Member News Subjects

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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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£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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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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,…

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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….

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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….

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University nursery to remain open following consultation

The University of Bradford Nursery will remain open following consultation over its future.   The University announced a review of its early years’ service in March as part of a drive to save at least £16m in the next 12 months.  The consultation involved talks with staff, parents and carers, trade unions and other stakeholders.  Dave…

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Bradford BID launches two new creative city centre events to celebrate culture and community

Bradford Business Improvement District (BID) is launching two exciting events designed to inspire creativity, bring people together, and showcase the city centre in a fresh and engaging way. The first event, a Family Photo Walk, will take place on Thursday 1 August, starting from Waterstones at 11am. Participants will follow a guided route through the…

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Friday Night Fever is back!

Bradford Bulls are turning up the heat this summer as Friday Night Fever makes a spectacular return to Bartercard Odsal Stadium on Friday 4 July – Adults can gain entry from just £10 and Under 18-s GO FREE! A electrifying evening of entertainment both on and off the pitch awaits as the Bulls face Hunslet RLFC in a must-see rugby league showdown, kicking…

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New product launch at IFT Chicago – TasteMod2 is unveiled

CO2Sustain a leader in flavour innovation, is proud to announce the launch of TasteMod2, a groundbreaking Flavour with Modifying Properties (FMP), specifically developed to help beverage manufacturers meet the growing demand for healthier, zero and lower-sugar drinks—without compromising on taste. CO2Sustain have a healthy obsession with how things taste. We understand that taste is the…

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Bradford City fans’ stories shared at stadium project

Bradford City AFC supporters’ memories of the club have been brought to life through an innovative virtual reality (VR)-inspired project from the University of Bradford. ‘Stories from Valley Parade’ has seen academics create a digital copy of the University of Bradford Stadium, traditionally known as Valley Parade, which people can explore through VR. The project…

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HMRC list 57 Yorkshire employers for minimum wage breaches

Businesses in Yorkshire could potentially face financial penalties for underpaying staff on wages. The latest list published by the Department for Business & Trade and HMRC includes 518 businesses in the UK which hadn’t correctly paid minimum wage. Some high-profile businesses are named, including one where underpaid wages exceeded £1.1 million. It shows that there…

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Premier League and STRI Group document benchmark for pitch quality

The Premier League, widely considered the world’s most competitive football league, understandably put the playing surface at the heart of everything they do. The recently launched Premier League Pitch Standards Framework is a resource that documents the requirements of establishing and maintaining an elite surface, that performs to the highest standards and keeps players safe….

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Ranking success for University of Bradford

The University of Bradford has been 511 in the world and 47 in United Kingdom, according to the 22nd edition of the world’s most-consulted university rankings. The QS Word University Rankings 2026, released today by global higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds, sees University of Bradford move up 20 places from last year’s ranking of 531….

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Stark warnings about World War 3 from Soviet-era nuclear test site

“Brutal.” That’s how Dr Becky Alexis-Martin, from the University of Bradford, described her recent trip to  Kazakhstan to understand the long-term effects of four decades’ of nuclear testing.  Her comments are especially poignant given the current state of affairs in the Middle East, as the conflict between Israel and Iran ramps up and the threat…

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Pot shot for Bradford archaeology student

University of Bradford archaeology student Lucy Benoit has spoken about working with Time Team Online on a site where experts unearthed a rare Anglo-Saxon pot known as the Bromeswell Bucket. Time Team’s dig at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk revealed an Anglo-Saxon burial – Lucy was filmed for a live broadcast on YouTube, helping with the geophysical…

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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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