New employment partner joins Schofield Sweeney
Andy Gilchrist has been appointed as a partner in the employment team at Yorkshire-based law firm, Schofield Sweeney. Andy is a multi-award winning employment lawyer and joins the firm from Lupton Fawcett, where he was Head of Employment. Andy has advised on significant employment law cases in the UK, and also businesses with operations overseas….
University of Bradford: Different is what we do
The University of Bradford has launched a campaign – Different is what we do – to highlight how it makes a difference, improves students’ life chances and contributes to the economy. From pioneering disruptive technologies and using the latest in AI and digital tech to offering an outstanding student experience and winning national plaudits for…
Søstrene Grene opens in spectacular style at Trinity Leeds
Popular Danish homeware brand Søstrene Grene has opened in spectacular style at Trinity Leeds today [24th January 2025]. The eagerly-anticipated launch saw live performances from ballerinas and a string duo as eager shoppers queued on the red carpet to get a glimpse inside the Scandi-inspired store. The first 100 lucky shoppers were also treated to…
City of York Council appoints Garry Taylor as Director of City Development
City of York Council is delighted to announce the appointment of Garry Taylor as the new Director of City Development. Garry, who brings over 25 years of extensive experience in local government, urban regeneration, and place-making, will take up the position on Monday 27 January. Garry joins the Council following his role as Assistant Director…
Par-oar-medics near end of epic Atlantic challenge
An intrepid team of University of Bradford graduates are tackling the last leg of an epic fundraising challenge. Ken Bordt, Tom Dowdy and Ethan Chapman – known as the Par-oar-medics – now have less than 500 miles to go on the 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic. The trio have been tackling the Talisker Whisky Atlantic…
Andrew Jackson welcomes new partner
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has welcomed Jessica Richardson as a partner in the agricultural and landed estates team, further strengthening the firm’s client services offer across the region and beyond. Jessica, who joins Andrew Jackson from another large regional practice, has extensive experience acting for landed estates, farmers, farm businesses and charitable…
Leeds’ iconic artist finds more permanent home at the Merrion Centre
Burley Banksy’s urban art returns to Merrion with a permanent base in the heart of Leeds Following the phenomenal success of previous year’s pop-up art studio, Leeds-based artist Andy McVeigh, famously known as Burley Banksy, is set to have a longer-term presence at the Merrion Centre from Friday 30th January. Fans of his vibrant and…
TEDxLeeds Beckett University brings together leading voices in law, history, sports science, and art
Four leading minds from Leeds Beckett University are set to share their unique views on the challenges of living in our changing world at an upcoming free public event. TEDxLeeds Beckett University, an independently organised TEDx event, will take place on 12 February at Leeds School of Arts and will feature thought-provoking talks designed to…
LNER to boost Bradford services
LNER is planning to more than triple its daily direct connections between Bradford and London King’s Cross from May 2025, operating seven services in each direction from Monday to Saturday. The timetable change sees an additional five services in each direction, linking the 2025 UK City of Culture with the capital. LNER trains currently depart…
AAB hits £100 million revenue through strategic deal in Ireland
Leading professional services firm, AAB, has invested in Ormsby & Rhodes, one of the longest-established firms in Ireland, strengthening its international presence and access to the European market. The deal propels AAB past the £100m revenue mark. Ormsby & Rhodes was established in 1911 and is consistently ranked in the top 20 firms in Ireland. …
CO2Sustain strengthens their team for 2025
CO2Sustain will be hitting the ground running in 2025 with two key hires joining the company. Our new team members have been onboarded to help further accelerate the company’s growth plans. Simon Briggs will be responsible for key strategic geographical growth areas and Chris Watts has joined us to strengthen our new product development and…
New features for SMS Direct
At Core Telecom, innovation has always been at the heart of what we do. From Wholesale SMS and Charity Telecommunication to Voice Services, we continuously explore cutting-edge technologies to deliver the very best for our customers. With SMS Direct, we’re breaking new ground once again. By leveraging the latest advancements, we’re introducing powerful new features…
GSAL collaborates with Oxford research project to strengthen teacher retention
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is proud to contribute to two important research projects with the Department for Education at the University of Oxford. The latest collaboration, part of the ‘Five-year itch: retaining early career teachers’ project, focuses on developing strategies and technologies to help retain early career teachers, ensuring the future strength of…
