Power surge: UK spends £250 million each month importing record volumes of electricity from Europe
The UK is importing record amounts of power from Europe, with the country spending more than £250 million on power from abroad each month, new analysis by Drax Electric Insights has found. A record 20% of the country’s electricity demand was met by imports from Europe during the second quarter of 2024. Imports accounted for…
Impact of Leeds Beckett University’s partnership work celebrated in the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF)
The strength of Leeds Beckett University’s partnership work has been recognised by the fourth national Knowledge Exchange Framework – with the University placed in the top 20% of universities in three categories. Research England has published its updated KEF4 today (Wednesday 18 October), which examines how well English Higher Education Providers exchange knowledge and expertise to make…
Otley garden centre welcomes Bradford balustrade and decking business
A Yorkshire business specialising in glass balustrades has opened a display area at Otley Garden Centre. Headed up by skilled tradesman Mark Ross, the Baildon-based British Balustrade Co. supplies and fits balustrades for decking projects, balconies, and staircases. “As a premium provider of glass balustrades throughout the UK, British Balustrade Co boasts a team of skilled…
Bulls file accounts up to Nov 2023
Bradford Bulls have filed their latest set of accounts covering the 12 months up to 30th November 2023. The accounts show that the club made a small profit of £22k on a turnover of £2,131,000. Commenting on the 2023 out-turn, chairman Nigel Wood said “The club’s board does try to run the club sustainably, because frankly,…
Heading to Chicago – Crysp Limited
Proud Bradfordians and Chamber members, Crysp headed to the windy city, Chicago to attend the Digital Twin Consortium Conference for Q3. The agenda was full of keynote speakers, group sessions, case studies, panels, presentations and plenty of networking. It provided Crysp the chance to expand their network, showcasing their great product and wave the flag…
James Robinson Fibres invests £750,000 in future-proofing operations as it celebrates 150 years of textile innovation
Yorkshire-based textile innovator James Robinson Fibres is investing over £750,000 into its head office and warehousing at Euroway Industrial Estate in Bradford, enhancing operational efficiency as it celebrates 150 years of pioneering spirit in the textile industry. The fifth-generation family business, which includes Texfelt in its portfolio, has been making significant investments across the group. This follows…
AAB strengthens Virtual Finance team with new Leeds Partner
Second new Partner in Leeds office in as many months Appointment marks a further expansion of services out of Leeds, following launch of Corporate Finance division in the city 25% growth in Virtual Finance clients in the past year AAB, a leading professional services firm across the UK and Ireland, is pleased to announce the…
Ukrainian refugee awarded scholarship at inaugural York Hospitality Awards
Mariana Kachun, a Ukrainian refugee and Chef de Rang at Middlethorpe Hall and Spa has been presented a scholarship from York St John University. Mariana was a finalist in the inaugural HAY Hospitality Awards on Thursday 5th September at the Radisson Hotel in York. The application for her award moved the judges when they learned…
Yorkshire Building Society partners with Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture
Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture has announced Yorkshire Building Society as a Major Supporter. The partnership will see the 160-year-old mutual work with the programme over three years to help support its aim of increasing employment opportunities and skills across the district. Yorkshire Building Society has a long heritage in the Bradford area. One…
EV charging points installed at TPE North Yorkshire station
Four electric vehicle (EV) charging points have been installed at one of TPE’s (TransPennine Express’) North Yorkshire stations – the first at the train operator’s car parks. Customers using the station will now be able to charge their vehicles while they travel by train from Thirsk. The new 22kW facilities were switched on today, Friday…
Yorkshire garden centre group supports running challenge for gardening charity
Two members of a Bradford-based garden centre group have joined a runner who is running every day to raise money for charity. Yorkshire Garden Centres’ Commercial Director, Sharon McNair and Head of Finance, Katie Young, joined runner Kate Ebbens for a 5k run to celebrate the group’s support for the Greenfingers charity which is dedicated…
Yorkshire gold – Power station celebrates 50 years with train journey across iconic landmark
The UK’s largest producer of renewable power, Drax Power Station, has celebrated its Golden anniversary with the unveiling of a special rail wagon, seen for the first time crossing Yorkshire’s iconic Ribblehead Viaduct. Renewable power pioneer, Drax Group, unveiled the golden liveried Class 66 locomotive operated by GB Railfreight to mark the 50th anniversary of…
