Schofield Sweeney advises on key acquisition by beauty specialists Face the Future
Skincare and beauty specialist Face the Future has acquired luxury haircare retailer Luxurious Look, significantly broadening the range of premium haircare brands it offers. The Wakefield based company was advised on the acquisition by leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney. Face the Future has a 20-year history of providing premium skincare to customers around the…
New era for The Sanctuary Project
A business which has provided lifechanging support for hundreds of young people in Yorkshire has become workforce owned. The entire shareholding of The Sanctuary Project has been transferred by owners Debbie and Mark Clough to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) for its management team to take forward and create a long lasting legacy. Debbie and…
From Bronze to Silver: Heart of Yorkshire Education Group Excels in National Diversity Accreditation
The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group has been awarded the Investors in Diversity Silver accreditation by the National Centre for Diversity, recognising its commitment to creating a truly inclusive workplace and learning environment. This achievement follows the Group’s earlier Bronze accreditation, which focused on laying the foundations for inclusion by embedding the FREDIE framework –…
Schofield Sweeney announces partnership with Bradford Manufacturing Weeks
Law firm will provide sponsorship and share legal expertise Leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney will be a key sponsor of Bradford Manufacturing Weeks (BMW) in October, supporting students and the manufacturing community in the company’s home city. Schofield Sweeney has a long history of supporting Bradford businesses and has now become an official partner…
Azets promotes payroll specialist Julie Gunnell
A payroll specialist in Yorkshire and the Humber has been promoted at UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm Azets. York-based Julie Gunnell is now associate director of growth for payroll – one of three staff promoted to its UK payroll services team to newly created roles in the business. Julie joins Claire Brown,…
From BADR to worse – company owners facing increased capital gains tax burden urged to act now
Business owners in Yorkshire are being advised to carefully consider the structure of their companies, particularly if they are looking to sell. This is because the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rates that apply to the shares in trading companies have increased, and the rate of tax where Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) applies is increasing…
Student Central battles football club and London hotspots for national award
The University of Bradford’s student social area, which underwent a £2 million makeover, has been shortlisted for a national award alongside a Championship football club and leisure venues. Bradford’s Student Central is a finalist in the Fit Out Project of the Year – Hospitality category at the Fit Out Awards UK 2025, a celebration…
UN report on AI to launch at global conference in Bradford
A major new United Nations report calling for artificial intelligence (AI) to be used to support people, not take their place, will be launched at a global conference hosted by the University of Bradford. The Human Development Report 2025, produced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will be a key focus of the annual…
Don’t get caught out by Capital Gains Tax changes, Azets warns
Changes mean two tiers of CGT for 2024/25 tax returns Taxpayers in Yorkshire are at risk of being fined for incorrect Capital Gains Tax payments because of an issue with HMRC’s software, a tax specialist from the region has warned. Yorkshire-based Richard Major, national head of private clients at international business advisory group Azets, is…
Bradford College celebrates 100% pass rate successes
Bradford College students joined the hundreds of thousands opening their GCSE, BTec and Cambridge National results this week (Thurs, 21 August). While the GCSE pass rate has fallen again across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Bradford College is bucking the trend with some exceptional results. Overall, 67 courses for 16-18-year-olds had a 100% pass rate,…
Your future starts here: Explore Foundation Year options at Bradford
Prospective students have been encouraged to enrol on a Foundation Year programme at the University of Bradford from this September. The Foundation Year, available through Clearing, is a pre-degree access programme which provides people with a basis for future full-time undergraduate study at the University of Bradford. This one-year course is designed for students…
SMEs paralysed by fear – despite sitting on significant cash reserves
A large number of SMEs are holding back on investment, despite sitting on significant piles of cash. That is the warning from the chief executive of a leading accounting firm with offices in Yorkshire. Peter Gallanagh, UK CEO at international accounting and advisory group Azets, says business owners are ready to spend pent-up capital but…
First-ever T-level students celebrate success at Bradford College
