West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce
Up to 67% off
representative award-winning business breakdown cover
We fix 4/5 cars at the roadside, right there and then Track us right to your side if one of your vehicles breaks down
James Mason Chief Executive West & North Yorkshire Chamber
As anyone reading this column will know, it is a challenging time to run a business. With overheads skyrocketing, geopolitical uncertainty on the rise and ever-changing government policy shifts, the ground often feels like it is shifting under our feet.
And this is where your local Chamber comes in.
We stand ready to provide our members support, whether it be on international trade, influencing the policies of local and national governments, marketing your goods and services or providing crucial support on matters such as HR, legal advice and debt recovery.
This year will see us build on our successful trade missions. Having taken Yorkshire to Saudi Arabia, the United States and the United Arab Emirates, we now have our sights set on China and Hong Kong, with other destinations to follow in the months ahead. These missions are all about forging connections for new markets for our members as they seek to trade in an ever-shrinking global marketplace.
Our expansion is also happening at a local level. Having been successfully awarded the rights to take on the entirety of West Yorkshire we are moving beyond our traditional Bradford, Leeds and North Yorkshire heartlands. As the only accredited Chamber of Commerce in West Yorkshire, we can now provide our members in the Wakefield, Halifax and Huddersfield regions with the national voice when it comes to policy formation.
Our new choice-based membership is providing us with a dynamic pricing model to suit the needs of every employer.
08455 240 240 wnychamber.co.uk @WNYChamber
Times may be uncertain; we all know that. But what is certain is that your Chamber of Commerce in West & North Yorkshire has your back, no matter the circumstances.
My best wishes to you all.
EDITORIAL marketing@wnychamber.co.uk
ADVERTISING marketing@wnychamber.co.uk
SUBSCRIPTIONS marketing@wnychamber.co.uk
WEBSITE members.wnychamber.co.uk
X (FORMERLY TWITTER) @WNYChamber
West & North Yorkshire Business is a quarterly business magazine produced by the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. The audience for this publication is comprised of a targeted audience of the major decision makers and senior executives across both the Yorkshire region and the wider UK business community.
© 2023 West & North Yorkshire Business - No Part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form of advertising or promotion without the express permission of the editorial team.
West & North Yorkshire Business has taken all reasonable care to ensure that the information contained in this magazine is accurate on the date of publication.
BD25 may now have come to a conclusion, but we still have much to be excited about in the region.
The city centre is transformed and for the better. Bradford Bulls are back where they belong in the Super League.
Darley Street Market is now a fully entrenched part of the city and Bradford Live is already going from strength-to-strength with some top-notch acts and performances happening.
And, at long last, we now know that, at long last, Bradford is going to get the railway station it has deserved for so many years.
The through station will be connected to Northern Powerhouse Rail, meaning faster journey times to the other great cities of the north.
Not only will Bradford now be better connected, but it will also enjoy a new wave of opportunity. Its residents will enjoy greater connectivity and better productivity; that is without question. But the city’s businesses will now be able to recruit from a far wider pool of talent from around the North of England.
The newly developed station will also create a new wave of regeneration for Bradford that will be on scale larger than anything seen in the county. The Southern Gateway project will transform Bradford, with a newly enlarged city centre, with new homes and commercial space.
It feels a very special time to be a Bradfordian. And well it should, this city is a special place and one to be proud of.
Rebecca Fitzgerald President Bradford Chamber
Award-winning
Jasmine Clarke, EMCC Senior Accredited Coach and founder of Zest Productivity, has been named New Business of the Year 2025 at the Keighley & Airedale Business Awards. The win marks a defining moment in her journey from productivity specialist to one of Yorkshire’s emerging voices in executive and leadership coaching.
Through her company, Zest, Jasmine works with senior leaders and business owners who want more from their career or business, more clarity, authenticity, and impact. Her coaching creates space for reflection and insight, helping leaders move from capable to exceptional and lead with genuine presence at the next level.
“Winning this award is such a proud moment,” said Jasmine Clarke. “It reflects the incredible clients I’ve had the privilege of coaching. They’re high-achieving, ambitious, and deeply human, and they want success that feels sustainable and self-defined. My coaching is about helping them create that space to think, align, and grow with confidence.”
As part of her contribution to the region, Jasmine works closely with leaders across Yorkshire to strengthen clarity, capability, and confidence in their organisations, supporting a healthier and more resilient business community.
Building on the award, Jasmine is introducing new Executive Coaching Packages for 2026, designed for senior leaders, executives, and organisations ready to refine how they lead and create lasting impact.
The new offers include:
• Executive Coaching Partnerships – six or twelvemonth programmes offering space to pause, reflect, and gain clarity on the next chapter of leadership.
• Organisational Coaching Retainers – bespoke coaching partnerships supporting several leaders within one organisation to align personal growth with strategic priorities.
• Leadership Development Workshops – practical, insight-led sessions exploring topics such as clarity and focus, authentic leadership, and building sustainable success.
The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, officially opened Bradford College’s new skills development space for the creative leaders of tomorrow. ‘The Producing Academy’ is an exciting new facility designed to nurture the wave of creative talent needed across West Yorkshire, helping to position the region as a national powerhouse for the creative industries.
Manningham Housing Association HQ refurbishment begins
Manningham Housing Association (MHA) will close its head office until next summer whilst it undergoes a major refurbishment programme.
However, MHA customers can still visit the team by appointment at a new temporary base at Anchor Court until the works are complete.
Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “Our current headquarters, a Grade II listed building, has served the community for many years but now requires modernisation to remain safe, accessible and fit for the future.
“The upgrades will improve accessibility for tenants and visitors, including those with mobility or other access needs, and create a more welcoming reception and private meeting spaces, together with modernised staff areas to support hybrid and digital ways of working.
“The changes will also deliver numerous other benefits such as enhanced energy efficiency and sustainability.”
Covering Music Production & Broadcast Media, Digital Storytelling, Fashion & Photography, and eSports & Games Development, The Producing Academy will offer exceptional training that shapes and nurtures local creative talent to meet regional and national skills gaps. Sarah Towan, Bradford College Vice Principal – Recruitment & Communication, explained:
Yorkshire garden centre group reaches the final of a regional business award
The team at a Bradford-based garden centre group is celebrating after reaching the final of TheBusinessDesk. com Yorkshire Business of the Year Awards 2026.
Yorkshire Garden Centres has been shortlisted in the Large Business of the Year category of the annual awards, which celebrate the best business successes from across the region.
Yorkshire Garden Centres’ MD, Mark Farnsworth, said: “We’re proud to have reached the final of this prestigious award which recognises businesses that are innovating, disrupting and thriving. We’re delighted that the judges were impressed by what they saw and heard.”
A spokesperson for TheBusinessDesk.com said: “The Large Business award will go to one of the region’s strong success stories that is really setting the pace, with a great story to tell and be making a significant impact in the region.”
“The Producing Academy is designed for the filmmakers, the sound engineers shaping future music, the journalists and content creators changing society, and the innovators in fashion, photography, gaming, and digital arts. The Academy launches as Bradford’s creative energy remains in the spotlight following the success of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.
Global firm renews sponsorship Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce leading global professional services firm AON has renewed its sponsorship ahead of our return to Super League in 2026.
The sponsorship deal is part of Aon’s commitment to making a positive difference in the community and the investment will see Aon branding feature on the playing shorts of Bradford Bulls’ first team, women’s, reserves, and academy squads.
With the first team’s promotion to the Super League, all league and cup fixtures will be broadcast live on BBC and Sky, bringing the club to a significantly wider audience.
James Fell, head of advisory clients at Aon, said:“By renewing our sponsorship of this diverse and inclusive club, we will continue to help Bradford Bulls create opportunities for the local community. I’d like to congratulate the first team on their exciting return to the Super League and we’re looking forward to watching all the teams next season.”
Photo: Gerard Binks
The end of last year saw some very welcome news announced for Leeds and Yorkshire more generally in that UKREIIF is set to stay in Leeds both this year and in 2027.
The conference brings business leaders and civil servants from all over the country and even further afield into Leeds and provides a tremendous showcase of what this city is all about.
It also brings wealth to our city, delivering circa £60m into the region’s economy as business leaders book rooms in our hotels, eat in our restaurants and transact deals with our businesses.
It also shows off all that Leeds has to offer. Whether it is our magnificent F&B sector, our richly diverse economy or our ability to stage grand events such as UKREIIF – arguably the largest property conference in the nation.
We are big players, and it never hurts to be reminded of this from time to time.
And while we may be set for a great showcase for Leeds in the shape of UKREIIF, let us not forget the backbone of our city’s economy – small businesses.
Like many of you, I am a small business owner, and it is a challenging time to run such an organisation.
As a Chamber we will be campaigning for improved conditions for the likes of my business and all of yours. We need more progressive tax and to have the conditions that give us confidence to invest and grow.
Rest assured, we are up for the challenge.
Aqila Choudhry MBE MBA President Leeds Chamber
Harris Project Management (HPM) is celebrating a period of sustained growth, fuelled by strategic team expansion and significant project wins across multiple sectors.
The division of leading architectural practice The Harris Partnership has promoted Jake Slater to Associate. Jake now leads the Construction Health & Safety and CDM Regulations team, including several additional new team members.
Alongside Jakes’s promotion, Shaun Brennan has been appointed Senior CDM Principal Designer and Adviser, and Declan Murphy has joined as CDM Principal Designer and Adviser.
HPM team growth has also been demonstrated over the last couple of years by the promotion of Mark Hendy to Director who oversees a strong team of project managers with the recent addition of an Apprentice Project Manager Junior Raphael, who is studying at Leeds College of Building.
The new additions come as HPM continues to deliver a comprehensive suite of services including project management, contract administration and employer’s agent, CDM principal designer and CDM / health and safety adviser roles.
