Bentley pens Bulls return
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of James Bentley on a three-year deal from the start of the 2027 season. The 29-year-old is a product of the club’s famed pathway system, making his senior debut at the Bulls in an 82-0 win over Oldham in 2026, aged just 18. Bentley, primarily a back…
TWC Facilities teams up with Tackle Prostate Cancer to boost awareness and support
TWC Facilities Ltd has partnered with Tackle Prostate Cancer, a UK charity that supports people affected by prostate cancer. As part of this, QR code stickers are being added to male hygiene bins across the sites TWC Facilities looks after. It’s a small, practical step that gives people quick and discreet access to information about…
University of Bradford climbs into Daily Mail UK top 30 after third successive rise
The University of Bradford has broken into the Daily Mail University Guide’s UK top 30 for the first time following its third successive rise in the national rankings. Ranked joint 29th out of 128 universities, Bradford was praised for its support for students, strong graduate employment outcomes and long-standing commitment to social mobility. The guide…
University of Bradford ranked 1st (again) in England for improving access to higher education
Pictured above: Professor Gillian Murray, University of Bradford Vice-Chancellor. Credit: University of Bradford. The University of Bradford has been ranked first in England by the Social Mobility Commission for recruiting the most disadvantaged students, when location is factored in. The report covers universities across England and is designed to measure which universities do the most to improve access…
Bradford archaeologists investigate 6,000-year-old secrets hidden beneath Yorkshire moorland
Archaeologists from the University of Bradford are coming to the end of a two-week investigating evidence of some of the earliest known human activity in the South Pennines. Staff and students are taking part in a major field project at Bridestones Moor, near Todmorden, until August 14, exploring traces of Mesolithic hunter-gatherer communities who lived…
We’re finalists at the Motor Transport Awards
We have been named a finalist for Specialist Operator of the Year at this year’s Motor Transport Awards. It is an honour, a testament to the team’s dedication, and a mark of recognition in an industry where being nominated alongside leading specialist operators in motor transport carries real weight. When I purchased Keep It Cool…
Iran war pushing up cost of borrowing for small businesses
The ongoing war in Iran which is pushing up the cost of borrowing for Yorkshire small and medium enterprises (SMEs) may be the final nail in the coffin for some businesses, says a sector specialist. Mark Barrie, head of debt advisory at UK top 10 accountancy firm Azets, believes the war – which began in…
Enrolment Hotline opens at Kirklees College for 2026/2027 academic year
For over 200 years, Kirklees College has been at the forefront of vocational and technical education, and it’s time for new students to join this historic institution. This morning, Kirklees College officially opened its Enrolment Hotline call centre, taking queries from the public who want to join a course starting in September. The hotline number…
Institute for Equity, University Centre celebrates 100% compliance rating in British Accreditation Council inspection
Vice Principal Janet Cash praises staff, fellows, and students as specialist UK higher education institution meets every evaluated standard across governance, teaching and student support. I am thrilled to share that the Institute for Equity, University Centre (IEUC) has successfully completed a full inspection by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) under the Independent Higher Education…
Institute for Equity announces first annual Yorkshire Inclusion Luncheon incorporating the National Inclusion Awards ©
The Institute for Equity, University Centre has officially announced its landmark event, The Yorkshire Inclusion Luncheon, scheduled for 15 October 2026 at the Cedar Court Hotel, Huddersfield. This first-of-its-kind, high-end gathering, is designed to bring together Yorkshire’s most forward-thinking minds, including high-profile individuals, corporate decision-makers, and community leaders, to participate in high-level discussions on organisational…
Bateman completes return
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce John Bateman has signed a two-year deal from the start of the 2027 season – with the club holding the option of a third year. Having come through the club’s famed pathway system, Bateman made his debut aged just 17, against Catalans Dragons in 2011. After three years in…
Former Kirklees College Sports student Zak Lloyd makes Super League debut for Leeds Rhinos
Former Kirklees College student and young Rugby League player Zak Lloyd is celebrating after making his debut for Super League side Leeds Rhinos. Zak, who finished his Sport Coaching course only a few weeks ago, came off the bench in the final quarter of his side’s 46-0 win over Toulouse Olympique at Headingley. He mentioned…
