Rail services between Huddersfield and Leeds to be impacted during May & June as part of major upgrade works
Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) rail engineering work will be undertaken throughout May and June, with significant disruption expected between Huddersfield and Leeds. In addition, trains will not call at Huddersfield on weekends in April. These closures will enable the safe delivery of critical infrastructure upgrades, including track and drainage renewals, bridge works, signalling improvements, and…
New Leeds Beckett University partnership to simplify solar energy adoption for businesses
Electronic engineering and computer science experts at Leeds Beckett University (LBU) are partnering with Huddersfield-based Zenergy Solar on a research-led project designed to make large-scale solar energy systems easier to install, monitor and manage – particularly for organisations operating across multiple sites. The collaboration brings together LBU’s expertise in computing, data systems and applied research…
Beyond burnout: why flow state is your competitive advantage
Your team is working longer hours than ever, sending midnight emails, working weekends in the office, and receiving performance reviews that reward presenteeism. Yet productivity plateaus, sickness absence rises, and your strongest performers begin to disengage and quietly explore other opportunities. This is the paradox of hustle culture in modern business: the belief that more…
AAB acquires fractional finance support business to strengthen support for start-ups and scale-ups
Leading professional services firm, AAB, has today announced the acquisition of RORA, a specialist finance support business focused on start-ups and scale-ups. London-based RORA provides fractional finance leadership to early-stage and high-growth businesses, operating as their dedicated finance team or as specialist support to existing in-house finance functions. The acquisition further strengthens AAB’s capability to…
Celebrating 150 years of Leeds Girls’ High School
This year marks a remarkable milestone in the history of education in Leeds: 150 years since the founding of Leeds Girls’ High School (LGHS). Established in 1876, at a time when academic opportunities for girls were still limited, LGHS was founded with a bold vision — to provide girls with an education equal in rigour…
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Public invited to share views on proposed major rail upgrades between Standedge and Gledholt (Huddersfield)
Communities in and around Huddersfield are being invited to have their say on the next phase of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), as plans are unveiled for significant improvements between Standedge and Gledholt. The proposals form part of the multi-billion-pound programme to modernise the railway between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York, delivering faster, more frequent…
White Rose sees Golden Quarter success
White Rose is celebrating after delivering a strong ‘Golden Quarter’ – the final three months of 2025 – with sales and footfall both up year-on-year. The shopping centre saw strong consumer demand with total sales increasing 9.1% and footfall up 5.2% vs the previous year, significantly outperforming the British Retail Consortium national benchmarks of -0.2%…
Law firm cements sports portfolio with five Rugby League club partnerships
Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors continues to strengthen its presence across professional Rugby League in Yorkshire, with five club partnerships for the 2026 season. The firm has long-standing relationships with Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls and Wakefield Trinity, and in recent years has built on this through partnerships with Huddersfield Giants and Castleford Tigers. This year, the firm…
Core Telecom nominated for Charitable Business of the Year at Yorkshire Choice Awards
We’re thrilled to announce that Core Telecom has been nominated for Charitable Business of the Year at the Yorkshire Choice Awards 2026. This nomination is a tremendous honour and reflects the heart of what we do every day. At Core Telecom, giving back isn’t just something we do — it’s who we are. We’re proud…
AAB announce deal with Kreston Reeves creating a £200m+ group
Leading professional services firms, AAB and Kreston Reeves, have today announced a landmark deal that will take the combined business beyond £200 million in annual revenue, marking a significant step in both firms’ long-term growth strategy. The combined business will employ more than 1,800 people across 23 locations in the UK and Ireland. AAB has…
Go wild this February half term with White Rose’s jungle adventure
Families are invited to swing into February half term at White Rose Shopping Centre as its much-loved free craft club returns with a roarsome jungle-themed experience for little explorers from Monday 16th – Friday 20th. Fun for the whole family, drop-in crafting sessions will be held from 10am – 4pm each day in White Rose’s Central…
