New management team at Verner Wheelock
Alison Wheelock, Managing Director of leading food industry training company Verner Wheelock Associates Ltd (VWA), has completed the acquisition of the company from its founders. The transaction was completed on 3rd April 2025 with Ms Wheelock buying out her parents’ shares in the family business. Claire Lennon, VWA’s former Business Development Executive, has been appointed…
Blacks Solicitors shows ongoing commitment to supporting emerging regional music talent
Leading Yorkshire law firm, Blacks Solicitors, is the proud sponsor of the ‘Sounds Of Leeds Conservatoire’ event series, an initiative focused on supporting and nurturing emerging regional talent and connecting budding artists with experienced industry professionals. The ‘Sound Of’ series, hosted by specialist music and performing arts school Leeds Conservatoire, offers students and the public valuable…
Five fee earner promotions at Chadwick Lawrence following successful year
Leading Yorkshire law firm Chadwick Lawrence has announced the promotions of five fee earning team members, as it looks to build on its continued success entering the new financial year. Julia Wilding is promoted to salaried partner, wills and probate. Having qualified as a solicitor in 1997, Julia has 28 years of experience in private…
Bradford School of Art students support large-scale textile installation for world heritage site
A group of Bradford School of Art higher education students were given the opportunity of a lifetime after being selected to support one of America’s most distinguished visual artists. We Will Sing is a new, large-scale, site-responsive installation by renowned artist Ann Hamilton, commissioned for Salts Mill as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of…
Leeds Beckett and The Grammar School at Leeds launch research-informed programme to boost children’s physical literacy
Researchers within the Centre for Child and Adolescent Physical Literacy at Leeds Beckett University (LBU) are collaborating with The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) to develop and embed an innovative approach to enhancing the physical literacy of their pupils. It will bring cutting-edge research from the university into day-to-day school life. The 30-month Knowledge Transfer…
Bradford College connects to Energy Network in Net Zero Push
Work to connect Bradford College to the £70m Bradford Energy Network is officially underway, marking a significant move away from fossil fuels and towards achieving Net Zero. Heat networks (also known as district heating) supply heat from a central source. Underground pipes carry hot water to buildings on a network, enabling the rapid decarbonisation of…
Clarks celebrates 200 years of comfort with new store opening at Trinity Leeds
Clarks, the globally renowned footwear brand is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year and is excited announce the opening of a brand-new store in the heart of Leeds, at the Trinity Leeds. Officially opening to the public on Friday 23rd May 2025, the store will be located on the ground floor of Trinity Leeds, Albion…
Archaeology degree programmes receive leading accreditation
The University of Bradford has received accreditation for its archaeology programmes from the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK (UAUK). The University’s BSc (Hons) Archaeology programme has been accredited for a further five years, while BSc (Hons) Forensic Anthropology has been awarded a new accreditation for the next five years by the…
Simon Watson begins role as Yorkshire Building Society’s Chief Commercial Officer
Simon Watson has stepped into role as Yorkshire Building Society’s new Chief Commercial Officer. He will lead teams responsible for mortgages, savings and marketing and digital channels. He joins the mutual from NatWest Group, where he has worked since 2011. Most recently in the role of Managing Director of Affluent Banking & Investing, he held…
Bulls raise the roof with new partnership
Bradford Bulls are proud to announce a new commercial partnership with Fairway Roofing, who will serve as the official sponsor of the Bulls’ match highlights throughout the 2025 season. As part of the partnership, Fairway Roofing branding will feature prominently on all match highlights published across the Bulls’ digital platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and…
£5m scheme improves the energy efficiency of West Yorkshire homes