Bradford College marked this year’s Level 3 results day (Thursday, 14 August) with an exciting milestone – the completion of its first-ever group of T-level students. The talented bunch has shown what dedication and hard work can achieve, with a 100% T-level pass rate (compared to a national pass rate of 91.4%), and 80% of students…
Student partners Marek and Ness blaze trail in Paramedic Science
A man studying Paramedic Science alongside his partner at the University of Bradford has encouraged others to follow in their footsteps through Clearing. Marek Jurkowski and partner Ness Peacock met six years ago while volunteering as Community First Responders. Marek had moved to the UK from Poland, where he worked in the ambulance service,…
Regal expands baklawa range with three first-to-market limited edition flavours
Regal Foods is set to boost its popular Baklawa range with the launch of three innovative, trend-inspired flavours: Dubai Style Chocolate, Caramelised Biscuit, and Choco Nut – each a limited edition and a market-first. Building on the success of Regal’s original Baklawa, introduced in October 2022, these new creations blend the heritage of the classic…
Proud student nurse mum calls on others to follow her Clearing path
A mum-of-three is urging others to apply for nursing through Clearing, after transforming her life by joining the University of Bradford’s Adult Nursing course. Bethany Higgins, 31, had spent years working as a healthcare assistant in a GP practice, juggling part-time hours and family life. But last August, she decided to pursue her dream of…
Bradford named University of the Year for Social Inclusion
The University of Bradford is today named as University of the Year for Social Inclusion in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026. The University is also shortlisted for overall UK University of the Year 2026 and its ranking has increased to 42nd in the country (up from 48 in the 2025 guide and 49 in…
Bulls and Campion AFC form partnership
Bradford Bulls are proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Campion AFC, bringing together two of the city’s most passionate and community-driven sporting clubs. This collaboration is designed to strengthen ties between rugby league and football communities while delivering meaningful benefits to both clubs and their supporters. The partnership is built on a shared…
Coding your future by joining the AI revolution
People can be at the forefront of the ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution’ by studying Computer Science at the University of Bradford. With AI transforming how we work, learn, and communicate, the demand for skilled professionals is soaring. The University’s Computer Science programmes equip students with the knowledge, technical skills and adaptability needed to thrive in…
Clearing: A parent’s cheat sheet
Clearing opened on July 5 and runs until October 20, offering prospective students the chance to secure a place at university but the big day this year will be Thursday 14 August… here’s how to make sure you’re prepared. Prospective students may include those taking all A-level/T-level (or equivalent) qualifications, or mature students who want…
Leading Yorkshire textile manufacturer appoints new technical and sustainability manager
Think Group, a Yorkshire-based textile manufacturer, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rachel Douglas Phillips as Technical & Sustainability Manager. In her new role, Rachel will lead the development of new products in collaboration with customers and guide businesses on sustainability within the Non-Wovens industry. Alongside this, she will support the manufacturing process by…
£2.3 million investment secured to launch innovative Vale Park Community Campus
Port Vale Football Club, Port Vale Foundation, and Stoke-on-Trent City Council have secured £2.3 million in Government funding to transform Sproson Park and surrounding areas into a dynamic, multi-purpose Vale Park Community Campus. The project marks a significant milestone in the club’s long-term community facilities strategy and commitment to local regeneration, health, education and community…
Yorkshire Garden Centres’ play areas celebrate their tenth birthday with giveaways
The teams at two West Yorkshire indoor and outdoor adventure play areas are marking their 10th birthday with a series of giveaways. Everyone who visits Grass Hoppers play area at Tong and Tingley Garden Centres between now and 1st September will be entered into a prize draw to win prizes from slushies to pizzas and…
Bulls sign Super League stalwart
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce we have seen off stiff competition to secure the services of England international forward Chris Hill from Salford Red Devils on a deal until the end of the season. The vastly experienced prop, who is a two-time Challenge Cup winner, has enjoyed an incredible career spanning 20 years to…
Yorkshire Garden Centre Group’s Yorkshire Day charity spinathon tops £1,000
Team members at a Bradford garden centre group with sites at Tong and Tingley held a Yorkshire Day spinathon which raised £1,038 for their charity of the year. A succession of team members rode 267 miles on static bikes in the checkout areas at Yorkshire Garden Centres’ sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, Pennine and…
South Leeds Garden Centre celebrates summer with play activities
