Leeds’ tech entrepreneurs flourish with fully-funded branding support
The first cohort of The Brand Lab, an accelerator programme helping twelve emerging tech businesses in Leeds, have graduated. This inspiring collective of health-tech, ed-tech, and green‑tech enterprises, have spent the last few months focused on translating their technical concepts into clear, accessible narratives to support business growth and brand recognition. The cohort took part…
Bulls announce trailblazing safeguarding investment
Bradford Bulls have announced a pioneering investment in CPOMS (Child Protection Online Management System), the UK’s leading safeguarding and wellbeing software used in 95% of schools and widely adopted across elite football academies. This marks the first-ever investment of its kind in the sport of rugby league, positioning the Bulls as trailblazers in embedding best-in-class…
Yorkshire garden centre group is Highly Commended in a national people and culture award
The team at a Bradford-headquartered garden centre group is celebrating after receiving a Highly Commended award in a prestigious national HR competition. Yorkshire Garden Centres Group received the accolade in the People Team of the Year category of the British HR Awards which celebrate organisations and individuals that are driven by delivering a world-class people…
Easter fun at West Yorkshire garden centres
The teams at Grass Hoppers at Tong and Tingley Garden Centres have announced their Easter play plans. Throughout the Easter holidays, the teams at Grass Hoppers will be hosting free Easter hunts and a series of super-sized games and activities in their soft play centres. “We’re very excited about our Easter events that include our…
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…
Safety warning over smart technology in people’s homes
The potential safety dangers of smart technology found in people’s homes has been highlighted by researchers at the University of Bradford. The Internet of Things (IoT), a network of internet-connected smart devices used in homes, have become a part of everyday life. But such technology, including smart speakers, smart plugs, smart kitchen appliances and video…
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…
North Yorkshire homebuilder awarded five stars by customers for 16th consecutive year
Leading housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes has once again received the maximum five-star rating in the new Home Builders Federation (HBF) annual New Homes Customer Satisfaction Survey. This is the sixteenth year in a row that Barratt and David Wilson Homes has achieved the top five-star rating – far longer than any other major…
Waterstones to open at White Rose
Waterstones is set to open a new bookshop at White Rose Shopping Centre, its second location in Leeds. The UK bookseller will be opening its newest shop in a section of the lower-ground floor at the former Marks & Spencer unit at White Rose later this year, with an opening date to be confirmed shortly….
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…
Maldives president scores with Bradford 2025 and University’s Football for Peace centre
President of the Maldives His Excellency, Mohamed Muizzu alongside Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture Creative Director Shanaz Gulzar and former Premier League Footballer Oumar Niasse visited the University of Bradford Football for Peace Centre as part of an international partnership. He toured football pitches owned by the University as part of the initiative to…
Bradford joinery apprentice targets ‘WorldSkills Shanghai 2026’
Following national success at SkillBuild 2024, Bradford College’s joinery apprentice Ahmed Shakir has been shortlisted for a chance to represent ‘Squad UK’ at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Supported by his Bradford employer, Abrahams & Carlisle, Ahmed now joins an intensive 18-month training programme with the end goal of competing against other young tradespeople at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in…
Dallas Scott Davey strengthens its estate and farm offering
A leading specialist in agricultural and commercial insurance, Dallas Scott Davey (DSD), has appointed Toby Baker as part of its strategic growth and ongoing specialisation in estates and farm insurance. DSD is part of Bradford based insurance broking and risk management firm, TL Dallas. Toby, a highly experienced rural risks insurance broker, will be an…
Leeds confirmed as UKREiiF 2026 host city
Following on from many successful years, The UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) has announced it will remain in Leeds for a fifth consecutive year, for 2026. Formed in 2022 UKREiiF has quickly become the UK’s leading platform in the regeneration, development and property sectors – bringing together investors, developers, housebuilders and end-users…
Leeds flats enter a low carbon future
Residents in three blocks of flats in Leeds now have warmer, cheaper to heat homes as a result of a project to drive down costly energy use and reduce carbon emissions. Through the project, carried out by energy and regeneration specialist Equans and social housing provider 54North Homes, 98 homes have been improved, making them…
Subrosa celebrating 15 Year Anniversary
Subrosa, a team of food and drink industry professionals, are celebrating 15 years in business this Spring. Subrosa was co-founded by Rachel O’Brien and Amanda Peberdy in 2010 and over the last 15 years has grown turnover every year and now employs 18 people at its base in Beamsley, North Yorkshire. The Subrosa team have…
Luto expands to Basel with new office and launch event
Luto, a leader in patient-centered healthcare communication, is thrilled to celebrate 20 years of success with the opening of a new office in Basel, Switzerland. This expansion marks a key milestone in Luto’s mission to improve patient information on a global scale. Founded at the University of Leeds and still based in Bradford, West Yorkshire,…
Manningham Housing Association shortlisted for four Northern Housing Awards
Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has been shortlisted in four categories for the Northern Housing Awards 2025, including Landlord of the Year. Other prizes the Bradford-based BME association is in the running for include its Neighbourhood Services team making the cut for Northern Housing Team of the Year, and MHA Customer Panel member Tausif Mohammed being…
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…
Leeds Heritage Theatres appoints key roles at pivotal moment of change
Leeds Heritage Theatres is delighted to announce the appointment of several esteemed industry figures in both new and continuing roles. As we refine our artistic vision and strategy, these appointments will help reinforce our role as a leading cultural voice in Leeds while celebrating our three iconic venues. Matt Collier joins as Head of Development…
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 –…
Yorkshire Children’s Hospice is named Garden Centre Group’s Charity of the Year
Bradford based Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) group has announced that Martin House Children’s Hospice will be its Charity of the Year for 2025, ten years after its first site at Tong supported the Wetherby based registered charity. Through a series of fund-raising events, collection boxes at the tills and a new ‘Pennies’ initiative, the teams…
AAB shortlisted for prestigious British Business Award
Leading UK and Ireland professional services firm, AAB, has been shortlisted as one of the finalists in this year’s British Business Awards, which celebrates and recognises trailblazers across the UK business community. AAB is the only company which combines both financial and professional services to feature in the shortlist for the Stellar Omada Financial Services…
Record sponsorship for 2025 Leeds Manufacturing Festival
A record number of sponsors are backing this year’s Leeds Manufacturing Festival, as employers in the region look to innovative ways to address the skills gap in the sector and inspire a new generation of talent to consider careers in the sector. The festival, aimed at connecting young people with engineering and manufacturing employers, launched…
Yorkshire legal firm launches official complaint over “outrageous” probate delays
A leading Yorkshire legal firm has submitted an official complaint over what it describes as “outrageous” and persistent delays in the probate system despite recent government claims of major improvement. Roche Legal, a specialist private client firm based in York, has made a complaint to HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) after experiencing severe delays…
MNA Group become main sponsors of Women’s Team
Bradford Bulls are proud to announce MNA Group as the new main sponsor of the club’s Women’s Team for the 2025 season. This exciting partnership will see MNA Group’s logo take pride of place on the front of the Women’s playing shirts, reinforcing their commitment to supporting the growth and success of women’s rugby league….
Bradford Garden Centre to host gardening masterclass with TV gardener
A Bradford garden centre is hosting a gardening masterclass with a respected horticulturalist next month. Renowned gardening expert and TV presenter, David Domoney will be in The Mezzanine at Tong Garden Centre on Saturday, 26th April to share his expertise for creating vibrant, successful gardens that thrive and reward all year round. “Whether you’re new…
Chadwick Lawrence Managing Partner wins Professional Services Leader of the Year
Neil Wilson, managing partner of Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors, was awarded Professional Services Leader of the Year at The Business Desk Yorkshire Leadership Awards last night. The Yorkshire Leadership Awards, which took place on Thursday 20 March at The Royal Armouries in Leeds, was created to celebrate people who are role models within their organisations, and…
Crysp visit the US: Women in BIM & Digital Twin Event
Bradford based technology business, Crysp have been in the US again, supporting two initiatives and celebrating their recent successes. Initiative 1: Women in BIM in New York “We aim to encourage women in BIM related roles to have a strong voice. By bringing together women in our industry supports the need to bridge digital skills…
New expert report published to share practical advice for growing local economies
Experts at Leeds Beckett University, with leading business support provider Exemplas, have designed a new blueprint for boosting the growth of local economies, through a partnership delivery of business support and academic research. The team have worked together since 2022, delivering grassroots business support programmes to SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) on behalf of the…
University takes over Bradford City match
The University of Bradford showed its support for Bradford City in style at one of the club’s home matches. Staff and students bolstered the crowd for the ‘University of Bradford Takeover Day’ at Bradford City’s home clash with Tranmere Rovers in Sky Bet League Two. The stadium’s TL Dallas Community Stand featured students, staff,…
Businesses face ‘wake up’ call about international indirect tax obligations
VAT specialists at UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm Azets in Yorkshire have warned that international VAT and Customs Duty rules are like an iceberg ready to strike unsuspecting businesses. They state that although importers and exporters may have a general awareness, many do not fully understand the extent and complexity lurking ‘under the…
Anytime Couriers renew partnership with Bulls
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the renewal of their partnership with Anytime Couriers, extending a strong and successful collaboration between the two organisations. Anytime Couriers are a leading logistics company specialising in fast and reliable courier services across the UK. Their dedication to supporting local communities is reflected in their ongoing partnerships with sports…
Major Bradford affordable housing scheme reaches completion
Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has announced the completion of a £3.9 million affordable homes development in Eccleshill, Bradford. The One Meadow Victoria Road scheme comprises 19 properties – a mix of two, three and four-bed detached and semi-detached houses for social rent. The newly constructed homes have been delivered through a partnership with Zentra Group…
Senior promotions at Lichfields’ Leeds office drive continued growth
UK planning and development consultancy Lichfields has announced the promotion of Emma Gomersal and James Cox to Planning Directors in its Leeds office as its Yorkshire team continues to grow. Emma has a strong background in strategic land, specialising in the promotion of residential and employment sites. She has worked extensively with landowner and developer…
Business move for expanding Ilkley engineering company
Ilkley engineering company Ideal Extraction has announced an office move to the International Development Centre on Valley Road as a result of business expansion. Ideal Extraction, owned by directors Steve and Helen Rhodes, design, install and maintain dust and fume extraction systems for many sectors across the UK. The company had been trading from premises…
Bulls announce new partnership
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce a new partnership with Nuffield Health – which will see the Bulls utilise their impressive facility in Shipley for post-game recovery sessions throughout the 2025 season. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the club’s commitment to player welfare and performance, ensuring that players receive top-tier care to…
North Yorkshire developer calls out to key workers
Barratt and David Wilson Homes is shining a spotlight on its Harclay Park and Manor Chase developments in Boroughbridge, which have proven popular with key workers across North Yorkshire. The developments, located on Stump Cross, are conveniently positioned with five hospitals less than 18 miles away, including Ripon Community Hospital, Harrogate District Hospital, and York…
Bradford’s Online MBA ranked 1st in world (again) for value for money
The University of Bradford’s Distance Learning (online) MBA has been ranked 1st in the world for value for money for the second year running by the Financial Times. It was also ranked 2nd for ESG and Net Zero teaching, 4th for student demographics and 9th for career progression. The University’s Distance Learning MBA has featured in the…
Deal completes for supported living and day service provider
Hollybank Trust (‘Hollybank’) has acquired one of Calderdale’s leading providers of support services for people with learning disabilities. The charity, based in West Yorkshire, has signed a deal for Halifax-based Community Support Services (‘CSS’), following the retirement of Dawn and Danny Hartley who founded the business 30 years ago, in 1995. CSS has grown organically…
Trimble Studios opens doors to businesses in Yorkshire & the Northeast
Specialist Photography & Videography Space Now Available for Hire Trimble Studios, a state-of-the-art 3,500 sq. ft. photography and videography facility, is inviting businesses and organisations across Yorkshire and the Northeast to express their interest in hiring its space. Originally built in 2024 for Trimble Group’s own creative projects, Trimble Studios has since evolved into a…
Bradford start-up off to Houses of Parliament to launch UUK campaign
University of Bradford start-up i-Diagnose, which aims to save the NHS thousands of pounds by using artificial intelligence to slash training costs, has been invited to the House of Lords as part of the Universities UK ‘Unis start up the UK’ campaign. Sania Bibi and Aaron Walshaw, who started their business through the University’s BREE…
YBS Commercial grows balance sheet to more than £2bn in 2024, lending close to £500 million to commercial investors and landlords
YBS Commercial Mortgages, the commercial lending arm of Yorkshire Building Society, has revealed it had another strong year in 2024, as commitment to broker relationships and personalised service catalysed the growth of its balance sheet to £2.2bn. The commercial lender completed £0.453bn of commercial mortgage loans during the year; £377m of which went into servicing…
Yorkshire & Humber Construction Market poised for growth, driven by private housing boom
The latest Construction Market Intelligence (CMI Q1 2025) report from Yorkshire & Humber-based construction and property management consultant, Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB UK) forecasts a positive outlook for the region’s construction sector, with private housing emerging as the fastest-growing sector. Key Regional Developments Regional market sentiment remains generally optimistic, with significant development activity across the region’s larger…
New chapter for historic Leeds Library with opening of £2.3m extension
The Leeds Library turns the page on a new chapter in April with the unveiling of a new extension. In an investment totalling £2.3million, the library has extended its historic home on Commercial Street and created new facilities including an event space for education and community activities, a rooftop reading terrace, more space for books…
New Boots Opticians store with innovative eye scan technology opens in Trinity Leeds
A new stand-alone Boots Opticians store has opened in Trinity Leeds offering optomap® as part of its Ultimate Eye Test, which could help to detect signs of serious health conditions including diabetes and hypertension. The store, which is located on the ground floor of Trinity Leeds, provides an inspiring and inviting shopping experience for customers…
Oscrete’s new testing facility helps reduce carbon footprint
Bradford-based concrete admixture manufacturer Oscrete has doubled its customer trials following investment in its expanded and upgraded laboratory. Oscrete’s enhanced, secure laboratory with dedicated office, tests admixtures to evaluate and optimise their effects on concrete’s properties. The new, advanced 100m² lab is a full concrete testing facility, in use up to six days a week….