Member News Subjects

Cards Direct opens first Leeds store at the Merrion Centre

Leading Greeting Card Operator Brings Affordable Celebration Essentials to Leeds with new store opening Cards Direct, a leading family-owned retailer specialising in high-quality greeting cards, gifts, gift packaging, balloons and partyware, has officially opened its first store in Leeds at the Merrion Centre.  The new store will create 8 jobs for the city. This new…

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South Leeds adventure park hosts Castleford Tigers’ summer party

An adventure park at a South Leeds garden centre hosted a summer party for Castleford Tigers recently. 91 of the rugby league club’s season ticket holders, players and families enjoyed an afternoon of fun with mascot JT at Mission Out at Tingley Garden Centre. Among the people enjoying the fun was first team prop forward…

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Castle Howard collaborates with gothic Yorkshire baker and writer Helena Garcia on spook-tacular Halloween events

Iconic Yorkshire stately home Castle Howard has partnered with popular baker, writer, and Great British Bake Off star Helena Garcia to create a series of events for Halloween. Helena starred on Series 10 of Bake Off in 2019, delighting the judges and viewers alike with her spooky style. She has since written multiple baking and…

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Wingstop UK expands in Leeds with opening at White Rose

Wingstop UK, the ultimate experience for iconic wing flavours to enjoy with family and friends, is set to open at White Rose Shopping Centre on Monday 12 August, marking the third Leeds site for the brand. Due to popular demand, Wingstop UK is excited to expand its presence to the people of Leeds, building on…

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Yorkshire garden centre group creates new roles to support growth

A Bradford headquartered garden centre group has created three new roles to support growth at its six sites. Yorkshire Garden Centres has sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley and has recently acquired Dean’s of York and Scarborough. The new roles of Group People and Culture Manager, Group Catering Operations Manager and Giftware and Christmas…

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The power of premium packaging to enhance your bottom line

Packaging often plays a pivotal role in competitive business-to-business (B2B) commerce. While its primary function is to protect products, premium packaging goes beyond mere protection, serving as a strategic tool that can significantly enhance a company’s customer retention and profitability. This article delves into the benefits of high-quality packaging and how it can drive business…

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Launch date announced for flagship Zara store at Trinity Leeds

After much anticipation, Zara will launch its new flagship store at Trinity Leeds on Thursday, August 8th, at the former Topshop unit on Briggate. The new 46,000 sq ft store will include Zara’s Woman, Man, and Kids collections over three floors, showcasing the latest technological innovations from Zara’s integrated online and physical store platform to…

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Bradford garden centre partners with Science and Media Museum for drop in play sessions 

Tong Garden Centre has collaborated with the National  Science and Media Museum to offer a series of summer holiday drop in activity sessions this summer. On August 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th, visitors to Grass Hoppers indoor and outdoor play at Tong Garden will be able to participate in fun activities and science demonstrations led…

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Andrew Jackson advises Flamingo Land on lease for Alpamare Waterpark

North Bay attraction reopens its doors to the public after several months’ closure Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP is delighted to have advised Malton-based leisure company Flamingo Land on the lease of Scarborough’s Alpamare Waterpark, which has recently reopened to the public in time for the summer tourism season. Earlier this year, North Yorkshire Council named…

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Popular fruit and veg stall at a Bradford garden centre extends opening hours

A family run fruit and veg stall at a Bradford garden centre has extended its opening hours due to public demand. Porters Fruit and Vegetable stalls have been a familiar sight outside hospitals in the region since 2016 and they recently trialled a stall at Tong Garden Centre in Bradford. Such was the success of…

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Summer holidays begin with the launch of ‘Shared City Manifesto’ to keep York residents and tourists in harmony  

York St John University’s Institute for Social Justice partners with Good Organisation on project to amplify residents’ voices As Europe sees a wave of anti–tourism protests, academics and community groups have teamed up to safeguard York against becoming such a flashpoint. York St John University’s Institute for Social Justice and Business School have partnered with…

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Castle Howard partner with York Pullman to offer direct travel to the historic Estate from York City Centre

Castle Howard and York Pullman are partnering up to offer direct transport from York City Centre over the summer period. Inclusive House, Gardens and Return Travel tickets provide a greener, car-free, convenient and comfortable option for visitors who either don’t have their own transport or are travelling to York by train. The House, Gardens and…

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Sizzling new Summer arrivals at Trinity Kitchen

