Blacks announces strong financial year as firm unveils refreshed brand
Blacks Solicitors LLP has today announced a record financial year alongside the launch of a refreshed brand identity, reflecting the firm’s continued growth and development. The 2025/2026 financial year was the strongest in Blacks’ history, with turnover exceeding £22.9 million for the first time. During the year, Blacks supported clients across the UK, including Morrisons,…
A luxury arrival to land at White Rose: Hotel Chocolat is coming soon
Chocolate fans in Leeds are in for a cocoa-powered upgrade. The new space in White Rose Shopping Centre will combine a luxury retail store with a dedicated Velvetiser Café, allowing guests to explore cacao in all its forms. The Velvetiser Café will serve bespoke bakes and cakes inspired by Hotel Chocolat’s most-loved chocolates, designed to pair…
Record success for LCB at UK’s largest construction skills competition
Leeds College of Building (LCB) students delivered one of the college’s strongest-ever performances at the regional heats of SkillBuild 2026, the UK’s largest construction skills competition for trainees and apprentices. Delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), SkillBuild is a series of regional competitions held across the UK for 12 trade specialisms, testing technical skills,…
When clients buy your judgement, pressure follows you home
In professional services, pressure is rarely just about hours. It is about the weight of judgement. Clients are not just paying for output, they are paying for discernment, clarity, accuracy, strategic thinking and the ability to remain steady when the stakes are high. That creates a very particular kind of strain for partners, directors and…
Savills appointed to sell Crab Manor Hotel in Thirsk, North Yorkshire
International real estate advisor Savills has been appointed by a private individual to sell the long leasehold of the Crab Manor Hotel and Crab and Lobster Restaurant in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, for offers over £4 million. The boutique hotel provides 20 individually designed en-suite rooms within the 18th century Georgian manor house. The rooms are inspired…
Chadwick Lawrence strengthens regulatory team with senior solicitor appointment in Darlington
Northern law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has appointed highly regarded Teesside solicitor Simon Catterall to strengthen its specialist regulatory law team, bolstering the firm’s presence in the North East. Catterall joins the firm’s expanding regulatory department, bringing decades of experience representing businesses and individuals facing prosecution or investigation by public authorities across Northern England. He…
A wave of new Summer street food arrives at Trinity Kitchen
Step into summer with fresh flavours and sunshine-ready bites at Trinity Kitchen as a sizzling selection of new vendors arrive. From authentic Sri Lankan dishes to classic crispy fried chicken burgers, the latest line-up is set to serve up something for every foodie this summer. Guests can soak up global flavours from the likes of Ayubowan, Rico,…
Skopes and Astonish show support for St Gemma’s Winter Ball
Skopes and Astonish have joined as partners for the St Gemma’s Winter Ball this November. Their backing will help bring to life one of the hospice’s flagship fundraising events and raise vital funds for end-of-life care across the city. Skopes, the Leeds menswear brand, is supporting the hospice event for the fourth year. The circus-themed…
Get ready to be bowled over as Lane7 announces date for Trinity Leeds launch
Lane7, the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand, will open its doors at Trinity Leeds on Tuesday 2nd June. Located on Albion Street, the impressive 23,000 sq ft venue will introduce a bold new entertainment playground to the city centre, bringing together Lane7’s signature mix of high-energy games, premium design and social experiences. Guests can make…
The Fragrance Shop is set to arrive at Trinity Leeds
Trinity Leeds is set to welcome leading fragrance retailer The Fragrance Shop, which will soon open a flagship store at the centre. Launching in the former LEGO Store, fragrance lovers can find their perfect scent match from a huge range of luxury, niche, designer, and everyday brands, alongside gift sets and expert advice. Kam Birk,…
Further Education College of the Year
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College is delighted to announce that it has been awarded Further Education College of the Year 2026 at the prestigious Educate North Awards 2026. The award recognises the College’s exceptional educational outcomes, transformational impact, and unwavering commitment to supporting students from highly disadvantaged and diverse communities. In their citation, the…
Stella Maris Leadership Gold Awards 2026
On Wednesday, we hosted the Stella Maris Leadership Gold Awards. This year, an impressive 76 students achieved their Gold, a record-breaking number since the award was established in 2019. To earn their Gold, students must have earnt their Bronze and Silver award, achieved virtue commendations from all four categories; Civic, Moral, Performance and Intellectual; had…
AOC Nationals 2026
