NNFCC Ltd has officially rebranded to Alder BioInsights
NNFCC Limited, an award-winning consultancy in the bioeconomy sector, has officially rebranded to Alder BioInsights. Based at York Science Park, the rebrand marks a new milestone in the company’s history which spans over 20 years. While NNFCC Ltd remains the registered company name, the refreshed brand identity reflects a stable and adaptive approach to leadership…
York’s favourite party ‘Yorktoberfest’ returns to racecourse for 5th year
Two weekends of laughs, live entertainment and lederhosen! Autumn cheer is forecast today with the news that Yorktoberfest, York’s traditional Bavarian beer festival, will be returning to the Clocktower Enclosure at York Racecourse this October, for a fifth successive year. York’s very own Oktoberfest has proved hugely popular since its debut in 2021 with all…
Andrew Jackson welcomes partner to corporate team
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has welcomed Keith Benton as a partner into the corporate team, further strengthening the firm’s commercial and intellectual property law offering to clients across Yorkshire and the Humber, and beyond. Keith – who joins Andrew Jackson from another large regional practice – has many years’ experience as a…
Drax Group Trading update – strong performance, disciplined capital allocation
Highlights Strong performance – FlexGen(1), Pellet Production and Biomass Generation Full year 2025 expectations for Adj. EBITDA(2) around the top end of consensus estimates(3) Continuing to target post 2027 recurring Adj. EBITDA(2) of £600-700 million FlexGen, Pellet Production and Biomass Generation(4) £300 million share buyback programme progressing, c.£207 million complete Final dividend of 15.6 pence…
Castle Employment Group strengthens senior team with key appointments across education and construction
Castle Employment Group is continuing to scale its specialist divisions across Yorkshire with two significant senior hires. Romilly Wakeling joins as Director of Castle Education, while Tom Makin has been appointed to lead the newly launched Construction division. Romilly brings over 21 years’ experience in recruitment, with a strong background in education and leadership. She…
City Cruises York: Dead Good Festival
City Cruises York is proud to announce its participation in York’s Dead Good Festival, taking place from 7th to 18th May 2025. The festival, in support of Dying Matters, aims to encourage open conversations about dying, death, and bereavement within the community. Recognising the societal discomfort surrounding end-of-life discussions, York’s Dead Good Festival provides a…
Further growth for Andrew Jackson’s Private Client team
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has welcomed Suzgo Kaluluma, an experienced private client specialist, as a partner, and Lucy Martindale, a chartered legal executive, marking further growth for its highly-rated practice. Suzgo has substantial experience of advising clients on inheritance tax and estate planning matters, the preparation of wills and Lasting Powers of…
Andrew Jackson advises on acquisition of Falkland Islands’ first container vessel
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces that it has acted as legal advisor to Falkland Islands based Consolidated Fisheries Limited (CFL) on its acquisition of MV Unispirit, which is the Islands’ first container vessel. The vessel was handed over to new ownership in Montevideo on 7th April 2025. The 6296 gross tonne vessel was purchased from…
Drax Foundation awards £3.6m funding in 2024, benefitting nearly 100,000 people across the globe
Key initiatives include donations to projects that enhance STEM education, improve access to green spaces, and implement energy efficiency measures in schools. Donations projected to benefit 98,000 people in the regions where Drax operates As part of this total, the foundation also donated £695,000 to grassroots organisations through our Community Fund Drax Foundation, the charitable…
Aysgarth Falls Hotel to launch stunning individual luxury garden suites in late Summer 2025
Aysgarth Falls Hotel is delighted to announce the upcoming launch of its new individual luxury Suites under the stars, a collection of 14 exquisitely designed stand-alone retreats nestled within the national park’s charming landscape. Each Suite off ers a perfect blend of contemporary luxury and natural beauty in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. The…
Partners among several promotions at Andrew Jackson Solicitors
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP is delighted to announce several promotions, including three new partners, in recognition of the talent and commitment across the firm. Having undertaken their legal training and subsequently gaining their legal qualifications with Andrew Jackson Solicitors, Yasmin Fenton and Harry Mills (real estate and property), and Andrew Coish (shipping and transport) have…
Further investment in York’s city centre
York’s historic city centre is set to be ready for the next, and future, millennia. With funding from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, the council and its partners will reimagine the city centre and develop a ‘city centre spatial plan’ (known as Reimagining York Streets, to tell a new story about the city centre)….
