Schofield Sweeney ranked in UK Top 20 for Mergers & Acquisitions

Commercial Law Firm also Ranks Second In Yorkshire in Experian Report Award winning commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has soared up the rankings to be named one of the top 20 most active legal advisers for mergers and acquisitions in the latest M&A report from Experian Market IQ. The company’s M&A expertise saw it leap…

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M&S-style attacks are just the beginning: new Barometer shows economic risk from cyber breaches rising fast

Large businesses in Yorkshire are increasingly exposed to cyberattacks, with fresh data showing a clear link between company size and breach frequency – but experts are warning that smaller firms may be dangerously underestimating the threat. According to the latest Azets Barometer, just 41% of large UK businesses avoided cybersecurity incidents in the past year…

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Switalskis strengthens Leeds presence with move to West Village

Leading Yorkshire law firm Switalskis has relocated its Leeds-based teams to a new office at West Village on Wellington Street. It’s a significant milestone in the firm’s continued growth and investment in the region. After 15 years at nearby St James House, the move to the state-of-the-art, 3,326 sq ft workspace in Bruntwood SciTech’s innovative…

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Manningham Housing Association secures ownership of £5m affordable homes scheme

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has acquired five new build detached houses in Eccleshill, Bradford in a £1.1 million deal. With the addition of these two three-bed and three four-bed properties, MHA now owns all 24 homes in the recently completed One Meadow development on Victoria Road. This represents a total investment of £5 million, delivered…

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Propolis: rise of the nutraceutical

It’s time we redefined our relationship with our immune systems. Consumers now look much more seriously at natural products in the context of mounting difficulties, dilemmas, side-effects and other problems with pharmaceuticals, particularly antibiotics. What consumers want is to move away from the folklore and witchcraft remedy process and thanks to our long-term collaboration with…

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Bulls announce partnership with Snowman

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce a new commercial partnership with Snowman, who will become the official sponsor of the club’s LED screen at Bartercard Odsal Stadium. As part of the agreement, the Snowman brand will feature prominently on the stadium’s Big Screen frame during all home fixtures, delivering high-impact visibility for the lifestyle brand…

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56for56 appeal reaches target for Burns Unit

Firefighters from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) have reached their £56,000 fundraising target for the University of Bradford-based Burns Unit to mark the 40th anniversary of the Bradford City fire. A legend-filled football match, a 75-mile walk from Lincoln to Bradford and a fundraising dinner were some of the events which helped firefighters…

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Azets UK appoints Yorkshire regional managing director

Azets, the UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm, has appointed Claire Needham as its new regional managing director for Yorkshire and the North East. Claire is promoted into the role from her position as Azets’ York office managing partner and head of the UK technical accounting team. She will succeed Russell Turner, who is…

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Yorkshire Garden Centre Group creates new role for multi-site growth

A Bradford-based garden centre group with a site in Scarborough has created a new stock inventory role as it prepares for future growth across its multi-site business.  Yorkshire Garden Centres group, owner of Dean’s Scarborough, has appointed Dan Campbell as its Buying Support Manager to work across all seven sites in West and North Yorkshire….

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Memories of Bradford City fire shared in new project

People will be invited to share their recollections of the 1985 Bradford City fire for a new project by the University of Bradford. Student Mia Coe will speak to survivors of the May 11, 1985 fire, friends and family of the 56 people who lost their lives, the emergency service workers who treated the 258…

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Spending Review can be transformative for new homes and Bradford – housing association CEO

The chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has backed the Chancellor’s commitments to a £39 billion Affordable Homes Programme and a 10-year rent settlement announced in today’s Spending Review. In a statement, Lee Bloomfield said: “For far too long, housing associations have faced an impossible task in trying to provide enough decent homes for…

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Bradford Garden Centre to host first masterclass with leading rose grower

A Bradford garden centre is hosting a rose masterclass with one of the country’s leading names in roses next month.  In celebration of National Rose Month, an expert from the long-established, family-owned rose breeder David Austin Roses will be in The Mezzanine at Tong Garden Centre on Wednesday, 2nd July to share advice on planting,…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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Young Creatives tackle smart glasses design challenge

Students at Bradford College have been given the unique opportunity to design packaging for a new range of smart glasses. The competition by Zanco, a digital tech firm set up by former Bradford College student Shazad Talib, will see Professional Services and Leisure learners compete to design the best packaging for new Zanco Smart Glasses. The…

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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…

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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…

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Bradford’s alternative music scene celebrated

The alternative music scene in Bradford from the 1970s onwards will be spotlighted at an event held at a new city entertainment venue.  Alternative Bradford will explore Bradford’s alternative music scene from the 1970s, the present day and its future. It will be hosted and chaired by Nick Toczek, a poet, writer and performer and…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Sporting chance for active schools scheme thanks to new £4m investment