Last weekend, Team ND attended the Association of Colleges (AOC) National Championships in Nottingham. The weekend brings together the top sporting students from colleges around the country, each representing their county with the aim of winning the Wilkinson Sword. We brought representatives for Yorkshire in volleyball, badminton, table tennis, tennis, and endurance running. The weekend…
Introducing Gresham Office Furniture
Since 1976, we’ve been at the forefront of British workspace furniture manufacturing. For nearly 50 years, we’ve combined expert craftsmanship, innovative design, and precision engineering to create premium furniture solutions made right here in the UK. With thousands of products and decades of industry expertise, we help bring modern workspaces to life. From personalised design…
GSAL named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) has been recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 in the Big Organisation category, in the school’s first year of entering the national awards programme. Published in partnership with employee experience platform WorkL, founded by Lord Mark Price, the nationwide survey celebrates organisations leading…
AAB welcomes two firms in latest strategic growth deal
BpH Wealth Management and Jane Smith Financial Planning join AAB as Assets Under Advice reach £2.5 Billion AAB’s award-winning chartered financial planning team, AAB Wealth, continues to implement its strategic growth plan with the acquisition of two firms – BpH Wealth Management and Jane Smith Financial Planning. The move will mean AAB Wealth serves over…
Huddersfield’s Accu appoints Dan Jack as CEO to lead next phase of global growth
Precision engineering component supplier Accu, based in Huddersfield, has appointed Dan Jack as Chief Executive Officer. Co-founder and outgoing CEO Martin Ackroyd moves into a newly created Chief Digital Officer role, remaining on the Board of Directors to drive the company’s digital and technology vision. Dan Jack joins from Trifast plc, a global designer, manufacturer and…
What could YOU do with an extra day a week?
That’s the question we ask every business owner we meet, because most teams spend hours each week on emails, routine admin, reports, and repetitive tasks that AI can handle in minutes. At iThink365, we help and show businesses how to put Microsoft 365 Copilot and AI Agents to work properly. Not as a gimmick, not…
K-pop Korner to launch first Yorkshire store at Leeds Merrion Centre
The Merrion Centre is set to welcome one of the UK’s fastest-growing specialist music retailers as K-pop Korner opens its first Yorkshire location this May. Officially soft launching on 22 May 2026, K-pop Korner Leeds will open as an initial pop-up store, becoming the brand’s fourth UK location and its first in the North of…
Chadwick Lawrence appoints Leanne Franks as Equity Partner
Northern law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has promoted Leanne Franks to equity partner, recognising her outstanding contribution to the firm over the past 11 years. As partner and head of the corporate and commercial department, Franks has played a key role in strengthening the firm’s commercial offering and shaping the direction of the team. Now…
Family fun with Shaun The Sheep & White Rose this May
A new Shaun the Sheep augmented reality trail will visit White Rose Shopping Centre next month, alongside a line-up of fun half-term activities. Families are invited to embark on a free adventure with the Shaun the Sheep: Fun with the Flock augmented reality trail at the city shopping destination, bringing the much-loved Shaun the Sheep character…
Football’s coming home – new bar & huge new football venue announced for England fans this Summer
Trinity Kitchen will turn into one of the city’s biggest hotspots to watch the World Cup this summer, transforming into an evening fan zone with three super-sized 5m x 3m screens, a brand new bar, DJs, brass bands and space for up to 1,000 supporters. Free to attend and opening in time for the start…
Kids’ Carnival comes back to White Rose due to popular demand
Families are in for a treat this half term as the ever-popular Kids’ Carnival returns to White Rose Shopping Centre with rides and games for all ages from 21st – 31st May. The free-to-enter carnival will run from 11am – 9pm during school holidays and weekends, and from 3pm–8pm on weekdays outside of school holidays. Guests can…
Big Changes and Bigger Fun: The All-New Village Hotel Leeds South!
Check Out What’s Bubbling Under One Roof! The secret is out—Village Hotel Leeds South is having a major glow-up, and we can’t wait for you to see it! We’re taking our “Everything Under One Roof” vibe to a whole new level with serious upgrades across the board. Whether you’re here to sweat, sleep, or socialise,…
AAB Wealth recognised at 2026 VouchedFor Client Experience Awards
AAB’s chartered financial planning team, AAB Wealth, has been recognised at the 2026 VouchedFor Client Experience Awards, winning the Client Communication Award, in recognition of its commitment to delivering clear, client-focused financial advice. Hosted by VouchedFor, the UK’s leading review platform for financial advisers, the Client Experience Awards are based entirely on verified client feedback….
