Member News Subjects

Community projects to benefit from University-backed fund

Community projects will benefit from a £800,000 fund, part of a project which includes the University of Bradford. The Communities Innovating Yorkshire Fund (CIYF) has launched as part of the Yorkshire and Humber Policy Innovation Partnership (YPIP). Under CIYF, chosen community organisation projects from across Yorkshire and Humber will receive individual awards of up to…

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School pupils on campus for star-studded BBC festival

Stars from social media, television and radio were among the guests inspiring youngsters at an event held at the University of Bradford. The BBC Young Reporter Festival saw students aged 16 to 18 from schools across the Bradford district find out more about a potential career in the media.  They were given the chance to…

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‘AI lifeguard’ start-up wins international award

Deep Blue uses an artificial intelligence algorithm to track dozens of swimmers using existing camera networks and is already being trialled on beach and swimming pool environments in Dubai.  Karl, 44, who is now into his second year of the Executive MBA, won the prestigious Start-Up of the Year Award 2025 in the AMBA &…

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University’s community researchers programme will leave City of Culture legacy

A collaboration between the University of Bradford, University of Southampton and Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture to train ‘community researchers’ as part of Bradford 2025’s legacy has been hailed a success.  The Community Researcher Training Programme, led by Gail Smith, Evaluation Manager for City of Culture, and Professor Karina Croucher, Academic Lead for Bradford…

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EY Foundation Work Experience Focus Group

Join EY Foundation’s Work Experience Focus Group for Local Businesses & Employers in the Bradford District Interested in sharing your views on the benefits or barriers to offering work experience in your organisation, and hearing perspectives from other local businesses? Join the EY Foundation’s Work Experience Focus Group for Local Businesses & Employers on Friday…

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Yorkshire Building Society appoints Chief Commercial Officer

Yorkshire Building Society has appointed a new Chief Commercial Officer. Simon Watson will join the mutual on 1 May from NatWest Group, where he has worked since 2011. Currently in the role of Managing Director of Affluent Banking & Investing, he has held a number of senior leadership positions spanning personal and private banking, digital…

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Bulls welcome new partner on board

Bradford Bulls announces that First Bus has become an official partner help grow grassroots interest in rugby league and support greener goals of the club. To celebrate the agreement, members of its Bradford Bulls Foundation showed off new kit for the upcoming season which features the First Bus logo, together with mascot Bullboy, club management…

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10 years of rewarding food industry excellence at Verner Wheelock

Food industry training expert Verner Wheelock has just announced the winners of its annual Excellence Awards. The business, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, is the training company of choice for numerous well-known food manufacturers and has trained thousands of delegates over the years. The Verner Wheelock Excellence Awards, launched 10 years ago, recognise outstanding…

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Bulls take flight with new partnership

Bradford Bulls are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Leeds Bradford Airport, marking a collaboration that will see the airport’s branding feature prominently on the back of the club’s Academy and Scholarship kits for the 2025 season. As part of this dynamic partnership, the Bradford Bulls will also benefit from enhanced visibility through…

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Bradford BID partners with West Yorkshire Police for ‘Report It Campaign’

Bradford Business Improvement District (BID) is proud to announce a new partnership with West Yorkshire Police to launch the ‘Report It Campaign.’ This collaborative initiative aims to encourage businesses and members of the public to report all non-emergency incidents, such as anti-social behaviour and shop theft, by contacting 101 or using the online reporting platform….

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Bulls take 39 steps forward

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the renewal of their longstanding partnership with 39 Steps Consulting. A valued sponsor and supporter of the club, 39 Steps Consulting continues to play a key role in backing the Bulls as the team prepares for an exciting 2025 season. 39 Steps Consulting, a trusted name in business consulting/development,…

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How boxing can embrace AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) can play a transformative role in sports such as boxing, according to a University of Bradford academic.  Dr Kamran Mahroof, Programme leader for MSc Applied AI and Data Analytics, and his PhD student, Saima Sammad, make the case for boxing’s potential use of AI. They propose that the use of AI in…

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Bradford College student to receive £150,000 business funding

