AI can cost you money, warn experts
Investors in Yorkshire should be wary of taking financial advice solely from AI platforms, one of the county’s leading accountancy and advisory firms has warned. Experts from Azets, which has offices in Leeds, Bradford and York, have likened the practice to Googling health symptoms rather than going to see a doctor. With rising taxes and a…
Bradford mum hosts charity ball in memory of her son
A Bradford mum is hosting a charity ball to raise money for children in hospital, in loving memory of her son, Axl. Claire Walker from Wibsey, has spent the past ten years fundraising for Bradford Hospitals Charity after losing her son Axl just days before his third birthday. “I just want to make a difference,”…
Bradford students ‘over the moon’ after stellar USA trip
A group of 30 lucky Bradford College students returned to Earth with a bump after a trip of a lifetime to study science and engineering in the USA. The Level 2 and 3 Science and Computing students spent 13 days working at prestigious organisations, including NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and The Kennedy Space Centre…
AI-driven movement analysis could transform early detection of Parkinson’s
An artificial intelligence (AI) system which could accelerate the early detection and monitoring of Parkinson’s, using smart phone video recordings, is being developed by the University of Bradford. The project, led by Dr Ramzi Jaber, Researcher in Data Science for Applied AI at the University, and supported by clinicians at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust…
One in three stroke survivors may be missing life‑saving medication, new research suggests
Action on Stroke Month (May): why medication could prevent a second stroke and why many don’t get it New research undertaken at University of Bradford is investigating why as many as one in three stroke survivors are missing out on life‑saving medication. Stroke survivors who miss out on essential preventative medication increase their risk of suffering a second – often more disabling – stroke. Stroke survivors are up to 15 times…
Independent financial services firm focuses on Scotland for growth
An independent financial services company has launched a recruitment drive in Scotland as it continues to grow its client base. The drive forms part of T L Dallas Independent Financial Services Limited’s wider strategy to build on its long-standing connections north of the border. Director, Jane Maclauchlan, who has worked for the firm for 19 years,…
Aspire completes third acquisition in two years with Scotland-based NVT group deal
Aspire Technology Solutions, one of the UK’s leading providers of managed IT, cyber security, and modern workplace solutions, has completed the acquisition of managed service provider NVT Group, headquartered in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire. The deal marks the company’s third acquisition in two years, reinforcing its strategic expansion across the UK, with a strengthened market position…
Are locally led initiatives more effective than top-down Government schemes?
A new national compendium published by the Key Cities Innovation Network (KCIN) highlights how cities and universities across the UK are rethinking innovation ecosystems to support more inclusive and sustainable regional growth. The University of Bradford is among ten contributors to Innovation Ecosystems, the first i‑PLACE Compendium, which brings together peer‑reviewed research and real‑world case studies exploring how…
National student nursing partnership award win for second year
The University of Bradford has won the Student Nursing Times Awards’ Partnership of the Year category for a second successive year. This year’s award recognises the University’s Student Supported Services Model, a collaboration with the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, developing student supported services that expand placements, support staff, and enhance patient care. Vikki Carter, the University’s…
Compliance shake-up by HMRC: which advisers will be caught out?
