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…
Keane celebrates shortlisting at 2026 Prolific North Champions Awards
Recognition highlights impactful B2C campaign for Wilfreda Beehive Keane is proud to announce its shortlisting in the B2C Marketing Campaign of the Year category at the prestigious 2026 Prolific North Champions Awards, marking a significant milestone for the agency and its growing portfolio of high-impact work. The Prolific North Champions Awards celebrate excellence across the…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Salko UK awarded four-year maintenance contract for Uniper’s Enfield power station
Salko UK, a leading mechanical and electrical solutions provider, has been awarded a major contract encompassing the supply and associated on-site activities for the Once-Through Cooler (OTC) and GT Exhaust works at the Enfield Power Station located in Brimsdown, London. The M&E specialist will also manage ongoing maintenance operations at Uniper’s Grain and Taylors Lane…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Salko UK strengthens leadership support with Executive Assistant appointment
Leading mechanical and engineering contractor, Salko UK, has appointed Kathryn Harman as Executive Assistant, strengthening its senior leadership team as the business continues to expand across the UK and Europe. In her new role, Kathryn will oversee day-to-day executive coordination, streamline internal processes and act as a central point of contact across departments to ensure smooth…
Leeds shopping centre and Yorkshire art organisation team up to raise breast cancer awareness during National Self-Check Month
Yorkshire art organisation Sand in Your Eye has partnered with White Rose Shopping Centre to showcase an impactful display highlighting the importance of breast cancer awareness: seven unique nude torsos, each sculpted from ice and snow. Created to illustrate the statistic that one in seven people will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in their life…
Serendipity, strategy and the power of partnerships – Professor Duncan Sharp reflects on leadership, partnership and the power of opportunity
Leeds Beckett academic Professor Duncan Sharp will be sharing insights into how his career has been shaped as much by unexpected conversations as by deliberate choice during his inaugural professorial lecture. In the lecture on Wednesday 11 March, Professor Sharp will explore how his career has been shaped not by a single planned pathway, but by the interaction…
Notre Dame News – Industry & Skills
Hyde Park Picture House Cinema Takeover: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Students at Notre Dame returned to Hyde Park Picture House on Sunday 18th January for their cinema takeover project. This is an invaluable opportunity for students to organise and facilitate their very own film screening. The project allows our students to gain invaluable insight and experience…
Leeds Beckett University launches unique Leeds City Challenge to power student-led innovation across the city
Leeds Beckett University has officially launched the Leeds City Challenge, a bold new initiative designed to harness student and graduate entrepreneurship to tackle real-world challenges facing Leeds. The launch event, held this morning, brought together civic leaders, business figures, entrepreneurs, staff and students to kick-start a programme focused on place-based innovation, inclusive growth and tangible…
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…
Hope for Tomorrow featured on national TV as government’s milestone cancer plan is released
Cancer care charity, Hope for Tomorrow, recently took centre stage on national TV, coinciding with the government’s landmark release of the national cancer plan. To mark the launch on World Cancer Day, ITV’s Good Morning Britain joined us on board our Gloucestershire-based mobile cancer care unit. Viewers saw how one of our mobile cancer care…
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…
CO₂Sustain unifies technologies into one breakthrough product
CO₂Sustain, the specialist drinks technology company, today announced the merger of its two flagship solutions –CO₂Sustain™ and TasteMod2™ into a single, next-generation product TM2 engineered to deliver two powerful benefits for drink manufacturers: Superior taste modification Enhanced carbonation retention This strategic move comes in direct response to feedback from leading brands, co-packers and NPD teams around the world, who increasingly seek a single,…
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…