AAB reinforces Yorkshire audit capability with appointment of Abdullah Daji as Audit Partner in Leeds
Leading professional services firm, AAB has announced the appointment of Abdullah Daji as Audit Partner in its Leeds office, further strengthening the firm’s presence and audit capability across Yorkshire. Abdullah will be based in Leeds, joining a 140 strong team, where he will focus on managing a diverse audit client portfolio while playing a key…
AI Readiness for Microsoft Customers
AI Readiness for Microsoft Customers Data, Governance, Strategy and Adoption That Works AI isn’t just turning on Microsoft Copilot. Sustainable success starts with clean data, strong governance, and a clear strategy followed by careful training and adoption with small pilot groups. Why This Matters Businesses that prepare properly: • Reduce risk and avoid compliance issues…
Leeds College of Building apprentice wins National Education Award
A Leeds College of Building (LCB) apprentice has scooped one of the country’s top education prizes at this year’s National Apprenticeship & Skills Awards. Elyssa Marshall, a Level 2 Property Maintenance Operative apprentice at Yorkshire Housing Association, won the ‘Amazon Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Award’, beating finalists from across the nation. Elyssa progressed to…
All aboard for festive feasting as TPE unwraps its new seasonal menu
TransPennine Express (TPE) is spreading festive cheer on board this winter with the launch of its new seasonal dishes. The new offering with be available from Monday 1 December to Sunday 4 January across its First Class menus: TransPennine Kitchen- West Coast and Coast to Coast. The seasonal offering introduces a selection of locally sourced…
Season’s eatings: Trinity Kitchen welcomes a new street food lineup this festive season
Trinity Kitchen has welcomed a host of new street-food vendors, ready to tantalise tastebuds in the run up to Christmas. From Mac & Cheese and loaded Chicken Nuggets and Tater Tots to succulent burgers and slow-cooked spicy Birria tacos, guests are in for a truly indulgent treat. Christmas favourite Nelly’s Barn is back alongside the much-loved Big Mouth…
Head of Strategic Partnerships reacts to Autumn Budget
Andy Clarke, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Ahead Partnership: “We welcome the additional information provided around the Youth Guarantee in today’s budget. With more than one million young people currently NEET and national productivity still lagging, this type of targeted investment is essential. The Prime Minister has talked about putting apprenticeships on an equal footing…
Where to invest in Leeds: the city’s best buy-to-let areas for 2025
Leeds as a Buy-to-Let Market Leeds continues to rank among the most dynamic property markets in the North of England, combining affordability, consistent rental demand and strong employment growth. The city attracts a wide tenant base of students, professionals, and families, making it one of the UK’s most resilient regional markets. Over the past five…
LCB roofing apprentices scoop gold and silver at SkillBuild 2025 national final
Two Leeds College of Building (LCB) apprentices were crowned winners at this year’s SkillBuild national final, securing first and second places in the Roof Slating & Tiling category. Dalton Roofing apprentices Samuel Jinks and Levente Szasz won gold and silver medal places respectively at the event held at Arena MK, Milton Keynes. SkillBuild is the UK’s largest…
Introducing Hospitable Automation
Are your floors really clean? Could a robot meet and greet your customers? Hospitable Automation is on the move across the UK, showcasing the future of service — our innovative cleaning and meet and greet/event guidance robots. Our mission isn’t to replace people, but to enhance the guest experience, delight families, and empower teams by…
Leeds College of Building named UK leader in staff health & wellbeing
Leeds College of Building (LCB) has been recognised as one of the best UK employers after winning the ‘Health & Wellbeing’ category at The Personnel Awards 2025. The 27th national awards celebrate the vital work of HR and Learning & Development teams and showcase the very best achievements of the profession. Almost 900 guests and leaders…
Azets’ five cashflow management tips for SMEs
Small changes to policies and processes could help Yorkshire SMEs improve their cashflow levels, a senior finance professional has said. Matthew Grant, Yorkshire head of accountancy and business advisory at international accountancy and business advisory group Azets, is encouraging business owners to think strategically about their terms of trade and customer relationships, and review their…
Major improvements this Christmas at Mirfield station
Customers travelling over the Christmas period are being encouraged to plan ahead as significant upgrades continue across West Yorkshire to bring faster, more reliable and greener journeys. To allow these improvements to be completed, Mirfield station will be closed from Tuesday 23 December, reopening on Saturday 27 December. When it reopens, customers will benefit from…
Graduation Day 25th November 2025
The countdown is on! On Tuesday 25 November, we’ll be coming together at the iconic Central Hall Westminster, London to celebrate the achievements of our apprentice graduates. This year’s cohorts have shown incredible commitment and talent throughout their programmes, and we couldn’t be more proud of everything they’ve accomplished. Their success is a reflection of…
Town Centre Securities PLC acquires prime retail asset on Marylebone High Street, London W1
Strengthening TCS’s Portfolio with a High-Quality Marylebone Asset Leeds-based Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS) announces the off-market acquisition of 68–69 Marylebone High Street, London W1, a high-quality retail property located in one of the capital’s most desirable and resilient retail and residential districts. The property comprises two ground and basement retail units, let to high-end…