Government requires local tax advisers to mandatorily register from May if submitting documents to HMRC on behalf of clients. Conveyancing solicitors and payroll teams in Yorkshire are among local professional advisers who may find themselves on the wrong side of the law from May – with penalties of up to £10,000 for compliance breaches. They…
Bradford workwear supplier launches 7-step enterprise ordering platform for local businesses
Revolutionary system streamlines uniform procurement with professional 7-step ordering process Bradford-based uniform supplier BR Apparel has announced the launch of an innovative enterprise ordering platform that transforms uniform management for local businesses with significant workwear requirements. The new system provides companies spending £5,000+ annually on uniforms with a comprehensive 7-step ordering process through their own…
Azets makes hat-trick of top promotions
Azets, a UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm, has strengthened its senior team in Yorkshire with a trio of high-level promotions. In its Leeds office, Ant Hamilton has become a partner in Accounts and Business Advisory Services (ABAS) and Alex Sidebottom has stepped up to associate director in audit. Becky Dawson has been…
First look at Bradford College’s new £19.3m Motor Vehicle & Engineering building
Scaffolding has come down on the new Bradford College Junction Mills building on Thornton Road, set to open in September this year. Junction Mills will offer students skills in new technologies, such as modern automotive and digital engineering, electric/hybrid vehicles, and advanced manufacturing. The building will be vital in supporting the growth of technology and…
Higher labour costs dominate business impact concerns in latest Azets Barometer
Smaller businesses are struggling more than larger companies amid relentless economic challenges and higher labour costs, according to Yorkshire accountants Azets. A business sentiment survey by Azets, the top 10 UK accountancy and business advisory firm with offices in Leeds, Bradford and York, laid bare the issues facing SMEs, which make up the vast majority…
West Yorkshire consultancy marks growth with move to Salts Mill
A West Yorkshire technology consultancy is building on more than a decade of growth following its move to Salts Mill in Saltaire, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. True9 Limited, founded in 2014 by Chris Richardson and Martin Taylor, has relocated from Croft Myl in Halifax and is now based at the historic Salts…
Bradford Bulls announce Embrace live performance at Bartercard Odsal Stadium
Multi-platinum Yorkshire legends headline pre-match show on Sunday 14th June ahead of Leigh Leopards clash The Bradford Bulls are proud to announce that acclaimed Yorkshire rock band Embrace will be performing a live 60-minute pre-match set at Bartercard Odsal Stadium on Sunday 14th June, ahead of the Bulls’ Super League fixture against the Leigh Leopards….
Azets joins trailblazing flood defence project
A UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm in Leeds has thrown its weight behind a trailblazing new community initiative to protect the city from floods. Azets, which has offices in King Street, is a business partner of the Aire Resilience Company (ARC) and has taken on the role of inaugural finance partner. It…
Star Coaches run with the Bulls in 2026
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce a brand-new partnership with Star Coaches, who will supply the club with a new full specification sports team coach for travel across Super League in 2026. In addition, Star Coaches sponsor Match Highlights on BullsTV, bringing fans closer to the action throughout the 2026 season. The new agreement ensures the Bulls will travel in…
Building a Brighter Future: Embedding Inclusivity in Yorkshire Schools
In the heart of our region, a transformative movement is taking shape. As the Institute for Equity, University Centre (IEUC), we understand that the strength of our future workforce begins in the classroom. To ensure our students continue to thrive in an increasingly globalised world, our schools must be environments where every student and staff…
Fuel duty regulations
The Cost of War on Transport As a small business, we pride ourselves on flexibility and stability of service. We know that things can be unpredictable for our customers, and that is exactly why we work hard to be a dependable partner for their transport needs. That reliability, however, is deeply compromised when the government…
Azets’ five cashflow management tips for SMEs: Monitor and manage Work in Progress
Businesses in Yorkshire are being urged to meticulously track the heartbeat of work in progress throughout its lifecycle. Monitoring, managing and making changes to reduce mission creep, improve efficiencies and maximise cashflow are critical steps which can improve a business’ health and growth prospects, according to a senior finance professional. The advice comes from Matthew…
How US-Iran war makes a mockery of climate change targets
Has the world just avoided a major environmental catastrophe in the Middle East? A direct missile strike on the South Pars refinery in Iran would release more than double the amount of CO2 the UK generates in a year into the atmosphere – that’s according to University of Bradford pollution expert Dr Nejat Rahmanian, who…
Egg‑stra special Easter for patients at Bradford Teaching Hospitals