The team, headquartered in Wakefield and operating across The Harris Partnership’s office network with both external clients and other parts of the Harris business, is also proud to be delivering CDM principal designer adviser services for Willmott Dixon, including for the landmark £14.4m transformation of Event Central in Sheffield city centre, which is now on site.
Leeds Chamber of Commerce
Sarah Charlesworth, Director at The Harris Group, said: “Our recent strategic hires demonstrate our dedication to nurturing talent and growing our capabilities to meet increasing client demand. With the addition of experienced professionals and enhanced accreditations, we’re proud to offer an even broader range of health and safety services including the role of Temporary Works Coordinator.”
Reflecting its growth, ambition and investment in its people, Blacks Solicitors announced that the firm is ‘movin’ on up’, relocating its Leeds headquarters at 29 King Street from the second floor to the newly acquired fourth and fifth floors.
The move will increase the firm’s workspace from 11,500 sq ft to 17,000 sq ft, with its team of over 240 people set to occupy the new office from summer 2026.
LCB Win Double at ‘Building the Future’ Construction Awards 2025
Leeds College of Building (LCB) is celebrating after taking home two awards at the ‘Building the Future’ Construction Awards in Birmingham.
The college won both the ‘Best Further Education Provider Supporting Careers in Construction’ award and the ‘Best Higher Education Provider Supporting Careers in Construction’ award.
Celebrated annually, the Building the Future Construction Awards recognise those who advance skills, leadership, innovation, and inclusivity within the built environment.
Commenting on the double win, LCB Principal & CEO Nikki Davis said: “We are absolutely delighted to take home awards in both further and higher education. It is recognition of all the amazing work our staff do that contributes to student success.
“Across all levels of construction education, we offer fantastic progression routes into industry, and these awards are testament to that.”
As the space covers two floors a central feature staircase is being created to keep everyone connected. The space will also boast three roof terraces with city views, a client lounge, a multi-functional wellbeing room and a state-of-theart event suite.
Chris Allen, Managing Partner at Blacks Solicitors, said: “This move is about more than just extra space. It’s about creating an environment that
Chadwick Lawrence recognised for progressive culture
Yorkshire law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has been recognised for its progressive and inclusive workplace culture, following a successful awards season.
Recently, the firm was awarded Employer of the Year at the Mid Yorkshire Chamber Awards, in recognition of its commitment to the well-being and growth of its employees.
Neil Wilson, Managing Partner at Chadwick Lawrence, commented:
“We’re incredibly proud to see Chadwick Lawrence recognised for the culture we’ve worked so hard to build. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and these awards are a reflection of their passion, dedication and commitment to our shared values.
“Creating an environment where everyone feels supported, included and empowered to thrive is fundamental to our success – both as a business and as a community.”
inspires the next generation. We want our less experienced team members to feel excited about coming into the office, learning from our partners and peers, and experiencing the benefit of collaborating in person. Our future depends on their growth and development, and we believe handson experience and shared learning are what keep us among the very best firms in the UK.”
New Chair of Governors at The Grammar School at Leeds
Charlene Lyons has been appointed as the new Chair of Governors at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), taking over from Angus Martin, who is retiring after over a decade of remarkable service to the school.
Charlene has been a governor for nine years and vice chair for the past five, and she brings a wealth of experience in leadership, governance and business. She is currently Deputy CEO at Imparta and previously served as CEO of Black Sheep Brewery and founder of Lyons Consultancy, working nationally across both the private and public sectors.
Charlene is also a trustee of Leeds Hospitals Charity and is a longstanding member of the GSAL community. Her new appointment marks a special milestone as GSAL’s first female Chair of Governors.
On her appointment, Charlene said: “. As both a parent and governor, I have seen the profound impact that a GSAL education has on its pupils.”
If we play our cards right, 2026 could be a transformative year for York and North Yorkshire.
We should hopefully see some real progress on York Central this year. One of the largest regeneration schemes seen in Britain in quite some time, it could bring a vast amount of new homes and jobs to the city. Similarly, Helmsley Group’s plan to regenerate Coney Street and open up more of the River Ouse will be a game changer for the city.
More widely, as someone who lives in rural North Yorkshire, we will be looking to see a focus on rural growth in our region. Focus on our historic towns such as Harrogate, Selby and Scarborough is also needed to ensure they enjoy a vibrant future.
We have much to be proud of and excited about in our region. Whether it is rail, our creative sectors, our world-class hospitality and heritage offering, our burgeoning bio-sciences and agri-tech sectors and our strong corporate offering all present us with magnificent opportunities going forward.
Everyone reading this magazine knows it is far from an easy time to be running a business. That’s why we as a Chamber are here to champion your interests and ensure your needs are communicated to those who need to hear it.
Whether it is forging trade links across the globe or campaigning for better infrastructure and skill provision, the Chamber has you and your business’s back.
Here’s to a successful year going forward.
Scott Jenkins President York & North Yorkshire Chamber
Castle Howard and Brew York have collaborated on a unique beer for the festive season celebrating the stately home’s Wizard of Oz Christmas experience. ‘No Place Like Home’, a Hazy Session IPA with a citrus character and floral notes, is brewed at Brew York’s Osbaldwick location and stocked exclusively at Castle Howard for the duration of their Christmas events.
Castle Howard’s custodian Nicholas Howard visited the brewery for a tour with founder Lee Grabham, seeing the brewing process in action and tasting the beer before it landed in the Castle Howard Farm Shop and Christmas Shop.
The beer has been described by Brew York as ‘perfect for a winter’s day’ due to its vibrant character and has been brewed inspired by the Christmas at Castle Howard with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz immersive experience which opened to visitors in November. The 300-year-old House is dressed in set pieces, decorations, floristry, projections, lighting and sound, set to delight tens of thousands of visitors over a 7-week period.
Adam Barber, Castle Howard’s Head of Retail, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Brew York to create a unique product that celebrates our Oz extravaganza. They are a jewel in York’s craft brewery crown – their quirky approach to products makes them a perfect creative collaborator, and their local, sustainable approach aligns with our own values. The beer is a great Christmas gift for beer and Oz fans alike!”
Belzona, a Harrogate-based global leader in repair composites and protective coatings, has been named the winner of the Excellence in Training Award at the 2025 British Coatings Federation (BCF) Awards.
The BCF, the trade association representing decorative paints, industrial coatings, powder coatings, printing inks and wallcovering manufacturers in the UK, announced the winners during its annual awards ceremony held
Discover the benefits of threestorey
Barratt Homes is showcasing its spacious three-storey homes at its Harclay Park development in Boroughbridge, designed for modern living. These three-storey homes feature adaptable layouts giving homeowners the freedom to create distinct spaces for everyday living, working and relaxing.
Located on Stump Cross, Harclay Park features a range of three-storey, three and four bedroom homes, suitable for a range of buyers. Sam Wood, Sales Director at Barratt Homes Yorkshire West, said: “For buyers looking for more space without compromising on location, our three-storey homes are the perfect choice.”
Harclay Park offers excellent transport links with quick access to the A1 and nearby train stations, making commuting across Yorkshire and beyond easy. Residents can enjoy a thriving local high street with shops, cafés, and restaurants.
this year at Carden Park in Chester. The event brought together more than 180 coatings industry professionals to celebrate outstanding achievements across the sector.
Belzona’s win recognises the company’s Initial Training Seminar (ITS), a comprehensive programme designed to equip new employees within Belzona’s global Distributor Network with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has welcomed solicitor Holly Ackroyd to its family team, marking further growth for the firm’s highly regarded family law practice. Holly will assist on financial and children’s issues arising from relationship breakdown. In addition to managing her own matters, she will also work alongside other members of the family team to support clients during what can be a particularly difficult and sensitive time.
Richard Hoare, partner, and head of private client services, said: “Our team takes great pride in working hard to achieve the best result for each of our clients – something which really matters to Holly. We are supporting people at an incredibly distressing time in their lives and it is important that we continue to grow our team by recruiting lawyers who share our values, to ensure that we can continue to offer the best possible service.
needed to succeed. The seminar also provides a valuable opportunity for attendees to connect with colleagues at a similar stage in their careers.
“We are constantly working to improve the Initial Training Seminar and make it more interactive, handson and engaging for our attendees. It is amazing to see the hard work of everyone involved in delivering such a valuable learning experience recognised through this award.”
York set to boost NHS Health Checks for better health
City of York Council has announced plans to recommission its NHS Health Checks programme, reaffirming its commitment to improving health and wellbeing and reducing health inequalities across the city.
The NHS Health Check is a free programme designed to identify early signs of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions among residents aged 40–74 who do not already have a longterm health condition. By detecting risk factors early, the programme helps prevent serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes, and dementia.
Lucy Steels-Walshaw Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care at City of York Council, said: “ By targeting those most at risk and expanding investment, we can make a real difference in reducing health inequalities and improving quality of life for thousands of residents.”
Welcome to the first West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce magazine for 2026.
Communicating our members’ successes and values is a core element of what we do as a business representative group and it is a privilege to let people know what great work is happening in the region.
We have much to look forward to in the months ahead. We are a growing organisation. We are increasingly welcoming more and more new members to our ranks, thanks to our new more flexible and choice-based membership model.
Having been officially been granted the whole of West Yorkshire by British Chamber of Commerce we are increasing our membership in this area and are now the only chamber that represents the whole county, much the same as we do in North Yorkshire. We look forward to working with our partners and key stakeholders in the months ahead.
We continue to lobby around the matters you tell us matter to you the most. Whether that is a more efficient planning system, a more progressive approach to taxation that allows businesses the space to invest or the skills and infrastructure you rely on as an employer to ensure your workforce is best placed to service your business, we are there for you.