A Bradford College student has been making waves in the business world with Microsoft pledging £150,000 funding towards digital infrastructure for his start-up. Abdul Rahman Majid’s innovative idea, ‘Kallabot’, was initially formed when he moved to Bradford and experienced difficulties trying to communicate with utility companies regarding bill payments. Kallabot is described as an ‘AI-powered call-centre solution’ which offers automated…

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‘We rowed the Atlantic’ – Par-oar-medics celebrate completing challenge

A trio of University of Bradford graduates are celebrating after completing an epic fundraising challenge. Ken Bordt, Tom Dowdy and Ethan Chapman – known as the Par-oar-medics – reached Antigua – the destination of their 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic. It took them 48 days, four hours and 17 minutes to complete the Talisker Whisky…

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Award-winning School of Management still tops the list

The University of Bradford’s award-winning School of Management, one of the top business schools in the world and one of only a handful to hold ‘triple accreditation’ from EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA, has been praised for equipping students with job-ready skills.  It is one of the oldest business schools in the country and remains one…

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£20,000 donation for children who are ‘One In A Million’

A children’s charity has received £20,000 to continue its work in the Keighley community following a donation from a local manufacturer. One In A Million is dedicated to engaging with children and young people in disadvantaged areas through sports, arts and enterprise and has benefitted from the money gifted by chemical specialist, Airedale Group. It…

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New employment partner joins Schofield Sweeney

Andy Gilchrist has been appointed as a partner in the employment team at Yorkshire-based law firm, Schofield Sweeney. Andy is a multi-award winning employment lawyer and joins the firm from Lupton Fawcett, where he was Head of Employment. Andy has advised on significant employment law cases in the UK, and also businesses with operations overseas….

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Yorkshire shines a light on sustainability in sport

The 30th Golf Environment Awards (GEAs), hosted by STRI Group took place yesterday, 22nd January, during the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition week in Harrogate. Bringing together golf’s environmental champions from across the globe, the prestigious awards saw its 30th year of celebrations in Yorkshire, hosted by a Yorkshire-based design and management consultancy. The applications reached…

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University of Bradford: Different is what we do

The University of Bradford has launched a campaign – Different is what we do – to highlight how it makes a difference, improves students’ life chances and contributes to the economy.  From pioneering disruptive technologies and using the latest in AI and digital tech to offering an outstanding student experience and winning national plaudits for…

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Par-oar-medics near end of epic Atlantic challenge

An intrepid team of University of Bradford graduates are tackling the last leg of an epic fundraising challenge. Ken Bordt, Tom Dowdy and Ethan Chapman – known as the Par-oar-medics – now have less than 500 miles to go on the 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic. The trio have been tackling the Talisker Whisky Atlantic…

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Greenpower Kit Car Challenge launched across Bradford schools

School pupils across the region have the chance to build a battery-powered kit car and race in an epic grand finale following the launch of the 2025 ‘Bradford College Greenpower Challenge.’ The annual Challenge runs in partnership with Greenpower Education Trust to kickstart interest in engineering careers. The project helps to unlock potential and spark enthusiasm in young…

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CO2Sustain strengthens their team for 2025

CO2Sustain will be hitting the ground running in 2025 with two key hires joining the company. Our new team members have been onboarded to help further accelerate the company’s growth plans. Simon Briggs will be responsible for key strategic geographical growth areas and Chris Watts has joined us to strengthen our new product development and…

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TWC Facilities & Kodiak Self Storage support the local community with generous contributions

TWC Facilities Ltd, a Thirsk based washroom services company, has once again demonstrated its dedication to supporting the local Thirsk community by donating 30 sleeping bags to the Thirsk Homeless Organisation (THO) as part of their Christmas Appeal. This will help to provide warmth and comfort to individuals in need during the winter months. In…

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Longstanding insurance firm backs Bradford

This month saw the eye-catching launch of Bradford City of Culture 2025, with thousands of people braving the freezing cold weather to enjoy its launch, and one firm that has backed the Bradford City of Culture from the start is TL Dallas. Independent insurance broker and risk management firm, TL Dallas was established in Bradford…

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Schofield Sweeney announces six promotions to start the year

