West Yorkshire adventure play area celebrates its new menu with team event
150 employees from Yorkshire Garden Centres were invited to celebrate the new menu at Mission Out outdoor adventure park with a stay and play session for family and friends. The play team at Mission Out hosted the exclusive after hours event to launch the new ‘Load & Go’ street food menu that comprises loaded nachos,…
Schofield Sweeney welcomes Real Estate Partner Tim Richards
Appointment Consolidates Firm’s Position as a Regional Leader in Real Estate Law Award-winning Yorkshire law firm Schofield Sweeney has further enhanced its real estate expertise with the appointment of new partner Tim Richards to the 40-strong specialist team. Tim brings with him a wealth of commercial real estate experience, including advising end-to-end on major land…
Ideal Extraction Ltd in Ilkley shortlisted for prestigious award
Ilkley engineering company, Ideal Extraction Ltd, is celebrating after being announced as a Finalist in the category SME Business of the Year at the prestigious BusinessiQ Awards 2025 hosted by the Telegraph and Argus. These coveted awards, first launched in 2011, recognise the best businesses across the whole of the Bradford district for excellence and innovation. The…
JB Priestley’s 1933 Wedgewood vase surfaces after 40 years
A vase decorated by JB Priestley in 1933 and sold at auction following his death in 1984 has been donated to the University of Bradford’s Special Collections. The Wedgewood vase is recalled in the Bradford-born author’s 1934 work English Journey but disappeared into a private collection after his death. In his 1934 account, Priestley recalls visiting…
Plans to transform York city centre come under the spotlight at York Festival of Ideas
York Festival of Ideas in partnership with LNER is offering York residents and visitors an exciting opportunity to find out more about the major developments taking place in the city centre. The free event York: A 21st-century rail hub on Saturday 7 June will turn the spotlight on the York Station Gateway project, which is…
Andrew Jackson advises Fortuna Ltd on award of Tristan Da Cunha Lobster Concession
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP is pleased to have acted as legal advisor to Falkland Islands based Fortuna Ltd, which will be taking over the Tristan da Cunha Lobster Concession from 2027. Having won the tender, Fortuna, a leading seafood producer and exporter, will be granted exclusive long-term rights to fish for lobster around the islands…
Brighter classrooms, smaller bills: UK schools cut carbon and costs with Drax Foundation funding
Schools across the UK are taking the lead on important energy saving measures, reducing their carbon footprint and reaping the rewards where it matters most, in the classroom. Over £1.5 million worth of investment from the Drax Foundation has enabled 27 schools across the country to slash their carbon emissions, saving thousands on energy bills…
Sandburn Hall wins VisitEngland Silver award for excellence as best large hotel
Sandburn Hall has won one of the country’s leading hospitality prizes with a Silver award for ‘Large Hotel of the Year’ at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, held in Brighton this week. Sandburn Hall, set on a 1,000 acre country estate at Flaxton, near York, is an outstanding Yorkshire hospitality, golf, wedding, events and business…
AWB Charlesworth Solicitors welcomes new Commercial Property Director
AWB Charlesworth Solicitors is pleased to announce that Claire Roberts has been appointed to the role of Director in the Commercial Property department. Felicity Green, Practice Manager of AWB Charlesworth said: “We are delighted that Claire will be joining the Commercial Property team as Director. Claire brings a wealth of skills, experience and achievements to…
Leeds Beckett University celebrates reaccreditation of prestigious Small Business Charter Award
Leeds Beckett University has been reaccredited after a recent assessment, recognising the ongoing impact of its work supporting small businesses, student entrepreneurship and local economic growth. The award, granted by the Charter Association of Business Schools and the Small Business Charter, places Leeds Beckett among a select group of UK universities acknowledged for their deep…
College’s £17m building hits milestone as steel frame completed
The four-storey steel frame of Bradford College’s new £17 million building is now in place—marking a key step in transforming the Thornton Road site. Led by Morgan Sindall, the new Junction Mills building will offer students specialist training in motor vehicle, advanced electrical, hybrid and hydrogen technologies, vital in supporting the growth of low-carbon skills…
Bradford to open joint college with university in China