Funding delivers upgrades to 11 community buildings in York
The impact of funding to safeguard the future of community spaces in York’s outer wards was highlighted at a celebration held last Friday (28 March) in Bishopthorpe. In partnership with Community First Yorkshire, City of York Council has supported 11 venues through the Community Buildings Fund, worth a total £133,059. The programme has also benefited from…
Andrew Jackson advises the Kexgill Group on £58.5 million refinance facility for student accommodation expansion
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP is delighted to have advised the Kexgill Group, a leading provider of student accommodation across the north of England, on a £58.5 million refinance facility provided by Aldermore Bank. The transaction will support Kexgill’s growth plans for newly developed student accommodation, including a further 170 new bedrooms in prime city locations…
The University of York Enterprise Awards 2025
The University of York Enterprise Awards return on 26th June at Merchant Adventurers’ Hall! Celebrating York & North Yorkshire’s top entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers. Award Categories: Outstanding Business Growth – Supported by Barclays Eagle Labs Transformational Leader Award – Sponsored by The Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York Community Changemaker Award –…
York is saying ‘Yes to Quit’ with new smoking campaign
York is saying ‘Yes to Quit’ with a new smoking campaign. The Yes to Quit campaign has launched across TV, radio, transport links and social media this week, throughout Yorkshire and the Humber. It asks audiences ‘what will you miss?’ more than smoking, such as weddings, births or quality time with others – two in…
It’s an incredibly exciting time to be in the Engineering industry…
With the rise of increased automation, net-zero considerations and the introduction of Industry 4.0, the landscape of the engineering sector is rapidly evolving. The advent of the industrial revolution, characterised by the fusion of digital, physical and biological systems, requires engineers who are proficient in artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics. These engineers must…
Neurodiversity celebration week: York schools accredited as ‘ADHD friendly’ as part of citywide support for students with neurodiversity
Eight York schools have been accredited as ‘ADHD friendly’ as part of a citywide commitment to support neurodiverse children and young people, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Awarded by the ADHD Foundation*, the schools were accredited as ADHD friendly because they committed to making their schools safe, nurturing, welcoming and exciting places,…
Free sporting fun warm up at Community Stadium this weekend before England takes on Italy
York will kick off a summer of rugby with a range of fun, free activities on Sunday (23 March) at the York Community Stadium. Over the summer months, six of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 matches will take place in York. The opening game of the tournament will take place between England and USA…
Local social workers recognised in national ‘Amazing Social Worker’ awards
City of York Council is proud to announce that 15 of its social workers have each received a nationwide award in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the social work profession. ‘Amazing Social Workers’ is a campaign run by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) and champions exceptional work across the profession. The awards…
Nature-inspired bench art revealed ahead of Front Street celebration event
Art of Protest has installed the first phase of new artwork in Acomb ahead of the mural reveal and celebration event later this month. Each of the 8 wooden benches have been transformed with a unique design to reflect links to nature. Each bench is painted with a leaf design from the local woodland. This…
Magistrates charge company guilty of fly posting £5,400
A local company illegally putting up posters in and around York has been found guilty by York Magistrate’s Court and ordered to pay £5,421. Between July and October 2024, a large number of posters appeared in and around York and were reported to City of York Council. The notices were A1 (roughly 60 x 84centimetres),…
Council secures more than £3.4m funding for warmer homes
Council leaders have confirmed that City of York Council will receive more than £3.4m of funding thanks to two separate grants. The funding, announced this week by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, will be used to upgrade around 280 homes over the next three years, to reduce carbon emissions and fuel poverty…
Court of Protection specialist to present masterclass in York