University Centre Leeds launches new FinTech degree
A brand new degree, designed to equip learners with the future-ready skills needed to thrive in FinTech, one of the fastest-growing global sectors, is starting in September 2026 at University Centre Leeds. Open for applications, BSc (Hons) Financial Technology is a dynamic three-year programme which blends core principles of finance and accounting with cutting-edge training…
Breaking free from the spreadsheet trap
How Excel Could Be Holding Your Organisation Back For many organisations, Excel has slowly become embedded in everyday operations. Holiday tracking, scheduling, order handling, approvals and finance processes. If a workflow exists, chances are someone has built it in a spreadsheet. And initially, that works just fine. But as organisations grow, expectations increase, and AI…
Leeds Beckett Innovation projects earn top ‘Outstanding’ rating from Innovate UK
Two research-led Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) projects between Leeds Beckett University (LBU) and Yorkshire-based companies Sniffers Pet Care and Ardent have achieved the highest possible grading of Outstanding from Innovate UK. The recognition highlights the significant commercial impact, innovation, and long‑term growth and sustainability delivered through the university’s research expertise and close collaboration with its industry partners…
Making tax digital for landlords and sole traders
What You Need to Know (and How to Prepare) If you’re a sole trader or landlord running a small property business, you’ve probably heard about Making Tax Digital (MTD)—but many are still unclear on what it actually means in practice. MTD for Income Tax is a significant change being introduced by HMRC that will affect…
Jerk Junction announces launch date at Trinity Kitchen
Caribbean street food favourite Jerk Junction has announced it will open to the public at Trinity Kitchen next week – with 100 prizes up for grabs, alongside a live DJ. Food fans will get to ‘spin the wheel’ for the chance to win free meals, sides, drinks and Jerk Junction merchandise when it opens at…
Chatang launches custom bubble tea and malatang at Merrion
New grab-and-go destination for handcrafted teas and bold East Asian flavours arrives in Leeds A fresh and exciting concept has arrived in Leeds as Chatang opens its doors on Woodhouse Lane, introducing a vibrant menu of authentic East Asian flavours at the Merrion Centre. Following an initial soft opening, Chatang will officially celebrate its Grand…
The Grammar School at Leeds unveils exciting plans to transform its sixth form centre
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) has announced plans to refurbish and upgrade its sixth form centre, creating a space to enhance independent learning, collaboration and student wellbeing. The project forms part of the school’s ongoing investment in its 140-acre campus, following the opening of The Cryer, GSAL’s performing arts centre, in 2025, and reflects…
New innovation partnership to accelerate growth of Shipley textile manufacturers
Marketing and business experts at Leeds Beckett University (LBU) are partnering with Shipley-based Specialised Covers to secure the long-term growth and sustainability of the family-owned bespoke protective textile cover manufacturers. The two-year project is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) through Innovate UK, and is led by Dr Catherine…
Millions invested in Bradford Communities amid growing need
Independent grant maker GiveBradford has helped more than 16,000 people in communities across Bradford since 2023, as it continues its work alongside hundreds of community organisations in a collective mission to tackle poverty and inequality. Working with business partners in Bradford, such as JCT600, The Bartlett Group and Schofield Sweeney, has helped generate vital funds…
Property Investment – The Why, the Do’s and Don’ts
With increasing tax pressures on landlords holding property in their personal name, evolving regulation through the Renters’ Rights Act, the expansion of selective licensing, and the potential for stricter EPC requirements, many investors are reassessing whether property still represents a worthwhile investment. The short answer is yes, but only if you approach it the right…
LCB to receive over £919k in Government funding for renovations
Leeds College of Building (LCB) is one of 18 colleges in Yorkshire and the Humber set to benefit from government funding for essential estates and building improvements. In a recent announcement, it was confirmed that LCB will receive £919,871 from the FE College Condition Allocation (FECCA) fund. This latest £30 million package from the Government…
Family fun with Shaun the Sheep and White Rose this May
A new Shaun the Sheep augmented reality trail will visit White Rose Shopping Centre next month, alongside a line-up of fun half-term activities. Families are invited to embark on a free adventure with the Shaun the Sheep: Fun with the Flock augmented reality trail at the city shopping destination, bringing the much-loved Shaun the Sheep character…
Bluey set to bring half term fun to the Merrion Centre
Families invited to enjoy free interactive story time sessions this May half term The Merrion Centre is excited to announce another fantastic free family event, as Bluey arrives for a series of live story time sessions this May half term. Taking place on Wednesday 27th May 2026 in The Green area on the main mall,…
A sweet new arrival: White Rose to welcome Rassam’s Creamery
White Rose Shopping Centre is set to welcome Rassam’s Creamery, the award-winning dessert brand known for its bold flavours, immersive experiences, and show-stopping creations. Opening this summer, the new White Rose location will be Rassam’s largest and most impressive site to date, bringing a whole new level of excitement to South Leeds. Rassam’s Creamery is…
Do you budget for Microsoft 365 or just hope nothing breaks?
