Member News Subjects

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,…

Published in - , ,

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…

Published in - ,

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…

Published in - , ,

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…

Published in - , ,

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…

Published in - , ,

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…

Published in - , ,

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…

Published in - , ,

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…

Published in - , , , ,

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)…

Published in - , , ,

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…

Published in - , , ,

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…

Published in - , ,

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…

Published in - , ,

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,…

Published in - , ,

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…

Published in - , , ,

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…

Published in - , ,

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…

Published in - ,

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 –…

Published in - , , ,

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…

Published in - , , ,

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…

Published 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…

Published in - , ,

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…

Published in - , ,

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…

Published in - , ,

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…

Published in - , , , ,

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…

Published in - , , ,

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…

Published in - , ,

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…

Published in - , ,

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…

Published in - , , ,

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…

Published in - , , ,

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….

Published in - , ,

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…

Published in - ,

‘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 &…

Published in - , , , ,

University’s community researchers programme will leave City of Culture legacy

A collaboration between the University of Bradford, University of Southampton and Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture to train ‘community researchers’ as part of Bradford 2025’s legacy has been hailed a success.  The Community Researcher Training Programme, led by Gail Smith, Evaluation Manager for City of Culture, and Professor Karina Croucher, Academic Lead for Bradford…

Published in - , , ,

Phenomenal figures released for York’s Park and Ride

Figures released today show that 2024 was the busiest year for York’s Park and Ride since 2017, with the total number of journeys exceeding 4.5 million, almost one million higher than in 2023. December saw the most trips for a decade, recording nearly 500,000 journeys, a 3.5 per cent increase on the previous highest monthly…

Published in - , , ,

PIB Insurance Brokers expands Leeds presence with appointment of James Tosh as Branch Director

PIB Insurance Brokers is making a significant investment in Leeds with the appointment of James Tosh as its new Branch Director. James joins from Aon and brings extensive industry expertise to drive growth in the region. His appointment marks a key milestone in PIB’s strategy to expand its regional footprint, strengthen client relationships, and build…

Published in - , ,

£5,000 of illegal vapes and tobacco sniffed out and seized

Council and police officers visited a business in Clifton, York last week, where nearly £5,000 of noncompliant vapes and illicit tobacco was found and seized. The illegal items found and taken have an estimated retail value of £4,941.25: 177 noncompliant vapes with a retail value of £2,124 2,250 counterfeit and illicit cigarettes valued at £731…

Published in - , ,

Expedition Yorkshire is seeking a business partner

Expedition Yorkshire Ltd is a tour company like no other. We pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled luxury tours: • The best vehicles for touring • Charismatic, expert driver-guides • Perfectly curated routes through Britain’s most remote and stunning scenery • Always private tours—never grouped • Incredible reviews from delighted customers We specialise in luxury private…

Published in - , ,

Rob Hubbard to host “Cost Matters – Redefining Excellence in Quantity Surveying” conference 2025

Rob Hubbard, Principal Consultant and Owner of Cantidad Limited, is pleased to present their inaugural conference, “Cost Matters: Redefining Excellence in Quantity Surveying.” The conference will take place on Wednesday, 18 June 2024, from 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM at The Mill, Tootal Street, Tileyard, Wakefield (WF1 5FT). This one-day event is designed for commercial…

Published in - , ,

Yorkshire Building Society appoints Chief Commercial Officer

Yorkshire Building Society has appointed a new Chief Commercial Officer. Simon Watson will join the mutual on 1 May from NatWest Group, where he has worked since 2011. Currently in the role of Managing Director of Affluent Banking & Investing, he has held a number of senior leadership positions spanning personal and private banking, digital…

Published in - , ,

Bulls welcome new partner on board

Bradford Bulls announces that First Bus has become an official partner help grow grassroots interest in rugby league and support greener goals of the club. To celebrate the agreement, members of its Bradford Bulls Foundation showed off new kit for the upcoming season which features the First Bus logo, together with mascot Bullboy, club management…

Published in - , ,

AAB announces the appointment of Sarah Hex as Business Development Partner in Leeds

Leading UK and Ireland professional services firm, AAB, has announced the appointment of Leeds-based Sarah Hex as Business Development Partner. Sarah brings over 20 years of experience in professional, financial and investment services. An accomplished business development and client services leader, she will lead strategic business development for AAB across the North of England. An…

Published in - , ,

10 years of rewarding food industry excellence at Verner Wheelock

Food industry training expert Verner Wheelock has just announced the winners of its annual Excellence Awards. The business, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, is the training company of choice for numerous well-known food manufacturers and has trained thousands of delegates over the years. The Verner Wheelock Excellence Awards, launched 10 years ago, recognise outstanding…

Published in - , , ,

Bank of England monetary policy expert to deliver lecture at Leeds Beckett University

Leeds Beckett University is delighted to welcome Dr. Catherine L. Mann, External Member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), to deliver the highly anticipated Economic Prospects Lecture on 11 February. Attendees will gain insights into the Bank’s latest Monetary Policy Report, to be released on 6 February. Catherine will address how the…

Published in - , , , ,

Countdown presenter Susie Dent to appear at York Literature Festival 2025   

The York Literature Festival returns in March for a full month’s celebration of the written and spoken word.   Starting on Thursday 6 March, York St John University is proud to continue as the festival’s main sponsor, supporting its mission to promote local writers, groups and performers, as well as providing the community with an…

Published in - , ,

Luxury jewellery specialist Berry’s Jewellers have made Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) their charity of the year for 2025

The family-owned company has stores in Leeds, York, Windsor, Nottingham and Newcastle, and staff are set to take on fundraising initiatives throughout the year for CHSF. CHSF works to empower patients of all ages in their journey with congenital heart disease (CHD)  – as babies, children, teenagers and throughout adulthood, and provides a holistic family…

Published in - , , ,

Merrion Centre partners with ghd and Children’s Heart Surgery Fund for life-saving fundraiser

The Merrion Centre in the heart of Leeds’ Arena quarter has partnered with iconic hair styling brand ghd and the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) to raise vital funds to save young lives.   The charity initiative is part of #HeartMonth and will see visitors to the shopping centre enjoy professional hairstyling for a minimum donation…

Published in - , , ,

Notre Dame alumnus shares Rolls Royce insights

On Friday 24th January Elijah Gatewood-Skeete returned to Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College to discuss his degree apprenticeship at Rolls Royce. Elijah left Notre Dame in 2023 and began at Rolls Royce in September 2024, on their highly competitive degree apprenticeship programme, where is one of just four other people. On Elijah’s apprenticeship, he…

Published in - , ,

Applications open for grants and academic support for charities and community groups in Yorkshire

Yorkshire’s charities and social enterprises offered £10,000 grants and unique academic support package to boost their community work The successful Community Research Grants programme is open for 2025 applications  York St John University’s Institute for Social Justice (ISJ) is delighted to announce the launch of its 2025 Community Research Grants (CRG) programme. Now into its…

Published in - , , ,

Essential work to improve Lendal starts 3 February

Two urgent improvement works are due to begin on Lendal. To ensure the safety of public and workers on site, Lendal will have daily and temporary closures to vehicles as follows: Northern Gas will carry out essential work to the roadway on weekdays from Monday 3 February until Friday 14 February. The road will be open for…

Published in - , ,