South Leeds adventure attraction launches schools’ transition packages
Following a successful series of Teachers’ Days and Drop-Ins, an adventure play attraction in Leeds is launching four packages for year seven pupils. Developed by a qualified primary and outdoor educational instructor, Gemma Constantine, Manager of Mission Out at Tingley Garden Centre, the packages have been designed to help new secondary school pupils get to…
O’Carroll pens contract extension
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce head coach Eamon O’Carroll has signed a one-year contract extension – to commit his future to the club until the end of the 2027 season! The 37-year-old signed an initial three-year deal as head coach prior to the start of the current campaign and has since led us to…
Bulls turn it up to the Max
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of Brisbane Tigers’ three-quarter Max Lehmann on a deal until the end of the season – subject to international clearance. The 24-year-old joins from the Queensland Cup outfit where he has scored 16 tries in 22 appearances since his debut in 2023. Lehmann is an American-born speedster,…
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…
Affordable homes scheme underscores association’s strong commitment to Keighley
The chief executive of Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has spoken of his pride after the organisation handed over the keys to new tenants of 11 properties which make up the first phase of a new development of 20 affordable homes in Keighley. The remaining nine properties are nearing completion and will be occupied later this…
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…
Yorkshire Building Society joins network helping less advantaged progress
Yorkshire Building Society has joined a network of organisations aimed at making sure colleagues can progress in their financial services careers, regardless of their background. The announcement comes ahead of Social Mobility Day, on 13 June, which aims to promote opportunities at work for all and show people from less advantaged backgrounds they can progress….
Yorkshire Building Society colleagues clock up 6,500 hours for good causes
Colleagues at Yorkshire Building Society gave over 6,500 hours of their time to good causes in 2023 and the Society hopes that even more will get involved with community activities this year, the mutual has said ahead of Volunteers’ Week (3-9 June). Yorkshire Building Society allows each employee up to 31 hours of volunteering time…
Bradford bike shop wins award for UK’s ‘Smallest and Greatest’ firms
Pennine Cycles has been crowned Britain’s best High Street Hero small business at The Small Awards A business from Bradford, which is an independent bicycle shop, was celebrated as best High Street Hero business at this year’s Small Awards. Pennine Cycles won the award which recognises and celebrates the nation’s standout independents that play a…
Celebrating 20 years in 2020 for Pennine Cycles
Bradford bike shop owners Paul and Sandra Corcoran are celebrating owning their business, Pennine Cycles, for 20 years this month. February is the 20th anniversary for the couple who bought the business after the previous owner and founder of Pennine Cycles, Johnny Mapplebeck retired and emigrated to Canada when he was 80 years old. Paul,…
West Yorkshire plantsman fulfils a lifelong ambition to build an RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden
Such is a Halifax plant buyer’s commitment to conservation and gardening that he used annual leave to volunteer on the build of an award-winning garden at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Marc Salama took leave from his position as Commercial Plant Manager at Yorkshire Garden Centres to work on the Gold medal-winning Water Aid…
Bradford’s largest housing provider opens new hubs in the community
Housing provider Incommunities has opened two of a planned five local community hubs, helping customers to access their services face-to-face. The hubs will mean that customers in Allerton, Bradford and Deighton, Huddersfield can speak to Incommunities staff without having to travel to Shipley or making a home appointment. The two new hubs are located at…
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…
Melissa Butler joins AWB Charlesworth Solicitors
Melissa Butler has joined AWB Charlesworth Solicitors as paralegal in the Wills, Trusts and Probate department. AWB Charlesworth’s work in this area is growing, and they now have a team of eleven, including five solicitors and a specialist probate and trusts accountant. In turn, the department works closely with other departments in the firm: Residential…
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…
Bradford College Vice Principal named Muslim Woman of the Year
A Bradford College Vice Principal has been named Muslim Woman of the Year at a prestigious national awards ceremony. Alina Khan won the ‘Noor Inayat Khan Muslim Woman of the Year’ category at the British Muslim Awards 2024 which took place at the Muslim Heritage Centre in Manchester. Now in their 11th year, the British Muslim Awards…
Oscrete lays “foundations for play” at Bradford primary schools
Employees at Bradford concrete admixture manufacturer Oscrete went back to school this month to improve the grounds at a local primary where two of the staff started their education. Oscrete’s concrete technicians and brothers Michael and Keiron Todd attended Lower Fields Primary School in Bradford between 2001 and 2011 and returned with colleagues this month…
Interest rates held, for now – Economist’s view
Commenting on the Bank of England’s decision to hold interest rates today, Max Shepherd, Group Economist at Yorkshire Building Society, said: “The Bank of England has agreed to leave the base rate unchanged, at 5.25%, as expected. Andrew Bailey has said he is optimistic things are moving in the right direction, implying interest rate cuts…
Bradford College team up with Sewell Construction for ambitious T Level project
Bradford College have partnered with Sewell Construction for the creation of their new multi-million-pound T Level facilities. The work, which starts in May, will involve the remodelling of a number of areas within the College’s David Hockney Building to create a high-quality training environment, enabling students to learn skills which will help them in their…
Fifty is the magic number for Alan
A leading light in Yorkshire’s business world has called time on an illustrious career spanning fifty years in accountancy. Alan Wintersgill has stepped down as a consultant with top ten UK accountancy and business advisory firm Azets in Bradford exactly half a century after he qualified as a chartered accountant in 1974. He opened his…