Greenwood pens new deal
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce Lee Greenwood has signed a new two-year deal – keeping him at the club until the end of the 2028 season. Greenwood initially joined the Bulls in 2023 as Assistant Coach before stepping up as Interim Head Coach midway through the season alongside Brian Noble. Lee signed a one-year…
Ex-fashion retail boss on trend with honorary award
A proud Bradfordian and University alumnus, John Hinchcliffe, the former boss of Bradford-based fashion retailer Freemans Grattan Holdings has praised the University of Bradford for “supercharging” his life after receiving an honorary award. John was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his ‘unstinting commitment to the University, business and the Bradford district’. Who is…
Bradford 2025 Creative Director awarded honorary doctorate
Bradford 2025 Creative Director Shanaz Gulzar MBE has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bradford in recognition of her contribution to culture, public life and the creative industries. Born in Keighley and still living in the district, Shanaz has spent her career exploring the stories, communities and landscapes that shape Yorkshire, building a reputation…
Kirklees College celebrates the impact of adult education as it launches its new adult course guide
Kirklees College has launched not only its new Adult Course Guide for September 2026, but also a brand-new video, ‘Your Next Chapter’, which highlights the meaningful impact of adult and community education at the college. Produced in collaboration with Sam Teale Productions, an award-winning production company based in Kirklees, the new video shines a spotlight…
Walker Foster completes MBO
Photo Caption: Walker Foster board of directors (l-r) Katie Ingham, Maxine Heppenstall, Ian Haynes, Jayne Schofield, Craig Williams, Sara Rutter Schofield Sweeney advises fellow law firm A management buyout at long-established general practice law firm Walker Foster, has been completed, with support from commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney. Equity Directors Maxine Heppenstall and Ian Haynes…
Cheshire Scientific drop box opens at Big Yellow on Gelderd Place, Leeds
Focusing on Leeds! Getting your water samples to a lab from Leeds just got simpler. We’ve opened a Cheshire Scientific drop box at Big Yellow on Gelderd Place, just off the M621 and a couple of minutes from the ring road. Leeds keeps a lot of people busy, a business district that’s grown quickly, two…
Syrian refugee student proud after graduating with first-class honours
A University of Bradford student who fled war-torn Syria as a child is celebrating after graduating with first-class honours, less than 10 years after arriving in the UK. Ahmad Hamdan left his hometown of Aleppo in Syria aged 10 during the country’s civil war, moving to Turkiye with his parents, sister and three brothers, then…
Azets UK appoints Leeds Office Managing Director
Pictured Above – TAKING OFFICE 1: International accountancy and business advisory group Azets has appointed Jessica Lawrence as office managing partner in Leeds. Jessica is pictured right with regional managing director Claire Needham, left. Highly-experienced Jessica Lawrence to lead office into next phase of growth International accountancy and business advisory group Azets has appointed highly-experienced…
Schofield Sweeney welcomes Private Wealth Director Amanda Simmonds
Leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has strengthened its private wealth offering with the arrival of Director Amanda Simmonds, who joins the firm’s 20-strong specialist team. Amanda brings 38 years’ experience as a private client solicitor to the team, advising on all aspects of private client work including wills, trusts and related documents, estate administration,…
Simunix joins Banyan Software in strategic acquisition
Azets Corporate Finance has successfully advised the shareholders of Simunix Holdings Limited on its sale to Banyan Software, a company that acquires and develops growing software businesses worldwide. York-based Simunix – founded in 1998 by John Lewis – has become part of Banyan Software, which operates more than 100 portfolio companies across North and South…
Five things businesses get wrong when ordering staff uniform
Kitting out a team looks simple. Pick a polo, send your logo, wait for a box to arrive. Then the box turns up, half of it doesn’t fit, the logo isn’t quite right, and the whole thing has cost more in hassle than it saved in price. After more than a decade supplying and branding…
Moortown Group run with the Bulls in 2026
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce a new partnership with Moortown Group, bringing together two proud Bradford organisations. Established in 1998, Moortown Group has built a national reputation for delivering high-quality civil engineering, groundworks and reinforced concrete solutions across the UK. Headquartered in Bradford, the company has grown through a commitment to quality, integrity and…