£15m expansion plans for Trinity Kitchen
£15m Expansion Plans for Trinity Kitchen Set to Be Centre’s Biggest Investment Since Opening New 6,000 sq ft roof terrace to be added, offering views over city centre Trinity Leeds owner, Landsec, has submitted exciting new plans to invest £15m into the expansion of its popular Trinity Kitchen concept. Should the application be successful, it…
Cards Direct opens first Leeds store at the Merrion Centre
Leading Greeting Card Operator Brings Affordable Celebration Essentials to Leeds with new store opening Cards Direct, a leading family-owned retailer specialising in high-quality greeting cards, gifts, gift packaging, balloons and partyware, has officially opened its first store in Leeds at the Merrion Centre. The new store will create 8 jobs for the city. This new…
West Yorkshire homebuilder aces charity golf day for candlelighters
A charity golf day arranged by Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West has raised £11,000 for its charity of the year, Candlelighters. 19 teams made up of 76 golfers, including Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ employees and sub-contractors, took part in the tournament which was held at Garforth Golf Club in Leeds. The funds…
Andrew Jackson advises specialist manufacturer on sale to US adhesive giant
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP is delighted to announce that it has advised the shareholders of HS Butyl Ltd, the UK’s largest manufacturer and distributor of high-quality butyl tapes, on their disposal to NYSE-listed H.B. Fuller, the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world. Family owned and founded since 1964, HS Butyl has…
PNG powerhouse Appo signs new two year deal
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce fans’ favourite PNG powerhouse Keven Appo has signed a new two-year deal – keeping him at the club until the end of the 2026 season! The 25-year-old arrived at Bartercard Odsal in February last year, making an instant impact – scoring 10 tries as the Bulls reached the play-off…
Wingstop UK expands in Leeds with opening at White Rose
Wingstop UK, the ultimate experience for iconic wing flavours to enjoy with family and friends, is set to open at White Rose Shopping Centre on Monday 12 August, marking the third Leeds site for the brand. Due to popular demand, Wingstop UK is excited to expand its presence to the people of Leeds, building on…
DB Cargo UK delivers HVO-powered services for Drax
DB Cargo UK has announced that all trains it operates for Drax Group in and out of the UK’s largest renewable energy plant near Selby, will be powered by environmentally friendly Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil (HVO) having switched entirely to the fuel. Drax Group, the UK’s leading producer of renewable energy, has taken the decision to…
Bradford mill demolition paves way for £17m cutting-edge future technologies centre
Newly appointed contractor Morgan Sindall Construction has commenced demolition of a derelict mill on Thornton Road, making way for Bradford College’s purpose-built Future Technologies Centre. The demolition of Junction Mills marks the start of construction on the state-of-the-art four-storey building, which will become the home of modern automotive and digital engineering training at Bradford College. Once opened, the…
Launch date announced for flagship Zara store at Trinity Leeds
After much anticipation, Zara will launch its new flagship store at Trinity Leeds on Thursday, August 8th, at the former Topshop unit on Briggate. The new 46,000 sq ft store will include Zara’s Woman, Man, and Kids collections over three floors, showcasing the latest technological innovations from Zara’s integrated online and physical store platform to…
Yasper takes on PR brief for Leeds telecoms specialist
Leeds-based Yasper has been appointed by 24 Seven Cloud to deliver a media and content brief aimed at driving awareness amongst its target audiences. Yasper will initially be supporting the business telecoms provider with strategic B2B media relations support, as well as the production of web and social media content to promote the firm’s independent…
It’s BRSK at Bartercard Odsal Stadium!
We are delighted to announce an exciting, new partnership with full-fibre broadband specialists BRSK! Founded in 2020, BRSK are now rolling out their full-fibre Broadband, which will provide speeds of up to 1 Gigabyte per second, in West Yorkshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Calderdale and Birmingham. The partnership will see BRSK branding located in and around…
Construction company, William Birch & Sons celebrates 150 years
York-based principal contractor William Birch & Sons Ltd has launched its 150-year celebrations at the Yorkshire Air Museum in Elvington, York. Nearly 200 colleagues, retirees, and shareholders gathered for an afternoon of family fun to mark this significant milestone. Since 1874, the company has been delivering restoration, refurbishment, and construction services across the Yorkshire region….