Yorkshire garden centre group smashes its fundraising target for its Charity of the Year
The team at Yorkshire Garden Centres is celebrating after raising over £24,000 for its 2023 Charity of the Year, Yorkshire Air Ambulance. The teams at Yorkshire Garden Centres’ four sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley had aimed to raise £19,000 for the independent charity that relies solely on donations to provide its lifesaving rapid…
Celeb chef hosts dinner kickstarting £32million Bradford College redevelopment
Over 40 VIP guests attended a launch dinner at The Grove Restaurant to hear about exciting plans set to transform Bradford College Hosted by former MasterChef finalist Exose Grant, the event showcased several of the College’s extensive construction projects, which will soon take shape. Projects include new £3.5m vocational T Level facilities, a £6.9m refurbishment…
Yorkshire Building Society welcomes new Chair at Annual General Meeting and donates £25,000 to Fareshare
Yorkshire Building Society welcomed new chair Annemarie Durbin at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Met Hotel in Leeds last week. Members voted overwhelmingly in favour of all resolutions, including the appointment of board members, and in so doing raised £25,000 for FareShare, the mutual’s charity partner. The Society donated 20p for every vote…
Bradford Bulls Foundation’s May Heritage Lunch to feature Head Coach Eamon O’Carroll
The Bradford Bulls Foundation is delighted to announce the upcoming May Heritage Lunch, featuring a special appearance by Bradford Bulls Head Coach, Eamon O’Carroll. The event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 30th, 2024, at Bartercard Odsal Stadium. The Heritage Lunch, a beloved tradition hosted by the Bradford Bulls Foundation, occurs on the…
Relentless dedication earns Housing Hero status for Carolina
Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira, Corporate Project Manager at Manningham Housing Association (MHA) in Bradford, has been shortlisted in the Inspirational Colleague of the Year category for the Housing Heroes Awards 2024. Organised by Inside Housing magazine, the awards celebrate “the leaders, innovators and changemakers across the housing sector.” Originally from Brazil, Carolina joined MHA as…
The Big One is back! Next Gen Edition
The Big One is back at Bartercard Odsal Stadium next Wednesday – but this time, it’s the turn of the Next Gen! Our Scholarship side will do battle with Leeds Rhinos’ Scholars from 7:00pm – and we’re targeting a four figure crowd! A raft of internationals have come through both sides junior pathways in years gone…
Bradford Bulls Foundation welcomes James Helliwell as new educational officer
The Bradford Bulls Foundation is thrilled to announce the appointment of James Helliwell as its new Educational Officer. With a commitment to community engagement and educational development, Helliwell brings experience and enthusiasm to his new role. Helliwell joins the Foundation after serving as a dedicated casual sports coach, where he showcased his passion for empowering…
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…
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…
Manningham Housing Association shuts down X account
Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has closed its account on X, formerly known as Twitter. In a statement, a spokesperson for MHA – which manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley – said: “Following a review of our internal and external communications strategy, we have decided to withdraw from X….
Bradford garden centre group is shortlisted for two national HR awards
The team at a Bradford-headquartered garden centre group is celebrating after being shortlisted for two national people and culture awards. Yorkshire Garden Centres Group has reached the finals of both the Best HR Team of the Year and the ESG Program of the Year categories of the UK Company Culture Awards. The awards recognise organisations…
Sixty years of manufacturing marked with regal flourish
Three generations of Haworth’s military accoutrement manufacturer Wyedean Weaving have celebrated 60 years in business. The West Yorkshire firm, which was formed in 1964 by husband and wife team David and Norma Wright, is Haworth’s oldest employer and today produces over 10,000 uniform-based items each year including the King’s Coronation Medal ribbon and most recently,…
Bradford Bulls Foundation empowers local community clubs and the development of rugby
The Bradford Bulls Foundation continues its mission to revolutionise the landscape of rugby league development, proudly welcoming 19 local Community Clubs for the 2024 season. This initiative underscores the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to supporting grassroots rugby and fostering strong ties within the community. “At the Bradford Bulls Foundation, we believe in the power of rugby…
One In A Million charity launches CHANGE campaign
One In A Million charity is delighted to have been chosen as Mark Cowgill Bradford Chamber of Commerce president’s chosen charity during his two year tenure. Mark invites you to support him with his ‘CHANGE’ campaign. As a local business, we are asking you to join us by signing up today to support our CHANGE…
Bradford Bulls are delighted to become the 1st Rugby League club in the UK to sign up as Muslim Friendly Employers
The Bradford Bulls believe in the power of diversity and the importance of creating environments where everyone feels valued, respected and appreciated. We have received support and guidance from Muslim Friendly Employers’ CEO Humayun Islam BEM BCAc in recent weeks, with a number of exciting developments still to come from this partnership. Humayun Islam BEM…
Yorkshire Building Society supports customers and colleagues with hidden disabilities
Yorkshire Building Society has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, showing its support for customers and colleagues with non-visible disabilities. It is estimated that around 80% of disabilities are non-visible, including physical, mental, sensory and chronic conditions. Branches and offices will display “We Support the Sunflower” stickers and colleagues have taken part in training. Colleagues…
King’s Colour gets finishing touches at Haworth manufacturer’s 60th anniversary event
A Haworth manufacturer is putting the finishing touches to a regimental King’s Colour on its 60th anniversary next week (8 April). Invited guests will have a unique opportunity to see the fourth-generation family business finalising the intricate embroidery of the Irish Guards regimental Colour (flag) alongside the regiment’s King’s Colour which has been selected to…
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce a major new investor in the form of NIC Services Group.
