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…
GSAL student joins prestigious Children’s Commissioner youth ambassador programme
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is proud to celebrate the achievement of sixth form student, Naemi Asmerom, who has been appointed as one of only 17 youth ambassadors nationally for the Children’s Commissioner for England, following a highly competitive selection process. The youth ambassador programme, led by Dame Rachel de Souza DBE, provides young…
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…
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…
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…
Homes released to benefit first time buyers in North Yorkshire
First time buyers in North Yorkshire are being encouraged to take a look at Barratt Homes’ Harclay Park development in Boroughbridge, where a range of homes perfect for that first step on the property ladder have been released. The new community, located on Stump Cross, is ideal for a variety of house hunters, with the…
Leeds City College achieves NEBOSH Silver Learning Partner status
Leeds City College is proud to announce its recent accreditation as a Silver Learning Partner by the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH). Following a rigorous inspection audit in November, this prestigious upgrade from Bronze status highlights the college’s dedication to exceeding NEBOSH’s principles of learning excellence. Why Choose NEBOSH? NEBOSH, a globally…
Bradford professor prepares to launch Space Tech Assembly
Businesses from this region and beyond can partake in ‘astronomical opportunities’ outlined at the forthcoming Space Tech Assembly in March, according to the University of Bradford professor who is set to open the event. The conference, organised by Space Hub Yorkshire, the UK Space Agency-funded regional space cluster, will examine how space tech is evolving…
Weidmann support upgrade to local children’s playground
Weidmann UK is thrilled to support its local community by contributing vital funds to the Parish Council. As a major employer in the region, Weidmann was approached to provide financial support to upgrade and improve the local children’s playground that had fallen into disrepair. The donation will contribute towards replacing outdated and worn-out surfaces with…
Bradford seals £1m funding for 6G research projects
The University of Bradford has been awarded £1 million from the European Union’s Horizon Innovation Action programme to lead pioneering research into the socio-economic and sustainability impacts of disruptive technologies, including 6G networks and edge computing. Secured by a team of researchers at the University’s School of Management, the funding supports three ambitious projects—COP-PILOT, 6G-VERSUS,…
Burns unit visit part of 56for56 appeal
Firefighters from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) visited the University of Bradford-based Burns Unit after crews launched a £56,000 fundraising appeal to mark the 40th anniversary of the Bradford City fire. Proceeds raised for the 56for56 appeal, organised by the firefighters based at Bradford Fire Station, will go towards the Plastic Surgery and…
Community projects to benefit from University-backed fund
Community projects will benefit from a £800,000 fund, part of a project which includes the University of Bradford. The Communities Innovating Yorkshire Fund (CIYF) has launched as part of the Yorkshire and Humber Policy Innovation Partnership (YPIP). Under CIYF, chosen community organisation projects from across Yorkshire and Humber will receive individual awards of up to…
University’s community researchers programme will leave City of Culture legacy
A collaboration between the University of Bradford, University of Southampton and Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture to train ‘community researchers’ as part of Bradford 2025’s legacy has been hailed a success. The Community Researcher Training Programme, led by Gail Smith, Evaluation Manager for City of Culture, and Professor Karina Croucher, Academic Lead for Bradford…
Almost two thirds of law firms may lack the knowledge needed to deliver against sustainability goals
New research reveals 66% of law firm employees believe their company has clear sustainability goals, though many of the staff responsible for delivering plans lack confidence in their ability to achieve them. The study highlights 78% of firms have appointed individuals to lead their green initiatives. However, only 38% of these sustainability champions believe they…
Bank of England monetary policy expert to deliver lecture at Leeds Beckett University
Leeds Beckett University is delighted to welcome Dr. Catherine L. Mann, External Member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), to deliver the highly anticipated Economic Prospects Lecture on 11 February. Attendees will gain insights into the Bank’s latest Monetary Policy Report, to be released on 6 February. Catherine will address how the…
Bradford BID partners with West Yorkshire Police for ‘Report It Campaign’
Bradford Business Improvement District (BID) is proud to announce a new partnership with West Yorkshire Police to launch the ‘Report It Campaign.’ This collaborative initiative aims to encourage businesses and members of the public to report all non-emergency incidents, such as anti-social behaviour and shop theft, by contacting 101 or using the online reporting platform….
