AI and Accounting Software: Practical Tools for Growing Businesses
Running a small or medium-sized business has rarely been more demanding. Rising costs, tighter margins and constant regulatory change keep the pressure on owners to stay on top of their finances. The good news is that technology is making that easier — and faster. Cloud accounting software and artificial intelligence (AI) tools are key terms…
16 days of TRU improvement works completed in Huddersfield
Major improvement works delivered by the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) in Huddersfield have taken the programme a significant step closer to delivering faster, more frequent and more reliable rail services for customers travelling across the North. Work took place between Saturday 19 September and Sunday 4 October, during which engineers worked around the clock to…
Outsourced Payroll Services for Leeds Businesses
Is your payroll provider still meeting your needs? With the start of a new financial year approaching, many businesses take the opportunity to review their payroll arrangements. Managing payroll in-house, or working with a provider who doesn’t offer the right level of support, can be time-consuming, stressful, and risky, particularly with payroll legislation continuing to…
Plans Submitted for New CTEC Construction Training Facility
Proposals to create a state-of-the-art construction training facility in Leeds have taken a major step forward, with a planning application now submitted to Leeds City Council. Leeds College of Building (LCB) acquired the Melbourne Street site last November and is set to transform it into a new Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC) building. Located next…
TRU welcome Kirklees Council to Huddersfield station as programme reaches halfway mark in latest series of improvement works
Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) teams have made strong progress with works in the Huddersfield area while the railway has been closed, with work continuing until Sunday 4 October. The new leadership of Kirklees Council were invited to see the work at Huddersfield station first-hand and discuss the benefits TRU is bringing to rail users and…
Trinity Kitchen unveils new autumn line-up
Trinity Kitchen is welcoming foodies to explore its new vendor changeover. With five exciting independent traders to its line-up, offering everything from bao buns and burgers to tacos and Thai fried chicken. From Monday 28th September, foodies can enjoy dishes from Ka Bao, Shoot the Bull, Spuds ‘n’ Bros, Tikks Thai Kitchen and El Piloto….
Transpennine Route Upgrade Community Fund now open for applications
Communities across the North are being encouraged to apply for a share of £270,000 as the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) opens applications for the third year of its Community Fund. Community groups, schools and charities located within five kilometres of the Transpennine route, between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York, can now submit applications for projects…
“Hey Copilot”: A Hands-Free Way to Work with Microsoft 365 Copilot
Sometimes the smallest features can make the biggest difference to how we work. One of the latest additions to Microsoft 365 Copilot is voice activation using the phrase “Hey Copilot”, giving people a quicker way to start a conversation with Copilot without opening the app manually. For anyone who finds typing long prompts a barrier,…
Leeds College of Building Welcomes New Director of CTEC
Leeds College of Building (LCB) has announced Natalie Dodds as its new Director of CTEC (Construction Technical Excellence Colleges). She takes up the role after serving as Director of Campus at Rotherham College. Natalie played a significant leadership role in driving quality, curriculum development, and strategic growth at the college, which is part of the…
Budgeting & Forecasting: Your Financial Roadmap
Running a business today is no small task. Between daily operations, customer needs, and staying competitive, budgeting can easily fall down the list. Yet a well-planned budget is vital — it helps keep your finances on track, supports growth, and helps you make informed decisions. Think of it as your financial roadmap — showing where…
A Year in Partnership: Sentio and Smart Works Yorkshire
Looking back on twelve months of backing a charity that’s now reaching further than ever. “Smart Works gave me back my confidence that has been lost for too long. Everyone here is amazing and so kind. Thank you for everything.” — Shannon, Smart Works client A year ago, Sentio Partners, a mid market M&A firm…
All aboard: Meet the new voices bringing TPE journeys to life
Customers travelling with TransPennine Express (TPE) are set to hear a new sound on board, as three colleagues’ step into the spotlight as the voices behind journeys across the network. Following an internal competition open to colleagues across the business, conductors Daniel Burn (York), Grant Rodden (Glasgow) and Sophie Howse (Cleethorpes) have been chosen as…
AABIE celebrates 10 years of supporting communities as charity ball raises £80,000
