Member News Subjects

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…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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T Level Partnerships at Notre Dame

T Levels are Level 3 qualifications that are equivalent to three A-levels. They were created in collaboration with employers and businesses, so the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work. Students are provided with a genuine experience of the workplace through practical learning via a 315-hour or 45-day industry placement. We…

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North Yorkshire homebuilders celebrate 17 years of five-star customer ratings

Leading housebuilders Barratt and David Wilson Homes have once again received the maximum five-star rating in the new Home Builders Federation (HBF) annual New Homes Customer Satisfaction Survey. This is the 17th year in a row that Barratt and David Wilson Homes have achieved the top five-star rating – an accomplishment no other major housebuilder has…

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Accu to present FightFest at Smart Manufacturing Week

Leading precision engineering screw supplier Accu is bringing a thrilling, exciting and engineering-driven combat robotics tournament with FightFest to Smart Manufacturing Week held at the NEC in Birmingham on June 3rd and 4th. FightFest, presented by Accu, is a high-energy one-on-one combat robotics exhibit designed to add drama and excitement to Smart Manufacturing Week, making it…

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Excitement builds as the LEGO Group announces April launch date at Trinity Leeds

Excitement is building as the LEGO Group announces its new store will open at Trinity Leeds on Thursday, 23rd April. The 456sq m store will give shoppers the chance to fully immerse themselves in the world of LEGO building – with specially-designed, Yorkshire-inspired LEGO models available to see and pose with on launch day. The new…

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LCB reaches regional apprenticeship awards finals with 13 shortlistings

Leeds College of Building (LCB) is a finalist for 13 awards across ten categories at this year’s West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards. The annual awards event celebrates outstanding apprentices, employers, and training providers across fields such as engineering, law, and construction. This year will mark the fourth edition of the awards, first set up in 2022…

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Leeds Beckett Cyber Security degree fully certified by the National Cyber Security Centre

Leeds Beckett University has announced that its BSc (Hons) Cyber Security degree is now fully certified by the National Cyber Security Centre, a part of GCHQ. The certification places Leeds Beckett among a small group of UK universities to hold full certification for an undergraduate cyber security degree, recognising the quality and rigour of the…

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The Smarter Way to Support and Improve Microsoft 365

“Structured support and continuous improvement for the solutions you rely on” Most businesses don’t set out to build complex Microsoft 365 environments. It starts with a few flows. A SharePoint site. A Teams‑based process that works well… until it doesn’t. Over time, Microsoft 365 ends up supporting important day‑to‑day business processes but keeping everything running…

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Accu components power round-the world sailor in support of young adult cancer charity

Huddersfield-based precision engineering component company Accu is celebrating the success of Northumbrian adventurer and sailor Adam Waugh, who recently completed a 28,000-nautical-mile journey across some of the world’s most formidable oceans in a 19-foot yacht he built in his garden shed. Every nut, bolt and screw holding Little Wren together was supplied by Accu, whose…

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AAB appoints Jon Grainger as Chief Operating Officer 

Professional services firm, AAB, has announced the appointment of Jon Grainger as the company’s Chief Operating Officer. Jonathon will lead AAB’s technology, operations and integration teams, driving the next phase of operational excellence and enabling the firm to embed end-to-end automation capability throughout its business operations. Jon joins AAB at a time of accelerated innovation across the…

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Research partnership secures bright future for Guiseley bakery with new products, branding and growth

A research-led partnership between Leeds Beckett University (LBU) and Haighs Bakery in Guiseley has brought together marketing students and academics to launch new product ranges, branding and social media accounts, and a unique Master Baker Experience, helping to secure the long-term growth and sustainability of the Leeds family bakery. The project is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded…

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Chadwick Lawrence expands into the North East with new Darlington office

Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has opened a new office in Darlington, marking a significant step in the firm’s expansion into the North East. The firm’s ninth office, based in Business Central – just a two-minute walk from Darlington train station – will provide commercial, practical, and supportive legal advice to businesses and individuals across County Durham,…

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Public consultation on proposed rail upgrades between Standedge and Gledholt (Huddersfield) extended

The public consultation on proposed rail upgrades between Standedge and Gledholt has been extended, giving communities in and around Huddersfield more time to share their views. The consultation, which opened on Monday 16 February 2026, has been extended until Friday 24 April 2026. The extension provides a further opportunity for residents, businesses and stakeholders to…