NIC Services Group are West Yorkshire based and are the largest privately owned provider of Facilities Management Services across the UK. Bulls Chairman Nigel Wood OBE said, “We have been talking to NIC for some time and we are delighted that they have joined the club and the board at this very important time in…
Bradford College achieves West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter
Bradford College is one of the latest certified members of the new West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter. Created by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin, the Charter is an ambitious new initiative that supports and celebrates great employers across the region. The Charter welcomes employers of all sizes and across…
New Yorkshire Building Society mortgage helps first-time buyers get on the housing ladder earlier, for just £5k
Yorkshire Building Society is today launching its new and innovative £5k Deposit Mortgage to help tackle one of the biggest issues preventing people from achieving their homeownership dreams. The new mortgage is available directly to customers and via brokers through Accord Mortgages – the lender’s intermediary-only arm. This new and innovative product, believed to be…
Karl Oxford joins Lloyds Bank Black Business Advisory Committee
Lloyds Banking Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Karl Oxford to its Black Business Advisory Committee (BBAC). Since its inception in December 2020, led by Claudine Reid MBE, the BBAC has provided Lloyds Banking Group with invaluable insights into the challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs in Britain, guiding the development of effective strategies to mitigate barriers….
100% Exam Success for Verner Wheelock Ethical Team
Verner Wheelock are delighted to reveal that every member of their Ethical Team has recently passed their IRCA Social Systems Auditor/Lead Auditor examination. This qualification is seen as the industry standard for social auditors and is recognised worldwide. MD Alison Wheelock explains, “Our Ethical Team, including myself, is responsible for organising and co-ordinating all our…
Run with the Bulls
The Bradford Bulls Foundation is excited to unveil the details of “Run with the Bulls,” set to take place on April 14th, 2024, at Odsal Stadium. This event marks a significant milestone as the Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary. “Run with the Bulls” offers participants of all ages and fitness levels the opportunity to engage…
YBS commercial underlines commitment to supporting clients through ongoing commercial market challenges by doubling team
YBS Commercial Mortgages has revealed it expects to double its workforce this year, compared to 2022, bolstering its teams by a further 20 per cent, which builds on an 18 per cent increase in numbers during 2023, taking the total workforce to 105. The commercial lender has taken the opportunity presented by an overall dip…
Partnership delivers digital skills training to over 1,000 people from ethnically diverse communities in Bradford
A partnership to help improve digital and employability skills in Bradford district has celebrated one thousand people completing its programme. The Yorkshire Building Society Digital Skills for Employability in Bradford project is a partnership between the mutual and Good Things Foundation and was established in 2021. The programme aims to provide digital skills training, support…
Bulls reflect on Wakefield Opener
For years it has been well known in Rugby League circles that the two major cities where professional rugby league stadium facilities have been deficient have been Wakefield and Bradford. Friday night demonstrated, should anyone be in any doubt, the economic regeneration that can be achieved by investing in rugby league facilities. The marvellous and wonderful…
School of Law teams up with GMB Union on pioneering project
The School of Law at the University of Bradford is partnering with the GMB (North East, Yorkshire and Humber region) to provide its students with valuable experience around employment law issues. Students will act as accompanying representatives for union members at employee disciplinary hearings where such members do not have a workplace representative. Students who…
Bulls partner with Scouts to donate kits to Morocco
Bradford Bulls, in a gesture of goodwill and community spirit, have collaborated with Bradford Scouts to extend a helping hand to communities in Morocco. Through a heartfelt initiative, the Bulls have generously donated playing kits to the Bradford Scouts groups, who, in turn, carried them to Morocco, fostering sportsmanship and camaraderie across borders. The partnership between…