Trinity Kitchen has announced an exciting line-up of street food vendors just in time for the summer, bringing back some old favourites while welcoming a new burger vendor. Guests can explore a huge range of options including Burgerarti, Yard Dog, Cheesy Chip Shop, Hong Bao Asian Street Food and Yoi Fried Chicken, which will be…

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Cheers to Pennine Pale! TPE’s very own IPA beer now available on-board

TransPennine Express (TPE) has partnered with Leeds-based brewery Northern Monk to introduce ‘Pennine Pale’ as part of its new menu offering. The bespoke beer has been specially created for customers travelling on TPE services and is described as a crisp and refreshing 4.1% session IPA, craft brewed with northern pride and bursting with hoppy citrus…

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Trinity Leeds to host ‘Tree of Pride’

In celebration of Leeds Pride (21st July), Trinity Leeds is hosting a ‘Tree of Pride’, inviting guests to decorate the tree with their pledges to work toward a more inclusive and caring future. The community art piece will be touring the country gathering the public’s messages of love, unity, and acceptance on its journey. Guests can…

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City Cruises York sets sail with prestigious 2024 Travellers’ Choice Award!

City Cruises York is thrilled to announce it has been recognized with a prestigious 2024 Travellers’ Choice Award by TripAdvisor! This esteemed honour is awarded only to the top 10% of attractions worldwide for consistently exceeding traveller expectations. Earning a Travellers’ Choice Award is a true testament to the exceptional service and unforgettable experiences City…

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Regal Foods expands in chilled desserts sector with Love Cheesecakes acquisition

Yorkshire-based food group, Regal Food Products Group Plc is set to boost its chilled desserts offer with the acquisition of artisan cheesecake makers, Love Cheesecakes. Based in Lancaster, Love Cheesecakes specialises in handcrafting over 100 premium cheesecakes for wholesale, food services and the hospitality sector. Focusing on single serve and canapé style cheesecakes, the bakery…

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Bettys to open their first ever pop-up shop at Castle Howard this Christmas

Castle Howard is hosting a pop-up Bettys shop in their historic Stable Courtyard this Christmas. Synonymous with Yorkshire and celebrated internationally, Bettys is known for mouthwatering confectionary, chocolates, teas and coffees and has never before created a pop-up shop. The shop will be situated inside the stately home’s Stable Courtyard for the duration of their…

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Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture Uniform Tender

Request for Proposals Provider of Volunteer and Staff Uniforms & Related Items Date issued: Thursday 1 July 2024 Deadline for responses: Monday 5 August 2024, 5pm Introduction Bradford Culture Company (BCC) operating as Bradford 2025 (the Company) is seeking to appoint a suitably experienced and qualified partner (the Provider) to design and supply a range…

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Greece is the word as ThatZiki announces a new permanent residency at Trinity Kitchen

Due to open at the end of July, ThatZiki will bring its popular Greek gyros across the Pennines to Leeds, taking over the former Absurd Bird unit at Trinity Leeds, creating 25 jobs. As part of the launch event, ThatZiki will give away 50 free gyros plus free Greek soft drinks – with details to…

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Whitby Netwalking with English Heritage

The West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce team visited the beautiful North Yorkshire landscape yesterday, for a guided tour around Whiby Abbey led by English Heritage. Joined by various business representatives from across the region, guests enjoyed the glorious sunshine on offer whilst also being treated to an insightful talk about the rich history…

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South Leeds Garden Centre celebrates nationwide EV rally with free charging on 2nd July

The team at a South Leeds garden centre group is celebrating after being invited to host a prestigious event for electric vehicles next month. Tingley Garden Centre is home to one of the largest electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Yorkshire and has been selected to host an event as part of a five-day 1400-mile…

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Leeds woman wins Garden Centre Group prize draw

A woman from Leeds has received a £100 garden centre gift voucher after winning a free prize draw. Julie Lill won the prize in a draw to celebrate the launch of the Green Card loyalty scheme at Yorkshire Garden Centres sites across West and North Yorkshire. “I signed up for a Green Card as I…

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Trinity Leeds launches innovative sustainable retail concept ‘Re:Pair Lab’

An innovative new sustainable fashion concept from Trinity Leeds will see up-and-coming designers showcased alongside local fashion brands and second-hand sellers this summer. Re:Pair Lab is a new initiative from Trinity Leeds owner Landsec, partnering with Leeds Beckett University and Wayne Hemingway – co-founder of HemingwayDesign, who have been at the forefront of bringing sustainable retail…