We welcomed two fantastic new board members in the shape of Katrina Lewis and Alastair Gordon to our board late last year and the presidencies of Aqila Choudhry, Scott Jenkins and Rebecca Fitzgerald are now in full swing.
Times remain unpredictable and challenging but we are blessed with a resilient and innovative business community here in Yorkshire, whom we know are up to any task.
Here’s to a prosperous 2026.
Amanda
Beresford
Chair of the Board
West & North Yorkshire Chamber West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce
Castle Howard’s Christmas events featured in a new Channel 4 documentary series, ‘A Very British Christmas’. The programme is a three-part series following designers Adrian Lillie and Charlotte Lloyd Webber from CLW Event Design as they create festive experiences for iconic British stately homes, with one episode dedicated to Castle Howard’s extravaganza.
The Castle Howard episode was broadcast on Channel 4 in December. The programme is produced by Factual Fiction, a production company based in Ripon, North Yorkshire.
The programme follows the CLW Event Design team as they plan, build and install Christmas at Castle Howard with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which opened to visitors in November. The 300-year-old House is dressed in set pieces, decorations, floristry, projections, lighting and sound, set to delight tens of thousands of visitors over a 7-week period.
The showstopping Emerald City High Street in the Long Gallery is a highlight of the experience for 2025, with life size fabricated shop fronts inspired by York Shambles, decorated by a specialist signwriting expert. In addition, Castle Howard’s famous 28-foot Christmas tree sparkles in the Great Hall, installed by a team of 30 using a specialist forklift and winch system. The CLW Event Design team have worked on the project since January with huge set pieces fabricated and built on the Castle Howard Estate before being moved into the House. The installation process in the House takes ten days to complete, with circa 30,000 baubles are on display.
Abbi Ollive, Castle Howard’s Visitor Attraction Director, said: “We were delighted to welcome Channel 4 back to Castle Howard to follow the amazing Christmas team bring to life our festive experience. Thousands of hours go into creating our theatrical worlds to delight our visitors year on year, and this year is no different. It’s always a joy to show off the behind-the-scenes and celebrate the amazing team that make it happen.”
Judges have unveiled that Bradford College is a national finalist in the 2026 Apprenticeship & Training Awards. The College is on the shortlist for the prestigious annual education awards. An independent panel of expert judges assessed over 650 nominations in total, from employers, training providers, colleges and universities.
Accu celebrates major award win Accu, a leading global distributor of engineering components, has been named International Company of the Year (£10m–£30m) at Insider’s Northern International Trade Awards, which celebrates the successes of the North West, North East and Yorkshire’s top exporters, importers and their supply chains.
Supplying over 500,000 precision components, the company’s continued investment in people, warehouse management systems, innovation and product development has driven impressive international growth and positioned Accu as a trusted partner for innovators worldwide. Now, over 70% of the world’s top 100 manufacturers rely on Accu as a key supply partner.
The judging panel praised Accu for its technical expertise, describing the company as true engineers and a facilitator of innovation, highlighting Accu’s ability to empower innovators, developers and engineers with access to high-performance components.
Six other providers will go head-tohead against Bradford College in the ‘Apprenticeship Provider of the Year’ category, including private training providers and universities from across the country. The award celebrates a provider that specialises in delivering apprenticeships and has achieved outstanding results.
Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire handed University honour
Ed Anderson CBE says he feels ‘extremely honoured’ to receive his award from the University of Bradford, describing it as a special moment in a relationship that began more than half a century ago.
The former CEO of Leeds & Bradford Airport was awarded Doctor of the University in recognition of his successful career and dedication to the region in his role as Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire. He said: “I have had a long association with Bradford - my very first job some 53 years ago was as a trainee accountant with Bradford Council - and I have been a long-term admirer of the University, its focus on diversity and all its achievements.”
Ed Anderson has been LordLieutenant of West Yorkshire, The King’s representative in the County, since 2018 – he is due to retire this year. He came to the County to be a student in 1969 and has lived here ever since. He is an economics graduate and a qualified accountant.
Bradford College has over 30 years of experience in delivering apprenticeships and works closely with more than 700 employers. Staffed by highly qualified industry specialists, the Apprenticeships Team manages more than 1,200 apprentices using a roll-on, roll-off curriculum that allows apprentices to begin at any time.
New chair of the board for Leeds Heritage Theatres
Leeds Heritage Theatres announces the appointment of Dame Dr Linda Pollard DBE DL Hon LLD as its next Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Dame Linda brings exceptional experience in leadership, governance, and public service. She served twelve years as Chair of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, overseeing one of the UK’s largest and most complex NHS organisations with a turnover of £1.9 billion and 22,000 staff.
Leeds Heritage Theatres’ Chief Executive, Vicky Cheetham, said: “Dame Linda’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Leeds Heritage Theatres. Her exceptional leadership experience and deep roots in the region will help us strengthen our role as a creative, inclusive, and resilient organisation at the heart of Leeds’ cultural life. I look forward to working closely with her as we continue to build on our ambitions for the future.”
Photo by Ant Robling.
West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce successfully completed a trade visit to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
The delegation flew out for a six-day mission to the Middle East which saw visits to the Saudi cities of Jeddah and Riyadh before heading on to Bahrain.
The mission has been organised after the two countries were identified by Chamber members as markets they would like to explore trade opportunities with.
Leeds Bradford Airport served as headline sponsor for the mission which saw firms involved in tech, education, professional services and manufacturing all travelled to the gulf state to explore new relationships with firms in the two countries.
The mission included meetings with Saudi Airlines, the British Embassy in Riyadh, the Saudi Ministry of Investment and the Bahrain Economic Development Board.
The visit to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain follows on from previous successful missions to the United Arab Emirates and the United States, with more trade missions planned for 2026.
James Mason, Chief Executive of West & North Yorkshire Chamber, said: “It is more important than ever to explore new avenues for doing business.
“We asked our members where they would like to see a trade mission arranged for and Saudi Arabia and Bahrain were a clear standout.
“We look forward to welcoming all of our delegates and are grateful to Leeds Bradford Airport for signing up as lead sponsor as it seeks to increase the number of routes it serves globally.
“We look forward to another successful year of trade missions in 2026.”
The UK’s new generation of Digital Trade Agreements (DTAs) is creating opportunities for UK exporters. Chamber International explains how digital rules are reshaping global trade.
Global trade is no longer just about goods crossing borders — increasingly, it’s about data, digital services and secure online transactions. In recognition of this shift, the UK has begun negotiating trade agreements that place digital trade at the heart of the deal.
For example, the UK–Singapore Digital Economy Agreement (DEA) entered into force on 14 June 2022, and it seeks to establish e-signatures, paperless trading, cross-border data flows and trusted digital commerce between the UK and Singapore.
Similarly, in the UK–Australia Free Trade Agreement (UK-AUS FTA) and related digital trade provisions, the UK has negotiated binding commitments on electronic contracts, digital identities, e-invoicing, e-authentication and paperless trade.
What this means for UK exporters is that trade is no longer just about moving goods and complying with customs paperwork — it’s also about moving data, ensuring digital trust, and abiding by interoperable regulatory frameworks. Digital Trade Agreements (DTAs) or Digital Economy Agreements (DEAs) set the foundations for this modern trade environment.
For manufacturers, service providers and e-commerce businesses across UK, these digital-friendly frameworks are a game changer. Consider a UK professional services firm exporting consulting via online platforms to Singapore — under the UK-Singapore DEA, electronic signatures are valid, data can flow more freely and paperless contracts reduce friction. This opens new markets more easily.
Or take a UK SME in the advanced manufacturing sector that uses cloud-based analytics and seeks to export “smart” goods (connected devices) to Australia. Under the UK-Australia FTA’s digital trade chapter, e-invoicing and recognition of digital identities make cross-border transactions smoother and reduce the burden of legacy paperwork.
At Chamber International we guide UK exporters on leveraging these agreements: interpreting which deal applies, understanding the digital provisions, and aligning internal processes (e-authentication, digital records, compliance with data-flow rules) to exploit the benefits.
One key point: exporters must understand which agreement they trade under, because benefits differ depending on whether you’re using the bilateral FTA, a DEA, or a multilateral pact. For example, the UKSingapore FTA works alongside the UK-Singapore DEA and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) provisions. By having clarity, businesses can apply the most favourable rules for digital trade.
Digital trade doesn’t simply lower tariffs — it raises the bar on skills. To benefit from DTAs, exporters must have:
• A strong grasp of e-authentication and electronic signatures, ensuring contracts, certificates and export documentation are accepted electronically.
• Systems and protocols for cross-border data flows and understanding how data protection, localisation rules and digital identities apply.
• Internal processes for digital record-keeping, e-invoicing and paperless trade, so they can align with the commitments in the DTAs.
• Awareness of cybersecurity, digital trust and data integrity, because these agreements place value on safe and trusted trade platforms.
For UK exporters, this means that investing in digital literacy, data management practices and secure digital operating models is not optional — it’s essential if you want to access the benefits of modern trade frameworks. Chamber International offers training and advisory support to help build these skills, enabling firms to not only comply but compete in a digital trade environment.
The UK’s DTA agenda is still evolving, but the message is clear: digital trade is a priority. As the UK negotiates and ratifies further agreements, exporters should view this as an opportunity. By understanding the digital chapters of DTAs, aligning internal systems and upskilling their teams, UK businesses can position themselves for growth in markets where digital trade is growing fastest.
In a world where trade happens at the speed of data, the ability to adapt and upskill is just as important as product innovation or market entry. For UK exporters, embracing the digital trade revolution could be the key to unlocking the next wave of international growth.
By Carla Assunção, Chamber International
Business confidence in West and North Yorkshire has improved for the first time in several months, new data from West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce shows.
