Member News Subjects

Health Trainers take the lead in launching new Healthy Families sessions

City of York Council’s Health Trainer service is excited to launch the brand‑new Healthy Families Service – a warm, welcoming and completely free way for families in York to boost their physical and emotional wellbeing. Led by the friendly faces of Katie and Donna, the Healthy Families Service is all about supporting your whole family,…

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Redefining creativity in the age of generative AI 

Internationally acclaimed VFX artist and Visiting Professor at York St John University to give free lecture on how generative AI (artificial intelligence) is transforming creative practice. Professor Andrew McNamara, an award winning VFX artist, creative and technologist, will share insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities AI presents, in a special talk on Wednesday…

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AAB acquires fractional finance support business to strengthen support for start-ups and scale-ups

Leading professional services firm, AAB, has today announced the acquisition of RORA, a specialist finance support business focused on start-ups and scale-ups. London-based RORA provides fractional finance leadership to early-stage and high-growth businesses, operating as their dedicated finance team or as specialist support to existing in-house finance functions. The acquisition further strengthens AAB’s capability to…

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New ‘click before you tip’ booking system introduced at Hazel Court HWRC

City of York Council will introduce a pre‑booked timeslot system at Hazel Court Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) from Monday 2 March, to help reduce congestion, improve safety and provide a better experience for residents and site users. Under the new ‘Click Before You Tip’ approach, all visitors – including residents, registered traders, charities and…

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Scholarship support for young people from major health study

Young participants of a landmark health research project are to receive financial support to study at the University of Bradford. Sponsored scholarship places are available to Born in Bradford (BiB) participants, now aged 18 and progressing to become students at their home city University. BiB is a long-term study of more than 60,000 people, including 13,500 children…

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Manufacturer of frying ranges for fish and chips shops saved

Sale of Henry Nuttall, founded in 1865, by joint administrators Azets, with all jobs saved A manufacturer of frying ranges for fish and chip shops across Great Britain, that traces its roots back to Victorian times, has been saved after running into financial difficulties. Henry Nuttall, founded 161 years ago in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, is…

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North Yorkshire homebuilder donates power washers to Huntington Cemetery

Five-star homebuilder Barratt Homes has donated power washers to Friends of Huntington Cemetery for the upkeep of the cemetery. Currently building at Knights Gate on New Lane in Huntington, Barratt Homes have donated power washers to a nearby cemetery. With the cemetery being close to the development, the power washers will be used to generally upkeep the…

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York Garden Centre raises its fundraising target for Wetherby children’s hospice

With two months of the charity year still to go, a Bradford-based garden centre group with a site in York has smashed its fundraising target and extended its commitment to a local children’s hospice. In April 2025, the teams at Yorkshire Garden Centres’ sites in West and North Yorkshire pledged to raise £30,000 for Martin…

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Yorkshire firm Refreshment Systems expands nationally with Neubria partnership

Bradford, Yorkshire-based Refreshment Systems (RSL) has announced an official partnership with Neubria, marking another milestone in the company’s continued national expansion from its Yorkshire roots. Proudly founded and headquartered in Bradford, Refreshment Systems has grown from a regional family-run business into one of the UK’s most forward-thinking vending and refreshment providers. This latest partnership highlights how…

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Hope for Tomorrow featured on national TV as government’s milestone cancer plan is released

Cancer care charity, Hope for Tomorrow, recently took centre stage on national TV, coinciding with the government’s landmark release of the national cancer plan. To mark the launch on World Cancer Day, ITV’s Good Morning Britain joined us on board our Gloucestershire-based mobile cancer care unit. Viewers saw how one of our mobile cancer care…

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Celebrating 150 years of Leeds Girls’ High School

This year marks a remarkable milestone in the history of education in Leeds: 150 years since the founding of Leeds Girls’ High School (LGHS). Established in 1876, at a time when academic opportunities for girls were still limited, LGHS was founded with a bold vision — to provide girls with an education equal in rigour…

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Bradford research powers first global launch of plastic‑free drink technology

A breakthrough University of Bradford technology that could eliminate billions of single‑use plastic bottles is hitting the global market this week, with a New Zealand drinks launch built on the University’s patented co‑crystal science and manufactured under exclusive licence by Yorkshire firms Octopoda Innovations and Health Innovations (UK). A University of Bradford research breakthrough with…