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Bradford Garden Centre reaches final of regional business award

The team at a Bradford based garden centre group is celebrating after reaching the final of a regional business award. Tong Garden Centre has been shortlisted in the Community category in the Bradford Means Business Awards. Tong Garden Centre’s Head of People, Culture & Sustainability, Neil Barwise-Carr, said: “Our local community is at the heart…

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‘Tree of Pride’ set to return to White Rose this month

In celebration of Pride Month, White Rose Shopping Centre is once again hosting its ‘Tree of Pride’ on 8th and 9th June, inviting visitors to decorate the tree with their pledges to work toward a more inclusive and caring future. Following a successful debut in 2023, the community art piece will be touring the country gathering the…

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Authentic Vietnamese street food comes to the Merrion Centre

Pho 37 Set to bring the authentic tastes of Vietnam to Leeds The Merrion Centre has announced its newest addition which is set to join its ever expanding culinary scene with the upcoming opening of Pho 37, offering authentic Vietnamese street food. This exciting venture is due to open its doors to the public in…

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Behind the scenes of TPE’s new timetable as train operator increases services on some routes across the North of England and into Scotland

TransPennine Express (TPE) is showing how its timetable is created ahead of changes to some of its services in June, as well as encouraging customers to be prepared and check their journeys. The new timetable will be brought in from Sunday 2 June, along with the rest of the national rail network. The behind-the -scenes…

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Arts students bring colour, vision and vibrance to campus for end of year shows

York St John University Degree Show Exhibitions open their doors to the public   From sculpture to photography, graphic design to animation: York St John University is proud to welcome friends, family and members of the public to the Art and Design Degree Show Exhibitions 2024. The Art Degree Show will feature sixty exhibiting artists across…

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Yorkshire garden centres awarded membership of prestigious Garden Centre Association

Two members of a Bradford-based garden centre group have been accepted as members of the Garden Centre Association (GCA), joining an elite group of 200 garden centres nationwide. Tingley and Otley Garden Centres were awarded membership of the GCA, which champions professionalism in garden centre retailing, after passing a stringent audit that covered all elements…

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Dome is where the Farke is: Trinity Leads play-off push

Shopping Centre’s Super-Sized Show of Support for Leeds United is the City’s Biggest. Football fever is reaching new heights as a 294-square-metre portrait of Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has been unveiled on the glass dome roof of Trinity Leeds shopping centre ahead of this Sunday’s Championship Play-Off Final. The supersized Farke portrait – which…

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Korean corndogs take over Trinity Kitchen alongside bao buns & more

Trinity Kitchen has announced an exciting line-up of street food vendors, including Korean corndogs – a unique new offering for Trinity Kitchen. Guests can explore a huge range of options from the new vendors, including: Wagyu Lookin’ At?, Return of the Mac, Bao Machine, Clapping Corndog and Otherside Fried Chicken, which will be taking over the…

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Yorkshire Children’s Charity is named garden centre group’s charity of the year

The Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) group has announced that Yorkshire Children’s Charity will be its Charity of the Year for 2024 following a unanimous team vote. Through a series of fund-raising events and collection boxes at the tills, the teams at Yorkshire Garden Centres’ four sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley, and Bingley plus Dean’s of…

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Castle Howard raises record-breaking £25,000 for GOSH Charity

Castle Howard have achieved an extraordinary milestone by raising an amazing £25,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH Charity). This is the largest charitable sum raised in the North Yorkshire stately home’s recent history. Castle Howard fundraised for the charity as part of their Peter Pan-themed Christmas in Neverland event, which ran from…

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Kids carnival at White Rose this May half term

White Rose Shopping Centre is hosting an exciting Kids Carnival this May Half Term, 24th May – 9th June. With rides suitable for children of all ages, this event is the perfect springtime family day out. The carnival will include a host of different rides and activities for visitors to enjoy including classics such as Dodgems…

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White Rose marks Mental Health Awareness Week

White Rose Shopping Centre is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week’s 2024 theme of Movement with a wellbeing walk on Wednesday 15th May. The event has been arranged with the centre’s long-established group of mall walkers as well as a number of White Rose brands including JD, Footasylum, M&S, McDonald’s, Wetherspoon, Superdrug, Flying Tiger, Lush, and Office….