The Chamber’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey for Q4 of 2025 shows improving sales, both domestically and overseas, as well as rising levels of investment and expectations on profitability. However, concerns on overheads, most notably taxation, remain sky high and there appears to be a continuing reluctance to grow headcounts, as wage costs continue to hamper business growth.
Mark Casci, head of representation and policy at the Chamber, said: “We are a realistic bunch here in Yorkshire and none of us believe that one swallow makes a summer. However, we can settle into 2026 with hope that the torrid and turbulent year of trading in 2025 has ended on something of a high.
“That is not to say the landscape is improving. Tax and labour costs are still sky high, with inflation and utility costs increasingly weighing on employers’ minds.
“With the Autumn Budget having delivered little to give business owners faith, it is indeed testimony to the tenacity and talent of our region’s business community that such strong figures are being delivered.”
The region’s service sector posted a remarkable improvement in its sale activity, up a staggering 22 per cent. No such improvement however for manufacturers who saw a two per cent decline in UK sales, rowing back on the slight improvement it witnessed in Q3. Order books for both sectors showed strong improvements a well, hinting at a strong start for our region’s economy for 2026.
After a gloomy 2025, it is most pleasing to see both sectors posting considerable increases in expectations around profitability. Manufacturers reversed a year almost devoid of optimism, posting a 30 point improvement in confidence levels, while service sector firms improved by 16 points.
The proof will be in the pudding in the first QES of 2026 as to whether or not these numbers are a one off, or the start of a period of improved trading.
Chamber members were well presented across regional and national media in responding the Autumn Budget.
Saleem Kadar of Bombay Stores was featured on the BBC News Channel, with other members appearing across a variety of media.
West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce’s head of representation and policy Mark Casci, said: “Given the hugely challenging tax increases introduced 12 months ago at the last Budget, businesses have been very anxious about what would be imposed this year.
“While no broad-based new taxes are to be imposed, very few have been reduced.
“Given taxation on business remains at a generational high and are continuing to make life highly challenging for business owners, it would have been an ideal opportunity for the Chancellor to have offered some relief.
“Increases in the minimum wage will pose yet more challenges for employers, particularly in the hospitality sector.
“We welcome support for both the Northern Growth Corridor and for Northern Powerhouse Rail. However, we do need to see this support turn to actual details and timescales so that these longstanding promises on east-west connectivity by successive Governments are finally realised.
“The announcement that there is to be increased investment into improving planning capacity will be welcomed by the development community, as will the news that there are plans to cut electricity bills for manufacturers who have endured sky high utility bills for several years.
“The news that £13bn is going towards seven mayors for skills and business programmes we will be welcomed in both West and North Yorkshire. The chancellor also confirmed the Leeds City Fund, which will allow greater levels of cash for regeneration schemes, including the South Bank development.
“We must also note that growth forecasts have been rated down by the OBR. An empowered private sector, freed from high levels of taxation and labour costs, will be able to improve these forecasts and achieve the growth we need in this region and this country.
“Businesses need confidence to invest and grow, and making this happen has to be top of the Government’s to do list.”
The Chamber’s head of policy, Mark Casci, spoke at the Houses of Parliament.
Leeds and Sheffield were the focus. Too often rail connectivity in the north of England focuses on Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds. These three magnificent cities absolutely should be connected but all too often England’s fourth largest city is omitted.
A properly integrated transport system around heavy and light rail would boost Britain’s economy by billions and uplift the life prospects of millions of people.
We hear a great deal of talk of the high cost of infrastructure upgrades. What we hear all too frequently is the cost of doing nothing.
Mark spoke in the Churchill Rooms alongside Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard - mayor of South Yorkshire, Sheffield City Council leader Tom Hunt, The Flow founder Sam Chapman and Leeds City Council leader James Lewis.
The event was chaired by Lynda Shillaw and introduced by Clive Betts MP.
West & North Chamber of Commerce met with Tang Rui, the Chinese consul general for the North of England, at the offices of City of York Council.
As well as Matthew Seddon and Mark Casci from the Chamber, CYC leader Claire Douglas, deputy leader Peter Kilbane, Garry Taylor and Samual Blyth from the council and the University of York’s Tracy Lightfoot were in attendance.
Among matters of discussion were synergies between the economies of York and North Yorkshire with Nanjing, the consul general’s home city, as well as recent changes to China’s economy and plans for York’s future economic growth.
With the Chamber increasingly leading in the region when it comes to trade missions (most recently Saudi Arabia and Bahrain), destinations like China will be increasingly on our members’ minds when it comes to new markets, transactions and opportunities.
The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) represents a profound shift in how global trade is regulated. It is not simply another environmental initiative — it is an entirely new framework that connects a product’s carbon footprint directly to its cost at the EU border.
CBAM requires exporters of certain goods — such as aluminium, steel, fertilisers, cement, hydrogen, and electricity — to calculate, verify and report the embedded emissions in their products. Those emissions are then linked to a carbon price on entry to the EU.
In practice, this means exporters must now provide high-quality, verified emissions data through a new EU digital reporting platform. What was once a commercial transaction is now a technical, data-driven environmental declaration. For many businesses, this is a dramatic change — and the learning curve is steep.
One of the biggest obstacles exporters face is simply accessing reliable upstream data. Under CBAM, companies need information not only about their own energy use and processes, but also about the carbon intensity of raw materials, the emissions generated by upstream suppliers, the electricity grid factors relevant to production, and the different production pathways that run across multiple tiers of their supply chains.
For many SMEs, these figures are not readily available. Suppliers outside the EU may not yet measure their emissions accurately — or at all. Others may use incompatible reporting frameworks, or be reluctant to share data they view as commercially sensitive. The result is that export teams often have to work backwards, reconstructing emissions profiles from partial information and estimates, which is time-consuming and prone to uncertainty.
The EU currently allows default emissions values, but these will be phased out. Over time, exporters will be expected to provide real, verified, auditable emissions data. That places pressure on businesses to build new reporting systems and to bring their suppliers along with them on the climate-data journey.
Even when data is available, calculating embedded emissions is far from straightforward. Businesses must consider process emissions, heat consumption, electricity use, fuel mixes, energy efficiency, and in some cases transport emissions, as well as indirect (Scope 1 and 2) emissions from suppliers.
Emissions can vary significantly between product lines, production batches or manufacturing sites. Supplier changes can alter the carbon profile of a product overnight. This complexity is why CBAM demands new technical skills within export teams: data analysis, carbon accounting, digital reporting literacy and the ability to interpret environmental methodologies.
It is also why Chamber International’s CBAM Masterclass has become increasingly essential for businesses preparing for the transition period and full enforcement in 2026.
At Chamber International, our CBAM Masterclass: Policy, Transition and Compliance helps exporters navigate this new landscape. The training breaks down the policy in practical terms, explains transitional reporting phases, and guides businesses through real-life examples of supplier data collection and emissions calculation.
We see a universal pattern across our participants: the challenge is not willingness — it’s capability. Most exporters want to comply and recognise the importance of climate transparency, but they need support with:
• digital reporting tools
• emissions calculation methods
• supplier engagement strategies
• documentation and verification processes
• aligning internal systems with EU digital platforms
Early action pays dividends. Exporters who build these capabilities now will avoid compliance stress later and may even improve their competitive position as sustainability becomes integral to international procurement decisions.
CBAM is part of a broader global shift toward data-driven sustainability. More trade partners are exploring similar mechanisms, while major buyers increasingly require emissions data as part of procurement and tender processes.
For Yorkshire exporters, this means climate and data literacy are becoming core trade skills. Businesses that equip their teams with the knowledge to measure emissions, manage climate data and navigate digital reporting will not just comply — they will lead.
CBAM may be demanding, but it also offers a strategic opportunity. Exporters who respond proactively can build more resilient and transparent supply chains, reduce long-term compliance costs by embedding structured emissions reporting systems, offer climateverified products to international buyers who are increasingly focused on sustainability, and position themselves ahead of emerging carbon-border policies in other markets.
At Chamber International, we believe the exporters who embrace this shift early will be better prepared for the future of global trade — a future where carbon literacy is as important as customs literacy. CBAM is not just a regulatory hurdle; it is the beginning of a new chapter in how goods are valued, verified and traded across borders. Those who develop the right skills now will be the ones who thrive.
By Carla Assunção, Chamber International
Businesses across West Yorkshire are increasingly turning to data to drive growth, efficiency, and innovation. Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA) is the University of Leeds’s Data and AI Institute and for the past 10 years, we’ve helped companies make sense of complex data and deliver real-world solutions while training the next generation of data scientists.
LIDA’s flagship Data Insights Programme, delivers data and AI solutions at pace for businesses whilst training and mentoring the next generation of data and AI specialists. LIDA recruits full-time data scientists to work with a range of private and public sector organisations for a 6-month period (April to September or October to March), supervised by senior data and AI experts at the University of Leeds. Together, they uncover critical insights and data products that sectorbased teams may not have the time, tools or specialist skills to deliver in-house.
The Programme is now celebrating its 10th year and has now upskilled 100 data scientists in tech, data and AI methods. Founded in 2016, the award-winning Programme is the perfect answer for many businesses and commercial enterprises who have a growing need for data science skills. There are currently an estimated 178,000 data jobs in the UK and the current national graduate market can only fill 10,000 of those roles. With a focus on underrepresented talent, including supporting more women into the sector, many of our data scientists have gone on to receive job offers from Programme partners, including Morrisons, Geolytix and the Police Force.
Leeds Institute for Data
Analytics (LIDA) is the University of Leeds’s Data and AI Institute and its overarching vision is to generate societal impact and improve global wellbeing and prosperity through internationally outstanding research, education and training in interdisciplinary data science and artificial intelligence.
Our data scientists deliver every stage of the data and AI pipeline, from data engineering to visualisation and data product. Not only is this focus on upskilling great news for filling a critical gap in your business, but project outputs are also quality-assured by Leeds academics and senior technicians, giving you the latest insight and helping foster collaborations around data and AI between academia and industry.