AAB’s annual Charity Ball has raised more than £80,000 for AABIE, the firm’s dedicated charity, as colleagues, clients and supporters gathered at the Hilton Glasgow on Friday 18 September to celebrate the charity’s 10th anniversary. To date, AABIE has supported over 325 charities, awarded more than £590,000 in grant funding, and contributed over 7,000 hours…
The Leeds Library launches new exhibition programme showcasing artists from Yorkshire and the North
Art at No.15 opens on 1 October, bringing contemporary art into the library’s new city-centre extension The Leeds Library is launching Art at No.15, a new programme of contemporary art exhibitions showcasing artists from Yorkshire and the North. The inaugural exhibition opens on 1 October in No.15, the library’s recently opened extension to its Grade…
‘Student Shopper Sweep’ returns to Trinity Leeds
Students in Leeds are set for an unforgettable start to the academic year as Trinity Leeds has announced the return of the ‘Student Shopper Sweep’ with DJs, freebies and the chance to win £100 every 30 minutes. Taking place on Thursday, 24th September, the free event will give students the chance to win £100 shopping…
£1 billion fleet of new trains to offer more services and more seats
A new £1 billion fleet of British-built, battery-electric trains will run on a faster, more reliable Transpennine railway, delivering more services and more seats for passengers across the North. The 29 new Adessia Stream trains, ordered by TransPennine Express and built at Alstom’s historic Litchurch Lane Works in Derby, will be among the first battery-electric…
Customers reminded to plan ahead as major TRU improvement works begin this week
From Saturday 19 September to Sunday 4 October 2026, Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) teams will deliver transformative upgrade work in the Huddersfield area. Services will be impacted throughout this period. Engineers will be working around the clock to deliver: Installation of two new lines of track – this will increase capacity and reduce journey times by…
No tricks, just treats: spooktacular Pumpkin Trail awaits at White Rose this half term
White Rose Shopping Centre is inviting families to join the Halloween fun this half term with a free seasonal pumpkin trail running from Friday 23rd to Saturday 31st October. Guests of all ages can explore the centre on their search for 12 pumpkins hidden in store windows, with a sweet treat up for grabs once they’ve tracked…
Yorkshire and Humber leaders set out plans to tackle Construction Skills Shortages
Leaders from across Yorkshire and the Humber came together on Friday, 11th September to launch ambitious plans aimed at tackling the region’s growing construction skills shortages. Hosted by Leeds College of Building (LCB) at the Royal Armouries Museum, the event welcomed over 160 guests from across education, construction and local government. Attendees heard how the…
TPE unveils battery train fleet to transform rail travel across the north
A £1 billion investment in a new fleet of battery-electric trains for TransPennine Express (TPE) has been announced in a move set to transform rail travel across the north of England while supporting hundreds of skilled jobs across the UK. The train operator has signed contracts with rail manufacturer Alstom for 29 new five-car battery-electric…
Leeds Beckett collaboration expands to drive smarter, more sustainable manufacturing
A second innovation project between Leeds Beckett University (LBU) and York-based Ardent Limited is set to drive smarter, more sustainable manufacturing practices in the UK. The 30-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) through Innovate UK, will see LBU business and data science experts work with Ardent to develop an…
End-to-end HRO delivery for a major defence-sector client
How an integrated HRO partnership enabled consistently high fill rates, seamless workforce management, and contract stability for a leading defence organisation. 1. Background / Context A major defence multinational was required to provide support to a defence training programme. The multi-year programme covered aircraft maintenance, airworthiness, technical upgrades and all supply chain management activities to…
Inspectas announces “total compliance” offering with expansion into water risk management
Yorkshire’s specialist property compliance consultancy Inspectas has announced the expansion of its portfolio to include water risk management. The new service completes its transition to a fully integrated “total compliance” provider and strengthens its compliance offering, which already includes asbestos management, fire safety, health and safety, and Construction Design and Management (CDM) services. Water risk…
Young Yorkshire cricketer scores GCSE success
Lolita, a young Yorkshire cricketer and student at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), is celebrating after receiving her GCSE results. Lolita, a standout cricketer who has played for Yorkshire since 2024, was named the highest wicket taker at the end of her team’s last season. She recently scored her first 50 for Nottinghamshire as…
UK-based workforce support for a US manufacturer