National Apprenticeship Week: Shaping the future of rail in the North
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is marking National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9-15 February) by celebrating the impact being made by its investment in local skills, careers and talent. TRU will deliver faster, more frequent trains on a greener, more reliable railway. With the programme firmly in its delivery phase and many benefits already being realised,…
Leeds students gain real-world sustainability experience as part of live construction project
Product design students have been set a real-world sustainability challenge following a visit to a major live construction project in Leeds. Students from Elliott Hudson College were welcomed on site while work is underway to significantly expand the existing Primark store at White Rose Shopping Centre. Lindum Group is delivering the project on behalf of…
LCB welcomes new Vice Principal of Finance & Resources
Leeds College of Building (LCB) had announced Chris Duncan as its new Vice Principal – Finance & Resources. He takes up the role after serving as Deputy Director of Finance at Leeds Trinity University and Group Finance Director at Luminate Education Group. Chris’s extensive experience spans positions in the private and public sectors, including roles…
Mirfield station transformation for faster, more connected travel across the North
Customers in Mirfield will now benefit from a transformed station which includes new step-free access, longer platforms and improved facilities, marking the latest milestone in the £11 billion Transpennine Route Upgrade. This work will also enable longer trains with more seats to stop at the station and faster, more reliable journeys in the future, delivering…
Browse the region’s best independent crafts at White Rose’s Yorkshire Market
White Rose Shopping Centre invites guests to shop local as R.S.H Artisan Markets brings a new Yorkshire Market to the centre every month, showcasing an assortment of handmade crafts and gifts. Taking place in the Central Atrium the first weekend of each month between February and October, visitors can support local businesses and find truly…
Bridging the gap in Ravensthorpe
Significant progress is being made in the delivery of upgrades by the Transpennine Route Upgrade team in Ravensthorpe, West Yorkshire following the closure of the station in December, with work on the new Calder Road bridge and Baker Viaduct well underway. TRU will build a new, modernised Ravensthorpe station 200m west of the current site,…
Freight Island announced as new operator ahead of Trinity Kitchen’s £15m expansion
Trinity Leeds has revealed that Freight Island, the team behind the UK’s leading food hall and entertainment venue, will operate the expanded Trinity Kitchen – delivering a one-of-a-kind destination and an unrivalled food hall experience to Leeds. Since launching in 2013, Trinity Kitchen has redefined the traditional food court model by pioneering an authentic indoor…
Carbon Neutral Group lists sector net zero readiness in Hospitality, FMCG, Manufacturing, Logistics and Retail
Carbon Neutral Group, who work with organisations to build actionable net zero roadmaps, grounded in robust carbon accounting and operational change, has reviewed industry sectors and their road in sustainability, specifically those who are leading the way to becoming net zero, by examining their decarbonisation progress across five major industries. When it comes down to…
7 Essential Copilot Updates Businesses Need to Understand in 2026
Microsoft Copilot has already rolled out a series of updates that subtly but significantly change how work happens across Microsoft 365. Individually, some of these changes may appear incremental or technical. Taken together, they signal something much bigger: Copilot is evolving from a helpful assistant into an embedded intelligence layer across everyday business activity. Below…
Product Partnership Ltd acquires Think Compliance
Retail compliance expert Product Partnerships Ltd (PPL) has bought a majority stake in Think Compliance, a specialist consultancy which provides compliance support and Regulatory Data Reporting services to Consumer Credit and Claims Management regulated firms across the UK. Rebecca Wilson, shareholder of Leeds-based Think Compliance, was advised on the acquisition by Yorkshire-based commercial law firm Schofield…
TRU wraps up a month of major upgrades transforming train travel
Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) teams have completed over 32 days of major upgrades between Leeds and York, helping deliver faster, greener, more frequent services across the North. The work delivered by an army of hundreds of people includes 70 new signals installed and made operational, 3km of track renewed, along with eleven switches and crossings….