• Morrisons (Supermarket chain) - Needed to reduce delivery inefficiencies. LIDA helped optimise routes, cutting travel distance by 40% and lowering fuel costs.
• Ocado (Online grocery retailer) - They wanted to better understand online shopping behaviour through eyetracking data. LIDA built an interactive dashboard, helping inform approaches to healthy product messaging.
• Improbable (technology company) – faced challenges modelling realistic virtual worlds for games. LIDA created a digital twin for more accurate agent modelling.
For businesses, the benefits are clear: short time to impact, high-quality data products, and low effort thanks to LIDA’s supervision and project management. The cost of a sixmonth project is £35k + VAT, covering project delivery, data scientist training and mentorship, and access to academic expertise. LIDA works with private sector businesses, public sector organisations and charities on a wide range of challenges, including:
• Strategy and performance measurement
• Customer and user insight
• Process optimisation and waste reduction
• Workforce planning and team development
• Business innovation and growth
• Risk and compliance
• Sustainability and social impact
Find out more at lida.leeds.ac.uk/get-data-insights or contact Programme Manager, Kylie Norman, at k.r.norman@leeds.ac.uk to discuss how LIDA can help.
Sports science is stepping onto the stage with professional ballet, as Leeds Beckett University (LBU) and Northern Ballet collaborate on an innovative new research-informed project to improve the health, wellbeing and rehabilitation of professional dancers.
Drawing on LBU’s expertise in health and sport, the project will bring together academics with Northern Ballet’s Artistic Director and Head of Physiotherapy to design a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for dancer care –covering workload management, strength and conditioning, nutrition, psychology and wellbeing.
The groundbreaking collaboration, a 30-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) through Innovate UK, will bring significant innovation to the ballet landscape.
The project is led by Dr Chris Brogden, Senior Lecturer in the School of Health at LBU and a sports scientist specialising in rehabilitation, injury risk and screening.
Dr Brogden said: “We are delighted to continue and further develop our
exciting collaboration with Northern Ballet. The KTP will create an actionable, holistic framework, to be embedded across the whole organisation, replicating and adapting successful sports science principles and approaches from professional sport.
“Each dancer will be set up with a dashboard which will monitor and inform their workload, recovery and wellbeing. This aims to help improve physical performance and decrease injury risk, therefore reducing lost time and increasing efficiency across Northern Ballet, whilst further helping to establish the company as a thought leader in the sector.”
David Collins, Executive Director at Northern Ballet, said: “The KTP is an exciting opportunity to build on our existing partnership with LBU to explore how focused sports science can assist dancers. We have already achieved positive proof-of-concept results.
“Continuing to support our dancers’ health and wellbeing is paramount to the success of Northern Ballet, whilst also reducing injury risk and maintaining sustainable careers. By developing this innovative
framework for recovery and wellbeing, we aim to increase our performance excellence and continue to attract the best dancers so that we can bring the joy of dance to as many people as possible. We'll also be able to create a knowledge base that we can share with other dance companies through consultancy and professional development.”
An experienced graduate will be recruited to manage the project as a KTP Associate. The role, Applied Performance and Health Practitioner, will be a full-time member of the Northern Ballet team, with full support of the LBU academics.
The project will also benefit LBU students on a variety of courses in Sports and Exercise Science, Medicine, Therapy and Nutrition through unique live case studies and the professional dancers from Northern Ballet using the state-of-the-art testing facilities at LBU’s Headingley Campus.
By combining cutting-edge research with the artistry of the professional dance, this partnership has the potential to set a new benchmark for dancer wellbeing in the UK and beyond.
Leeds Beckett University (LBU) is using research and knowledge exchange to support people to live healthy lives and promote physical and mental wellbeing for all.
LBU has defined three strategic themes for its research and knowledge exchange work: The themes are:
• Greener, Sustainable Communities
• Inclusive, Prosperous Communities
• Sport and Healthy Communities
Through a partnership-led approach, LBU is leading the way in combining research into athletic performance and injury prevention with health and medtech innovation to help athletes train and recover better. With a commitment to tackling inequalities, LBU provides practical resources to empower people affected by major illness to take informed decisions, and influences NHS programmes to help those with long-term conditions make changes to improve their health.
In 2026, LBU will open a pioneering Sport Health Tech Incubator at its Headingley Campus. Backed by £1.1 million investment from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) through the West Yorkshire Investment Zone, the Incubator will provide access to LBU’s cutting-edge research and facilities to support entrepreneurs, start-ups and growing businesses to tackle health inequalities, spark innovation and drive business growth in the region’s thriving health tech sector.
Pete Mackreth, Dean of the Carnegie School of Sport at LBU, said: “The creation of a physical Sport Health Tech Incubator will stimulate further collaborations between industry, academia and healthcare providers to drive innovation and change. The Incubator aims to enhance the existing health innovation ecosystem in Leeds and support the city’s position as a leader in health and life sciences.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This pioneering initiative from Leeds Beckett University will help more people to live happier, healthier lives, contributing to our mission to build a brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”
With a further £1.7m funding from the West Yorkshire Investment Zone, LBU is leading a major new collaboration with the Universities of Huddersfield, Leeds and Bradford to fast-track innovation in health technologies by supporting businesses to bring new ideas to market.
At the heart of the Innovation Pathways (In-Path) programme will be four new Relationship Managers, one based at each university, who will act as expert ‘connectors’ – helping businesses access the right research expertise, innovation programmes and funding opportunities.
Find out more about how LBU is supporting sport and healthy communities: leedsbeckett.ac.uk/ research/research-themes/sport-andhealthy-communities/
Making an app in a week was both challenging and fun, a good challenge of teamwork and coding knowledge. This student's excitement captures something becoming rare in traditional education. For Computer Science students at Greenhead College in Huddersfield, hands-on, industry-led learning has become the norm.
Yorkshire's technology sector faces a challenge: rapid technological advancement creates gaps between curricula and industry demands. Technologies like artificial intelligence can't find space in already-packed programmes.
Jamie Taylor, Principal Consultant and founder of RJJ Software, has tackled demanding technology challenges. When hosting T-Level students for industry placements, he discovered the extent of the skills gap.
"The Digital T-Level course is very comprehensive and covers a number of different development technologies, but there are certain gaps in students knowledge," Taylor explains. "There is not enough time to teach all of the things required of a developer in just two short years."
Since 2022, RJJ Software has maintained partnerships with Greenhead College in Huddersfield and Notre Dame Sixth Form College in Leeds. Rather than typical careers talks, these involve ongoing collaboration with Computer Science departments to provide placements and deliver sessions on technologies colleges cannot cover.
Alex (a pseudonym for safeguarding reasons), who completed their 2022 placement, exemplifies this impact. A Notre Dame Sixth Form student, Alex progressed through advanced concepts like automated testing and continuous delivery during their eightweek placement. Their learning journey, captured across eight weekly blogs on the RJJ Software website, reveals the accelerated learning possible in real-world environments.
RJJ Software addresses curriculum gaps through targeted sessions. This year's Greenhead College collaboration saw students participate in intensive AI-powered application development, using AI tools to build functional applications within days.
Stephen Wood, Head of Computer Science at Greenhead College, describes the impact: "Jamie has been an invaluable industry contact for a number of years in my Computer Science and Digital teaching. The informative talks and mini projects we have had from Jamie are full of energy and wisdom that help to bring the subject to life for students, helping them grasp what the industry is dealing with currently, which is usually outside of our normal curriculum."
Students responses to a June 2025 session demonstrate this value. "During the talk I learnt about multiple AI's and their use in industries and businesses," one reflected. Another added: "It allowed me to work on something new I have not come across yet, it has really helped me to develop both my skills, working in a group, problem solving and computing skills."
"I was able to learn how to work in a team, how to communicate and share across ideas," a third student noted. "Additionally, I learnt how to use AI tools a bit more effectively which will help me in my future."
What sets RJJ Software apart is Jamie's Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) status: an award held for four consecutive years. This provides unique advantages for Yorkshire students that go far beyond typical industry partnerships.
The MVP designation gives Jamie direct access to Microsoft engineers, which he leverages to create connections between students and the technology giant. Students gain early exposure to pre-release technologies, learning about innovations before they're publicly announced. This insider access means Yorkshire students are working with tomorrow's technologies today, giving them a significant competitive advantage as they enter the workforce.
The MVP status also enables direct connections between colleges and technology companies, opening doors otherwise closed to educational institutions. Through these
connections, students don't just learn about technology theory - they gain insights from those building it.
While college partnerships represent local commitment, RJJ Software's influence extends globally through The Modern .NET Show, essential listening for developers worldwide. By January 2026, the podcast will have produced 180 episodes featuring experts, reaching the United States, United Kingdom, the EU, Canada, and Asia.
This creates a feedback loop: worldwide developer insights flow back into Yorkshire classrooms, ensuring students receive cuttingedge knowledge from someone educating developers internationally.
This model addresses a critical challenge for Yorkshire's economy: keeping talent local whilst providing global-standard education. Students receive world-class training without looking beyond the region, seeing that innovative, internationally-recognised work happens in Yorkshire.
Stephen Wood's endorsement speaks to broader potential: "I would absolutely recommend Jamie as a STEM ambassador for anyone in the education sector, a true MVP of the digital sector."
RJJ Software's model demonstrates how small businesses can have outsized impact on regional talent development through sustained commitment to sharing expertise and creating educational partnerships.
RJJ Software provides fractional CTO services and strategic technology consulting to SMEs and high-growth startups across the UK. Led by Microsoft MVP Jamie Taylor, the company specialises in AI/ML strategy and implementation, Developer Experience transformation, and architecture modernisation.