How flexible, light-touch HR and payroll services enabled a US-based manufacturer to compliantly employ UK-based staff. 1. Background / Context A large US manufacturer was looking to employ a small number UK-based staff whose work required extensive global travel. As a US-headquartered business, the manufacturer did not have the in-house expertise required to employ UK-based…
Team GB showjumper riding high after top GCSE results
A talented Team GB showjumper is celebrating after receiving her GCSE results. India, a student at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), has balanced her studies with competing in elite competitions including Horse of the Year, the Royal International Horse Show and the Pony Foxhunter Final. In 2026, she was selected to represent Great Britain…
Twice as nice: Leeds twins receive exceptional GCSE results
Leeds twins Lochan and Lokesh, students at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), are seeing double after receiving their GCSE results. Both Lochan and Lokesh received similarly outstanding results with 19 grade 9s between them. Both will stay on at GSAL to study A-levels in maths, further maths, biology and chemistry and have aspirations to…
Talented Tehan secures Oxford place
A talented Leeds student has secured a place on one of the world’s most prestigious and competitive university courses after achieving four A*s in his A-levels. Tehan, a student at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), will follow in the footsteps of Harold Wilson, William Hague and Malala Yousafzai when he takes up his place…
Leeds’ first stand-alone K-beauty store Moida confirms opening date at Trinity Leeds
Authentic K-beauty retailer Moida will open at Trinity Leeds on Saturday 29th August – with goody bags and giveaways for lucky customers. Tickets to the launch event at 9am have already sold out, but from 11am the first 100 walk-in customers will be gifted a goodie bag worth £100 when spending £20 in store. Shoppers who…
Yorkshire golfers score tee-rific GCSE results
Two junior golfers are celebrating after receiving their GCSE results. Elliot from Leeds and Bella from Harrogate, students at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), both achieved top grades in nine subjects including physical education. Elliot, who has been playing golf since the age of 10, won the Yorkshire Under-14 Championship in 2024 and plays…
Young Leeds actor receives outstanding GCSE results
A talented actor and musician from Leeds has scored a string of top GCSE grades. Will, a student at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), has starred in national productions including Animal Farm and Why The Whales Came. Currently appearing in the world premiere of brand new musical Sea Change at Birmingham Hippodrome, Will has…
72% of GCSES at The Grammar School at Leeds awarded top 7/8/9 grades
Students at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) have achieved excellent exam results, with 72% of all GCSEs awarded the top grades of 7, 8 or 9 (A/A*). 52% of entries were awarded grade 8 or above, and 27% awarded grade 9. GSAL’s GCSE Class of 2026 includes a Yorkshire cricketer, a Team GB showjumper,…
Harrogate student heading for Cambridge with five A* grades
One of the top young mathematicians in the country has received an outstanding set of A-level results. Andrew, a student at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), will head to Cambridge in October to read computer science after achieving a remarkable five A* grades. Andrew’s interest in computers started early. “From a young age, I…
Yorkshire engineering firm delivers critical maintenance to support major European energy project in just 37 days
Salko UK, a leading mechanical and electrical solutions provider, has successfully completed expert maintenance works across three exhaust gas housings and diffusers in the Netherlands. Working in partnership with ENGIE, Salko UK deployed a 13-strong team to complete essential work that was delivered in just over a month. Located at the Maxima Centrale, the maintenance…
St George’s Crypt joins West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and invites businesses to help change lives across Leeds
St George’s Crypt, one of Leeds’ longest-established charities, is proud to announce its membership of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce as it looks to build stronger partnerships with businesses across the region. For more than 90 years, St George’s Crypt has been providing care, compassion and hope to people experiencing homelessness, addiction…
Footballer trio score A-level success
The tournament might be over but World Cup fever continues for three young footballers celebrating their A-level results. Ellis and Charlotte, both students at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), have secured places at Chowan University in North Carolina and Loughborough University respectively. Meanwhile Nico, also a student at GSAL, is heading to Los Angeles…
Blueberry Marketing Solutions marks 20 years of business, people and opportunity