A £5.8million project to reduce the energy usage and carbon emissions of over 440 homes in Leeds and Harrogate has led to warmer living and lower bills for residents across the region, thanks to energy and regeneration specialist Equans and Leeds Federated Housing Association. Retrofit work carried out to the homes – a mix of…
Bradford garden centre group appoints new finance director
A Bradford garden centre group has recruited a new board member as it prepares for future growth across its multi-site business. Yorkshire Garden Centres group has appointed Emma Bristow as its full-time finance director. In her new role, Mrs Bristow will lead the finance team to support the continued growth of the business. An early…
GSAL Nursery to welcome 2-year-olds from September 2025
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is delighted to announce that from September 2025, its nursery will begin welcoming children from the age of two, marking an exciting new chapter in the school’s early years provision. This expansion reflects GSAL’s commitment to supporting families from the earliest stages of their child’s education, offering a nurturing…
University support for women-led firms in new programme
Women-led businesses have been encouraged to apply for a place on a programme supported by the University of Bradford. The Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem (BREE), based at the University, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Lifted Ventures, has launched a two-year Innovation Programme designed to accelerate women-led projects in West Yorkshire. The programme,…
NNFCC Ltd has officially rebranded to Alder BioInsights
NNFCC Limited, an award-winning consultancy in the bioeconomy sector, has officially rebranded to Alder BioInsights. Based at York Science Park, the rebrand marks a new milestone in the company’s history which spans over 20 years. While NNFCC Ltd remains the registered company name, the refreshed brand identity reflects a stable and adaptive approach to leadership…
Chemical company actions environmental commitment with 220 hours of work
A chemical specialist has actioned part of its plan to be a net-zero company by 2045 with the completion of its first environmental project. Forty members of staff at Airedale Group have volunteered 220 hours of time to the Aire Rivers Trust, helping nurture the waterways in the Aire Valley and encourage natural life in…
Iconic Meltham café business goes up for sale
A unique café and events business in Meltham, near Holmfirth, has been put up for sale with a guide price of £175,000 with commercial property estate agent Ernest Wilson, which is part of Eddisons. Launched in 2020, Lu’s Place, on the edge of Meltham and adjacent to open countryside and woodland, has built a reputation…
Big wins for Bradford College at West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards
Bradford College scooped a trophies haul at the 2025 West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford. The event saw three apprentices win their categories and another receive highly commended, alongside a Mentor of the Year award for an employer partner. Now in its fourth year, the Awards celebrate excellence across 14…
Bradford business apprentice secures double award win!
A business apprentice from Drighlington property compliance specialists Inspectas, has won two Bradford College Star Awards for being an inspirational student. Faye Oxley (19), won Business Admin Subject Student of the Year and Inspirational Student of the Year, an accolade chosen by Bradford College’s Senior leadership Team. The annual Bradford College Star Awards cover all…
Bradford City Centre sees positive growth as footfall rises 25% in early 2025
Bradford City Centre is showing encouraging signs of recovery, with both footfall and dwell time on the rise following a challenging year for local businesses. The Bradford Business Improvement District (BID), which represents almost 600 member businesses in the city centre, closely monitors a range of performance indicators. Figures from the first quarter of 2025…
Bulls cook up Perfect Storm
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with full-service marketing agency Perfect Storm – to develop a growth marketing strategy to support the club’s ambitions. As well as providing strategic insight, the Leeds-based agency will grab the bull by the horns with a ramp-up of digital activity, fan experience and creative strategies….