What happens when wages climb, staff shortages worsen and customers still expect the same high standards? It is a dilemma many businesses across Yorkshire are grappling with right now. From hotels struggling to fill cleaning shifts to warehouses facing gaps on the night roster to hospitals under pressure to keep services running, the challenge is no longer simply "Can we find the staff?" but "How can we keep things running sustainably?"
Robotics is becoming part of the answer. Machines in the workplace are not new. Car factories have relied on robotic arms since the 1980s to guarantee quality and consistency.
What has changed today is how automation is moving beyond heavy industry into areas we once thought of as uniquely human. Restaurants, hotels, logistics hubs and healthcare providers are discovering that robots do more than save costs. They reduce strain on staff and help maintain standards in a tough labour market.
It is a conversation that sparks strong opinions. Critics warn that robots could hollow out service jobs. Advocates argue the opposite: by taking on the repetitive, physically demanding or low-value work, robots allow people to focus on what humans do best - delivering judgement, empathy and creativity. A cleaning robot does not replace a receptionist's warm smile, but it does guarantee that the hotel lobby is spotless every day without fail.
There are broader advantages too. Rising wages push up operating costs but automation helps stabilise them, giving businesses more predictable margins. Robots add resilience by covering essential tasks when staff call in sick or recruitment slows.
Sustainability also plays a part. With smart navigation and water-saving systems, modern robots reduce waste while supporting greener operations. The balance is not effortless. Initial investment is real and staff need training to work confidently alongside new technology. Not every task can or should be automated. But the direction of travel is clear. Just as manufacturing embraced robotics decades ago, service industries are now beginning to see the benefits of combining human skill with machine consistency.
Here in Yorkshire, a region with a proud tradition of industrial innovation, this evolution feels like the natural next step. Companies such as SPARK EPoS & Robotics, based in the North East, are introducing these technologies not to displace workers but to support them. The goal is not a future with fewer people, but a future where people have better tools.
The pressures of rising wages and shrinking workforces are real. With robotics, businesses can move forward not by replacing people but by enabling them to achieve more, supported by technology that makes work smarter, safer and more sustainable.
A pair of students behind a support network group for women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) have left a lasting legacy after graduating from the University of Bradford.
Alex Troup and Maleeha Abbass, the Creator and President of the University’s STEMinism Society, which exists to promote STEM subjects, particularly to women and girls, driving change, breaking down barriers and ensuring the world of STEM is equal for everyone.
The society, which started in 2023, has held a series of events on campus to promote STEM to females, including an alumni networking event in 2024 and a ‘speed networking’ in 2025.
Alex and Maleeha both graduated on 2 December following the completion of their BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering course.
Alex, 23, who is now working as a process engineer, said: “I was overwhelmingly happy but nervous to graduate. It [University] has just been
an amazing experience. I can’t believe it has come to an end.
“It has involved so much more than a degree; we have created a community with STEMinism. The society proved that you can go far by supporting each other, if you find minorities that resonate with you. We found the community of women in STEM.”
Maleeha, 22, who is currently studying a Master’s in Advanced Chemical Engineering, said: “I am so grateful for the support I have received from my family, friends and lecturers.”
“I am proud of the work we have done so far, from our alumni speed networking event for women in STEM to our winter wonderland social.
“What started out as a group chat name between me, Alex and our friend Amilah Tabassam, that kickstarted the vision, has flourished into a supportive community.”
STEMinism Society is continuing at the University of Bradford with Marnie Comrie, Secretary and Ally Ambassador, helping to take over running the group. Marnie says Alex and Maleeha have helped to leave a ‘long-lasting legacy of an inclusive space in STEM’.
The STEMinism Society, which now has around 40 members at the University of Bradford, runs a number of events and activities, including raising money for charity (such as for Victims of Conflict), organising girls’ nights out and trips out – including a visit to Manchester which attracted more than 30 students across STEM courses.
Speaking previously, Alex said: “The idea behind STEMinism was to create a support network for women in STEM subjects, partly because there are so few of us but also to combat any kind of subconscious bias young girls and women may have encountered during their education.”
The STEMinism Society reflects the University of Bradford’s commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and its vision to transform lives through education and collaboration. By breaking barriers in STEM and fostering a supportive community, it helps deliver the University’s goal of creating an inclusive environment where all students can thrive and make a positive impact.
The quest for lightning-fast, resilient mobile connections is accelerating, driven by significant government investment and innovative regional partnerships dedicated to securing the UK's digital infrastructure. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is backing key research and development with £88 million, aiming to future-proof mobile networks across the country.
A crucial element of this national strategy is the focus on Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) solutions, which are central to evolving the current Fifth Generation (5G) network and paving the way for Sixth Generation (6G) communications. The UK government and UK mobile network operators hold a joint ambition to route 35% of the UK’s mobile network traffic through open and interoperable RAN architectures by 2030.
Prime examples of this innovation in action are the YO-RAN - Yorkshire Open Radio Access Networks and
REACH (RIC Enabled (CF-)mMIMO for HDD) projects, led by the University of York, which collectively secured over £10m funding through the DSIT’s Open Networks Programme. These initiatives, part of the university’s flagship Institute for Safe Autonomy, bring together an exciting group of partners, to find solutions for improving mobile phone data delivery in high-demand density environments.
Underpinning large-scale innovation efforts across the region is Lab of the North, a federated innovation centre uniting nine founding partners from leading universities, industry, and local government across the North of England, contributing to regional and national innovation priorities in furthering advanced connectivity.
Professor David Grace instigated this initiative, which is accelerating realworld innovation in 5G, 6G, Internet of Things (IoT), edge computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), supported by extensive use case testing opportunities. The project aligns with UK government initiatives
for telecoms supply chain diversification and is expected to boost industrial collaboration, income generation, raise profiles and enhance regional research and innovation.
The Lab offers: Innovation Testbeds and Trials (cities, transport, manufacturing), Collaborative Research & Development, and access to specialised expertise/facilities. The partners create a virtual, distributed lab to pioneer and translate innovative wired and wireless 5G/6G technologies and systems from TRL3 (System models) to TRL7 (precommercial prototypes).
If you are interested in becoming a partner, inquiring about a potential project or have any other query get in touch by emailing info@labofthenorth.tech
Leeds has launched its new Economic Vision, an ambitious roadmap to generate £20bn in economic growth and 100,000 new jobs across the city over the next decade.
The Vision builds on the city’s strengths, setting out 7 steps to growth with a Delivery Plan showing major projects in the city which will help achieve our goals.
It focuses on high-growth sectors including Finance and Professional Services, Health, and Digital and Tech, raising the profile of the city to attract investment, and aligning place development and skills provision.
The city is home to major employers including Flutter, Sky and Cognizant. Renowned for our creativity, Leeds won the national bid for Channel 4’s UK headquarters. Game developers such as Sumo Digital, digital sports streamer DAZN and one of the globe’s most successful sports content publishers, Planet Sport are based here.
Leeds is one of the most collaborative ecosystems in the UK. Leeds Digital Festival, the largest open Tech event in the UK has now been running for 10 years, a testament to how the sector comes together to support each other. Emerging clusters within our Tech sector such as Software Development and Cyber Security are outperforming the national average by 125%. Beyond the sector, Tech is driving growth across the whole economy, giving rise to new innovations such as HealthTech and FinTech. Underpinning this is our strengths in data, where Leeds is ahead of the pack. The Leeds Institute of Data Analytics (LIDA) is driving research and innovation, and Data City provides real-time data on over 10 million UK businesses.
We’re committed to increasing the number of HealthTech businesses in the city. A new Innovation Village at the Leeds Teaching Hospital will create thousands of jobs in Health innovation, Digital and Tech, Data Analytics, Financial and Professional Services and Engineering.
Microsoft has recently invested over £100m to purchase a site for a hyperscale datacentre at Skelton Grange in east Leeds. This has the potential to become a major data and
technology cluster, a new AI Opportunity Zone. We will maximise growth opportunities through driving further investment to the site, and work with Microsoft to unlock skills development, jobs and innovation. Complementing the AI Opportunity Zone, the Northern Square Mile is Leeds' version of the London Square Mile, bringing together the existing Finance and Professional Services centre with Wellington Place and South Bank. Tech is driving change in Finance and Professional Services, with businesses locating themselves in Leeds to spearhead their digital transformation. We will continue to develop the ecosystem and promote the sector, creating 50,000 new jobs.
Our city is most effective when we work in partnership. From local to multi-national business, landowners, developers and the government, everyone has a vital role in making our Vision happen.
Come and talk to us about how you can help. Contact us: Inclusive.Growth. Strategy@leeds.gov.uk
www.leedseconomicvision.co.uk
Leeds Property and Economic Forum event at Knowledge Exchange at Leeds Beckett University.
The subject was a topical one given it was held on the eve of the Budget - viability.
How viable is Leeds for development? How can we improve things?
Leeds City Council’s chief officer for Asset Management and Regeneration Mark Mills kicked us off by outlining the council’s city ambitions programme which hopes to see 50,000 homes built around the city. He also touched on new regeneration scheme like Gateway 45 and the North West Leeds employment Hub.
Next up Atam Verdi from Aspinall Verdi talked about
Leeds Leadership Group welcomed Dan Mansfield from the National Wealth Fund and Charles Johnson from Leeds Bradford Airport who provided compelling and informative presentations.
Lots of excitement around the two institutions’ plans for the region and the impact they are both having.
Thanks to Leeds president, Aqila Choudhry MBE, for chairing and Addleshaw Goddard for being such brilliant hosts.
the huge escalation in building costs owing to inflation in the sector.
Katrina Lewis from Formm Architecture talked about viability from a design aspect. She said tenants on the whole were taking fewer square meters of space but wanting better quality for what they were taking, a consequence of changed working patterns.
Finally, Marc Davies from Logika spoke about how environmental regulations had been unfairly scapegoated and that, while our planning system is not broken it does need reform.