Trinity Kitchen starts the year with a warning new street food mix
Beat the cold this winter as Trinity Kitchen welcomes a brand-new street-food line-up, packed with warming dishes inspired from around the world. From juicy burgers and ultra soft bao buns to Venezuelan Arepas and Irish spice bags, the vast selection is set to tantalise taste buds. Ka-Bao, Masri, 7 Star Flag, Doles Dirty Bag and Luna’s Schnitzel will…
Leeds Independent Venues Group launches
Leeds Independent Venues Group launches: six independent spaces unite to elevate Leeds as a premier meetings and events destination Six of Leeds’ leading independent venues have joined forces to form the Leeds Independent Venues Group, a new collective created to showcase the city’s diverse event spaces and strengthen its position as a top destination for…
schuh confirms commitment to Leeds with new store at Trinity Leeds
Fashion footwear retailer schuh has announced it will be opening a brand-new store at Trinity Leeds, marking an exciting new chapter for the brand and reaffirming its commitment to the city. Set to open in April, the new store follows schuh’s recent closure from its former Briggate location and reflects the retailer’s continued investment in…
LEAP celebrates 20 years of enterprise fairs at the Merrion Centre
LEAP (Leeds Enterprise Advisory Project) is celebrating 20 years of enterprise fairs at the Merrion Centre, reflecting on a journey that now spans decades of inspiring, mentoring and empowering young people in Leeds. The milestone year of 2026 will feature two LEAP Fairs at the Merrion Centre: the Valentine’s LEAP Fair on 7 February 2026,…
Leeds Beckett University partners with Bradford business to drive research-led innovation in the UK steel industry
Leeds Beckett University (LBU) is partnering with Bradford-based Dent Steel Services Limited on a new research-led project designed to strengthen innovation, efficiency and long-term sustainable growth within Dent Steel and the UK steel sector. The collaboration brings together academic expertise from across LBU in supply chain management, leadership and computing systems. Working closely with Dent…
Footasylum to open Flagship Store at Trinity Leeds
One of the UK’s leading streetwear and sportswear retailers, Footasylum, is set to open a new flagship store at Trinity Leeds. Launching in Spring, the 12,000 sq ft store will bring an expanded product range, innovative retail concepts and bespoke design features to Leeds city centre. Located opposite Mango, the new store at Trinity Leeds…
New leadership structure positions AAB for continued audit growth
Leading professional services firm, AAB, has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Gary Harding as Head of Audit, as the firm continues its rapid growth journey. Gary joins AAB with significant experience as Audit Partner having held roles at EY, BDO and Grant Thornton. In his new role, he will be responsible…
A ‘hole’ lot more fun: White Rose to welcome Volcano Falls Adventure Golf
White Rose Shopping Centre is adding even more entertainment options for guests, with Volcano Falls Adventure Golf set to open later this year. Managed by Funstation, one of the UK’s leading leisure operators, Volcano Falls Adventure Golf will occupy the former Sports Direct unit on The Balcony at White Rose. The brand plans to bring…
Transpennine Route Upgrade lays the foundations for a better-connected North as NPR funding is confirmed
Today on a visit to Neville Hill Depot in Leeds the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, backed Northern Powerhouse Rail with £1.1bn over the Spending Review period, allowing progress on planning, development, and design work to be made which will unlock benefits for the people of the North from the 2030s. This reinforced the importance of continued investment in rail infrastructure across the…
Leeds founder launches marketing calendar to support UK Aesthetics Clinics
Leeds-based digital marketing consultant for medical aesthetics Jane Nriapia, founder of BoutiqueSEO, has launched the 2026 UK Aesthetics Content & Marketing Calendar, the first strategic planning tool designed specifically for medical aesthetics clinics. The launch reflects the continued growth of the medical aesthetics sector across Yorkshire and the wider UK, with many clinic owners now…
Is Stress Eating Holding Your Business Back?