New Chair of Governors announced at The Grammar School at Leeds
Charlene Lyons has been appointed as the new Chair of Governors at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), taking over from Angus Martin, who is retiring after over a decade of remarkable service to the school. Charlene has been a governor for nine years and vice chair for the past five, and she brings a…
Seasonal shopping at Trinity Leeds with festive kiosks and pop-ups
Trinity Leeds welcomes a host of new retailers ahead of the busy festive period. From unique decorations and intriguing beverages to luxurious fragrances and candles, Christmas shoppers in Leeds can explore a wide range of unique stores and kiosks alongside well-known brands at Trinity Leeds. Premium retailer J. Fragrances by Janan has brought its collection…
White Rose and Kidz Klub deliver festive cheer to Leeds families
White Rose Shopping Centre has opened its annual gift donation campaign in support of Leeds based charity Kidz Klub, helping spread the festive spirit in the lead-up to Christmas. Guests are invited to donate toys and gifts suitable for children aged zero to 16 years old, with the 4+ age range most in need, at…
Bridging the gap: Law Society President visits Leeds Beckett to support aspiring students
Law students at Leeds Beckett University had the opportunity to hear from leading legal professionals at a special Law Society Aspiring Solicitors event on Tuesday 12 November, focusing on social mobility and widening access to the legal profession. The event welcomed guest speakers Mark Evans, President of the Law Society of England and Wales, alongside…
Keighley’s new engineering and manufacturing hub is officially opened
Keighley College’s cutting-edge Technical Engineering Centre (TEC) has been officially opened by a stalwart of the local manufacturing industry. Ninety year old Michael Parkinson OBE from Airedale Springs – whose links to the college span more than half a century – joined employers, apprentices and alumni for the event on Wednesday 12 November. The multi-million…
Industry-leading safety training centre hits 10,000 visitors
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) TRUST centre, the first purpose-built rail safety centre of its kind in the North of England, has now surpassed 10,000 visitors. Launched in Huddersfield in 2023, the facility enables rail workers to experience real life safety-critical scenarios in a safe environment that offers a platform for discussion and an opportunity…
TRU wins national award for considerate construction practices
The Transpennine Route Upgrade’s (TRU) West Alliance has won ‘The Most Outstanding Award’ from the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) in their National Site Awards. The Alliance is undertaking major rail upgrades on sections of the Transpennine route between Manchester and Leeds. The award recognises their exceptional performance across the scheme’s Code of Considerate Practice, which…
Leeds College of Building to expand North Street Campus with major site acquisition
Leeds College of Building (LCB) has announced the purchase of a large building adjacent to its North Street Campus — a move that will significantly expand facilities and open up new training opportunities. The 5,000 m2 former Vodafone site on Melbourne Street sits next to LCB’s North Street Campus and will effectively increase the size of…
Leeds Beckett University leads research-powered partnership to boost health innovation across West Yorkshire
Leeds Beckett University is spearheading a major new collaboration with universities across West Yorkshire to fast-track innovation in health technologies – supporting businesses to bring new ideas to market and improving health outcomes in the region. The Innovation Pathways (In-Path) programme – led by Leeds Beckett in partnership with the Universities of Huddersfield, Leeds and Bradford – is backed…
LCB Named ‘Construction Apprenticeship College of the Year’
Leeds College of Building (LCB) is celebrating after winning a top industry trophy at the Construction Apprenticeship Awards 2025 in Manchester. The prestigious ‘Construction Apprenticeship College / University of the Year’ category was awarded to Leeds College of Building for its dedication to apprentices and playing a vital role in shaping the future of construction…
Chadwick Lawrence recognised for progressive culture with awards success
Yorkshire law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has been recognised for its progressive and inclusive workplace culture, following a successful awards season. Recently, the firm was awarded Employer of the Year at the Mid Yorkshire Chamber Awards, in recognition of its commitment to the well-being and growth of its employees. It was also awarded runner-up for…
Turning Potential into Value: Introducing Roberts Renovations – A New Chapter in Yorkshire Property
Roberts Renovations Ltd was founded with a clear goal: to create lasting value through responsible property transformation. What began as a way to manage our own investment properties has evolved into a professional business helping clients across Yorkshire, the UK, and overseas to achieve the same results with confidence and transparency. Based in Leeds, we…
Yorkshire Property Market 2025: Growth, Forecasts and Investment Insights
Yorkshire Property Market Overview – A Region on the Rise The Yorkshire property market has demonstrated exceptional resilience and growth in recent years, and the outlook remains strong for the years ahead. Between August 2020 and August 2025, average house prices across Yorkshire and the Humber rose by 28.8%, outperforming the UK average of 24%….