From a university incubator in Leeds to a 50-strong team that has supported more than 500 organisations, Blueberry Marketing Solutions is celebrating 20 years in business. Founded by Managing Director Faresh Maisuria after a last-minute opportunity led to the company’s launch, Blueberry has grown into a well-established UK business. Its clients span the public and…
Notre Dame students celebrate outstanding Level 3 results
Students at Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College are celebrating another year of outstanding results across A-levels, BTECs, CTECs and T Levels. The class of 2026 has achieved an impressive set of results, with students securing places at leading universities, progressing to apprenticeships and preparing to take their next steps into employment. Among this year’s…
Leeds twins seeing double with outstanding A-level grades
A set of Leeds twins are heading to the same university to study the same course after receiving an exceptional set of A-level results. Alex and Harry, both students at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), have secured places to study philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) at Durham University after achieving top grades in the…
Leeds social justice campaigner heading to Cambridge
A young campaigner who has advocated for policy reform on knife crime and asylum-seeking children is heading to Cambridge after achieving top A-level grades. Naemi, who attended Mount St Mary’s Catholic High School before securing a bursary to attend The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), achieved two A*s and two As. She will take up…
58% of A-Levels at The Grammar School at Leeds awarded top grades of A/A*
Students at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) are celebrating after 58% of A-levels were awarded top A/A* grades. Fifteen pupils achieved at least three A*s, while seven students scored A*s in at least three subjects plus an A* in their Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). This year’s talented cohort includes three footballers of the future,…
Major Transpennine Route Upgrade works to drive forward Huddersfield station transformation this autumn
Customers will soon benefit from a more reliable, accessible and greener railway as the Transpennine Route Upgrade takes another significant step towards the transformation of Huddersfield station and the wider railway this autumn. From Saturday 19 September until Sunday 4 October 2026, engineers will be working around the clock to deliver a significant package of improvements in and around Huddersfield, helping improve reliability, increase capacity and support…
Create SharePoint lists in minutes, not hours
Need a tracker, register or log but don’t want to build it from scratch? Microsoft Copilot in SharePoint can help you create a SharePoint List in minutes using plain English. SharePoint Lists are a great way to track information such as project actions, support tickets, company assets, risks and issues, all in a structured and…
Have you scheduled a Microsoft 365 Copilot prompt yet?
Most people use Microsoft 365 Copilot reactively. They open Copilot when they need help with a task, ask a question, get an answer and move on. But what if Copilot could start working before you even begin your day? That’s exactly what scheduled prompts are designed to do. Microsoft allows you to create a prompt…
Core Telecom returns as headline sponsor of the Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards for a fourth consecutive year
Core Telecom is proud to announce that we will once again be the Headline Sponsor of the Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards, marking our fourth consecutive year supporting this inspirational event. Taking place this November, the awards celebrate the extraordinary bravery, resilience, and achievements of children and young people from across Yorkshire who have overcome…
AAB strengthens Central Scotland leadership team
Image caption (above): L-R: Iain Walker, Corporate Finance Partner and Head of Central Scotland, and Malcolm Crawford, Business Development Partner at AAB Leading UK and Ireland professional services firm AAB has strengthened its Central Scotland leadership team with the appointment of Malcolm Crawford as Business Development Partner, and the promotion of Corporate Finance Partner Iain…
TRU launches communication cards as part of its commitment to delivering a more accessible railway
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has placed accessibility at the heart of its transformation of the railway across the North since its inception. The latest example of this commitment is the introduction of new Customer Communication Cards, designed to help break down communication barriers between customers and railway staff. The cards include simple prompts and conversation starters to help…
Bake Off: The Professionals star brings tasty chocolate workshops to Trinity Leeds
Pictured above: Trinity Leeds The Study. 25.07.26 – Picture by Roger Moody / SD Photos Trinity Leeds is serving up the sweetest event of the summer as ‘Bake Off: The Professionals’ contestant Oliver Dunn – also known as Oli the Choc – hosts a series of chocolate workshops. Families can take part in child-friendly workshops,…