Leading law firm Schofield Sweeney has started the year by promoting six colleagues for their outstanding contributions. The firm invests heavily in the career ambitions of its colleagues through learning, development and progression opportunities. Pardeep Khela has been promoted to partner in the real estate team. His expertise include high value landlord and tenant matters,…

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£1.18 million glaucoma study will take a fresh look at retina scanning technology

A £1.18m University of Bradford project funded by the Medical Research Council could help improve diagnosis of glaucoma while reducing misdiagnosis rates. Glaucoma is the world’s leading cause of irreversible blindness, affecting 3% of those aged over 40 in the UK. It is also becoming more common as the population ages, with 112 million people…

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Woodhouse Grove sixth form taster day

DEADLINE TO REGISTER 31ST JANUARY 2025 – GET YOUR SPOT NOW! Our forward-thinking Sixth Form offers you a choice of pathways to help you excel on your terms. Tailor your learning based on your personal strengths and passions. Our programme’s flexibility and our care and commitment to the individual will free you to unlock your…

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15 years of putting ‘washroom services’ at the heart of our business

Thirsk based TWC Facilities Ltd, a leading provider of washroom solutions, is proudly celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. Since its humble beginnings, the company has grown into the region’s top choice for washroom services in the North of England, offering a range of services including washroom management, waste services, floor mat solutions, and consumables….

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Yorkshire Building Society hires new Director of People and Culture

Yorkshire Building Society has appointed a new Director of People and Culture. Kirsty Webb will join the mutual on 3 February, bringing 25 years’ experience in people and HR leadership roles. She was most recently HR Director Group Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Interim Head of Talent for the Retail Division at Barclays Bank, where…

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New Head of Trade Credit at TL Dallas

A highly experienced industry professional has joined the trade credit division of independent insurance and risk management firm, TL Dallas Group. Peter Hodgson is joining the Bradford headquartered family and employee-owned firm as Director of Trade Credit. Peter will work alongside Simon Hyde, who has been with TL Dallas for over 25 years, and has…

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Expect Distribution back the Bulls in 2025

Bradford Bulls are excited to announce the renewal of their partnership with Expect Distribution, who will continue as the club’s season-long match ball sponsor for the 2025 season. Having initially joined the Bulls in 2024, Expect Distribution has become an integral part of the matchday experience, with their iconic truck, Ernie, delivering the match ball…

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Schofield Sweeney advises Vickers Laboratories on sale to Calibre Scientific

Vickers Laboratories, who has served the chemical industry for over 50 years have sold their entire issued share capital to Calibre Scientific, an acquirer headquartered in Los Angeles. Calibre Scientific is a global provider of life science reagents, tools, instruments, and other consumables to lab research, diagnostics, industrial, and biopharmaceutical communities. Extending to over 175…

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Regal Food Products Group Plc are delighted to announce its partnership extension with Bradford City AFC

The partnership extension will see the Regal Group continue as Bradford City’s official shorts sponsor as an official club partner until at least the summer of 2025. Davide Longo, City’s chief commercial officer, said: “We are delighted to see Regal extending their backing of the club by a further year, to remain on the back…

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Regal Foods CEO Younis Chaudhry awarded MBE in New Year Honours List

CEO of Regal Food Products Group Plc, Younis Chaudhry has been recognised in the New Year Honours List with an MBE for his services to business and to the community of Bradford. For over twenty years Younis Chaudhry has excelled in British business and international trade, all whilst giving back at every opportunity to the…

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2025 must herald new dawn for new homes – housing association CEO

The chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has said 2025 must be the year for the government to “inject real momentum” into its housebuilding plans if Ministers are to meet their pledge to deliver 1.5 million new homes by the end of this Parliament. In a New Year message, Lee Bloomfield reflected on…

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Yorkshire garden centre group donates to Bradford Central food bank

The teams at a Bradford headquartered garden centre group have donated to foodbanks in areas around their centres. Yorkshire Garden Centres donated over 400 items to food banks serving the communities around their sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, York and Scarborough. Employees at all sites have donated non-perishable food items to be distributed to…

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£50,000 awarded to charities by local manufacturer