The University of Bradford has announced a new international joint college with one of China’s leading research technology universities. The Yangzhou University–University of Bradford Joint College of Advanced Manufacturing will welcome its first students in September 2025. Based entirely in China, the Joint College, which has been formally approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education,…
Introducing Batten Disease Family Association CIO
Family Away Day Funding Request We would like to introduce our charity, the Batten Disease Family Association CIO (BDFA) based in Shipley, West Yorkshire. Batten disease is a life-ending, neurodegenerative condition, predominantly affecting young children and has no cure. It progresses rapidly and leads to blindness, loss of dexterity and mobility, epilepsy, childhood dementia and…
LBU Impact Series: Research-led partnerships to help secure future of two Guiseley heritage businesses
Academics at Leeds Beckett University (LBU) are partnering with two long-standing, family-owned businesses at the heart of the Guiseley community in Leeds – Abraham Moon & Sons Ltd (Moon) and Haighs Bakery – in research-driven projects designed to safeguard traditional skills while accelerating innovation and growth. The partnerships are Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) projects, part-funded…
Garden centre group’s cycle challenge raises over £4,000 for Martin House Children’s Hospice
A team of cyclists led by the MD of Yorkshire Garden Centres raised over £4,000 for Martin House Children’s Hospice when they tackled a challenging 85 km ride recently On 25th May, the team of 18 led by Mark Farnsworth completed the challenging, hilly ride that took them through the scenic Yorkshire Wolds villages of…
Star-studded line-up for Bradford Literature Festival
TV stars and political figures will be among the contributors to this year’s Bradford Literature Festival events with University of Bradford links. Bradford Literature Festival 2025 will be held at a host of venues across the city, including the University of Bradford, a strategic partner of the event, between Friday 27 June and Sunday 6…
Sports Direct unveils bigger and better new White Rose store
Sports Direct, a leading international retailer of sports and fitness footwear, clothing, and equipment has opened (30th May) a new and upsized 11,000 sq. ft store at White Rose Shopping Centre, offering even more choice to guests. The relocated Sports Direct store boasts equipment, clothing, footwear, and accessories from global sports brands such as Nike,…
Narangs joins the Bulls family
Bradford Bulls are proud to announce a new partnership with Narangs, who will become the official sponsor of the Chairman’s Suite within the Southbank Venue at Bartercard Odsal Stadium. The Chairman’s Suite, one of the premier hospitality spaces at the Southbank Venue, offers panoramic views of the pitch and serves as a hub for VIP…
Businesses need to boost bottom line with price increases or slide into red
Too many businesses in the Yorkshire run the risk of financial ruin because they are not improving efficiency and removing process waste from their business to counteract increasing input and wages costs. Profit erosion caused by inflation – branded the invisible tax – has repeatedly been identified by the UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm Azets…
Virtuance launches to empower businesses in the new AI era of digital marketing
We’re delighted to announce the official launch of Virtuance Digital Marketing, a company born from vision, resilience, and the belief that businesses of all sizes deserve to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. While Virtuance is new, its roots stretch back to 2018, when our founder, Gustavo De Amorim, launched a company called Influxbot…
Chadwick Lawrence appoints Justine Hunkins to launch Social Housing Management Team
Law firm Chadwick Lawrence has announced the launch of a new Social Housing Management Team, providing nationwide litigation support to social housing providers. A new partner, Justine Hunkins, has been appointed to drive the development of the team. Justine is a social housing litigator, with 19 years’ experience in the social housing sector and arrives…
Ancient DNA samples chart how fever-causing bacteria has evolved
Researchers at the University of Bradford have contributed to archaeological analysis which has found how ancient DNA for a type of bacteria which causes a fever has evolved. University of Bradford has been collaborating with the Francis Crick Institute and UCL on samples of archaeological human bone for ancient DNA analysis. Four samples from across…
Leeds Beckett University’s the Retail Institute leads groundbreaking project on sustainable packaging