The team at a South Leeds adventure play centre has announced its summer play sessions. In addition to the High Ropes, the Tower Jump Pillow, golf and assault courses, visitors to Mission Out at Tingley Garden Centre will have access to additional free activities including super archery, axe throwing and hook a duck throughout the…
City of Culture Baton visits Tong Garden Centre on its tour of Bradford wards
The City of Culture Baton was at Tong Garden Centre this week as part of its tour of local landmarks in the Tong and Wibsey ward. The team at Tong, part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres group, were invited to take part by Ward Officer, Jayce Lambert and responded to the brief to be creative…
Inspectas announces support for British Deaf Association
Compliance specialists Inspectas has announced its support of the British Deaf Association for the next 12 months. The 40-strong business is keen to introduce British Sign Language (BSL) training in a bid to help develop inclusive communication when visiting customers onsite. Its charity support includes an initial £1k donation alongside a pledge to hold fundraising…
Yorkshire Garden Centre Group’s Yorkshire Day charity spinathon
Team members at a Bradford garden centre group will take to two wheels on Yorkshire Day to raise funds for its charity of the year. Static bikes will be in the checkout areas at Yorkshire Garden Centres’ sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, Pennine and Dean’s York and Scarborough on 1st August as the team…
Bradford College renovation project achieves property awards hat-trick
A £6.9 million refurbishment project that saw a derelict building transformed into Bradford College’s cutting-edge Garden Mills facility has been selected as a finalist in three prestigious property awards. The extensive Garden Mills building project on Thornton Road was selected as a finalist in the Constructing Excellence Yorkshire & Humber Awards 2025, as well as…
Diverse Minds, Stronger Businesses: The Autimatic Story
In the heart of a Halifax village, a quietly revolutionary organisation is reshaping what workplace inclusivity means, opening doors to employment for autistic adults across the UK. Their mission is clear: to reduce the staggering 70% unemployment rate among autistic people, while helping organisations access exceptional talent in key growth areas such as artificial intelligence,…
Bradford manufacturer acquires waterproofing specialist
Concrete admixture manufacturer Oscrete has acquired structural waterproofing specialists, PUDLO, in a strategic move to diversify and strengthen the business. Bradford-based Oscrete, a leading UK supplier of specialist construction chemicals since 1983, manufactures and supplies a wide range of concrete admixtures for precast and ready-mix concrete, as well as the ready-to-use mortar industries. Peterborough-based PUDLO,…
Expect Distribution joins West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce
Expect Distribution is proud to announce our recent membership with the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to regional business growth and economic collaboration across Yorkshire. As a recognised leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, becoming part of this influential network marks an exciting new chapter for our organisation….
Ideal Extraction Ltd wins prestigious SME Business of the Year Award
Ideal Extraction Ltd, an innovative engineering company based in Ilkley, has proudly secured the coveted SME Business of the Year Award at the Bradford Means BUSINESSiQ Awards. The Gala Awards Ceremony, held on 11 July at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford, celebrated the vibrant business community driving success across the district. Organised by the…
Wyedean leads “timeless” fairtrade project with Haworth school
Exploring Fairtrade on the doorstep was the theme behind a unique collaboration between a Haworth manufacturer and its local primary school. Wyedean Weaving, which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year, has opened its doors to Haworth Primary School pupils to help support their understanding of Fairtrade and global trade. Haworth – the first village to…
Celebrations in Bradford as £5m affordable homes development reaches completion
Special guests including Manningham Housing Association (MHA) residents, project partners, board members and staff joined together at Eccleshill in Bradford for the official opening of the BME organisation’s stunning new £5 million affordable homes scheme. The ribbon was cut by MHA Chair Rupert Pometsey, supported by Councillor Ian Paterson, who represents the Eccleshill ward in…
Yorkshire Garden Centre Group raises over £11,000 from till donations in two months
A Bradford garden centre group has raised over £11,000 for its charity of the year through a till donation initiative. Yorkshire Garden Centres group has partnered with fintech charity Pennies to raise funds for Martin House Children’s Hospice and has raised £11,313 since it was rolled out to all seven sites in May. Pennies acts…
Bradford wins ‘College of the Year’ at Edufuturists Awards
Bradford College has won a prestigious award recognising its groundbreaking use of digital technology to enhance student learning. The annual Edufuturists Awards are dedicated to those at the forefront of teaching and learning. At a special award ceremony in Manchester, Bradford College was announced ‘College of the Year’ in a highly competitive category. A group of…
Hollie inspires the crowd at our Colour Run!