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White Rose sees Golden Quarter success

White Rose is celebrating after delivering a strong ‘Golden Quarter’ – the final three months of 2025 – with sales and footfall both up year-on-year.   The shopping centre saw strong consumer demand with total sales increasing 9.1% and footfall up 5.2% vs the previous year, significantly outperforming the British Retail Consortium national benchmarks of -0.2%…

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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 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 recognise outstanding delegates and companies dedicated to training and ethical excellence. The…

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City of York Council approves challenging council budget to maintain services in 2026/27

Amid an ongoing and challenging financial outlook for councils across the country, City of York Council has approved a council tax increase of 4.99% for 2026/27 [Thursday 12 February]. The uplift will cover the increased cost of delivering services due to inflation. Whilst the annual budget setting process has been extremely challenging for the city,…

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Progress continues on project to transform area near York Station

Work to improve the area to the front of York Station is progressing and there are some further changes to be aware of in the coming weeks. These changes will see significant improvements made to the pavements and public spaces, including the installation of York’s first pedestrian crossing with a countdown timer, and will require…

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Local firm triumphs at Bradford College Apprenticeship Games 2026

A local firm powered its way to victory at this year’s annual Bradford College Apprenticeship Games. Northern Pump Suppliers Ltd were crowned winners after a day of intense battling against nine other employer teams. The fourth annual Apprenticeship Games brought together teams of apprentices and their employers for a day of action-packed challenges. Each squad competed for…

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New Chief Executive at TL Dallas

Independent insurance broker, TL Dallas, has appointed Tim Mortimer as its new Chief Executive, as the fourth-generation family firm positions itself for the next phase of managed growth. Tim takes up the role at the Yorkshire-headquartered group as Group Managing Director, and fourth generation family member, Polly Staveley, moves into an Executive Chair position, allowing…

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Businesses in Yorkshire with payroll should prepare for April 6 – R-Day

From then, businesses must keep accurate records of holiday entitlement, holiday pay calculations and annual leave processed through payroll for six years. It’s being called R-Day – and every business with payroll systems in Yorkshire could face criminal prosecution if they fail to abide with strict new compliance rules. From April 6, dubbed Records-Day, they…

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MP champions construction skills during hospital visit

A local MP has praised the work of exceptional young talent during a visit to a hospital construction project in Keighley. Anna Dixon MP visited Airedale General Hospital to see how work is progressing on a phased programme of structural repairs across the estate. The hospital serves around 220,000 people from a widespread area covering…

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Beyond Horizons: Reimagining the future of work experience

This National Work Experience Week, we’re introducing Beyond Horizons, a new programme designed to reimagine the future of workplace experiences for young people in Bradford – and beyond. Is work experience in need of a refresh? Every young person deserves the chance to thrive in the workplace. Yet, in the current system, many young people…

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Bradford students win global satellite competition

Students from the University of Bradford have been named among the global winners of a prestigious international satellite engineering competition, beating teams from around the world and becoming the only UK team ever selected in the challenge’s history. The multidisciplinary student team was chosen as one of five global winners of the IEEE Geoscience and…

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Apprentice engineers welcome MP to mark National Apprenticeship Week 2026

Bradford College engineering apprentices welcomed a local MP to their workplace to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9-15 February). Judith Cummins MP visited the Engineering Manufacturing Technician apprentices to learn more about their jobs at AESSEAL plc near Dudley Hill – a firm that specialises in the design, manufacture, and supply of mechanical seals and…

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Core Telecom nominated for Charitable Business of the Year at Yorkshire Choice Awards

We’re thrilled to announce that Core Telecom has been nominated for Charitable Business of the Year at the Yorkshire Choice Awards 2026. This nomination is a tremendous honour and reflects the heart of what we do every day. At Core Telecom, giving back isn’t just something we do — it’s who we are. We’re proud…

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AAB announce deal with Kreston Reeves creating a £200m+ group

Leading professional services firms, AAB and Kreston Reeves, have today announced a landmark deal that will take the combined business beyond £200 million in annual revenue, marking a significant step in both firms’ long-term growth strategy. The combined business will employ more than 1,800 people across 23 locations in the UK and Ireland. AAB has…