Like mother, like daughter – family dig deep to graduate together
A mother and daughter have enjoyed a family celebration with a difference – after both graduating together from the University of Bradford. Elaine Shaw and her daughter, Anysia Padgett, have completed their studies in BA (Hons) Heritage and Archaeology and BSc Archaeology respectively. The pair have spent much of their degree programmes learning side-by-side, sharing…
June 2026 insolvency statistics, Azets response
There were 1,845 corporate insolvencies in June 2026 in England and Wales – four fewer than in May 2026 (1,849), and 10% fewer than in June 2025 (2,048) Leeds-based Richard Oddy, restructuring and insolvency partner at UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory group Azets in Yorkshire, says: “June’s corporate insolvency figures were dominated by…
Justyna’s journey from rural Poland to first-class honours
A University of Bradford student who arrived in the UK without speaking English after growing up on a rural Polish army base has graduated with a first-class degree in artificial intelligence. Justyna Dobersztajn moved to the UK aged 11, with her mother, followed by her older sister a year later. Fast forward more than 15…
Net Zero and the Road We’re Not Ready For
The route to net zero is a complicated road for me. I believe in net zero targets, and I understand the importance of continued investment in sustainable energy to support our overworked national grid. But I cannot pretend it is an ambition I fully support, not in its current form, and not at the pace…
Homecoming honour for organisation founder supporting the vulnerable
The co-founder of an organisation tackling health inequalities among vulnerable people has returned to her home city to receive an honorary award from the University of Bradford. Yvonne Stocks DL is co-founder, director and chairperson of Palm Cove Society (PCS), which address disadvantage, inequalities, education, community bias and health needs experienced by vulnerable people, including…
For Steph Ifould, returning to education was about proving it was possible
For Steph Ifould, returning to education in her 30s was about proving something to herself. The 37-year-old graduated this week from the University of Bradford with an integrated master’s degree in Physiotherapy in Sport and Exercise Medicine, a moment that marks not just academic success, but years of persistence through personal and professional challenges. “I’d…
Project SEARCH Interns celebrated at Graduation Ceremony
The Kirklees College Project SEARCH interns recently came together to celebrate their achievements and successes over the academic year. Over 50 additional people attended the event, including Kirklees College Principal Palvinder Singh and Councillor Karen Allison, Mayor of Kirklees, alongside parents, carers of students and a number of key employers who were involved with the…
Comedian Rosie Jones awarded honorary doctorate
If you’ve seen Rosie Jones on your screen, you’ll already know she doesn’t do things by halves and today was no different as she was awarded Doctor of the University of Bradford in recognition of her significant contribution to LGBTQ+ and disability rights. The ceremony took place at the University of Bradford on Wednesday July 15. A…
Unbelievable! Football legend Kammy honoured for inspiring others
Footballer, manager, pundit, TV presenter and singer – Chris Kamara MBE has done it all during his career. The former Bradford City AFC player and manager has another title to add to that list – Doctor of Health – after receiving an honorary award from the University of Bradford. Nicknamed Kammy, Chris revealed in 2022…
TWC Facilities Ltd partners with Yorkshire Air Ambulance to support lifesaving services
TWC Facilities Ltd is proud to announce a new partnership with Yorkshire Air Ambulance, providing sanitary bin and mat services at the Nostell site, with support set to extend to its new Skipton Bridge site later this year. As part of the partnership, TWC Facilities Ltd will deliver a regular four-weekly service, helping to maintain…
CCF Summer Event
On 9 July 2026, the Cold Chain Federation brought its members together at the Celtic Manor Resort in Monmouthshire for its annual Summer Party. This member-only event is designed to be friendly, inclusive and enjoyable for all members of the cold chain community. Why events like this matter There is a version of running a…
Hostile UK tax system is crushing entrepreneurship – Azets
Changes and clarity needed to create and keep the next generation of Bransons, Dysons and Bartletts, says UK Head of Tax Britain’s tax system is crushing entrepreneurs and needs to be changed if the government wants more people in Yorkshire to start, scale and sell a business, a tax expert has warned. Praveen Gupta, UK…
Paramedic students given ‘crash course’ on campus
Paramedic students at the University of Bradford gained hands-on experience of their future profession by taking part in a crash scene simulation staged on campus. A group of BSc Paramedic Science students were faced with a mock three-vehicle crash, featuring one of the cars flipped onto its side and trapped passengers. Working with experienced and trainee firefighters…
