Specialist People Services completes refinancing with Virgin Money
Specialist People Services (SPS), the parent company of Driver Hire, has completed a refinancing of its senior and mezzanine facilities with Virgin Money. The deal, which followed a competitive process, secured a £25m funding package to support both the refinancing and future growth of the business. It replaces the existing facilities with a more competitive…
Chadwick Lawrence invests in training and support for the next generation of lawyers
Northern law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has awarded training and funding support for 11 team members, furthering its commitment to developing the next generation of legal professionals. The successful candidates are Sara Ali, Tom Coombes, Daniella Omoragie, Katie Smith, Ben Hess, Shayan Malik, Ethan Ward, Fran Whiting, Jess Goodwin, James Lockwood and Nadia Mohammed. They…
Blacks expands Real Estate Litigation team
The Real Estate Litigation team at Blacks Solicitors LLP, one of Yorkshire’s leading law firms, has strengthened its offering with the appointment of two new solicitors. Following a period of sustained growth and increasing demand, the team has appointed Chloe Ward and Jess Bowen as Associate Solicitor and Solicitor – taking the team’s total headcount…
TRU celebrates successful Community Fund projects across route
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is showcasing some of the organisations from its 2025 Community Fund round, who have used their grants to improve local spaces and places. Launched in 2024, the TRU Community Fund aims to help local community groups, schools and charities to create or enhance community-focused facilities across the 70-mile route. The second iteration in 2025 saw 35 successful applicants offered small, medium and large…
Korean Beauty store moida set to arrive at Trinity Leeds
Trinity Leeds is set to welcome beauty retailer moida, bringing the finest handpicked Korean skincare to the heart of the city. The store will offer guests an extensive range of authentic K-beauty products from brands such as Dr. Althea, Beauty of Joseon, Tirtir, Medicube, Biodance and many more. Named after the Korean word meaning ’to…
Paralympic champion, children’s television pioneer and community leaders among Leeds Beckett Honorary Graduates 2026
Leeds Beckett University is to award Honorary Doctorates to five outstanding individuals at its summer graduation ceremonies in July, recognising achievement across sport, broadcasting, law, healthcare and public service. Nine-time Paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockroft CBE, television presenter and inclusion advocate George Webster, legal trailblazer Lubna Shuja, community nursing leader Steph Lawrence MBE and children’s rights champion Baroness Anne Longfield will all…
Students scoop top prize in landmark Grayling PR competition
A team of final-year students from Leeds Beckett University have won the prestigious Grayling Prize 2026, after impressing judges with a creative public relations campaign developed in response to a live industry brief. Lilly Argent, Will Turner, Lauren Knowles and Abby Sullivan – competing under the agency name Above the Bar PR – claimed the top prize…
Chadwick Lawrence invests in training and support for the next generation of lawyers
Northern law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has awarded training and funding support for 11 team members, furthering its commitment to developing the next generation of legal professionals. The successful candidates are Sara Ali, Tom Coombes, Daniella Omoragie, Katie Smith, Ben Hess, Shayan Malik, Ethan Ward, Fran Whiting, Jess Goodwin, James Lockwood and Nadia Mohammed. They…
28 days of TRU improvement works completed in West Yorkshire
Major improvement works modernising the railway between Morley and Dewsbury in West Yorkshire have taken the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) a step closer to delivering faster, more frequent trains on a more reliable and greener network across the North. Work began on Saturday 30 May and ran until Saturday 27 June. During this period, teams…
For founders, the business is never entirely “just work”
Founders and owner/managers often live inside a type of pressure that other roles do not create in quite the same way. The business is not merely a job. It is identity. Livelihood. Reputation. Responsibility. Risk. Proof. And, sometimes legacy. That makes it unique and incredibly difficult to switch off from. Even when the working day…
A sparkling addition: Lovisa now open at White Rose
Global fashion jewellery brand Lovisa has opened a brand-new store at White Rose Shopping Centre. The new store features more than 15,000 individual pieces of jewellery including the latest earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, bangles, and hair accessories. Lovisa’s professional piercing service is also on offer, free-of-charge with the purchase of any piercing studs and with all children under the age of nine receiving a free doughnut pillow to support healing…
Chadwick Lawrence announces nine associate and salaried partner promotions following record year
Northern law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has announced a series of promotions across the business, recognising the outstanding achievements, dedication and contribution of its people following a record year for the firm. Nine internal promotions have been made, including four new salaried partners, three associate solicitors, one senior associate and one senior licensed conveyancer. The…
Work begins on major refresh of construction college façade
Work has begun on a new look for Leeds College of Building’s (LCB) North Street Campus building. As part of ongoing improvements to its estate, LCB is over-cladding the façade of the building that has been its home since the 1960s. In addition to increasing the kerbside appeal of the North Street Campus, the works…
Volcano Falls Adventure Golf is now open at White Rose Leeds
White Rose Shopping Centre has welcomed Volcano Falls Adventure Golf, Funstation’s new immersive adventure golf venue. Volcano Falls is an immersive prehistoric-themed adventure golf experience set in a world 65 million years in the making, featuring detailed theming, atmospheric lighting and sound, and high-quality landscapes designed to create memorable experiences for visitors of all ages….
