Yorkshire garden centre group creates new roles to support growth
A Bradford headquartered garden centre group has created three new roles to support growth at its six sites. Yorkshire Garden Centres has sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley and has recently acquired Dean’s of York and Scarborough. The new roles of Group People and Culture Manager, Group Catering Operations Manager and Giftware and Christmas…
The power of premium packaging to enhance your bottom line
Packaging often plays a pivotal role in competitive business-to-business (B2B) commerce. While its primary function is to protect products, premium packaging goes beyond mere protection, serving as a strategic tool that can significantly enhance a company’s customer retention and profitability. This article delves into the benefits of high-quality packaging and how it can drive business…
Bradford mill demolition paves way for £17m cutting-edge future technologies centre
Newly appointed contractor Morgan Sindall Construction has commenced demolition of a derelict mill on Thornton Road, making way for Bradford College’s purpose-built Future Technologies Centre. The demolition of Junction Mills marks the start of construction on the state-of-the-art four-storey building, which will become the home of modern automotive and digital engineering training at Bradford College. Once opened, the…
It’s BRSK at Bartercard Odsal Stadium!
We are delighted to announce an exciting, new partnership with full-fibre broadband specialists BRSK! Founded in 2020, BRSK are now rolling out their full-fibre Broadband, which will provide speeds of up to 1 Gigabyte per second, in West Yorkshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Calderdale and Birmingham. The partnership will see BRSK branding located in and around…
Family fun day at Bartercard Odsal Stadium!
Tickets are on sale for the Bulls’ return to Bartercard Odsal Stadium on Sunday 11th August, with Whitehaven RLFC the visitors for a 3:00pm kick off. The Bulls are looking to complete the league double over Jonty Gorley’s side following a 36-18 success up in Cumbria in June – where Mitch Souter, Jayden Myers, Kieran…
Bradford College degree approved by Social Work England
Social Work England has approved the full-time BA (Hons) Social Work degree at Bradford College as meeting rigorous industry standards. The result comes after a challenging inspection from 16-19 April by Social Work England – the regulatory body that monitors and approves social work education and training programmes across the country. The result means Bradford College…
Bradford garden centre partners with Science and Media Museum for drop in play sessions
Tong Garden Centre has collaborated with the National Science and Media Museum to offer a series of summer holiday drop in activity sessions this summer. On August 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th, visitors to Grass Hoppers indoor and outdoor play at Tong Garden will be able to participate in fun activities and science demonstrations led…
Yorkshire IT company gets boost from Theo Paphitis
A Cross Hills based firm has received recognition and a business boost from retail guru Theo Paphitis. Last week, Sara Haggas, Sales and Marketing Manager at Comprendo, posted about the business on the former Dragon’s Den star’s Instagram account during ‘Small Business Sunday’. As a result, Comprendo became one of six weekly winners to receive…
New non-executive director appointed at Yorkshire Building Society
Yorkshire Building Society has confirmed Peter Bole has will join its Board as Non-Executive Director on 1 September. Peter has over 30 years’ experience in financial services and has held the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Tesco Bank and Virgin Money, where he went on to become Group Integration Director. In his current…
Popular fruit and veg stall at a Bradford garden centre extends opening hours
A family run fruit and veg stall at a Bradford garden centre has extended its opening hours due to public demand. Porters Fruit and Vegetable stalls have been a familiar sight outside hospitals in the region since 2016 and they recently trialled a stall at Tong Garden Centre in Bradford. Such was the success of…
Housing association CEO calls for political unity after King’s Speech building reforms
The chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has urged politicians from all parties to support more housebuilding following the announcement in today’s King’s Speech of proposed changes to planning laws and the introduction of housing targets to boost the delivery of new homes. In a statement, Lee Bloomfield said: “The country has endured a…
Regal Foods expands in chilled desserts sector with Love Cheesecakes acquisition
Yorkshire-based food group, Regal Food Products Group Plc is set to boost its chilled desserts offer with the acquisition of artisan cheesecake makers, Love Cheesecakes. Based in Lancaster, Love Cheesecakes specialises in handcrafting over 100 premium cheesecakes for wholesale, food services and the hospitality sector. Focusing on single serve and canapé style cheesecakes, the bakery…
Emergency services day is back!