Well attended event with great questions at the end to all four speakers.
Where to go when the banks say no
"Where to go when the banks say no" was the theme of the final York & North Yorkshire Property Forum of the year.
The event provided an insight into different methodologies than using a high-street bank.
John kent, White Rose Finance highlighted the range of borrowing options for all requirements, as Jeremy Meadowcroft provided guidance on how to get your start-up or scale-up 'business ready' to be more attractive to the lenders.
The Leeds Chamber Quality Places and Spaces group met for its last meeting of the year but, in advance, we undertook a short walking tour of Wellington Place, The Junction and Tower Works, all of which are looking rather splendid.
Interesting presentation from Laura McNulty on the Council’s plan for the city centre.
Female entrepreneurship was covered by findings from Sam Gardener at the University of York which looked into the differences in language used for financial support (loans) and the different outcomes for each sex.
Lyndsay Watterson form Neo-Walk told her story from kitchen start-up in York, forming Acrylic Walking sticks from heating up in her domestic oven and using wine bottles to shape - to becoming one of the worlds most loved designer walking sticks.
Fascinating presentations from Craig Bentley, director of the National Railway Museum and Frances Walker, of digital services at LNER.
Craig ran through the museum’s ambitious plans for the future and gave a nod to its impressive 50 year history. Incredibly in the mid 1970s, parliamentary debate saw expressions of doubt that anywhere outside of London could successfully host a museum of national importance! Oh how York has proved them wrong!
Frances ran through LNER’s equally ambitious plans to grow passenger numbers in and out of the region. She also paid tribute to incredible heroism and bravery LNER’s staff displayed during the recent incident of violence which saw a man arrested and charged in relation to attacks on passengers. These sentiments were warmly echoed around the room.
Chamber president Scott Jenkins chaired his first leadership group as president and Andrew Jackson Solicitors hosted.
Since their launch in 2020, T Levels have proven a perfect option for post-16 students wanting to pursue a vocational Further Education pathway.
Classroom study is combined with 315 placement hours with the T Level now established as an excellent route into employment, apprenticeships or university.
But, as the popularity of T Levels has risen, the challenge of providing everyone with an employer placement has grown, too.
Showing excellent initiative, York College’s Digital Security & Support student Lily Coope came up with an inventive sweetener to persuade companies that she could add value to their operations - hand-delivering her CV and a cover letter along with a box of Krispy Crème doughnuts.
The Leeds-based Lowell Group were so impressed by Lily's sugary gift - and her enterprise - that they made her the business' first-ever T Level student.
Even better, the debt recovery firm have now signalled a commitment to continue offering placements to York College T Level students.
Explaining her novel approach to seeking a placement provider, Lily said: “I went on a bit of a scavenger hunt and took Krispy Kreme doughnuts into a number of different companies. I gave one doughnut to the person at the front desk and another to the person who would be reading my letter.
“Nobody else got back to me, so I was super happy when I saw the email from Lowell. I think I basically - and literallysweet-talked them into giving me a placement because they’d never had a T Level student before. I’m very grateful that they liked the doughnuts!”
On the value of offering a T Level placement, Lowell’s Head of Infrastructure Security Darren Ayre added: “If you're hesitant, remember that it's a powerful way to make a real difference in a young person's life while enriching your own organisation.
“You don’t need to reinvent your business - just offer guidance, meaningful tasks and a welcoming environment. With support from local colleges and a flexible approach, even small contributions can have a lasting impact. It’s more than a placement - it’s a chance to inspire, nurture future talent, and be part of something bigger.
“Lily’s placement has been a rewarding experience not just for her, but for everyone she’s worked with. Her presence has brought fresh energy, curiosity and a sense of purpose that has resonated across the business.”
The college currently runs T Level courses in Broadcast, Media & Production (Content Creation & Production); Building Services Engineering for ConstructionElectrical Installations; Construction Design, Surveying & Planning; Digital Security & Support; Digital Software Development; Education & Early Years; Engineering & Manufacturing; Events & Venue Technician; Health; and Leadership & Management.
New courses in Craft & Design – Jewellery Maker; Legal Services; and Marketing were added in September 2026.
Interested?
Then, please email placements@yorkcollege.ac.uk
Derwent Training is a dedicated not-for-profit independent training provider that equips businesses in our region with a highly competent workforce. Based in Malton, North Yorkshire, we were established in 1988.
Our primary strength lies in our focused apprenticeship delivery in leadership, customer service and engineering, though we also offer high-quality online and commercial training. We are renowned for our:
• Employer-designed curriculum: The apprenticeships are delivered in consultation with local businesses, ensuring that the skills taught are the ones needed in the workplace, through a flexible delivery model to suit you.
• Exceptional achievement rates: Our apprentices consistently attain high achievement rates, a testament to the quality of instruction and dedicated support.
• State-of-the-art facilities: We provide a genuine, practical learning environment where apprentices work on industry-standard equipment under the guidance of expert tutors.
• We understand the pressures local businesses face. That’s why we act as a complete training partner, offering:
• Talent pipeline development: We prepare the next generation of business professionals, saving you valuable time and resources.
• Upskilling existing staff: Apprenticeships are not just for new hires. We can help you leverage the system to upskill your current employees, filling skills gaps internally.
• Bespoke training solutions: If you have a specific training need, we can tailor a programme to match your exact business requirements.
In today’s evolving business landscape, the competitive edge often comes down to the quality and skill of your workforce. For any company the decision to invest in training is not an expense, it’s the most critical investment in sustainability and growth.
Highly skilled, confident employees drive innovation, improve productivity, and boost employee retention. Stagnation is the silent killer of ambition; CPD ensures your team and your business remain relevant and ready for tomorrow’s challenges.
Choosing an apprenticeship is a proven and sensible option for several compelling reasons:
1 Low-cost, high value: The government provides substantial funding and incentives, making apprenticeships an extremely cost-effective way to develop skills. Apprenticeship training for SMEs can be fully funded or require just 5% of costs with the rest paid by the government. Levy-paying businesses can use their levy funds, which would otherwise expire.
2 Customised skills: Unlike off-the-shelf courses, apprentices are trained using a curriculum that is immediately applicable to your business operations. They apply learning to your culture, your processes, and your specific needs from day one.
3 Proven return on investment (ROI): Businesses consistently report that apprentices increase productivity, bring fresh ideas, and dramatically improve staff loyalty and retention. An investment in apprenticeships quickly translates into a skilled and productive employee who understands your company inside and out.
Your future success is our business.
To discuss how a Derwent Training partnership can help you build a stronger, more skilled workforce, contact us today. Call 01653 697698 or email info@derwenttraining.co.uk
In the digital age, it is perhaps surprising that global trade worth trillions of pounds every year still relies on an antiquated system of printed paper documents.
For centuries, any cargo leaving or entering the country has been accompanied by papers that prove what is being shipped, its destination, and details of the seller, carrier and buyer.
This represents a huge administrative and cost burden for business that is fraught with risk, including fraud, human error and documents lost in transit. Yet the vast majority of the UK’s imports and exports still rely on this slow, archaic option, with countless bills of lading, insurance certificates, promissory notes and more crisscrossing the globe every day.
But it doesn’t have to be this way; since the passing of the 2023 Electronic Trade Documents Act, businesses have been able to use digital documents instead, though by 2024 only 5% of bills of lading had been digitised1
Jon Boran, Head of Future Trade Products at Lloyds, considers the digital technologies that are making international trade quicker, easier and more cost effective for importers and exporters in Yorkshire and beyond.
Distributed Ledger Technology, also known as blockchain, are among the technologies that now provide a speedy, secure solution enabling international transactions to happen in hours, rather than weeks or even months.
As an early adopter, Lloyds has partnered with digital platform providers to execute these kinds of transactions. It’s a system that can unlock working capital, save courier costs and ensure accuracy, but it is still an underutilised option for businesses trading internationally.
It’s a trend that the rest of the world is recognising; nine of the top 10 ocean carriers have committed to adopting electronic documents, phasing out paper bills of lading by 2030, and it is anticipated that the switch will save billions by slashing costs and reducing trade friction2
Lloyds has already issued hundreds of digital documents to facilitate trade with Europe, the Middle East, China, India and Africa, and we expect that number to increase exponentially in the years ahead.
To find out more about how to get better connected with your customers and suppliers, save time and free up working capital: Visit www.lloydsbank.com/business/international Email tradeinnovationpilots@lloydsbanking.com
One business that made the switch in 2025 is Huddersfield-based laboratory equipment specialist Labtex, which transacted under its first ever electronic Letter of Credit to facilitate an export deal to India.
Manager Sherida Hepplestone said: “We received a meticulously crafted step-by-step guide, tailored to our needs, with instructions that could not have been easier to follow. The whole process from start to finish was quick, simple and certainly cheaper for all parties involved.
“Without a doubt, this represents a significant step forward in process optimisation.”
There’s no doubt that digital documents will be fundamental to the future of trade, and we want more British businesses to access all the benefits it can deliver.
1 https://www.gtreview.com/news/digital-trade/ ebl-adoption-doubles-to-5-but-barriers-todigitisation-remain-dcsa-finds/
2 https://www.fit-alliance.org/
At Bradford District and Craven Mind our vision is that no one faces a mental health issue alone. With a rich history spanning more than 30 years of delivering person centred mental health support, our mission is to make the best possible difference to the mental health and wellbeing of the greatest number of people.