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AAB launches ‘Office of the CFO’ service to support growing businesses with flexible finance leadership

In response to the increasingly complex trading environment for businesses, professional services firm, AAB, has launched a new ‘Office of the CFO’ service designed to give organisations the ability to strengthen their finance leadership and gain clarity in their numbers without the difficulties of recruitment of finance professionals at all levels. Businesses across the UK are facing more challenges than ever before – from inflationary…

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A fusion of street food favourites arrive at Trinity Kitchen

Trinity Kitchen is back with an unbeatable new line-up of mouth-watering dishes. From bold fusion flavours to crowd-pleasing classics including Pan-Asian fried chicken and traditional poutine, this latest drop is set to put smiles upon faces. Guests can sample some of Trinity Kitchen’s favourites, including Jimmy Macks, Luigi Street Food Italiano, Spuds & Bro’s, Wagyu Lookin’ At? and Yoi Fried Chicken,…

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Are You Ready for 6 April Changes?

Major changes are on the way that might impact both your income and your business. From Making Tax Digital (MTD), relief reforms and employment law changes – the way you run and reward your business is set to change. Our experts have pulled together what you need to know, what to plan for, and the…

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Viva Leeds Vegas! Trinity Leeds raises the roof with plans for ‘Sphere’-Style Dome

Leeds looks set to get its own Las Vegas-style ‘Sphere’ complete with dazzling LED rooftop displays, according to exciting new plans unveiled today. Unlike the revolutionary Las Vegas Sphere, which was a $2.3bn purpose-built arena, ‘T’Yorkshire Sphere’ will be housed on the iconic Trinity Leeds glass-domed roof. Lighting up the city’s skyline with hundreds of…

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The Secrets of Succession

Part One – Introduction Published research has repeatedly shown that only a very small minority of family businesses survive intact for more than two generations of ownership. But there is, equally, clear evidence that this is not an inevitable outcome and that (not surprisingly) effective planning is the key to success. For example, findings published…

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50,000 tonnes of ballast, 11.5km of track, 5,515 sleepers: the numbers behind TRU’s next series of major upgrades

Throughout May and June, Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) teams will take another huge step in delivering faster, more frequent trains on a greener railway across the North, through a series of engineering works between Huddersfield and Leeds. From Saturday 2 May until Monday 25 May, 56 engineering trains will be deployed along this stretch of…

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Gamesmania® powers up the Merrion Centre this Easter

Retro arcade fun, immersive gaming and family entertainment arrive in Leeds The Merrion Centre is set to level up the Easter holidays with the arrival of Gamesmania®, an exciting pop-up gaming event running from Saturday 4th April to Saturday 11th April, bringing interactive entertainment for all ages into the heart of the city. Open daily from 10:00am…

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University of Leeds ‘Growing Well Study’ to launch pop-up research hub at Merrion Centre

Families invited to participate in child health research in central Leeds The Merrion Centre continues to diversify its city centre offering with the arrival of a new research-led pop-up from the University of Leeds this April. Located in an upper-balcony level retail unit, the temporary ‘Growing Well Study’ hub will open on 8th April and provide…

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Buy-to-let property in West Yorkshire: Rental yields and capital growth around Leeds

West Yorkshire continues to be a key area of interest for buy-to-let property, particularly for those looking beyond Leeds city centre and into the surrounding suburbs and commuter towns. While Leeds remains a strong economic hub, many buyers are now exploring nearby areas where entry prices are more accessible and rental yields can be comparatively…

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Step into a Woodland Wonderland this Easter at White Rose

White Rose Shopping Centre invites families to enjoy free crafting sessions with a woodland adventure theme from Tuesday 7th to Sunday 12th April. Guests can get creative from 10am – 4pm each day in White Rose’s Central Atrium, near the escalators leading to The Balcony and The Village. Little ones can let their imaginations run wild during…

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Our brand evolves for the future…

Over the past 27 years we’ve helped thousands of companies across the UK evolve their brands or completely rebrand through visual display. Now, as we enter our next chapter, it felt right to give ourselves the same treatment. Reaching 27 years in business has given us a rare chance to pause, look back and ask…

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Chadwick Lawrence strengthens wills and probate team with two new appointments

Northern law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has expanded its wills and probate team with the appointment of solicitors Helena Wong and Tom Grice. Helena Wong joins the firm as a solicitor specialising in probate matters, including taxable and non-taxable estates, as well as wills and lasting powers of attorney. Helena brings a strong blend of…