A record 3,000+ Easter eggs and toys have been delivered to patients across Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, thanks to a major community effort. The donations were organised by Bradford Hospitals Charity, with local people, schools and businesses coming together to make sure patients visiting or spending Easter in hospital didn’t miss out. Staff and volunteers handed…
Major event launched for businesses over payroll and HR crackdown
Businesses in Yorkshire are being urged to attend a free ‘strategic survival summit’ to help them deal with the most significant payroll and HR shake-up in a generation. Azets, a UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm in King Street, Leeds, has joined forces with Leeds Business Growth Service and The Knowledge Exchange (TKE)…
Strengthening Yorkshire’s Business Backbone: The Power of Inclusive Growth
Across Yorkshire, our businesses are the lifeblood of the community. But to stay competitive in a global market, we must move beyond traditional models. True growth isn’t just about the bottom line; it’s about the people behind it. That is why the Institute for Equity, University Centre is proud to champion a more inclusive future…
April powers: abolition of tax relief for household expenses for 300,000 people
Employers may be expected to plug the shortfall of up to £124 a year, adding to rising business costs Impacts employees who incur homeworking costs that are not reimbursed by their employer Measure, from Monday, April 6, will particularly affect remote staff if their employer doesn’t have a workplace Around 300,000 people working from home…
Prestige Gifting celebrates another successful ‘Peak’ period
Prestige Gifts has once again mastered its ‘Peak’ period. Each year, the business faces three major challenges: Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Christmas. With the first two behind us, all focus is now on Christmas. Success relies on meticulous planning. Predicting the number of flower stems needed 12 months in advance is critical—too few bouquets…
Manningham Housing Association in running for four awards
Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has been shortlisted for four Northern Housing Awards, including ‘Landlord of the Year’ which it won last year. The BME organisation – which manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley – is also a finalist for ‘Best Affordable Housing Development (Up to £10 million)’ for…
Bradford student champions children’s creativity in age of AI
A University of Bradford student is encouraging children to discover their creative voices at a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how we read, write, and communicate. David Ben Eke is looking for children aged between five and 17 from the Bradford district to write short stories and poems for his next two books….
Turning a ‘problem’ into global strength: Peace Studies leads 60th anniversary lectures
A remark reportedly made by Margaret Thatcher; ‘Has that Peace Studies problem been dealt with yet?’ is now inspiring a forward-looking conversation as the University of Bradford launches its 60th anniversary lecture series. The lecture’s title, inspired by the 1984 quote, shows how far the University has come since those early questions about whether a…
Sovereign Health Care takes the ‘Home from Home’ to £2 million milestone
Bradford Hospitals Charity and The Sick Children’s Trust’s ‘Home from Home’ Appeal has reached a major milestone, thanks to a generous £250,000 donation from Sovereign Health Care. The appeal is raising funds to create free, on-site accommodation for families whose babies need treatment on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI)…
Local mental health charity ensures Bradford’s City of Culture legacy lives on through major new creative health programme
Bradford District and Craven Mind is set to continue the creative legacy of Bradford 2025 with the launch of an ambitious two-year programme designed to tackle local health inequalities through arts, culture and creativity. Bradford is currently the fifth most income‑deprived district in England, facing deep-rooted challenges including economic inequality, poor health outcomes and limited…
94% of businesses not ready for Making Tax Digital
A UK poll of businesses shows that 94% are not prepared for Making Tax Digital (MTD) which is being introduced from 6 April. Firms were responding to the survey carried out by UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm Azets, which has offices in Leeds, Bradford and York. Fraser Campbell, UK head of accounts…
Bulls sign Phoenix Steinwede
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of towering Australian forward Phoenix Steinwede on a permanent deal until the end of the season. The 23-year-old arrived in the country this morning and the club would like to thank the Bradford Bulls Squad Booster Association for their support in bringing Phoenix to the club. A…
Schofield Sweeney advises Galleon Tools Group on latest acquisition
Yorkshire-based commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has advised specialist tools distributor Dormole Limited on the acquisition of the business and assets of Rollins and Sons (London) Ltd, marking the latest step in the group’s strategic growth. A leading supplier and distributor of professional quality hand tools, the acquisition of Rollins and Sons (London) Ltd is…
Bradford secures fifth #1 Social Mobility ranking amid rising national performance