The Retail Institute at Leeds Beckett University, one of the UK’s leading academic research centres focused on the future of consumer experiences in retail, food and packaging has released a major new report on the future of sustainability in the packaging sector. Bringing together senior leaders from across the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) supply…
Africa’s future under spotlight at conference
The shape of Africa’s future was discussed at a conference held at the University of Bradford. ‘African International Conference: Shaping Africa’s Future: Innovation, Integration and Impact’ brought together academics from around the world to discuss what the future of the continent could look like. The two-day conference featured panel discussions on themes including economic growth…
Waterstones opens at White Rose
Waterstones has opened a new bookshop at White Rose Shopping Centre, its second location in Leeds. The UK bookseller’s newest shop has opened in a section of the lower-ground floor at the former Marks & Spencer unit at White Rose, opposite Primark. The space boasts a large children’s section for younger readers, and an extensive…
Taste the sunshine: new street food stars hit Trinity Kitchen
Trinity Kitchen comes alive for summer with an irresistible new lineup of culinary delights this Summer – from parmos to bao buns and crispy falafel bites. Guests visiting Trinity Kitchen can treat their tastebuds to an eclectic mix of mouthwatering street food from the likes of Shouk, Wagyu Lookin’ At?, Niko’s Comfort Kitchen, Fat Cat…
Yorkshire Building Society and Citizens Advice partnership supports over 11,900 people
An award-winning collaboration between Citizens Advice and Yorkshire Building Society has provided assistance to over 11,900 individuals across the UK over the past four years, and has potentially unlocked more than £6.5 million in additional income for those benefiting from the advice. The partnership allows Yorkshire Building Society to host advisors from Citizens Advice at…
Clarks steps into Trinity Leeds with brand-new store opening
Global footwear brand, Clarks, has officially opened its new store at Trinity Leeds today, Friday 23rd May, marking a celebratory return to the heart of the city centre. The opening was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and comes at a milestone moment for the brand, as Clarks celebrates 200 years of heritage, style and craftsmanship…
British creative studio announces US book tour
Leeds-based design studio, Buttercrumble, has set their sights on the USA. They are proud awardees of a highly competitive bursary delivered through the Creative Export Accelerator programme. The accelerator (designed by Full Circle and funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority) aims to provide creative entrepreneurs with the confidence to break into international markets. The bursary…
AAB appoints Sarah Teshome as Corporate Tax Partner to support growth in Northern England
Leading professional services firm AAB has appointed Sarah Teshome as Corporate Tax Partner, further strengthening its expanding tax team in Leeds. This appointment underscores AAB’s commitment to helping clients across Northern England to navigate the ever-evolving tax landscape and help them to drive sustainable growth. Sarah brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as…
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…
Breathing Space HR partners with Buzz Safety to expand services into Health and Safety
Breathing Space HR, a trusted provider of expert HR support for growing businesses, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Buzz Safety, a leading health and safety consultancy. This collaboration enables Breathing Space HR to expand its offering and provide clients with comprehensive health and safety services alongside its existing HR support. With workplace…
Keeping criminals and their money out of your business
Recent attacks on retailers such as Marks and Spencer and the Co-op have once again highlighted the harm, disruption, and reputational impact a cyberattack can cause. Such incidents are newsworthy and are popular with criminals because of the low risk vs potentially high returns. But we should not lose sight of other financially motivated incidents…
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…
Sycamore Square Group celebrates five years of strategic growth and social impact
Established in 2020, Sycamore Square Group (SSG) is celebrating five years of delivering strategic estates management and building consultancy across Yorkshire and the UK. Founded by Debbie Lewis FRICS, MCIOB, MAPM, AaPS and Will Roberts MAPM, AaPS, the business was born from a shared vision and a long-standing professional partnership formed over 7 years working…
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…