Schofield Sweeney partner joins national succession planning taskforce
A partner at leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has been appointed to the steering committee of the newly formed Succession Alliance – a UK-wide taskforce aimed at improving succession outcomes across financial planning. Established by the Consumer Duty Alliance, the Succession Alliance aims to improve consistency, raise expectations and provide practical education across the…
Vice-Chancellor signals new chapter for University of Bradford
The University of Bradford’s incoming Vice-Chancellor Professor Gillian Murray has signalled “a new era” for the university focused on innovation and partnerships. Professor Murray, who will take up her new role on Monday, July 13, at the start of the University’s summer graduation week, has a strong track record in leading large-scale partnership programmes between…
Experienced Insurance Account Executive appointed to support client growth
Bradford headquartered independent insurance broking and risk management firm, TL Dallas, has appointed experienced insurance professional John Loran as an account executive, strengthening its commercial team in Glasgow, as the business continues to expand its presence across Scotland. John joins TL Dallas with 18 years’ experience in the insurance sector, having worked across commercial insurance,…
What NATO’s latest summit reveals about the alliance’s future
Professor Christoph Bluth, Professor of International Relations and Security at the University of Bradford, argues that NATO emerged from its recent summit militarily stronger but politically more fragile. In this expert analysis, he explores growing tensions over defence spending, Ukraine, Iran and US leadership, and assesses what this means for the future of the alliance. As global security challenges…
10 things you didn’t know about Bradford Lit Fest
As Bradford Literature Festival prepares to enter its closing weekend, here are 10 things you didn’t know about one of the North’s biggest literary celebrations. Ethical ticketing gives free access to most of the programme to students and educators. 1 The University of Bradford has supported the festival since its launch in 2014, with a number of…
Kirklees College and The Arcade Group are helping to make a difference in Dewsbury
Over the last four years, The Arcade Group in Dewsbury has been one of Kirklees College’s most valued employer partners, helping to provide our students with career-enhancing placements and opportunities. Since 2022, the group has worked with students and staff from a variety of subject areas to create some amazing opportunities. When speaking about the…
Schofield Sweeney represents Easy Bathrooms in successful high-profile IP case
Yorkshire-based commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has acted in the successful defence of a significant trade mark and passing off claim, brought against its client Cubico (UK) Limited, trading as Easy Bathrooms, by the owners of easyJet. Founded in Yorkshire in 2013, Easy Bathrooms has grown from a single showroom into one of the UK’s…
Two-thirds of Making Tax Digital clients haven’t registered, Freedom of Information request by Azets finds
More than 580,000 people who should have registered for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax have failed to do so, according to the results of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request from accountancy and business advisory group Azets. HMRC data shows that 864,000 individuals and landlords should have registered for MTD for Income Tax…
The Institute for Equity, University Centre launches major strategic expansion on its 6th birthday
On its 6th Birthday, the Institute for Equity, University Centre launches Major Strategic Expansion with Three New Academic Schools to Drive Global Leadership and Social Transformation Marking exactly six years of delivering pioneering education, the Institute for Equity, University Centre (IEUC) has today unveiled a bold and historic expansion of its academic architecture. Moving dynamically…
Why the UK needs an essential user fuel rebate
While the UK government has largely stayed quiet on fuel support for commercial operators, the rest of the world hasn’t been as passive. The Road Haulage Association (RHA) published a breakdown of how other countries are responding to the current fuel crisis, and the contrast with the UK is hard to ignore. Whilst the World…
70% of UK businesses fear economic uncertainty most as climate hits profits, hiring and costs, Azets research finds
UK businesses have been hit hard by economic issues and remain worried and pessimistic about the future of UK plc, according to new research from international accountancy and business advisory group Azets. The findings of the Q2 2026 Azets Barometer showed that economic uncertainty was the biggest concern over the next year for nearly 70%…