Fitness, fun and fresh air: North Yorkshire homebuilder’s guide to hometown health
To avoid the slump of Blue Monday (20th January), Barratt and David Wilson Homes is letting customers know the best ways to stay fit and healthy whilst settling into a new neighbourhood in North Yorkshire. According to the NHS, adults aged between 19-64 should partake in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity, or…
York Talk Money helps residents save £1000s
Partners across York are kicking off the new year with the city’s popular York Talk Money fortnight (20 January – 2 February). The regular event aims to help people who are struggling financially by sharing information and advice, and signposting to local help and support. York Talk Money aims to help York residents : Get…
Longstanding insurance firm backs Bradford
This month saw the eye-catching launch of Bradford City of Culture 2025, with thousands of people braving the freezing cold weather to enjoy its launch, and one firm that has backed the Bradford City of Culture from the start is TL Dallas. Independent insurance broker and risk management firm, TL Dallas was established in Bradford…
New year, new menu as Trinity Kitchen welcomes street food vendors
Trinity Kitchen is kicking off the New Year in style with a fresh line-up of street food vendors, blending beloved favourites with bold new concepts to start 2025 on a delicious note. Guests can explore a range of options including Big Mouth Gyoza, Sri Non Thai, 7 Star Flag, Little Red Food Truck and Yorkshire…
Tina Tout appointed Operations Director at Castle Employment Group
Castle Employment Group is proud to announce the promotion of Tina Tout to Operations Director. Tina, who has been a cornerstone of the organisation for 16 years, will now lead Castle’s operational functions, bringing her wealth of experience and expertise to the Senior Leadership Team. With an impressive 23-year career in the recruitment industry, Tina…
Dog owner sentenced by York Magistrates
The owner of a Staffordshire bull terrier who attacked another dog has been sentenced by York Magistrates. Andrew Bartle (aged 52 of Foxwood Lane, York) owns two Staffordshire bull terriers and, on 3 August 2023, he was served a Community Protection Warning. This followed the Council receiving a complaint alleging that Mr Bartle’s two terriers…
Schofield Sweeney announces six promotions to start the year
Leading law firm Schofield Sweeney has started the year by promoting six colleagues for their outstanding contributions. The firm invests heavily in the career ambitions of its colleagues through learning, development and progression opportunities. Pardeep Khela has been promoted to partner in the real estate team. His expertise include high value landlord and tenant matters,…
First ever regional awards celebrate excellence in infant feeding support
Winners of the inaugural Yorkshire and Humber Infant Feeding Awards were announced at a special ceremony at York St John University on Wednesday 15 January. The awards celebrated the impact of individuals and organisations across the region who play a pivotal role in providing families with infant feeding support. Hull’s St Stephen’s Shopping Centre scoops…
Pioneering mentorship scheme connects young volunteers with opportunity
A trailblazing new mentoring programme, which brings together local young volunteers and leading role models in the tech and digital sectors, has recently reached its grand finale. Delivered by social value specialist Ahead Partnership, the first-of-its-kind programme has aimed to give back to young volunteers aged 16-19 at Harehills-based youth empowerment charity CATCH Leeds by…
£1.18 million glaucoma study will take a fresh look at retina scanning technology
A £1.18m University of Bradford project funded by the Medical Research Council could help improve diagnosis of glaucoma while reducing misdiagnosis rates. Glaucoma is the world’s leading cause of irreversible blindness, affecting 3% of those aged over 40 in the UK. It is also becoming more common as the population ages, with 112 million people…
Sugarize brings custom pick & mix magic to the Merrion Centre
Sweet shop experience opens for shoppers The Merrion Centre in Leeds has welcomed an innovative sweet shop experience for shoppers with the opening of Sugarize, the ultimate destination for sweets, snacks, drinks and pick & mix. Following the success of its trial store in Queens Arcade, Sugarize has expanded with a flagship 400 sq. ft…
15 years of putting ‘washroom services’ at the heart of our business
Thirsk based TWC Facilities Ltd, a leading provider of washroom solutions, is proudly celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. Since its humble beginnings, the company has grown into the region’s top choice for washroom services in the North of England, offering a range of services including washroom management, waste services, floor mat solutions, and consumables….