If you’re a business owner, you know the pressure. The decisions that keep you awake at night, the weight of responsibility and the constant demands. You’re working long hours, trying to stay on top of never-ending to-do lists, and you’re wearing numerous hats (in some cases, just to keep your head above water). It’s highly…
Merrion Centre once again hosts Leeds city centre’s biggest Chinese New Year celebrations for 2026
Vibrant Cultural Festivities Return Following Previous Year’s Success The Merrion Centre in Leeds is set to once again host the city centre’s largest Chinese New Year celebration in 2026, welcoming the Year of the Horse with an exciting programme of cultural performances, workshops, and family-friendly activities. This year’s event, once again supported by the Business Confucius Institute…
Luciqo.ai – the SEO & GEO platform helping businesses understand how AI platforms perceive their brand
Search is changing rapidly. For years, SEO success was largely measured by rankings, clicks, and conversions from traditional search engines. Today, buyers increasingly discover brands through AI-driven experiences such as ChatGPT-style assistants, AI Overviews, and answer engines that summarise, compare, and recommend products and services. In this new landscape, a brand can “rank” in ways…
TPE issues advice ahead of Storm Goretti
TransPennine Express (TPE) is advising customers that they cannot travel between Manchester and Sheffield from 6pm on Thursday 8 January until Saturday 10 January, as the railway line will be closed ahead of Storm Goretti, which is forecast to bring heavy snowfall across the North of England and Scotland. Passengers cannot travel between Manchester and…
New mural celebrates 30 years of Natural Born Cobblers at the Merrion Centre
Bespoke Mural Celebrates Craft, Creativity and 30 Years of NBC at the Merrion Centre Natural Born Cobblers (NBC) at the Merrion Centre has unveiled striking new bespoke artwork inside its store on the Woodhouse Lane entrance, created by Yorkshire-based mural artist Seran Jordan. The large-scale piece celebrates craftsmanship, independence and the long-standing presence of NBC in…
Team TRU delivers package of festive railway upgrades
Across the Christmas and New Year period, Team TRU worked around the clock to complete major improvements that will help deliver faster, greener and more frequent services with more seats across the Pennines. During this time, engineers made significant progress at key locations including Mirfield, Deighton and Huddersfield, while a closure of the line between…
5 simple ways to introduce AI into your daily operations
Introduction Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer reserved for tech giants or futuristic visions, it’s here, and it’s transforming the way businesses operate every day. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), AI offers practical, affordable solutions that can save time, boost productivity, and give you a competitive edge. The good news? You don’t need a…
Save up to 50% on journeys with TPE as half a million tickets go on sale
Half a million tickets for train journeys across the North of England are up for grabs with 50%-off the cost, TransPennine Express (TPE) has announced. The train operator has slashed the price of select Advance Purchase tickets as part of the nationwide Great British Rail Sale which starts today (Tuesday 6 January) and runs until…
Transpennine Route Upgrade look back on 2025 as progress continues at pace
As the year draws to a close, the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is marking another 12-months of strong progress, with major achievements delivered across the route, bringing customers closer to more frequent, faster and greener rail journeys between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York. Across the 70 miles, significant headway has been made with the roll-out…
Accu Managing Director named as one of Britain’s most impactful manufacturers
Alastair Morris, Managing Director of Huddersfield-based precision engineering component distributor Accu, has been named as one of Britain’s most impactful manufacturers, part of The Great 100 recently revealed by Made in Group, the organisation behind Made in the Midlands, Made in Yorkshire and Made Futures! The Great 100 recognises individuals who have been nominated by…
TRU offer £250,000 in grants to local organisations
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has this week confirmed that £250,000 in grants has been awarded across 35 local organisations along the Transpennine route, as part of the 2025 TRU Community Fund in partnership with Neighbourly. Launched in 2024, the TRU Community Fund aims to help local community groups, schools and charities to create or…
Santa sends little helper to spread ‘Elf ‘N’ Safety’ message with North Yorkshire homebuilders this Christmas
A festive visitor from the North Pole has arrived at Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ developments across North Yorkshire, sharing an important message for local children this Christmas: remember your ‘elf and safety and stay away from construction sites. This year, Santa has dispatched one of his trusted workshop elves on a special winter mission….
Regional construction firms bring Christmas spirit to Leeds College of Building
A Child Friendly Leeds Christmas event has snowballed after regional construction firms responded to an urgent appeal for donations. The Child Friendly Leeds team work in partnership with their network of Ambassadors to offer a range of opportunities and experiences to families supported by children’s social care and third sector ambassador partners. This year, Leeds…
Law firm knits 150 twiddle muffs for people in Yorkshire living with dementia in annual Christmas gift drive
Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has donated over 300 gifts, including 150 twiddle muffs, as part of its annual festive gift drive in support of local care and healthcare units. This marks the firm’s largest festive gift drive to date, with colleagues donating or hand-making gifts for people living with dementia, homeless and vulnerable individuals, children in…
TRU sets new benchmark for sustainable delivery as electrification, skills investment and community impact accelerates
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has released its 2025 Sustainable Development Report, demonstrating a year of significant progress towards delivering a faster, greener, more reliable railway across the North, and leaving a long-lasting legacy in the communities it works in. Guided by its sustainability strategy, Our Guiding Compass, the programme has embedded long-term thinking into every aspect…