Yorkshire IT company gets boost from Theo Paphitis
A Cross Hills based firm has received recognition and a business boost from retail guru Theo Paphitis. Last week, Sara Haggas, Sales and Marketing Manager at Comprendo, posted about the business on the former Dragon’s Den star’s Instagram account during ‘Small Business Sunday’. As a result, Comprendo became one of six weekly winners to receive…
Infopro Digital acquires UKREiiF organisers Built Environment Networking Ltd
Infopro Digital, a leading business information services company, has acquired Built Environment Networking Ltd which runs UKREiiF (The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum), a must-attend event for the real estate, property and infrastructure communities. The acquisition will strengthen Infopro Digital’s position as a leading international business-to-business trade show and event provider in the…
The Modern .NET Show celebrates one million download milestone, strengthening .NET community connections
The Modern .NET Show, hosted by RJJ Software’s CTO and esteemed Microsoft MVP, Jamie Taylor, has recently reached a significant milestone: one million downloads! This accomplishment highlights the show’s growing influence in the .NET community and its impact on fostering connections between developers and engineers. Since its inception, The Modern .NET Show has featured interviews…
Regal Foods expands in chilled desserts sector with Love Cheesecakes acquisition
Yorkshire-based food group, Regal Food Products Group Plc is set to boost its chilled desserts offer with the acquisition of artisan cheesecake makers, Love Cheesecakes. Based in Lancaster, Love Cheesecakes specialises in handcrafting over 100 premium cheesecakes for wholesale, food services and the hospitality sector. Focusing on single serve and canapé style cheesecakes, the bakery…
Spawforths transitions to employee ownership, empowering employees and setting the foundations for growth
Spawforths, one of the largest independent planning, masterplanning and architectural consultancies in Yorkshire, is proud to announce its transition to an employee-owned company. This strategic move is set to empower its 22 employees, allowing them to share directly in the company’s success and future growth strategy. With a rich history of innovative and award-winning work…
Leeds-based Sagars becomes AAB in strategic brand consolidation
FPM, Sagars and May Figures to become AAB On track to achieve £100million turnover in 2024 Leading accountancy and business advisory services firm, Sagars, has become AAB, in a move which consolidates the business’ five brands across the UK and Ireland. This strategic alignment forms a cornerstone of AAB’s six-year plan to strengthen and expand…
Main Contractor for The Beacon – Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture
Tender – Closing date: 9pm 15 July 2024 Bradford 2025 are looking for a main contractor to provide pre-construction advice and act as the main contractor during the construction of The Beacon, a touring theatre that will travel across Bradford District in 2025. The contractor will work with the design team to build The Beacon and move the theatre from site to…
Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture Uniform Tender
Request for Proposals Provider of Volunteer and Staff Uniforms & Related Items Date issued: Thursday 1 July 2024 Deadline for responses: Monday 5 August 2024, 5pm Introduction Bradford Culture Company (BCC) operating as Bradford 2025 (the Company) is seeking to appoint a suitably experienced and qualified partner (the Provider) to design and supply a range…
Excellence in education celebrated at Bradford College STAR Awards
Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford was filled with excitement and anticipation for the first-ever Bradford College STAR Awards ceremony. The prestigious event celebrated outstanding achievements and excellence in education, honouring College students and employers for their remarkable contributions over the past academic year. The new Awards recognise those who have gone above and beyond in their…
GB Railfreight celebrates 10,000th delivery to Drax Power Station
GB Railfreight has today completed the delivery of its 10,000th biomass train from Liverpool to Drax Power Station, North Yorkshire. Since 2016, GB Railfreight’s trains have moved over 15m tonnes of sustainable biomass between Peel Ports, Liverpool and Drax Power Station in Selby, Yorkshire. The biomass hauled by these 10,000 train journeys – equivalent to…
Spawforths transitions to employee ownership
Spawforths, one of the largest independent planning, masterplanning and architectural consultancies in Yorkshire, is proud to announce its transition to an employee-owned company. This strategic move is set to empower its 22 employees, allowing them to share directly in the company’s success and future growth strategy. With a rich history of innovative and award-winning work…
Greece is the word as ThatZiki announces a new permanent residency at Trinity Kitchen
Due to open at the end of July, ThatZiki will bring its popular Greek gyros across the Pennines to Leeds, taking over the former Absurd Bird unit at Trinity Leeds, creating 25 jobs. As part of the launch event, ThatZiki will give away 50 free gyros plus free Greek soft drinks – with details to…
Whitby Netwalking with English Heritage
The West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce team visited the beautiful North Yorkshire landscape yesterday, for a guided tour around Whiby Abbey led by English Heritage. Joined by various business representatives from across the region, guests enjoyed the glorious sunshine on offer whilst also being treated to an insightful talk about the rich history…
King’s Awards for Enterprise – Chamber webinar
The West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce recently held an online webinar for the King’s Awards for Enterprise. Hosted by Jon Hammond DL, spectators were joined by Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson, Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Jo Ropner and a number of previous winners including: Nathan Hughes, Founder & Managing Director, Restrap Ltd….