Hollie is 21 and has epidermolysis bullosa, a rare life-shortening condition that makes her skin so fragile that every touch is painful. Despite that she was determined to take part in the Colour Run – and shared why on the stage in front of 1000 fellow participants. “I’m here today because Forget Me Not deserves…
Industry leaders The Environmental Protection Group are recognised in water and geoenvironmental sectors
Leading SME, The Environmental Protection Group, has been awarded SME Consulting Firm of the Year at last week’s NCE Awards 2025. Celebrated for their innovation, diversity of services, and involvement in industry guidance within the water and environmental sector, EPG were crowned winners in a glittering London ceremony. With a team of multidisciplinary expertise, EPG…
Rose Masterclass at a Bradford Garden Centre raises funds for charity
A rose masterclass hosted by Bradford garden centre has raised funds for a charity supporting children with life-limiting illnesses. In celebration of National Rose Month, Andy Rollings from the long-established, family-owned rose breeder David Austin Roses visited Tong Garden Centre to share his advice on planting, pruning, feeding, and caring for roses. The audience enjoyed…
Warning to small businesses over new food waste regulations
Firms face fines for not separating food waste, lawyer warns Employers could face fines if they fail to separate their food waste from other recyclables and rubbish, an environmental lawyer has warned. New legislation that requires businesses with as few as ten employees to follow strict waste rules has flown under the radar, according to…
University of Bradford academic awarded historic honour by Royal College of General Practitioners
Professor Mahendra Patel becomes first pharmacist in England to receive RCGP Honorary Fellowship Professor Mahendra G Patel OBE, a distinguished academic pharmacist with deep-rooted ties to the University of Bradford, has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP)—the highest honour the medical College bestows on a non-GP and the…
Sudha swaps Corrie cobbles and Virdee squabbles for campus
A former soap star says she is honoured to be named Artist-in-Residence at Theatre in The Mill, the University of Bradford’s arts organisation. Sudha Bhuchar, who has starred in EastEnders and Coronation Street, will host masterclasses with district residents and stage performances of her solo show, Evening Conversations, as part of her residency, which helps…
Bradford 2025 hits the halfway mark with people, participation and pride at its heart – and a blockbuster Summer ahead
An estimated 1.1 million people have experienced Bradford 2025 projects celebrating the district Events have taken place in every ward in the Bradford District, covering 141 square miles across West Yorkshire from the city centre to the wild moors Over 40,000 local people have participated in Bradford 2025 activity so far More than 500 local…
Bradford cancer screening for South Asian women project hailed
A research project aimed at increasing the uptake of cancer screenings among South Asian Muslim women in Bradford by working with their male family members has been hailed a successful community engagement programme. Developed in partnership with women in Bradford from the South Asian community, the Muslim Families Screening 4 Life project has seen researchers…
Bradford Vice-Chancellor to retire to spend more time with family
University of Bradford Vice-Chancellor Professor Shirley Congdon is to retire at the end of 2025 to spend more time with her family. Professor Congdon is the University’s eighth vice-chancellor and the first woman to hold the position, which she has held since August 2019. Her legacy includes leading the University to four successive number one rankings…
Summer holiday ‘carnage’ when consequences of VAT imposition on private schools becomes fully known
THE imposition of VAT on private schools could lead to ‘carnage’ in the summer holidays, says a sector specialist in Yorkshire. Fees at the UK’s 2,500 private schools have been liable for 20% VAT since 1 January following a decision made by the government soon after it came to office last July. But, because the measure was introduced mid-academic year, its full effects are just beginning to fully emerge….