Leeds College of Building celebrates success at West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards
Two Leeds College of Building higher-level apprentices have been recognised at this year’s prestigious West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards. Charlie Brady, a Level 4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Apprentice working at EN:Able Futures, won the sought-after Higher Apprentice of the Year Award after fighting off tough regional competition. Hosted by Termrim Construction, Charlie was chosen for his…
This weekend: Fast-track a move with housebuilder’s events in North Yorkshire
House hunters looking to secure a brand-new home are invited to Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ Instant Part Exchange events at its Harclay Park and Manor Chase developments in Boroughbridge this weekend. The events, taking place from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th May, will offer those looking to move home the chance to arrange a…
Bradford’s historic Little Germany sets its sights on a new chapter
Following the completion of a successful round of funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, a team led by Impact Hub Bradford has revealed plans to regenerate the city’s historic mercantile quarter, Little Germany. Home to 55 Grade 2 Listed buildings, the area is home to one of the most remarkable heritage destinations in the…
Five fee earner promotions at Chadwick Lawrence following successful year
Leading Yorkshire law firm Chadwick Lawrence has announced the promotions of five fee earning team members, as it looks to build on its continued success entering the new financial year. Julia Wilding is promoted to salaried partner, wills and probate. Having qualified as a solicitor in 1997, Julia has 28 years of experience in private…
Schofield Sweeney supports ‘home city’ again with Bradford Showcase partnership
Leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney will play a key role in showcasing the Bradford district’s planning and investment potential at an event alongside the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), in Leeds from May 20th-22nd. Working in partnership with Bradford Council, Schofield Sweeney, which has one of the region’s largest and most…
Burns Unit features in Bradford City fire ITV series
The Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU), based at the University of Bradford, is featured in a powerful new TV documentary series marking the 40th anniversary of the Bradford City fire. Professor Ajay L Mahajan, Director of PSBRU and a consultant plastic surgeon at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was interviewed as part…
Engineering expertise is expanding at the Environmental Protection Group
The team at EPG goes from strength-to-strength with the appointment of a leading and ambitious individual to bolster the current expertise. George Grant, an award-winning engineer with a passion for innovative design, joins the team as Principal Engineer for the water team. George will be responsible for ensuring projects are delivered effectively and to the…
TL Dallas strengthens in-house claims team
Leading independent insurance broker, TL Dallas, has expanded its highly respected in-house claims team with the appointment of claims handler, Caroline Thorpe. Caroline brings over 12 years of specialist experience in the health and care claims sector, having previously worked at Bupa and Markel. Her expertise includes handling complex cases involving employers’ and public liability,…
AAB strengthens senior leadership team to drive growth in London
Leading professional services firm AAB has expanded its senior team in London, underlining its strategic commitment to growth and enhanced client support in the capital. AAB, a top-25 UK firm that has trebled in size since 2021, has appointed Jai Raja as Audit Partner, James Snape as Audit Director, and Greg Smythe as Tax Director…
New look Tenpin Leeds opens entertainment hub at Merrion Centre following £1m refurb programme
The Merrion Centre in the heart of Leeds’ Arena Quarter announces the completion of the newly revamped Tenpin Leeds, following a £1m refurbishment programme to transform the venue into a vibrant entertainment hub. Now open to the public, the 31, 222 sq ft refurbished Tenpin Leeds features an array of new attractions, including karaoke, interactive…
University congratulates Bradford City AFC on promotion
Bradford City AFC have delivered a ‘feel-good factor’ to the whole district following their promotion, according to University of Bradford Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shirley Congdon. The club, nicknamed the Bantams, secured automatic promotion to Sky Bet League One following a dramatic 1-0 win over Fleetwood Town on Saturday 3 May at the University of Bradford Stadium….
University wins national award for drug overdose training partnership
The University of Bradford and New Vision/Waythrough Bradford have won a Student Nursing Times 2025 award for Partnership of the Year for an innovative drug overdose training programme. The University became the first in the country to begin training all its student nurses in the use of naloxone, a life-saving medication which can reverse overdoses…
Manningham Housing Association achieves Northern Housing Awards double
Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has triumphed in two categories at the Northern Housing Awards 2025. The BME organisation – which manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley – won the blue riband Landlord of the Year award at a prizegiving ceremony at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester, with MHA…
Trinity’s LUFC promotion party display can be seen for ‘smiles’ around