An initiative to encourage Bradford children to become more active has received a huge boost thanks to a £4 million investment from Sport England.    Over the next three years, the JU:MP (Join Us Move and Play) programme will work with children and their families from across the district to help improve physical activity levels.    The…

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Seven tips to keep your smart devices at home safe from hackers

Smart devices in people’s homes have surged in popularity over the last 10 years, items including video doorbells, smart speakers and smart kitchen appliances becoming part of everyday life. Smart devices can be monitored and controlled remotely by the homeowner through apps on their mobile phone. But research has revealed that smart home devices are…

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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…

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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…

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Wakefield and Selby Children’s University enhance learning with free family event

Wakefield and Selby Children’s University is hosting a free, fun-filled event for local children and their families during half-term – providing them with the opportunity to enhance their learning. After successfully running for nine years, May-Hem will return to Castleford College on Wednesday 28th May 2025, from 10am to 2pm, and will include a range…

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AI’s future in business and company projects explored at event

The future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business was discussed at an event held at the University of Bradford. The AI Forum, organised by the University’s department of Business Analytics, Circular Economy and Entrepreneurship (BACE) at the School of Management, brought together academics and businesspeople from Bradford district firms.  The third-annual event showcased new ideas…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Is the air we share a toxic soup of invisible pollutants?

The Air We Share is a Pint of Science talk that offers a fascinating insight into the one thing we all cannot live without – air. Cell Biologist/ Pharmacologist Dr Jacobo Elies from the University of Bradford lifts the lid on the toxins we breathe on a daily basis. He says: “Pollutants are everywhere but most…

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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…

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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,…

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Haworth’s Wyedean Weaving serves historic international reenactments

The military expertise of Haworth’s Wyedean Weaving is “front and centre” of international commemorations of the American Revolution. Orders of Wyedean’s regimental lace have increased by nearly 20% as re-enactment groups across the UK create their replica British regimental uniforms associated with the 250th anniversary of the American War of Independence. Since January, the Haworth-based…

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Chemical company actions environmental commitment with 220 hours of work

A chemical specialist has actioned part of its plan to be a net-zero company by 2045 with the completion of its first environmental project. Forty members of staff at Airedale Group have volunteered 220 hours of time to the Aire Rivers Trust, helping nurture the waterways in the Aire Valley and encourage natural life in…

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Iconic Meltham café business goes up for sale

A unique café and events business in Meltham, near Holmfirth, has been put up for sale with a guide price of £175,000 with commercial property estate agent Ernest Wilson, which is part of Eddisons. Launched in 2020, Lu’s Place, on the edge of Meltham and adjacent to open countryside and woodland, has built a reputation…

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Big wins for Bradford College at West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards

Bradford College scooped a trophies haul at the 2025 West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford. The event saw three apprentices win their categories and another receive highly commended, alongside a Mentor of the Year award for an employer partner. Now in its fourth year, the Awards celebrate excellence across 14…

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Bradford business apprentice secures double award win!

A business apprentice from Drighlington property compliance specialists Inspectas, has won two Bradford College Star Awards for being an inspirational student. Faye Oxley (19), won Business Admin Subject Student of the Year and Inspirational Student of the Year, an accolade chosen by Bradford College’s Senior leadership Team. The annual Bradford College Star Awards cover all…

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Bradford City Centre sees positive growth as footfall rises 25% in early 2025

Bradford City Centre is showing encouraging signs of recovery, with both footfall and dwell time on the rise following a challenging year for local businesses. The Bradford Business Improvement District (BID), which represents almost 600 member businesses in the city centre, closely monitors a range of performance indicators. Figures from the first quarter of 2025…

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Bulls cook up Perfect Storm

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with full-service marketing agency Perfect Storm – to develop a growth marketing strategy to support the club’s ambitions. As well as providing strategic insight, the Leeds-based agency will grab the bull by the horns with a ramp-up of digital activity, fan experience and creative strategies….

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Bradford based Garden Centre Group crowns Values Champions

A Bradford based Garden Centre Group has held a celebration lunch to honour its Values Champions. On 1st May, Yorkshire Garden Centres directors celebrated the success of the 10 Values Champions winners with a lunch at the Mezzanine Restaurant at Tong Garden Centre. Throughout 2024, the team at all seven Yorkshire Garden Centres sites voted…

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Schofield Sweeney supports ‘home city’ again with Bradford Showcase partnership

Leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney will play a key role in showcasing the Bradford district’s planning and investment potential at an event alongside the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), in Leeds from May 20th-22nd. Working in partnership with Bradford Council, Schofield Sweeney, which has one of the region’s largest and most…

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