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New study reveals ancient Doggerland started sinking 10,000 years ago

Scientists have uncovered new evidence showing how Doggerland – the vast prehistoric landscape that once connected Britain to mainland Europe – was gradually overwhelmed by rising seas at the end of the last Ice Age.  Carbon dating on new core samples taken from the North Sea suggests its demise began around 10,000 years ago with rising sea levels due to melting…

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An update on Lendal Bridge works

Works to repair Lendal Bridge, originally scheduled for spring of this year, have now been delayed to 2027 due to unavoidable delays on the Station Gateway project. Together, these two major projects will bring long-term benefits for everyone who lives, works and travels in the city. However, because they each have significant impacts on the…

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York celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

City of York Council is celebrating the value, benefits and opportunities apprenticeships bring to individuals, businesses and the wider economy during National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) next week (9-15 February). NAW shines a light on how apprenticeships are a great option for people to consider when they are looking to start or change careers. With apprenticeships…

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Breast cancer research boost thanks to Wellcome award

Dr Francis Mprah Barnieh, an early-career researcher at the University of Bradford, has been awarded £236,455 under the competitive Wellcome Accelerator Award scheme to advance the development of safer, more targeted treatments for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).  TNBC is one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat forms of breast cancer. It disproportionately affects black women and is associated with poorer clinical…

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New Business Doctor brings growth support for West & North Yorkshire Chamber members

Business Doctors is delighted to announce the appointment of Alastair Stewart as its new Business Doctor for North Yorkshire. With over four decades of experience in sales, business development, and strategic leadership, Alastair will bring deep expertise and a fresh, hands‑on approach to supporting SMEs across the region. A proven track record, now channelled into…

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Expect Distribution run with the Bulls in 2026

Bradford Bulls are excited to announce the renewal of their partnership with Expect Distribution, who will continue as the club’s season-long match ball sponsor for the 2026 season. Having initially joined the Bulls in 2024, Expect Distribution has become an integral part of the matchday experience, with their iconic truck, Ernie, delivering the match ball…

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Resilient City Cruises York passes 200,000 passengers following 2025 growth

Passenger growth, product innovation and partnerships drive strong 2025 for City Cruises York despite a challenging year. Following a successful start to 2025, including being crowned ‘Best of York’ at the Visit York Tourism Awards, City Cruises York has reported a 14.5% year-on-year increase in passengers. The operator welcomed over 200,000 passengers for only the…

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LCB welcomes new Vice Principal of Finance & Resources

Leeds College of Building (LCB) had announced Chris Duncan as its new Vice Principal – Finance & Resources. He takes up the role after serving as Deputy Director of Finance at Leeds Trinity University and Group Finance Director at Luminate Education Group. Chris’s extensive experience spans positions in the private and public sectors, including roles…

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Azets appoints Corporate Finance Associate Director

International accountancy and business advisory group Azets has strengthened its Corporate Finance team in Yorkshire with the appointment of Ben Hick as Associate Director in its Leeds office. Ben joins Azets with a decade of experience at PwC and KPMG Corporate Finance advising privately owned and private equity businesses across a variety of sectors including business…

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Floor Tonic Shipley run with the Bulls in 2026

Bradford Bulls are proud to announce the renewal of their partnership with Floor Tonic Shipley, who will continue to be our main sponsors as we make our highly anticipated return to the Betfred Super League in 2026. Floor Tonic Shipley has been a valued supporter of Bradford Bulls, with their branding featured prominently on the club’s…

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Charities and social enterprise groups offered funding and academic expertise to support community projects in Yorkshire and the Humber 

Community Research Grants 2026 offer expanded opportunities from York St John University research institutes Now into its fifth year, York St John University’s impactful Community Research Grant (CRG) programme is now open for 2026. Led by the University’s Institute for Social Justice, the programme invites Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs) to propose issues that…

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Bradford Garden Centre to host pruning masterclass with leading rose grower

A Bradford garden centre is hosting a rose pruning masterclass with one of the country’s leading names in roses later this month. On Tuesday, 24th February, an expert from the long-established, family-owned rose breeder David Austin Roses will be in The Mezzanine at Tong Garden Centre at 10 am and 2 pm for hands-on rose…