Shopping Centre’s 306sqm Leeds United ‘Smiley’ Badge is City’s Biggest Display To celebrate Leeds United’s promotion – and to hopefully see them crowned Champions tomorrow (Saturday) – Trinity Leeds has emblazoned a 306-square-metre LUFC ‘smiley’ club badge on the shopping centre’s glass dome roof. As seen on this season’s cult yellow away kit, the huge…
Regal Foods launches family of brands on Ocado.com
Yorkshire-based food group, Regal Food Products Group launches products from Regal Foods and Yorkshire Baking Company on Ocado.com, the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket. The listing with Ocado.com will see an extensive range of products listed on the online platform, covering both world food and mainstream cake. Regal Foods will offer a solid range of…
University of Bradford opens up opportunities for adults to access higher education
The University of Bradford has removed an entry requirement for prospective adult learners [students aged 21 and over] to make studying for a degree through a Foundation Year route more accessible to them. The Foundation Year is a pre-degree access programme which provides people with a basis for future full-time undergraduate study at the University…
Andrew Jackson welcomes partner to corporate team
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has welcomed Keith Benton as a partner into the corporate team, further strengthening the firm’s commercial and intellectual property law offering to clients across Yorkshire and the Humber, and beyond. Keith – who joins Andrew Jackson from another large regional practice – has many years’ experience as a…
Fashion retailer Vanilla to open at White Rose
Women’s fashion brand Vanilla has been announced as the latest addition to White Rose Shopping Centre, with its new store set to open this May. Offering both its Pink Vanilla and Blue Vanilla collections with a wide range of options for shoppers of all ages, including clothing, footwear, and accessories, the new store will take…
Schofield Sweeney triumph at FB Yorkshire Business Hero Awards 2025
Leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney is celebrating after a double win at the Yorkshire Business Hero Awards. The West Yorkshire-based firm secured the Diversity, Inclusion & Equality award for the third time in four years, with Marketing Director Ann-Marie Keighley and her team being named Marketing & Digital Disruptor of the Year award at…
TCS enhanced Albion Street offering with 11,000 sq. ft leisure letting to Rileys
High-profile letting set to strengthen city centre leisure scene Leading Leeds and London based property investment and development company Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), has announced a major new leisure letting with national operator Rileys Sports Bars at 123 Albion Street, Leeds. The deal sees Rileys take 11,000 sq. ft of prominent ground floor space…
Castle Employment Group strengthens senior team with key appointments across education and construction
Castle Employment Group is continuing to scale its specialist divisions across Yorkshire with two significant senior hires. Romilly Wakeling joins as Director of Castle Education, while Tom Makin has been appointed to lead the newly launched Construction division. Romilly brings over 21 years’ experience in recruitment, with a strong background in education and leadership. She…
Fun for all the family at White Rose as the Kids’ Carnival returns
White Rose Shopping Centre is gearing up for half term fun with the return of its popular Kids’ Carnival from 16th May – 1st June, with rides suitable for children of all ages. Open from 11am – 9pm daily*, the Carnival invites guests to enjoy fairground classics such as the Runaway Train and Bumper Cars,…
GSAL Principal shortlisted for national award
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is proud to announce that Principal, Sue Woodroofe, has been shortlisted for Headteacher of the Year (Independent) in the Tes Schools Awards 2025. Now in its 17th year, the Tes Schools Awards celebrates the most outstanding teachers, leaders and support staff across the UK’s state and independent sectors. Dubbed…
Dishoom looks to bring Bombay-inspired dining to Leeds with landmark opening at Vicar Lane
Major new dining destination aims to further enhance Leeds’ premium retail and leisure district Leading Leeds and London based property investment and development company Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), announces that acclaimed Indian restaurant group Dishoom is looking to bring a new restaurant to the heart of Leeds, taking over the former Flannels unit on…
£700k investment in University computer science labs
The University of Bradford’s Computer Science labs have officially opened following a £700,000 makeover. The refurbishment has created five state-of-the-art functional labs in the University’s Horton D building, providing students with the best learning environment possible and increasing capacity to allow for future growth. Cutting-edge facilities Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford,…
Bulgogi Grill transforms into Mommy Mookrata
Exciting New Dining Experience comes to the Merrion Centre Since its opening in August 2014, Bulgogi Grill on Merrion Way at the Merrion Centre in Leeds has been one of the go-to destinations for authentic Korean tabletop BBQ, offering an interactive and unforgettable dining experience. More than a decade on, the venue is embarking on…
New Korean beauty and street food experience opens at Trinity Leeds
Trinity Leeds has welcomed two new Korean brands – from skincare sensations to street food favourites – bringing fresh energy to the centre. With Korean and Japanese skincare continuing to lead the beauty scene, Saku Superstore has launched a new pop-up at Trinity Leeds today (24th April). Located near Pandora, the kiosk will be available…