is creating new high quality public realm in the area where Queen Street Bridge used to be. Contractors John Sisk…
York celebrates National Apprenticeship Week
City of York Council is celebrating the value, benefits and opportunities apprenticeships bring to individuals and businesses during National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) this week [10-16 February]. NAW will highlight how apprenticeships are an excellent option to consider for young people wishing to start a career, for employees looking to progress in their current role or…
Creative adventures await this half term at White Rose
White Rose Shopping Centre is inviting young artists to join free craft sessions this half term, from Monday 17th until Friday 21st February. Fun for the whole family, the sessions will be held from 11am – 4pm each day in White Rose’s Central Atrium, near the escalators leading to The Balcony and The Village. Guests…
Leeds Beckett and ARC creating ‘digital golden thread’ for building safety
Digital construction experts at Leeds Beckett University (LBU) are teaming up with Leeds-based ARC Building Solutions to create an innovative new ‘digital golden thread’ to proactively address key recommendations for the construction sector – following the Grenfell tragedy – to ensure that fire prevention products are correctly installed by sub-contractors and developers on building sites….
Opportunity to beat stamp duty increase in North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes is advising buyers looking to move home in 2025 to consider doing it now to avoid the rise of Stamp Duty fees from April. Currently, home buyers don’t have to pay the land tax on properties up to the value of £250,000. However, Stamp Duty will be…
‘AI lifeguard’ start-up wins international award
Deep Blue uses an artificial intelligence algorithm to track dozens of swimmers using existing camera networks and is already being trialled on beach and swimming pool environments in Dubai. Karl, 44, who is now into his second year of the Executive MBA, won the prestigious Start-Up of the Year Award 2025 in the AMBA &…