Microsoft 365 quickly becomes business‑critical. Teams, approvals, workflows, automations, before long, people rely on them every day to get work done. Licences are planned and solutions are delivered. However, what often isn’t planned is what happens after go‑live. Keeping things running Improving what’s clunky Adapting as Microsoft changes Instead, support tends to be reactive. Something…
Transforming a Buy-to-Let property in Pudsey, Leeds
Across West Yorkshire, many buy-to-let opportunities are not defined by the condition a property is purchased in, but by the potential it offers once improved. A recent project in Pudsey, Leeds highlights how a considered approach to property sourcing, renovation and interior design can enhance both rental appeal and overall property performance. The property was…
Health T Level Placement Awards
Our Health T Level students received some exceptional feedback and results at the recent Placement Awards at St James’ Hospital recently. Notre Dame students secured a clean sweep of all award categories ahead of Leeds City College, who we partner with through the Leeds Health and Care Academy for T Level Health placement opportunities. The…
Understanding property opportunities across West and North Yorkshire
West and North Yorkshire continue to attract interest from property buyers, developers, and business owners, supported by strong regional demand, ongoing regeneration, and a diverse mix of city centres, suburbs and surrounding towns. While Leeds is often seen as the focal point, the wider region, including Bradford, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Harrogate and York, presents a range…
How do we better connect people with opportunities in tech?
Join education providers and training innovators from across Leeds as they explore the evolving tech skills pipeline, from traditional degrees to alternative routes like bootcamps, apprenticeships, and tailored training programmes. Chaired by Kirsten Brumfitt, Chief People Officer at PEXA UK, this event will offer expert insights along with a panel discussion to unpack how different education models are helping to open up access to tech…
Fashion Retailer schuh Steps into Trinity Leeds
Fashion footwear retailer schuh has announced it will debut its new store at Trinity Leeds on Friday 17th April – with giveaways, competitions and free coffee for visitors on opening day. To celebrate the launch, Vinyl Grounds will be offering complimentary barista-made coffee, and customers who purchase from BIRKENSTOCK will get an exclusive anklet with a choice of a charm from Nelle Studios. Customers can also be in with a chance of winning a pair of BIRKENSTOCK when signing up or checking in to THE SCHUH CLUB loyalty programme. The store will showcase the…
HE Day 2026
Last Thursday [19th March], students benefitted from an inspiring and informative Higher Education Day, an annual event designed to support students in their decision-making for their next steps after college. The event, which was compulsory for all Lower Sixth students, featured a carousel of activities throughout the day. In the morning, students had the opportunity…
Katrina Lewis champions AI innovation transforming workplace design
As a board member of the West North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and founder of Katrina Lewis Interiors, Katrina Lewis is proud to spotlight a groundbreaking step forward in workplace design innovation led by Design Tonic. Working in client development at Design Tonic, Katrina is supporting the launch of an industry-first AI-powered moodboarding tool—an idea…
Notre Dame signs up to Leeds City Council’s Future Talent Plan
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College has formally pledged its support to Leeds City Council’s Future Talent Plan, a city-wide initiative to ensure Leeds becomes a place where no one is left behind in an increasingly competitive labour market. The pledge, submitted by Principal Justine Barlow, reflects Notre Dame’s commitment to supporting young people across…