If you're a developer in Yorkshire or the wider North looking to secure development finance, here's something worth knowing before you pick up the phone to a lender: the person holding your project together isn't just your build partner, they're a significant part of...

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the UK economy, yet many ambitious businesses continue to struggle to secure the finance needed to grow, innovate and create jobs. An insight report from Oxford Innovation Advice, Breaking Barriers:...

By Carl Jackson, Chairman and Andrea Terraneo, Senior Administrator, Quantuma La Perla is an Italian luxury fashion brand founded in Bologna in 1954. It is globally recognised for its lingerie, nightwear and swimwear, with many of its products handcrafted by...

Building a business takes courage, vision and the right environment to thrive. For too many ambitious entrepreneurs and professionals across the North East, the right workspace has simply been out of reach, too expensive, too inflexible, or too far removed from the...

Want to break into the live music and events industry and kickstart your creative career working along some of the biggest names in the business? The Piece Hall Academy in collaboration with Calderdale College is excited to present two brand new courses, set to create...

It is a heartbreaking reality that so many older adults in our communities’ face loneliness and isolation in later life. Fortunately, there is strong, localized support right here. At the Hamwattan Centre in Leeds. Collaborating with community volunteers to support...

Blackley-based Changed Studios has secured a £20,000 Start Up Loan through GC Business Finance (GCBF) to launch a brand-new barbershop. Founded by a local trio of brothers, Michael, Moses and Matthew Giwa, Changed Studios is the result of a lifelong ambition to build...

Yorkshire law firm expands team with four senior recruits and influx of legal talent Leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has made four senior appointments as part of a significant intake, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing service offerings and...

Bradford College has announced a major new partnership with Production Park and Academy of Live Technology (ALT), anchored by its flagship Producing Academy, to create industry-leading training and employment pathways into the UK’s fast-growing creative and live...

Over 300 guests gathered at Cedar Court Hotel in Huddersfield, on Friday 17th April to celebrate five decades of excellence in skills development for the UK textiles and advanced manufacturing sector. An industry-owned, not-for-profit training provider at the heart of...

Enterprise Works at the University of York, in partnership with Lifted Ventures, has launched a new initiative to support women across the region to become angel investors and back the next generation of female entrepreneurs. ‘A New Era for Women Angels in York &...

For most small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the valuation process can be complex due to a lack of publicly available information that exists in relation to listed companies. SMEs require detailed analysis in order to determine the value of the business that a...

One of the products we can offer investors is the much-misunderstood Innovative Finance ISA (IFISA), which recently celebrated its tenth birthday. Launched in April 2016, it quietly changed the UK investment landscape. For the first time, investors could place...

Tired of unreliable couriers, missed time slots, and delivery issues? Take control with Same Day Solutions. We help businesses deliver faster, more reliably, and more professionally — so you can impress your customers every time. What we offer: ✔️ Dedicated same-day...

GC Business Finance (GCBF), a responsible lender supporting SMEs across the UK, has appointed Aaron Malins as Director of Business Finance, supporting the continued evolution of its offering and future growth plans. Aaron brings over two decades of experience across...

Looking to grow your business or kick-start a new venture in West Yorkshire? Join us for the Business Drop-In at the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre, Halifax, on Wednesday 10th June from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. This free, hands-on event connects you directly with local...

Leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has been named in the official Sunday Times Best Places to Work list for the third year running. The nationwide workplace survey recognises and celebrates the UK’s top employers, showcasing organisations that are leading...

Help to Grow: Management Course Could Help to Grow: Management be the practical step your business needs to build resilience and scale with confidence? Help to Grow is a 12-week programme delivered by Leeds University Business School and accredited by the Small...

HD Horsemanship: Inclusive Riding Business Saddles Up for Growth with Start Up Loan Support HD Horsemanship, an inclusive equine learning business founded by Sam Anderson‑Parker in Dorset, is celebrating early success after securing a £5,000 Start Up Loan delivered...

AIA Sponsors BAFA Conference 2026 The Association of International Accountants (AIA) was proud to attend and sponsor the British Accounting and Finance Association Annual Conference 2026, hosted by Aston University from 14–16 April 2026. The event once again proved to...

Exploring How Businesses Are Valued: And Why It Matters Tuesday 5th May | 14:00 – 15:00 | Online Webinar via Teams Understanding what drives the value of a business is critical for directors, owner‑managers and shareholders, whether you are planning an exit, preparing...

Could you help change a young person’s summer – and their future? UK Youth, a leading national youth charity, has launched the third year of its Summer Jobs Programme - supporting over 900 young people across England and Wales this summer. The programme helps...

We’re Hiring Multi-Drop Delivery Drivers – Newcastle Area! Looking for a fast-paced role where no two days are the same? Join our growing team and keep Newcastle moving! At Same Day Solutions Ltd, we’re on the lookout for reliable, motivated Multi-Drop Delivery...

Scaffolding has come down on the new Bradford College Junction Mills building on Thornton Road, set to open in September this year.    Junction Mills will offer students skills in new technologies, such as modern automotive and digital engineering, electric/hybrid...

GC Angels, the venture capital investment arm of the Growth Company, has led four investments in March 2026 supporting funding totalling £1.87m. Two of the deals originate from GC Angels’ first Venture Forward accelerator programme, which ran at the end of last year,...

We are convening a small, invite-only leadership dialogue in Leeds on 14 May, bringing together a curated group of senior leaders across People, Culture, DEI and ESG. Co-created by Power For Women and the Yorkshire Asian Business Association, and anchored by Simone...