York St John University announces the UK’s first MSc in Operating Department Practice to expand routes into specialist healthcare workforce
This pioneering pre-registration programme, developed according to the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP) curriculum, will bring a different dimension to the profession. Designed to nurture a passion for patient-centred care, the MSc prepares students for the fast-moving environments of operating theatres and the broader healthcare settings. Operating Department Practitioners (ODP) are highly skilled Allied…
City of York Council publishes proposed 2025-26 Budget
City of York Council has published its draft budget proposals for the 2025/26 financial year. These proposals outline significant investments in essential services and targeted support for residents, while continuing to deliver necessary savings and the long-term financial sustainability of council services. The budget reflects the council’s commitment to protecting the services residents rely on,…
2025 Garden Waste Subscription Scheme open
From today [Monday 13 January], households eligible to subscribe to the 2025 Garden Waste Subscription Scheme can sign up ahead of the new season in March. The easiest way to sign up for the scheme is to complete an online form at www.york.gov.uk/GardenWaste Support is available for anyone who is not able to apply this…
Unity Enterprise to make key appointment in anniversary year
Unity Enterprise (UE) is recruiting an Assistant Manager to play a leading role in its continued growth as it celebrates 25 years in business. Set up in 2000 as a not for profit subsidiary of Leeds-based BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise, UE provides 142 affordable business units for over 80 diverse businesses. Collectively,…
Yorkshire housing provider loaned £20m through the Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme
54North Homes has received a £20m loan under the Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme (AHGS) to support its delivery of new affordable homes across Yorkshire. Managed by ESR Group’s specialist investment manager Venn Partners on behalf of the UK Government, half of the loan will help 54North Homes deliver about 100 new homes, with the majority…
Wilton Developments agree a three-site partnership with SSE Energy Solutions
Wilton Developments is pleased to confirm that it has appointed SSE Energy Solutions to deliver energy infrastructure for three of its forthcoming strategic Industrial & Logistics developments in the North of England; LEEDS500 adjacent the M1 east of Leeds, Doncaster North at J6 of the M18 and Dynamo Park at Stockton on Tees. The partnership…
Yorkshire Building Society hires new Director of People and Culture
Yorkshire Building Society has appointed a new Director of People and Culture. Kirsty Webb will join the mutual on 3 February, bringing 25 years’ experience in people and HR leadership roles. She was most recently HR Director Group Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Interim Head of Talent for the Retail Division at Barclays Bank, where…
New Head of Trade Credit at TL Dallas
A highly experienced industry professional has joined the trade credit division of independent insurance and risk management firm, TL Dallas Group. Peter Hodgson is joining the Bradford headquartered family and employee-owned firm as Director of Trade Credit. Peter will work alongside Simon Hyde, who has been with TL Dallas for over 25 years, and has…
Merrion Centre plans biggest Chinese New Year celebrations for 2025
The Merrion Centre in Leeds is set for the biggest Chinese New Year celebration yet, earmarked to take place across two weekends in 2025. Following the overwhelming success of last year’s event, visitors are invited to enjoy a vibrant programme of free cultural activities, performances and workshops, celebrating the Year of the Snake. In partnership…
Repair works to start on Bishopthorpe Bridge
The council will be carrying out essential repairs on Bishopthorpe Bridge with work starting next week. In recent months, following an inspection, the bridge has been subject to a weight limit. On Monday 13 January the strengthening work will start and is expected to last for 12 weeks. A corrugated steel arch will be installed…
Residents urged to take care and avoid riverside paths
York residents and visitors are being advised to take extra care given the overnight weather, and to avoid riverside paths. The snow and ice will mean journeys take longer. The combination of recent floodwaters still receding and a layer of silt and mud left behind has made riverside paths especially dangerous, preventing the usual cleaning…
Expect Distribution back the Bulls in 2025