Trinity Leeds and White Rose seek accessibility feedback this Purple Tuesday
Trinity Leeds and White Rose shopping centres will mark Purple Tuesday on 4th November, raising awareness of the challenges that disabled shoppers can face as well as engaging with guests to explore ways to make the centres more accessible. Purple Tuesday is an annual initiative which looks to improve the customer experience for disabled people…
Ravensthorpe station to be closed as new station is constructed
From Sunday 14 December until summer 2028, Ravensthorpe station will close as the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) build a new, modernised station 200m west of the current site. Rail replacement bus services between Ravensthorpe and Dewsbury stations will be in operation throughout the closure to keep customers on the move. The newly-built Ravensthorpe station will…
Planning approved for Dishoom’s new Leeds restaurant
Major Bombay-inspired dining destination set to further enhance Leeds’ premium retail and leisure district Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS) announces that planning approval has been granted for Dishoom’s highly anticipated new restaurant at Vicar Lane, Leeds. The renowned Bombay-inspired restaurant group will take over the former Flannels unit, occupying a prime 8,000 sq. ft space…
Walton & Co invests in new city centre office and apprentice hire
Leeds-based planning lawyers Walton & Co has expanded its team and moved into a new city centre office, marking a significant investment to support future growth and team collaboration. After 17 years at its previous premises, the firm has relocated to Second Floor, 4 York Place, Leeds, LS1 2DR. The modern, 1,500 sq ft space…
A cut above: Ambassador Barbers gets bigger and bolder at the Merrion Centre
A new store, more stations, and a chance to win free haircuts for a year! Popular Leeds-based barbershop, Ambassador Barbers, celebrates a major milestone in its journey at the Merrion Centre with the opening of a brand-new, larger store to meet growing demand. Originally opening its doors in September 2019, Ambassador Barbers has gone from…
Leeds Beckett University to launch Sport Health Tech Incubator to boost innovation and wellbeing in West Yorkshire
Leeds Beckett University (LBU) is set to open a pioneering Sport Health Tech Incubator, using cutting-edge research to help tackle health inequalities, spark innovation and drive business grown in the region’s thriving health tech sector. Backed by a £1.1 million investment from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) through the West Yorkshire Investment Zone, the new Incubator…
Rail upgrade work between Leeds and York across Christmas and New Year period
Upgrade work along the route between Leeds and York will continue over the Christmas period and throughout January to help deliver a faster, greener and more reliable railway as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade. Customers are being urged to plan their journeys ahead of time at nationalrail.co.uk or their train operator’s website, if travelling…
Over 150 locals bring scarecrow magic to Harewood House this October Half Term
At Harewood we’re passionate about sharing our stunning House, Grounds and Gardens with as many people as possible. As a charity ourselves, it’s essential that we’re able to raise funds through tickets, events and membership to put back into the Trust to sustain it. However, at our core and in line with our values, it…
Leeds apprentices kickstart careers in construction
Sustainable regeneration specialist Equans has welcomed nine new trainees into construction roles in West Yorkshire. The new recruits have taken on titles including trainee quantity surveyor, estimator, site supervisor, and apprentice plumber and electrician. Their work will support housing repairs, maintenance and regeneration projects carried out by Equans’s expert teams to social-rented homes across the…
Turner & Townsend bolsters Yorkshire Real Estate team with three senior cost management appointments
Turner & Townsend, the global professional service company, is strengthening its UK real estate business with three senior appointments to its Yorkshire cost management team. Mark Morris joins as Director and Cost Centre Lead, alongside Michael Teggin as Director and UK Regions Retail Lead and Timothy Shaw as Director. Based in Leeds, they will work closely…
Skate into the festive season: White Rose ice rink to return for 2025
White Rose Shopping Centre’s magical Christmas ice rink is returning due to popular demand this festive season, open from 20th November until 4th January 2026. The family-friendly attraction returns this year with more events and offers than ever before: fun themed events will take place throughout the season, as well as regular Friday Disco Nights plus special…