AIA Chief Operating Officer Honoured in 2026 Women in Trade Associations Powerlist The Association of International Accountants (AIA) is proud to announce that our Chief Operating Officer, Nicola Perry, has been named in the 2026 Women in Trade Associations...

A big part of being from a Sikh Indian family is the tradition of giving, sharing, and feeding others. Cooking for the people she loved was always my mum’s passion. What started as a hobby was something she had always hoped to grow into a small business one day....

Multimillion selling global star Rick Astley has announced a major UK and Ireland arena tour for April 2026, with special guest, Gabrielle! Coming to first direct bank arena, Leeds on Saturday 18th April, 2026! Rick Astley’s story is a remarkable career of two...

Rent & Home Building When the Office for National Statistics released its latest private rent and house price figures in early 2026, headlines focused on one reassuring message: rental inflation is slowing. At first glance, that sounds positive. However, a closer...

New Centre for Health Research Inclusion at the University of York Some health conditions affect ethnic minority groups more than the wider population, yet minority groups are less likely to take part in research. This includes research into type 2 diabetes, high...

Leeds digital consultant marks first year in business with national charity project Kingsbury Consulting helps Edinburgh-based Big Hearts Community Trust - the official charity of Heart of Midlothian FC - undertake its first formal digital strategy. Leeds, UK - 3rd...

As we celebrate international woman’s day, I’ll again try play my part. Raising vital funds for the fight against FGM and gender based violence through a great day of sports, networking and African cuisine.   1) Be great for you to enter a team 2) Confirm...

Bradford College Named ‘Apprenticeship Provider of the Year’  Bradford College has been named ‘Apprenticeship Provider of the Year’ at the national Apprenticeship & Training Awards 2026. Announced at the Apprenticeships and Training Conference gala dinner and...

Mark Your Calendars: STEMFest Yorkshire and Humber 2026 Announced Following the outstanding success of STEMFest Yorkshire and Humber 2025, which brought together over 2,000 students and 200 educators for three days of immersive STEM learning, the Yorkshire &...

AI-powered Brarista expands globally and deepens impact for women following £510k GC Angels investment  Award-winning Manchester-based femtech startup Brarista has rapidly expanded across international markets and product categories following a £510k pre-seed...

Harvesting success as the West Yorkshire Good Growth Programme comes to fruition As the West Yorkshire Good Growth Programme draws to a close, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the impact the initiative has had since its inception in April 2024. Over the past two...

Beloved Yorkshire wedding venue restored with the help of Start Up Loan A Yorkshire couple have returned the magic and romance to a timeless rural wedding venue with the support of the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, delivered by the Business...

THIS APRIL, YORKSHIRE IS INVITED TO GATHER FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY EVENING WHERE ELEGANCE MEETS IMPACT AND CELEBRATION MEETS COMMUNITY! FB Fashion Ball Yorkshire returns to the iconic First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds on Thursday 23 April, bringing together the very best...

WORLD PREMIERE: Bradford playwright Asif Khan brings beloved Planet Omar books to life in a vibrant new family theatre production at Leeds Playhouse Step into the fantastically imaginative and delightfully chaotic world of 8-year-old Omar in a new children’s theatre...

Structured growth support strengthening West Yorkshire businesses Established SMEs across West Yorkshire are reporting measurable improvements in strategic focus, operational clarity and long-term planning following their participation in the West Yorkshire Good...

Partner with Leeds Trinity University: Access Fresh Talent Through Funded Internships At Leeds Trinity University, we’re committed to helping every student succeed, both academically and in their future careers. We are pleased to be able to offer organisations the...

AIA Chief Executive Honoured for Contributions to UK–China Relations The Association of International Accountants (AIA) has announced that its Chief Executive, Philip Turnbull, has received a prestigious honour recognising his outstanding contributions to UK–China...

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ is thrilled to continue the momentum into 2026 by introducing an all-new truck to the tour: Rhinomite — the dynamite Rhino themed truck. Get ready for more heat and action as Hot Wheels brings the ultimate monster truck show to first...

Manchester-based Financielle reaches 350,000 downloads following GC Angels investment Financielle, the platform that is the home of money for women, and founded in Manchester, has surpassed 350,000 downloads worldwide after receiving £125K of investment from GC Angels...

Why What’s Good for Society Is Usually Good for Investors Recent headlines about changes to ground rents have reminded us of something important. Investments do not exist in isolation. They affect real people, real homes and real communities, and when those impacts...

OurPetsLife expands into new overseas markets following B2B growth February, 2026 - Manchester-based premium pet products business OurPetsLife (OPL) has accelerated international expansion after entering a series of new overseas markets and significantly growing its...

Apprentice Engineers Welcome MP to Mark National Apprenticeship Week 2026 Bradford College engineering apprentices welcomed a local MP to their workplace to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9-15 February). Judith Cummins MP visited the Engineering...

Local Firm Triumphs at Bradford College Apprenticeship Games 2026 A local firm powered its way to victory at this year’s annual Bradford College Apprenticeship Games. Northern Pump Suppliers Ltd were crowned winners after a day of intense battling against nine other...

Leeds Landlords Warned Over New Selective Licensing Rules Landlords in areas of Leeds are being warned of new regulations that require them to obtain a Selective Licence for their rental properties, or risk prosecution and fines. Selective Licensing hit the headlines...