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 2025 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…
Schofield Sweeney advises Vickers Laboratories on sale to Calibre Scientific
Vickers Laboratories, who has served the chemical industry for over 50 years have sold their entire issued share capital to Calibre Scientific, an acquirer headquartered in Los Angeles. Calibre Scientific is a global provider of life science reagents, tools, instruments, and other consumables to lab research, diagnostics, industrial, and biopharmaceutical communities. Extending to over 175…
Regal Food Products Group Plc are delighted to announce its partnership extension with Bradford City AFC
The partnership extension will see the Regal Group continue as Bradford City’s official shorts sponsor as an official club partner until at least the summer of 2025. Davide Longo, City’s chief commercial officer, said: “We are delighted to see Regal extending their backing of the club by a further year, to remain on the back…
Regal Foods CEO Younis Chaudhry awarded MBE in New Year Honours List
CEO of Regal Food Products Group Plc, Younis Chaudhry has been recognised in the New Year Honours List with an MBE for his services to business and to the community of Bradford. For over twenty years Younis Chaudhry has excelled in British business and international trade, all whilst giving back at every opportunity to the…
2025 must herald new dawn for new homes – housing association CEO
The chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has said 2025 must be the year for the government to “inject real momentum” into its housebuilding plans if Ministers are to meet their pledge to deliver 1.5 million new homes by the end of this Parliament. In a New Year message, Lee Bloomfield reflected on…
Gillygate trial gets underway this week
A trial that seeks to improve air quality on Gillygate will start this week. From 2 January 2025 the council will trial changes to the traffic light sequencing to significantly reduce stationary traffic on the street which has the worst air quality in York. Queueing motor vehicle traffic emits gases such as nitrogen oxides and…
Yorkshire garden centre group donates to Bradford Central food bank
The teams at a Bradford headquartered garden centre group have donated to foodbanks in areas around their centres. Yorkshire Garden Centres donated over 400 items to food banks serving the communities around their sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, York and Scarborough. Employees at all sites have donated non-perishable food items to be distributed to…
Holiday season celebrations take place at Amazon in Leeds
The team from Amazon in Leeds has been gearing up for the Christmas shopping season with a calendar full of festive celebrations. A Christmas market, competitions and a rock choir are just some of the activities taking place at the Leeds fulfilment centre to celebrate the work that the Amazon team is doing to deliver…
£50,000 awarded to charities by local manufacturer
A North Yorkshire manufacturer has continued its tradition of supporting charities and good causes with another year of generous community donations. Chemical specialist, Airedale Group, has donated £50,000 to a variety of worthwhile causes in 2024 and received recognition for its community work in the form an industry award. Amongst the recipients of this year’s…
Yorkshire garden centre group adds a seventh site to the family
Bradford-based Yorkshire Garden Centres Group has announced it will operate a further site in West Yorkshire. The former Dobbies Garden Centre Pennine in Huddersfield will join the YGC Partners business, which also acquired the Deans Garden Centres in York and Scarborough earlier this year. Mark Farnsworth, MD of Yorkshire Garden Centres said: “We are delighted…
Groundbreaking ceremony marks start of construction on £17m Future Technologies Centre
A symbolic groundbreaking ceremony marked a major step forward in the construction of Bradford College’s purpose-built £17m Future Technologies Centre. Members of the Bradford College management team were joined by representatives from Morgan Sindall Construction and the Department for Education to celebrate construction commencing on site. The project received £15 million from the Department for…
Bulls awarded Armed Forces Gold Covenant
Bradford Bulls are proud to announce that the club has been awarded the prestigious Armed Forces Gold Covenant, recognising their outstanding commitment to supporting the armed forces community. This award, the highest recognition under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, highlights the club’s dedication to fostering relationships with the armed forces, providing opportunities for veterans and…