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Launch date announced for new ‘Nike Rise’ concept store at Trinity Leeds

The brand new Nike Rise store will open its doors at Trinity Leeds this week – on Thursday, May 9th. Taking over a prime location on the ground floor, at the former Victoria’s Secret unit, the new 10,000sq ft store aims to enhance shopping experiences through innovative digital services, including a digitally powered Footwear Fastlane…

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Castle Howard presents first major exhibition by a contemporary artist

Internationally renowned sculptor Tony Cragg presents a landmark exhibition at Castle Howard this summer. Tony Cragg at Castle Howard (3 May – 22 September 2024) is the first major exhibition by a leading contemporary artist to be held across the house and grounds of the historic estate. Castle Howard is Britain’s most famous country house,…

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New jobs, retailers, and refreshments at White Rose

White Rose Shopping Centre has welcomed two new brands to its mix this April, CUPP and Deichmann, with a huge expansion now underway for existing retailer JD Sports.  Europe’s largest shoe retailer, Deichmann, has invested £688,000 in a new store, creating 15 jobs. The footwear fashion giant stocks options for the whole family including exclusive…

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Bradford garden centre group wins Yorkshire sustainability award

The team at a Bradford-headquartered garden centre group is celebrating after winning a regional sustainability award. Yorkshire Garden Centres Group won the SME Business (up to £50m turnover) category at the inaugural Yorkshire Sustainability Excellence Awards, which were presented at a celebration lunch at Swinton Park in Ripon on 18th April. “The category celebrates SMEs…

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Bradford garden centre group beats industry giants to win a national HR award for a second time

The team at a Bradford-headquartered garden centre group is celebrating after winning a national HR award for the second consecutive year. Yorkshire Garden Centres Group won the Retail Company of the Year Award at the British HR Awards that took place in London on 16th April. “The HR awards celebrate organisations and individuals that are…

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Yorktoberfest returns to York Racecourse this Autumn with beer, bratwurst and all things Bavarian!

Autumn cheer is forecast today with the news that Yorktoberfest, York’s traditional Bavarian beer festival, will be returning to the Clocktower Enclosure at York Racecourse this October, for a fourth successive year.  York’s very own Oktoberfest has proved hugely popular since its debut in 2021 with all sessions selling out last year. Yorktoberfest 2024 will…

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MasterChef: The Professionals stars to create six-course menu for Castle Howard event

Chefs Alex Webb and Philli Armitage-Mattin are creating a six-course tasting menu for a brand-new evening event at Castle Howard this April. Alex and Philli featured on MasterChef: The Professionals in 2020, with Alex taking the crown and Philli in final four. Alex and Philli are collaborating with Castle Howard on a seasonal menu showcasing…

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Yorkshire garden centre group appoints from within for Centre Manager role

A Bradford headquartered garden centre group has promoted from within to fill the Centre Manager role at one of its six sites. Dave Denton from Cleckheaton has been promoted to centre manager at the long established Bingley Garden Centre at Harden. An experienced retail specialist, Mr. Denton began his career with Yorkshire Garden Centres as…

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South Leeds adventure park reopens for the Easter holidays

An adventure park at a South Leeds garden centre has announced its Easter opening hours. Mission Out at Tingley Garden Centre reopens on 23rd March with the launch of a new children’s annual pass and an adult ‘pay once’ initiative for the 2024 season. Suitable for children aged seven and over, Mission Out is a…

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Trinity Leeds and White Rose re-launch their enterprise initiatives as ‘Made in Yorkshire’, encouraging young people to help shape the future of retail

Trinity Leeds and White Rose shopping centres’ joint enterprise challenge, Made in Yorkshire, launched on Wednesday 28th February, with Oulton Academy and Bruntcliffe Academy taking part. This is the first time that the competition has run in this format, following the two shopping destinations running separate initiatives in the past. The ‘Made in Yorkshire’ challenge invites participants…

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Yorkshire Garden Centres branches out into North Yorkshire with two additional sites

Bradford-based Yorkshire Garden Centres has announced it is to operate two more sites in Yorkshire.  The two Dean’s Garden Centre sites at York and Scarborough will be added to the group that already has sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley in West Yorkshire. The Dean’s business dates back to 1968 when they opened the…

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Yorkshire Garden Centre Group celebrates the arrival of spring with launch weekend

A Bradford headquartered garden centre group is marking the arrival of spring with a weekend of activities and promotions at its four sites next month. Yorkshire Garden Centres is hosting the spring launch weekend at its sites in Tong, Tingley, Otley and Batley on 9th and 10th March. The theme of the weekend is a…

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