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North Yorkshire development unveils latest interior design trends in new show home

A recently launched show home at Barratt Homes’ Russet Park development in Copmanthorpe is bringing the latest interior design inspiration to local homebuyers. The show home was expertly designed and styled by award-winning interior designers, Edward Thomas Interiors, meaning homebuyers can be assured they will be up to date with the latest design trends. Barratt Homes is…

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Mirfield station transformation for faster, more connected travel across the North

Customers in Mirfield will now benefit from a transformed station which includes new step-free access, longer platforms and improved facilities, marking the latest milestone in the £11 billion Transpennine Route Upgrade. This work will also enable longer trains with more seats to stop at the station and faster, more reliable journeys in the future, delivering…

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New independent report highlights the huge potential of York’s ambitious plan for growth

An ambitious strategy outlining plans for growth, with innovation, culture and heritage at its heart –could bring about £12.1bn of combined social, economic and environmental impact to the city, according to independent analysis. In November 2025, Executive members approved York’s prospectus which is designed to attract additional investment into economic and housing growth, tackle inequalities,…

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Two fly‑tippers fined over £2,000 as council enforces ‘Crime – Not to Care’

Two residents found to have illegally dumped waste, have been prosecuted by City of York Council. On Thursday 22 January, York Magistrates Court ordered them to pay a total £2,190 in fines, costs, and surcharges, as the council continues to deliver its ‘Crime – Not to Care’ campaign and protect neighbourhoods from environmental harm. Jake…

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Bradford BID launches inaugural Member Awards celebrating the city’s business community

Bradford Business Improvement District (BID) has today announced the launch of its inaugural Bradford BID Member Awards, a brand-new celebration recognising the innovation, resilience and excellence of local businesses in the city centre. The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 25th June 2026 at the iconic Bradford Live, bringing together businesses from across the retail,…

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Bridging the gap in Ravensthorpe

Significant progress is being made in the delivery of upgrades by the Transpennine Route Upgrade team in Ravensthorpe, West Yorkshire following the closure of the station in December, with work on the new Calder Road bridge and Baker Viaduct well underway. TRU will build a new, modernised Ravensthorpe station 200m west of the current site,…

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Freight Island announced as new operator ahead of Trinity Kitchen’s £15m expansion

Trinity Leeds has revealed that Freight Island, the team behind the UK’s leading food hall and entertainment venue, will operate the expanded Trinity Kitchen – delivering a one-of-a-kind destination and an unrivalled food hall experience to Leeds.  Since launching in 2013, Trinity Kitchen has redefined the traditional food court model by pioneering an authentic indoor…

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York residents urged to maximise their income as part of York Talk Money fortnight

York residents are being urged to find out whether they could be eligible for extra income as part of next week’s York Talk Money fortnight (2-15 February). Run by City of York Council and partners across the city, including Citizens Advice, Peasholme Charity, Age UK, York Energy Advice and OCAY, the regular event aims to…

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Amy Hardcastle appointed Women’s Development Officer

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the appointment of England international Amy Hardcastle as Women’s Development Manager. Hardcastle played an integral role in our Women’s team following the adoption of the Bulls’ moniker in 2016 – featuring heavily in the treble winning, undefeated 2017 season. Two years at Leeds Rhinos was sandwiched by spells in…

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Universal AV Services proudly presents Connex 2026 – Bringing the future of workplace technology to Leeds

Universal AV Services is proud to present Connex 2026, the North of England’s leading workplace technology event, returning to Leeds to showcase the very latest in audio visual and collaboration solutions for modern working environments. Taking place at the Marriott Hotel, Leeds on March 12th, Connex has long been a must-attend event for organisations looking…

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Carbon Neutral Group lists sector net zero readiness in Hospitality, FMCG, Manufacturing, Logistics and Retail

Carbon Neutral Group, who work with organisations to build actionable net zero roadmaps, grounded in robust carbon accounting and operational change, has reviewed industry sectors and their road in sustainability, specifically those who are leading the way to becoming net zero, by examining their decarbonisation progress across five major industries. When it comes down to…

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