LBB joins BB!
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of Australian-born forward Logan Bayliss-Brow on a two and a half-year deal – subject to international clearance! The towering 24-year-old joins from Queensland Cup outfit Redcliffe Dolphins. The Bulls would like to thank the Bradford Bulls Squad Booster Association for their help in making this happen. Bayliss-Brow,…
Bulls turn it up to the Max
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of Brisbane Tigers’ three-quarter Max Lehmann on a deal until the end of the season – subject to international clearance. The 24-year-old joins from the Queensland Cup outfit where he has scored 16 tries in 22 appearances since his debut in 2023. Lehmann is an American-born speedster,…
MOU agreed to develop ‘bioship’ technology and plans to construct the world’s first biomass-fuelled ship
New bioship technology would use gas from biomass to propel ship MoU between Japanese and British companies contains plans to develop bioship by the end of the decade Technology could decarbonise shipping of biomass pellets to Japan, potentially reducing carbon emissions by 22% Leading Japanese companies, NYK Line (NYK), NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers (NBP),…
Yorkshire garden centres awarded membership of prestigious Garden Centre Association
Two members of a Bradford-based garden centre group have been accepted as members of the Garden Centre Association (GCA), joining an elite group of 200 garden centres nationwide. Tingley and Otley Garden Centres were awarded membership of the GCA, which champions professionalism in garden centre retailing, after passing a stringent audit that covered all elements…
Leeds Beckett forms new partnership to boost growth of Doncaster-based Westdale Group
Marketing experts at Leeds Beckett University have teamed up with Doncaster-based Westdale Group Ltd to support the company’s ambitious plans for growth – and help them meet the increasing demand for home energy efficiency projects crucial to the Government’s net zero plans. The project is a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by the Government through Innovate…
Bradford College Vice Principal named Muslim Woman of the Year
A Bradford College Vice Principal has been named Muslim Woman of the Year at a prestigious national awards ceremony. Alina Khan won the ‘Noor Inayat Khan Muslim Woman of the Year’ category at the British Muslim Awards 2024 which took place at the Muslim Heritage Centre in Manchester. Now in their 11th year, the British Muslim Awards…
Oscrete lays “foundations for play” at Bradford primary schools
Employees at Bradford concrete admixture manufacturer Oscrete went back to school this month to improve the grounds at a local primary where two of the staff started their education. Oscrete’s concrete technicians and brothers Michael and Keiron Todd attended Lower Fields Primary School in Bradford between 2001 and 2011 and returned with colleagues this month…
Andrew Jackson facilitates Casper’s latest vessel purchase
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors announces that it has recently assisted Immingham-based Casper Chartering Limited (”Casper”), on its purchase of the cargo vessel “MV VESPER” (formerly “ATLAS”), from Norwegian owners. MV Vesper is the latest vessel to join Casper’s growing fleet, which now comprises seven ships. Built in 2006, Vesper is 88.60m LOA (length…
Interest rates held, for now – Economist’s view
Commenting on the Bank of England’s decision to hold interest rates today, Max Shepherd, Group Economist at Yorkshire Building Society, said: “The Bank of England has agreed to leave the base rate unchanged, at 5.25%, as expected. Andrew Bailey has said he is optimistic things are moving in the right direction, implying interest rate cuts…
Launch date announced for new ‘Nike Rise’ concept store at Trinity Leeds
The brand new Nike Rise store will open its doors at Trinity Leeds this week – on Thursday, May 9th. Taking over a prime location on the ground floor, at the former Victoria’s Secret unit, the new 10,000sq ft store aims to enhance shopping experiences through innovative digital services, including a digitally powered Footwear Fastlane…