Leeds Beckett University and Exemplas launch new blueprint for business productivity
Experts at Leeds Beckett University, with leading business support provider Exemplas, have designed a series of new approaches to boosting the productivity and growth of West Yorkshire SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), through a partnership delivery of business support and academic research. The team have worked together since 2022, delivering grassroots SME business support programmes…
Yorkshire housing provider loaned £20m through the Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme
54North Homes has received a £20m loan under the Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme (AHGS) to support its delivery of new affordable homes across Yorkshire. Managed by ESR Group’s specialist investment manager Venn Partners on behalf of the UK Government, half of the loan will help 54North Homes deliver about 100 new homes, with the majority…
MHA welcomes Government representatives to Keighley and Bradford
Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has hosted senior strategy and policy staff from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on a two day factfinding trip. The visit was part of MHCLG’s Social Housing Immersion Programme which provides a bridge for policy and strategy staff to engage with housing associations and tenants across the…
Bradford College officially opens STEM building after £6.9m refurb
Guests from education, construction, and regional employers joined staff and students for the official opening of Bradford College’s Garden Mills building. A multimillion-pound renovation project has transformed the derelict mill on Thornton Road into a flexible digital, science, and allied health training facility for higher-level students. The 1900s five-storey building opened after months of construction…
The Grammar School at Leeds named Eco-School of the Year
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) has been named one of five schools nationwide to receive the prestigious Eco-Schools School of the Year Award for 2024. This accolade celebrates GSAL’s outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability and its efforts to involve students and staff in creating a greener future. At the heart of GSAL’s success is…
Time running out for York businesses to get free green makeover to slash emissions and energy bills
Scheme has already identified 587 Tonnes of CO2 Savings for local businesses Free onsite support and training tailored to help cut carbon, reduce energy bills, and boost competitiveness Scheme aims to help businesses meet net zero goals – firms must apply before January York businesses are being urged to sign up in time for a…
Free start-up launchpad programme to boost economic growth in Leeds
Leeds-based start-up businesses will be empowered to boost their strategies to enter new markets, achieve growth, and build long-term sustainability, through a new partnership between Leeds Beckett University, the University of Leeds, L Marks and Leeds City Council. The project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the…
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College receives third consecutive ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College Sets the Standard in Yorkshire with Third Consecutive ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted Rating and Exceptional ‘Strong’ Skills Provision Following an inspection in September 2024, Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College is immensely proud to announce that Ofsted has once again awarded the College ‘Outstanding’ status for all six key judgement areas….
Drax Group Trading update – strong performance, disciplined capital allocation
Highlights Strong performance – Flexible Generation(1), Pellet Production and Biomass Generation Progressing target for >£500 million EBITDA post 2027 from FlexGen(1) and Pellet Production UK energy system operator confirms large-scale biomass required for 2030 clean power system Launch of Elimini – US-based developer of 24/7 renewable power and carbon removals Up to £300 million two-year…
The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
CBAM has been created by the EU and is the worlds first carbon border tax. To be precise the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) operates by imposing a charge on the embedded carbon content, of CBAM designated imports, that is equivalent to the charge required for the same materials resulting from industries subject to the…
H2Boost project welcomes government officials to witness progress with waste-to-hydrogen technology
The government-backed H2Boost project, led by the Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC), recently hosted a delegation from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to its demonstration facility near Selby. The visit highlighted the project’s innovative approach to clean hydrogen production and carbon capture, which could support the UK’s net-zero ambitions. The delegation included…
Richard Hawley, Asian Dub Foundation, Bassline DJs and brass bands are all part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture
Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture (Bradford 2025), is set to electrify audiences next year with a packed music programme, featuring a blend of world-class talent and local legends. Tickets for the first wave of performances, including must-see events like The Big Brass Blowout and Bassline Symphony will go on sale this Thursday 7 November….