The University of Bradford has been ranked first on the Higher Education Policy Institute’s (HEPI) Social Mobility Index for the fifth consecutive year. The SMI result sits alongside other strong performance markers, including being ranked 16th in the UK for graduate employment (HESA, 2025) and 8th nationally for ‘value added’ by the most recent Guardian University League Table. University of Bradford Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Braisby said: “This…
Adcrete strengthens service delivery with major investment backed by Oscrete
Concrete admixture specialist Adcrete, the official sister company of Oscrete Construction Products in Northern Ireland and Ireland, is marking its 10th anniversary with a significant investment designed to further enhance service, availability and technical support for customers. The Lisburn-based business has completed a major refurbishment of its warehousing and logistics facility, thanks to investment from…
Global reach of Rotary Peace Fellows showcased
The global impact of the Rotary Peace Fellowship at the University of Bradford has been celebrated as the prestigious scheme looks to recruit future scholars. Bradford’s current group of Rotary Peace Fellows joined some of the 2026-27 academic year cohort to highlight the work of the Fellowship, which is looking for Bradford applicants for the 2027-28 academic…
Bulls sign Jack Ormondroyd
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of towering forward Jack Ormondroyd on a season long loan deal – with no recall option. The 34-year-old joins from Oldham RLFC, having spent six years at Salford Red Devils prior, making over 110 appearances. Ormondroyd also enjoyed two spells at Betfred Championship side Featherstone Rovers, sandwiching…
Bulls and Council develop youth engagement partnership
Bradford Bulls and Bradford Council have developed a new partnership to engage young people across the district and introduce a new generation of fans to rugby league. The Council’s Youth Service has been working with the club following their return to the Super League and have been taking young people to home games. Many of…
February 2026 insolvency statistics, Azets response
There were 1,878 corporate insolvencies in February 2026, 7.4% more than in January 2026 (1,749) and 6.8% less than in February 2025 (2,015). Covering the Yorkshire region, Richard Oddy is a partner, licensed insolvency practitioner and business restructuring, turnaround and rescue expert at regional accountancy and business advisory firm Azets, with offices in Leeds, Bradford and York….
Bradford-based Refreshment Systems shortlisted for National Retail Technology Award
Bradford based Refreshment Systems Ltd (RSL), a family-run business based in Bradford, has been shortlisted for the Most Disruptive Retail Technology Award at the Retail Systems Awards. The shortlist recognises RSL’s Vendsmart technology, a new software platform built to transform how vending machines operate. While Vendsmart looks like a vending machine, it runs on completely…
Henley embarks on new chapter with MBO and acquisition
Henley Construction Management Group (“Henley”), a specialist construction group headquartered in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, has completed a management buyout (MBO) alongside the acquisition of Smart Crosby International (SCI), a leading engineering and consultancy practice. The MBO was completed by long-standing senior team members Tom Cardoe, Jon Henley, Dave Cawley and Jim Wenham. It marks a…
Bradford broker opens Harrogate base to support expansion plans
Family and employee owned insurance firm, TL Dallas, is expanding its footprint in North Yorkshire with a new presence in Harrogate, as the Bradford-headquartered firm continues to invest in regional growth. The long-established insurance broking, risk management and financial services group will operate from premises at 36 Victoria Avenue, placing its team in the centre…
Idle Travel run with the Bulls in 2026
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce a brand-new partnership with Idle Travel, who will sponsor the club’s new kit van as the Bulls’ return to the Super League in 2026. As the club prepares for an exciting new era, the electric kit van represents a modern step forward in supporting the first team and wider rugby operations across the…
Yorkshire garden centre group shortlisted for national people and culture award
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 Large Organisation of the Year category at the British HR Awards, which celebrate organisations and individuals delivering a world-class people experience. The recognition comes after a period of significant…
Bradford College Named ‘Apprenticeship Provider of the Year’
Bradford College has been named ‘Apprenticeship Provider of the Year’ at the national Apprenticeship & Training Awards 2026. Announced at the Apprenticeships and Training Conference gala dinner and awards evening at the ACC Liverpool, the award recognises a provider that specialises in delivering apprenticeships and has achieved outstanding results. Bradford College was among 19 winners…
Inheritance tax time-bomb is looming – Yorkshire farmers should act now
The fuse is burning down on the government’s inheritance tax (IHT) time-bomb for farmers, UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm Azets in Yorkshire has warned. Under legislation to be introduced by the Finance Act 2026 new restrictions will apply to the amount of Agricultural and Business Property Reliefs available on the estates of farmers…