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces that Amy Floater, head of the firm’s Court of Protection team, will present an important update masterclass in York, in association with leading training provider, For Legal. Amy, who has specialised in Court of Protection matters for several years, will provide legal practitioners with an overview of…
Work to protect key heritage building uncovers unique history
A renovation scheme to secure the city’s historic Mansion House for years to come has uncovered some unique history. Over £1.3m is being invested in a range of essential repairs and improvements, including re-roofing the building, repairing its windows and ensuring it is health and safety-compliant. As part of the renovation, a new glimpse of…
Young mum praises stop smoking team as referrals double and new online group support launched
A young mum who started smoking aged 12 has told how City of York Council’s Health Trainers helped her quit smoking for good so she can stay healthier and live longer. Mum-of-two Alex, from York, has told her story on No Smoking Day (Wednesday 12 March) as the Health Trainer service expands its successful Swap2Stop programme further…
Scarborough’s Grand Hotel joins the Disability Confident Scheme
The Disability Confident Scheme aims to create a movement of change, encouraging employers to think differently about disability and long-term health conditions and take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop disabled people. It was developed by employers and disabled people’s representatives to make it rigorous but easily accessible. Mark Johnston General Manager…
Efforts to improve the Jubilee Terrace to Scarborough Bridge path take a step forward
Work to invest £1.7m in improvements to a well-used riverside path could take a further step forward next week (11 March). At a decision session the council’s Executive Member for Transport will be asked to agree to progress work on the Jubilee Terrace to Scarborough Bridge riverside path to detailed design and construction. This meeting…
York school students get taste of construction careers
Fifteen Year 11 students from across York got the chance to get a real-world insight into the construction industry. Their industry taster day began with a tour of the York Central construction site, where students learned about ongoing work on one of England’s largest brownfield development, and future career opportunities represented by this landmark project….
Looking for a new job? Visit York Jobs Fair
Anyone looking for work, support with training or getting new qualifications is invited to the latest York Jobs Fair on Tuesday 11 March. The popular event will be held at York Barbican from 1-6pm and will showcase representatives from 50 employers including Aviva, GMI Construction, Pearltech, Rack Systems (Engineering) Limited and Yorkshire Housing. A range…
Regional legal powerhouse to launch April 2025
Two of Lincolnshire’s and Yorkshire’s leading law firms have announced they are to merge on 1 April 2025. Wilkin Chapman LLP and Rollits LLP will merge under the trading name of Wilkin Chapman Rollits. The new firm will have more than 500 people including 70 partners and have a combined annual turnover of £40 million….
Council to enhance its standards to improve residents’ experience
City of York Council’s Executive will be asked to adopt new standards to support people living with poverty in the city, at a meeting later this month (11 March). The standards are set out in a Charter for Organisational Standards created by York Truth Poverty Commission and aim to make services more responsive to people’s needs rather…
Andrew Jackson advises Woods Tours on purchase of UK’s first electric tour boat
Vessel set for launch this year with Tower of London River Tour Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces that it has assisted Woods Tours on its commission of the UK’s first zero emissions tourist vessel, which is set to launch later this year with a 40-minute Tower of London River Tour that will…
York free school meal pilots extended to a third primary school
York’s free school meal pilot has been rolled out to a third school this term. Pupils at Fishergate Primary School are now able to get a free breakfast at school each morning as part of the citywide campaign to deliver free meals to primary school pupils. The campaign is part of the council’s wider commitment…
93.7% York pupils get first choice of Secondary School
Secondary school admission figures for entry in September 2025 published today [3 March] reveal that 93.7% per cent of York children have been allocated their first preference of school. Parents and carers who applied online can find out where their child has been allocated a place by logging into their parent portal account today via www.york.gov.uk/SecondarySchoolAdmissions….