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Town Centre Securities PLC Donates 500 Easter Eggs to Yorkshire Children’s Charity

Leeds-based property investment and car park operator Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS) has supported this year’s Easter campaign in partnership with Yorkshire Children’s Charity, donating 500 Easter eggs to help bring joy to vulnerable children across the region. The donation forms part of a wider coordinated effort to ensure that children who may otherwise go…

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Carbon Neutral Group reveals why sustainability plans can fail and how businesses can fix this

Consultancy shares some tips on how to create a good starting point when it comes down to sustainability Carbon Neutral Group, one of the UK’s fastest-growing carbon neutral and sustainability consultancies has revealed why some businesses have sustainability plans that can fail and how brands can prevent this happening. Most organisations now recognise the need…

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20 years and 180 million miles: TransPennine Express marks milestone for Class 185 fleet

TransPennine Express (TPE) has marked 20 years of its Class 185 trains with a special celebration at Siemens Mobility’s Ardwick depot in Manchester. The event recognised two decades of an award-winning fleet that has become a backbone of rail travel across the North, travelling almost 180 million miles – the equivalent of circling the earth…

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Sentio strengthens deal team as market activity picks up

Leeds-based corporate finance firm Sentio Partners has expanded its team, adding depth to its deal delivery capability and continuing its investment in early-career talent as market activity increases. On the back of a strong year with multiple high profile deals across Business Services, Healthcare and Industrials, the firm has appointed Ollie Francis as Assistant Manager…

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Caribbean streetfood favourite Jerk Junction announces Trinity Kitchen launch

Foodie fans can enjoy a taste of the Caribbean at Trinity Kitchen as Jerk Junction prepares to join the line-up. Serving up real, authentic Caribbean flavours, Jerk Junction will offer mouth-watering dishes, from dumplings and jerk chicken – flame-grilled and packed with authentic island spices – to rice and peas and curried goat. The street…

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Work underway on new £100m TrainCare Centre in Shipley

The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has this week welcomed Leader of Bradford Council, Susan Hinchcliffe, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw and Councillor Liz Rowe to its Shipley site, where the programme is investing over £100m in the construction of a new TrainCare Centre. The rail depot will initially be used to house and maintain Northern’s fleet of…

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Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College named finalist for FE College of the Year

Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College, based on the outskirts of Leeds City Centre, has been shortlisted in recognition of its commitment to academic excellence, student support and innovative partnerships that help prepare young people for their future. The college welcomes students from across Leeds and provides an inclusive learning environment focused on both academic…

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Accu wins Exporter of the Year Award!

Accu, the Huddersfield-based precision engineering component distributor, has won the prestigious ‘Exporter of the Year’ category at the ‘Made in Yorkshire’ awards, held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds last week.  The company, alongside the other category winners from the evening, will now go forward to the national Made in the UK Awards in June. Accu…

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Chadwick Lawrence donates £2,500 to support a number of initiatives this Ramadan

Law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has donated £2,500 to a number of initiatives over Ramadan, as part of its ongoing charitable work. The firm held an Iftar at its Leeds office on 5th March, bringing together colleagues from across its eight West Yorkshire offices to break the fast at sunset. Open to colleagues of all faiths…

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Made in Yorkshire returns at Trinity Leeds and White Rose to inspire the next generation of retail talent

Trinity Leeds and White Rose Shopping Centre have once again hosted their industry-led challenge, ‘Made in Yorkshire’, welcoming three local schools to compete in a ‘Dragons’ Den’-style pitch. Made in Yorkshire is a cross-school competition that challenges students to design an innovative community space for the city, before competing in a live pitch to present…

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Why Microsoft MVP expertise gives your business a strategic advantage

Microsoft’s ecosystem is shifting faster than ever, new AI features, platform changes, governance updates and Copilot capabilities arrive monthly. For most businesses, that pace creates a simple challenge: how do you make confident decisions when the technology won’t sit still? That’s where recognised expertise matters and why partners backed by Microsoft MVP leadership, like iThink…

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New LCB Assistant Principal to steer partnerships and adult provision

A former director in the education and training sector has joined Leeds College of Building (LCB) as Assistant Principal -Partnerships & Adults. Carly Sidebottom joins LCB in the new role following her position as Director of Business Strategy & Compliance at regional training provider, Total Training Provision. Prior to that, Carly served as Head of…

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