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin visits Leeds Beckett University’s Carnegie School of Sport to spotlight world-class facilities and community partnerships
Leeds Beckett University’s Carnegie School of Sport welcomed West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin to a showcase of its world-class facilities and collaborative partnerships on Tuesday 29 October. Academics and students from the Carnegie School of Sport were joined by double Olympic Champion Alistair Brownlee, Leeds Rhinos and Leeds Well School Partnership to showcase the impact…
Bradford BID and City Centre Beat strengthen crime-fighting alliance with new partnership
Bradford Business Improvement District (BID) is continuing to strengthen its approach to reducing business crime and related anti-social behaviour in the city centre by joining forces with the long-established City Centre Beat (CCB), which represents the nationally accredited city centre Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP). This collaboration builds on the BID’s recent initiatives, including the…
Celebrating three years of transformative social action in York
A landmark anniversary is being celebrated this month, marking three years of social action work that has transformed lives across York, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, a generous anonymous donor gave £1 million to city centre church St Michael le Belfrey (The Belfrey) to establish the Post Pandemic Fund (PPF) and…
Introducing The York Clinic
The York Clinic was launched to address the growing need for menopause support in the workplace. Menopause will impact all women, yet it remains largely unaddressed. Their services are designed to bridge this gap by offering bespoke training that empowers businesses to better understand and support their employees, whilst also ensuring compliance with the latest…
Insulating solid walled homes has potential to cut energy bills by up to 30 per cent, major new research study finds
Insulating the UK’s eight million solid walled homes has the potential to cut energy bills by 30 per cent in some homes – and is essential to achieve the domestic energy efficiency targets, according to new research led by Leeds Beckett University. The research was carried out by the Leeds Sustainability Institute (LSI) at Leeds…
City Campus ‘open for teaching’ communications
Leeds Trinity University City Campus opens its doors for teaching Leeds Trinity University has welcomed its first students to begin teaching at its new Leeds City Campus. Postgraduate students were first to step into the City Campus, based at 1 Trevelyan Square, on Wednesday 16 October. Foundation Year and undergraduate students will continue their programmes…
Leeds College of Building joins low carbon heat network
Leeds College of Building’s North Street Campus is set to benefit from the latest expansion of the Leeds PIPES district heating network. The network uses heat recovered from non-recyclable domestic waste to provide warmth and hot water to buildings in the city. The project is helping businesses and residents to move away from costly fossil-fuel…
Aire Valley environment project launches company’s net zero pledge
North Yorkshire-based business, Airedale Group, has launched its journey towards net zero by 2045 with a major new project to support its local environment. The chemical specialist has pledged 200 hours of volunteer time to help the Aire Rivers Trust in its work to improve the Aire Valley rivers, reducing flooding and encouraging nature in…
Report reveals UKREiiF hits £5m social value milestone
The UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) has announced that £5 million in social value has been created by its events in just three years, with the findings detailed in a report by economists at social value organisation Loop. Intended to connect people, places and businesses to accelerate and unlock sustainable, inclusive, and transformation…
Vital new monitor part of ‘revolutionary MRI process’ for newborn babies
£45,000 has been donated to Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) as part of the J9 Advisory £100,000 Charity Challenge to enable the purchase of life-saving MRI monitoring equipment. The monitor is part of a revolutionary MRI process at the Leeds Children’s Hospital, unique to Europe, which is transforming the care of newborn babies with heart…
Renovated campus facilities officially open after major refurb
An impressive £750k refurbishment project has transformed Leeds College of Building’s North Street Campus following an eight-week renovation programme. Award-winning fit-out specialists Lodestone Projects managed the extensive summer works that rejuvenated the site and created contemporary and accessible facilities for construction students. Building work took place over four floors, incorporating the transformation of the former…
Major milestone achieved in £5m H2Boost project with opening of biohydrogen production facility
The Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) and its consortium partners have successfully launched a demonstration-scale biohydrogen production and carbon capture facility at The Maltings, a food waste processing facility near Selby, North Yorkshire. This facility is part of the H2Boost project, which secured £5 million in Phase 2 funding last year through the Department for Energy…
West Yorkshire housebuilder calls for applications for community fund scheme
Local housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West is encouraging charities to get in contact and apply for its Community Fund scheme which is worth £1,500. The Community Fund scheme sees the developer support a different charity every month with a donation of up to £1,500 to aid the incredible work being done at…
Final phase of construction project brings rooftop reading space to The Leeds Library
The final phase of capital works project The Next Chapter is underway at The Leeds Library. In the biggest expansion in its 255-year-history, completion of the project will make the library accessible for the first time, unite its collection and archive, and create a new event space and a rooftop reading terrace. The library acquired…
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…
LGSCO releases annual figures for City of York Council
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) has published their annual review report alongside their performance data for all local authorities. The performance data relating to City of York Council, shows a year-on-year reduction in cases they have received about the council. This shows that of 9 cases investigated, 78% (7) were upheld, comparing against…
Housing association CEO calls for political unity after King’s Speech building reforms
The chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has urged politicians from all parties to support more housebuilding following the announcement in today’s King’s Speech of proposed changes to planning laws and the introduction of housing targets to boost the delivery of new homes. In a statement, Lee Bloomfield said: “The country has endured a…
UKREiiF Brings £20.9m Economic Boost to Leeds and West Yorkshire
An independent report by ARUP has highlighted that The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), a major event taking place annually in Leeds, has generated almost £21m of local economic activity in the city and the wider West Yorkshire region in 2024. The event, which brought together over 13,000 official attendees in 2024,…
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…