Sustainable construction partnership announced by Yorkshire & Humber college network
An innovative new construction initiative will see a group of colleges from across Yorkshire and the Humber become partners with the Supply Chain Sustainability School (The School). The Supply Chain Sustainability School works with over 225 UK partners to develop industry-led learning, with over 50,000 people from 7,000 supply chain businesses actively learning with the School in…
The hidden nervous system cost of building shelter for others
In property, development, construction and the built environment, responsibility has a very physical quality to it. Deadlines matter. Budgets matter. Safety matters. Delivery matters. Reputation matters. But beyond it all sits something deeper in that the work shapes places other people will live in, work in, move through and rely upon. That creates a particular…
Huddersfield precision component specialist set to inspire next generation of engineers at STEMFest 2026
Accu, the Huddersfield-based precision engineering components supplier, has announced its return to exhibit at STEMFest Yorkshire and Humber – 1st-2nd July 2026 at Events North, Leeds, in a bid to inspire young people with the wide range of career opportunities in engineering. The two-day event brings together 10- 13-year-olds from across Yorkshire and the Humber…
Footasylum confirms launch date of flagship store at Trinity Leeds
Leading streetwear and sportswear retailer Footasylum lands at Trinity Leeds on Saturday 20th June – with competitions, goody bags, giveaways from The Savvy Baker, plus a guest appearance from YouTuber Danny Aarons. Leeds favourite The Savvy Baker will hand out free coffee, matcha, brownies and blondies for the first 100 people in the queue when the…
Blacks Solicitors leads on sale of Yorkshire Raw Feeds to The Nutriment Company
Leading Yorkshire law firm Blacks Solicitors LLP has advised the shareholders of Yorkshire Raw Feeds in the sale to The Nutriment Company (TNC), one of Europe’s fastest-growing natural pet food groups. Completing on 17th June, Rebecca Holden, Partner and Head of Corporate, assisted by Trainee, Leon Cordero advised on all aspects of the transaction. Specialists…
7 behaviours you need to kickstart your STEM career
Diana Bird, Executive Principal, Leeds City College More students are leaving school with solid technical knowledge in 2026: think coding, digital content and data literacy. But do you have the behaviours and mindset needed to thrive at work and develop successful Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers? The world of work demands a much…
Football Fanzone unveils big screen for England fans to watch World Cup action
Super-sized screens are being installed, the drinks are being chilled and street food is being prepared as Trinity Kitchen is set to host its own Football Fanzone showing the World Cup games this week – kicking off with England vs. Croatia on Wednesday, 17th June. The Trinity Leeds foodie favourite is transforming into an evening fan…
Accu expands undergraduate scholarship scheme to support next generation of engineers
Accu, the Huddersfield-based precision engineering components supplier trusted by 75% of the world’s top manufacturers, has expanded its undergraduate scholarship scheme to support the next generation of engineering talent. Working in partnership with Zero Gravity – a tech company that identifies high-potential students from low-opportunity backgrounds – Accu aims to reach aspiring engineers early in…
Why financial responsibility is so difficult to rest from
At senior level in banking, lending, wealth management and financial leadership, money is never just money, is it? It represents security. Payrolls. Mortgages. Business continuity. Family stability. Long-term futures. That is why the pressure in these roles is rarely superficial. Leaders in finance are not only managing figures. They are carrying the emotional and practical…
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….