Drax RNS: Full year results for the twelve months ended 31 December 2024
Strong operational and financial performance, increasing visibility on long-term outlook Twelve months ended 31 December 2024 2023 Key financial performance measures Adjusted EBITDA(1/2/3) (£ million) 1,064 1,009 Net debt(4) (£ million) 992 1,220 Adjusted basic EPS(1) (pence) 128.4 119.6 Dividend per share (pence) 26.0 23.1 Total financial performance measures Operating profit…
York supports LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week
City of York Council’s fostering team and One Adoption North and Humber, the regional adoption agency for York, North Yorkshire and Humber, are showing their support for LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week (3-9 March) by lighting up the city walls in rainbow colours. Led by charity New Family Social, this year’s campaign, Change Lives in ‘25 is…
York and N. Yorkshire-based investigators help ensure extradition order and jail time for former Brookside actor
A total of 23 years in prison for a former Brookside actor and his associates has been awarded this afternoon. Former Brookside actor Philip Foster and eight associates have today (28 February 2025) been sentenced for their part in a £13.6 million fraud that ran for over eight years. The sentences handed down at Sheffield Crown Court…
Upcoming changes around York Station as Station Gateway project progresses
In the coming weeks, people will notice a lot of changes to the area to the front of York Station as progress on the Station Gateway project continues. The new image reveals paving that will form the new public spaces in the area where Queen Street Bridge used to be, as well as give a…
Make a difference this Great British Spring Clean
City of York Council is encouraging residents, schools, businesses and community groups to get involved in this year’s Great British Spring Clean. The ninth annual Great British Spring Clean will take place from 21 March – 6 April. During the Great British Spring Clean, the council will lend a hand to support anyone taking part, including: providing…
New homeless prevention drop-ins start today
As the risk of homelessness continues to worry many residents and be a reality for some, City of York Council is increasing support to help people keep their home. Additional to ongoing work to help people keep their homes, new face-to-face support starts today. At the monthly Homeless Prevention drop-in sessions, the team will work…
HSBC Leader Encourages York Businesses to embrace ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’
Earlier this month, HSBC UK’s Head of Technology Sector encouraged York businesses to adapt to thrive in the climate of ‘functional disruptive change’ represented by the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In his keynote address to over 60 businesses at the first York Tech Forum on 13 February, Roland Emmans explored the fast-moving tech…
Health trainers launch three weekly drop-ins across city
City of York Council’s Health Trainer team have launched new weekly drop-ins at three Explore libraries across the city. They are offering help and advice for anyone wanting to stop smoking, lose weight, lower their drinking or get more active. The team already provide residents with programmes of one-to-one confidential support, as well as working…
York City walls to be illuminated in orange and blue in commemoration of Joseph Rowntree
To mark the 100th anniversary of Joseph Rowntree’s death, City of York Council will illuminate the city walls in blue and orange tonight, paying tribute to his lasting impact on the city. Joseph Rowntree is one of York’s most well-known names, not just for his business success but for his significant contributions to social reform…
York and Yorkshire-based investigators help secure jail for plumbing fraudster who exploited vulnerable homeowners
A man from Bolton who targeted victims across the North West has been sentenced to 4 years in prison at Bradford Crown Court today, after defrauding vulnerable customers out of a total of £250,000. Suhaib Sirajudin, 39, of Fifth Avenue, Bolton, operated as an ‘emergency plumber’ and pleaded guilty to two counts of fraudulent trading…
Local Plan takes another step closer to unlocking York’s development and growth ambitions
City of York Council is set to consider the adoption of its Local Plan following the findings of the Inspector’s Report on the Examination of City of York’s Local Plan, which will be presented for consideration at Full Council on Thursday 27 February. Once adopted, this Plan will be the city’s first comprehensive development framework…
York Learning’s ‘Jobs, Skills and Apprenticeships Fair’ to return in March
York Learning’s popular ‘Jobs, Skills and Apprenticeships Fair’ is back at York Barbican on Tuesday 11 March, with opportunities for around 80 exhibitors to meet some 1,000 people looking for work or training. The event is open to any employers, training providers and information, advice and guidance services in the York area, from 1pm –…
Start a new career in child and family social work
The Step Up To Social Work programme at City of York Council opens for recruitment today [17 February] until 25 March, enabling aspiring social workers to apply for a place on the intensive but highly rewarding training programme. Step Up To Social Work is a 14-month, full-time training programme for talented graduates and career changers to become…