Leeds’ largest Chinese bakery, Sing Sing Bakery, opens at the Merrion Centre
Authentic, freshly made Hong Kong-style treats now served at the Merrion Centre. The Merrion Centre announces the latest arrival of Leeds’ largest Chinese bakery, Sing Sing Bakery, which is now open inside the long-established Sing Kee Chinese Supermarket. Serving a wide range of authentic, freshly made sweet and savoury items inspired by traditional Hong Kong recipes,…
Upgrades underway for oldest in-situ cast-iron railway bridge in the world
Crawshaw Woods Bridge near Leeds is the oldest cast-iron railway bridge in the world to still be in use over a live railway, and last weekend (October 11-12), engineers carefully moved it as part of the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade. A bespoke arched framework was constructed to support the 191-year-old Grade II listed structure, before…
Halfway mark reached for TRU Community Fund applications
Strong interest has already been shown in this year’s Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) Community Fund, and local community groups, schools and charities are urged to apply now before applications close – or earlier if capacity is reached. With just 12 days remaining until the Monday 27 October deadline, the TRU Community Fund is offering £250,000…
Pumpkin Trails and Peppa Pig: free half-term fun at White Rose
White Rose Shopping Centre is set to welcome Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, and recent arrival baby Evie Pig as part of a meet-and-greet event this October half term. The event takes place on Saturday 1st November in White Rose’s Central Atrium, and guests must book free tickets in advance to secure admittance to the events….
Run For All announces Clarion as title sponsor for Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon RELAY
Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All, one of the UK’s largest non-profit event’s companies, have welcomed Clarion Solicitors as the title sponsor for RELAY, after a hugely a successful debut. Taking place on Sunday 10th May, alongside the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, the RELAY element offers a team-based way to take part in this iconic event….
Chadwick Lawrence advises Dormeuil on prestigious acquisition to become one of the UK’s largest fabric producers
Leading Yorkshire law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has advised prestigious luxury cloth maker Dormeuil Manufacturing Limited on the acquisition of Alfred Brown (Worsted Mills) Limited, a leading Yorkshire-based worsted cloth producer, for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition reinforces Dewsbury-based Dormeuil Manufacturing’s commitment to British textile manufacturing, as it acquires 100% of Leeds-based fabric mill Alfred…
Estabulo Bar & Grill to open at The Merrion Centre
A New Brazilian Dining Experience at the Heart of Leeds Arena Quarter Authentic Brazilian rodizio bar and grill Estabulo is set to open a brand-new restaurant at the Merrion Centre in Leeds this October. Adjoining the Ibis Styles Leeds City Centre Arena Hotel and just a stone’s throw from the first direct bank Arena, the…
Trinity Leeds, White Rose and Xscape Yorkshire launch mental health initiative in partnership with Mind
Landsec, owner of Trinity Leeds, White Rose and Xscape Yorkshire, has announced a new partnership with leading mental health charity Mind to champion mental health awareness and support. The initiative launches today to coincide with World Mental Health Day (10 October). Mind is a national charity dedicated to supporting those experiencing mental health challenges by…
Celebrate the season in sparkling style at Harewood: Festive Afternoon Tea and exclusive Nyetimber Dining Experience announced
This Christmas, Harewood invites guests to step into a world of festive elegance with the launch of its Festive Afternoon Tea, running from 8 November to 4 January, and an exclusive evening of fine dining with Nyetimber on 5 December. Set against the backdrop of Harewood’s enchanting Grand Christmas Ball, Festive Afternoon Tea offers a…
Record breaking freshers footfall at The Merrion Centre
Freshers’ 2025 delivers biggest week of student visitors to date The Merrion Centre has once again cemented its position as the heart of Leeds student life, welcoming record-breaking numbers of visitors during this year’s Freshers’ period. The start of the new term saw more than 416,000 visitors at the Merrion Centre, with Freshers’ Week delivering…