A North Yorkshire manufacturer has continued its tradition of supporting charities and good causes with another year of generous community donations. Chemical specialist, Airedale Group, has donated £50,000 to a variety of worthwhile causes in 2024 and received recognition for its community work in the form an industry award. Amongst the recipients of this year’s…

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Yorkshire garden centre group adds a seventh site to the family

Bradford-based Yorkshire Garden Centres Group has announced it will operate a further site in West Yorkshire. The former Dobbies Garden Centre Pennine in Huddersfield will join the YGC Partners business, which also acquired the Deans Garden Centres in York and Scarborough earlier this year. Mark Farnsworth, MD of Yorkshire Garden Centres said: “We are delighted…

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Leeds garden centre donates ice rink session for Inclusive Skating Awards

The team at a South Leeds garden centre ice rink hosted a group of skaters for a unique awards ceremony that coincided with World Ice Skating Day on 15th December. Adrian Jack, Professional Ice Skating Coach at Bradford Ice Arena, sought an outdoor ice rink to host an awards ceremony for some of his skaters…

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Groundbreaking ceremony marks start of construction on £17m Future Technologies Centre

A symbolic groundbreaking ceremony marked a major step forward in the construction of Bradford College’s purpose-built £17m Future Technologies Centre. Members of the Bradford College management team were joined by representatives from Morgan Sindall Construction and the Department for Education to celebrate construction commencing on site. The project received £15 million from the Department for…

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MHA’s Christmas MELA brings community spirit to life in Keighley 

More than 200 local residents came together in Victoria Hall in Keighley to enjoy a celebration of culture, unity and festive joy at Christmas MELA 2024 hosted by Manningham Housing Association (MHA). There was something for everyone including a visit from Santa Claus, a festive photo booth, DJ, henna art and facepainting, calligraphy, a charity…

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Yorkshire garden centre group donates Christmas trees to Wilsden WI

The teams at a Bradford headquartered garden centre group have donated Christmas trees to community causes in areas around their centres. Yorkshire Garden Centres donated 10 real and artificial trees to causes serving the communities around their sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, York and Scarborough. One of the beneficiaries was Wilsden WI following a…

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Bulls awarded Armed Forces Gold Covenant

Bradford Bulls are proud to announce that the club has been awarded the prestigious Armed Forces Gold Covenant, recognising their outstanding commitment to supporting the armed forces community. This award, the highest recognition under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, highlights the club’s dedication to fostering relationships with the armed forces, providing opportunities for veterans and…

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MHA welcomes Government representatives to Keighley and Bradford

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has hosted senior strategy and policy staff from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on a two day factfinding trip. The visit was part of MHCLG’s Social Housing Immersion Programme which provides a bridge for policy and strategy staff to engage with housing associations and tenants across the…

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Top Notch backing for the Bulls in 2025.

Bradford Bulls are excited to announce a new partnership with Top Notch North West Ltd, who will join the club as one of our main sponsors for the 2025 season. As part of this significant collaboration, Top Notch’s branding will feature prominently on the front of the Bulls’ away replica and playing shirt next year….

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Yorkshire garden centre group donates Christmas trees to West Yorkshire causes

The teams at a Bradford headquartered garden centre group have donated Christmas trees to community causes in areas around their centres. Yorkshire Garden Centres donated 10 real and artificial trees to causes serving the communities around their sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley, Batley, York and Scarborough. One of the beneficiaries was the Women’s and Newborn…

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New Director of Operations appointed at Manningham Housing Association

Saqib Saleem is joining Manningham Housing Association (MHA) as Director of Operations. Amongst a broad range of responsibilities, he will lead on the delivery of customer facing services and drive MHA’s asset management strategy, including overseeing its property portfolio. Mr Saleem is currently Director of Strategy and Regulation at Altair where he leads a team…

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Dransfield Novelty Company acquires Crystal & Son Group to strengthen northern presence

Dransfield Novelty Company Limited, the largest British-owned UK supplier of gaming machines and entertainment products to pubs and clubs, has acquired Newcastle Upon Tyne-based, Crystal & Son Group. This strategic purchase marks another milestone for the family-owned business, which boasts a proud 75-year history. The acquisition further enhances Dransfield’s range of goods and services it…

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