Tickets are on sale for Sunday’s clash with York Knights as our popular Emergency Services Day returns to Bartercard Odsal! The Bulls are looking to return to winning ways following a narrow defeat to the unbeaten league leaders Wakefield Trinity last time out, while York Knights have enjoyed an upturn in form since Mark Applegarth…
Join in: seven ‘Days of Action’ to help clean up Bradford, Keighley and Huddersfield
Housing provider Incommunities has announced a series of ‘Days of Action’ to help clean up local areas. The seven Days of Action will see Incommunities teaming up with local residents to undertake activities like litter picking, painting, and planting shrubs. Colleagues from Bradford Council, Kirklees Council and West Yorkshire Police will also be on hand…
Yorkshire Building Society puts forward five opportunities for the new government
Yorkshire Building Society is calling on the new government to support first-time buyers, savers and the mutual sector. The Society also wants to boost skilled jobs outside London and is proposing that all primary school children in England should have lessons on managing money. The mutual is contacting MPs and sharing its five ‘Opportunities for…
Real estate team reports strong performance in first half of 2024
Award-winning law firm, Schofield Sweeney, has announced a busy and successful first half of 2024 for its real estate team. In what is perceived to be an unsure market, the team continues to manage and conduct significant transactions, reflecting both the robust market conditions and the team’s expertise in handling complex real estate deals. This…
Excellence in education celebrated at Bradford College STAR Awards
Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford was filled with excitement and anticipation for the first-ever Bradford College STAR Awards ceremony. The prestigious event celebrated outstanding achievements and excellence in education, honouring College students and employers for their remarkable contributions over the past academic year. The new Awards recognise those who have gone above and beyond in their…
Otley garden centre provides plants to renovate Leeds children’s charity garden
The team at Otley Garden Centre has provided subsidised plants to support the renovation of three areas of Leeds Children’s Charity’s Lineham Farm in Eccup. Leeds University student, Aaron Cook approached Otley Garden Centre for support when he and fellow university students wanted to renovate the garden at Lineham Farm in memory of a friend…
Running with the Bulls
Bradford Bulls Foundation, our official Charity Partner, are pleased to announce our exciting new partnership with FORDY RUNS RUNNING CLUB! The Bulls Foundation mission is to make a positive difference in Bradford, and they do this by delivering projects throughout the Bradford community and utilising the power of Rugby League and other sports to influence…
Future of Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival secured by Cocker Hoop Creative
Acquisition of assets and intellectual property (IP) revives festival after liquidation of previous event owner Events By B3 Ltd Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival to return in 2025, showcasing the best of local and regional food, drink, and culinary talent Payments by traders due to attend the cancelled 2024 event will be honoured for…
Mandale Industrial Park purchased by MDP NE29 Ltd
MDP NE29 Ltd have successfully acquired Mandale Industrial Park, located on Wallsend Road, North Shields for a purchase price in excess of £10 million. The estate comprises 39 units, including 24 hybrid units and 14 industrial units. Nigel Arnott, Head of Compliance/Industry Development for MDP NE29 Ltd, commented, “The acquisition of Mandale Industrial Park is…
Inspirational Carolina is a Housing Hero
A Manningham Housing Association (MHA) employee who paved the way for the Bradford-based organisation to become the first housing association in the world to achieve the global Standard for Diversity and Inclusion for HR Management has been named Inspirational Colleague of the Year at the Housing Heroes Awards 2024. Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira, who joined…
Azets takes Pride in diversity
Top 10 UK accountancy firm Azets in Yorkshire has strengthened its support for the LGBT+ community with backing for this June’s Pride celebrations. The company has a longstanding commitment to equality, diversity and inclusivity for its 3,000 staff in 70 offices and the clients they serve. Azets’ Yorkshire region has led the way by backing…
South Leeds Garden Centre celebrates nationwide EV rally with free charging on 2nd July
The team at a South Leeds garden centre group is celebrating after being invited to host a prestigious event for electric vehicles next month. Tingley Garden Centre is home to one of the largest electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Yorkshire and has been selected to host an event as part of a five-day 1400-mile…
Bulls and Solenis launch junior initiative
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce an exciting, new partnership with Solenis – which will see 100 junior tickets donated to local schools/charitable children’s organisations for every league game between now and the end of the 2027 season! Solenis’ Bradford Manufacturing facility is just minutes from the club’s Bartercard Odsal Stadium home – with the…
Yorkshire-grown plants selected to honour rugby legend
The team at a South Leeds garden centre have used Yorkshire-grown bedding plants to create a floral tribute to honour rugby league legend Rob Burrow. This week, the team at Tingley Garden Centre planted a 7.4m2 memorial tribute at Headingley using pansies grown by Dalby’s in York. The garden was designed by Marc Salama, Commercial…
Bradford College receives £2.6m grant to help tackle climate change
Bradford College has been awarded a £2.6 million grant for energy-efficiency works that will contribute to ambitious national net-zero targets. Delivered by Salix and run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Phase 3c Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) aims to slash energy bills and reduce carbon emissions. The Scheme targets public…
LBB joins BB!
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of Australian-born forward Logan Bayliss-Brow on a two and a half-year deal – subject to international clearance! The towering 24-year-old joins from Queensland Cup outfit Redcliffe Dolphins. The Bulls would like to thank the Bradford Bulls Squad Booster Association for their help in making this happen. Bayliss-Brow,…
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…