One in four people across our region will experience poor mental health at some point in their lives. We offer support to everyone in our local communities, helping people of all ages at every stage of their mental health journey from early intervention and prevention through to crisis support and recovery. As an independent registered charity affiliated with national Mind, we rely on our own resources to provide local services. This ensures that all funds raised locally directly support people living in Bradford District and Craven. Our services are tailored to the needs of our local population and can be
accessed by phone, online, and faceto-face. Support is free to individuals and available every day of the year. Our services include:
• Safe Spaces – crisis support in partnership with The Cellar Trust for children aged 7+ and adults in mental health distress
• Youth in Mind – one-to-one and group support for children and young people
• Wellbeing Service – regular group sessions to share experiences and take part in activities
• Community Champions – volunteer befriending for adults aged 18+ who are isolated or struggling
• Guide-Line – telephone and live chat support for children and adults from 8am to midnight daily
• Healthy Minds – website providing information and guidance on local mental health support
We currently deliver 19 different services and in 2024–25 supported 18,541 people through 61,585 meaningful contacts, an 8% increase on the previous year. Almost 50% of those supported, accessed our services for the first time, and nearly 45% through partnerships with other organisations.
Every penny raised locally is spent locally, directly supporting people, families, and businesses in Bradford District and Craven. For every £1 donated, 90p goes directly to delivering vital mental health
Support the EY Foundation’s new programme to inspire young people, strengthen your future talent pipeline, and make a lasting impact
Every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive in the workplace, yet many young people in Bradford and beyond lack access to meaningful experiences that build confidence and ambition.
Established in 2014 by EY, the EY Foundation is an independent charity that works at the intersection of education and employment to close the skills gap and unlock potential for young people from lowincome backgrounds. Since its inception, the Foundation has supported over 28,000 young people in England and Scotland to overcome barriers to employment.
Over the past year, the EY Foundation has reached over 110 young people in West and North Yorkshire through employability programmes and workshops, supported by over 100 local business volunteers. In February 2025, the flagship Smart Futures programme engaged Year 12 students from six schools and colleges in Bradford, offering immersive workplace visits, skills sessions, and group challenges over an eight-day paid programme.
“Smart Futures was an exciting and engaging programme that not only honed my skills but also fuelled my passion for growth and learning in the business world.” Year 12 Participant, Smart Futures Business and Technology 2025
Building on this success, the EY Foundation is launching Beyond Horizons in Spring/Summer 2026, partnering with up to five schools in the Bradford District to reimagine experiences of work for Year 8 students. Developed with input from over 100 local stakeholders, Beyond Horizons addresses local needs by making it easier for employers and educators to engage with modern work experience.
The four-part programme includes:
• Discovering Strengths: Supporting students to identify their skills
• Introducing Local Sectors: Showcasing growth sectors and careers
• Immersive ‘Workplace’ Experiences: Simulated workplace challenges
• Reflection & Planning: Helping students map out their future aspirations
As the EY Foundation celebrates eleven years of impact and a continued focus in West Yorkshire, they invite Chamber members to join this journey.
Their programmes can help your business engage with young people, strengthen talent pipelines, and make a lasting impact in your local community.
Ready to make a difference? Register your interest as a volunteer or business host for Smart Futures or Beyond Horizons from February to June 2026.
Contact: EY Foundation Bradford Programme Manager, Dulcie Hayden, dulcie.hayden@eyfoundation.ey.com
Prospect Change is a consultancy and training academy specialising in PMO (Portfolio Management Office) and Project Management. We help organisations turn strategy into tangible results. Many organisations struggle to get their strategy off the ground, often facing unclear priorities, competing demands and day-to-day pressures that slow progress. That’s where we come in. By providing expertise, structure and hands-on support, we help organisations translate strategy into action, turning complexity into clarity and vision into measurable growth. Where uncertainty is the new normal, a strong PMO can be the catalyst that keeps strategy moving forward with confidence.
The world is messy right now, with politics, the economy and social change creating uncertainty. Growth is not guaranteed, yet some organisations keep moving forward, hitting their targets and actually thriving; whilst others struggle and end up in stagnation. The difference? They do not just hope for success. They have a clear vision, a plan to get there, and someone keeping the whole machine running smoothly. That is where a PMO comes in. A PMO creates the direction needed to define a strong and quantifiable strategy; and then connects that strategy to projects that will deliver the results needed. So how do they do this?
You cannot grow if you do not know where you are going. That is why the
first step is defining a vision that truly matters, not some generic statement that gathers dust. Once you know where you are now, the “as is,” and where you want to be, the “to be,” you can start figuring out what must change, when and how.
This is where strategy itself starts to take shape. The changes required to get from where you are now, to the world of the vision, are mapped into a roadmap of change or “The Strategy”! This roadmap should tell the story of what’s changing, when and very importantly – why! But what next? How do you deliver the change within the strategy to turn vision into reality? Because, a strategy without execution is just a wish list.
Every change has to happen through projects, and those projects need to connect. When one project starts, another finishes, or dependencies overlap, the timing has to be right, or everything slows down. That is your portfolio of change.
Keeping it all aligned is complicated. That is why organisations have a PMO. They make sure resources are where they need to be, risks are managed, timelines are realistic and budgets and benefits are protected. The PMO also defines the cost and benefit analysis for the portfolio, ensuring each project has the right budget and quality standards in place to deliver the intended outcomes. They oversee the portfolio like air traffic control, navigating issues and risks, keeping dependencies on track and making sure the change needed happens.
A PMO is also adaptive. It assesses impact and incorporates reactive
changes into the portfolio when needed, maintaining current operations at a high level while adjusting to regulatory shifts or unexpected developments. This ensures the organisation continues to perform today while moving toward tomorrow’s vision.
A PMO is not about bureaucracy. It is about making change real, practical, and sustainable. The best PMOs live by a few simple rules:
• Purpose first: Every decision moves the organisation toward its vision.
• Pragmatic consistency: Processes help, they do not slow things down.
• Data-driven: Decisions are based on evidence, not guesswork.
• Value-focused: Everything has to deliver impact.
• Collaboration over control: PMOs guide, they do not police.
We did not start Prospect Change to talk about strategy; we started it to make strategy happen. We help organisations grow, maintain momentum and stay strong even when the world feels unstable.
A PMO is not just a department, it is the engine that keeps your vision moving forward. If 2026 is your year to not just survive but to grow, it starts with connecting your vision to the work that makes it real.
And reach out to the prospect Change team if you’d like to discuss strategy, PMO or projects in your organisation
ruthgeddes@prospectchange.co.uk
Start 2026 with a new challenge. Ignite young minds and embark on an adventure of a lifetime as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV). In Yorkshire and the Humber, nearly 2,000 adults give their free time to lead and teach young people valuable life skills and develop key attributes. The Ministry of Defence’s recently published Strategic Defence Review aims to increase the Cadet Forces by 30% by 2030 – a target that can only be achieved with a strong team of adult volunteers ready to deliver the cadet programme. Steeped in training exercises that promote self-discipline, resilience, and quick, balanced decision-making, the programme relies on the knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm of CFAVs. They pass on essential life skills, helping cadets progress from childhood into employmentready young adults.
CFAVs are at the heart of youth development, mentoring cadets aged 12–18 through thrilling activities such as rock climbing, field craft, flying, and sailing – all while building their confidence, leadership, and teamwork skills. With free training in leadership, safeguarding, and adventurous activities, CFAVs gain qualifications and experiences that boost their own careers and lives, alongside the camaraderie of a nationwide volunteer community. Being a CFAV in Yorkshire is an opportunity to broaden your skills while giving back to your local community.
A University of Northampton report notes that participation in the Cadet Forces reinforces cadets’ sense of self-efficacy, improves social mobility and educational outcomes, enhances mental and physical wellbeing, boosts employability, and increases resilience while reducing vulnerability. For CFAVs, the vocational qualifications gained deliver an extremely positive return on investment and are, in many cases, life-changing – often transforming career prospects. The Cadet Forces are an outstanding example of the Ministry of Defence’s corporate social responsibility, particularly through the enhanced employability of both cadets and adult volunteers.
In Yorkshire and the Humber, nearly 1,000 employers have pledged support to the Armed Forces community through the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC). Many have positive HR policies that entitle CFAV employees to extra paid leave for cadet camps, events, and training. These employers recognise the unique sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community and ensure that serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets, and CFAVs do not face disadvantage.
Don’t just take our word for it – hear from our CFAVs
Gareth Davies MBE RNR
Lieutenant (SCC) Gareth Davies RNR MBE, Executive Officer, Scarborough Sea Cadets is General Manager at North Yorkshire Water Park, an AFC signatory.
Why be a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer?
Being a CFAV is a chance to make a real difference in young people’s lives, helping them gain confidence, skills, and opportunities they might not otherwise have. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch cadets grow, knowing you’ve played a part in their development. Volunteering has also boosted my own confidence and professional skills – from teamwork and communication to planning and mentoring – skills I use every day in my career.
How does your employer accommodate your volunteer commitments?
My employer recognises the value of volunteering and offers flexible working arrangements so I can balance cadet activities with my job. They see the leadership and organisational skills I gain as a real benefit to the workplace.
What does it mean to work for a forces-friendly employer?
It means being valued not just for what you do at work, but for the contribution you make to the wider community.
Transform lives, forge lifelong friendships and create unforgettable memories - become a CFAV in Yorkshire and the Humber. For information scan the QR Code. www.rfca-yorkshire.org.uk/cadets/adult-volunteer
Sean Guy
Sean Guy, school teacher and CFAV. Sean is Contingent Commander at Moor End Academy Combined Cadet Force (CCF) in Huddersfield and an instructor in D Company, Yorkshire North & West Army Cadet Force. He also serves on the national Army Cadet Multi-Cultural Network.
Tell us about your role with the Cadet Force
“I’ve been a CFAV in the CCF for over seven years and dualrole in the ACF for three. As a former cadet myself growing up in South London, I loved the activities and being outdoors. I never joined the regular Armed Forces – and it’s definitely not a requirement to be a CFAV – but when the opportunity arose to set up a contingent at Moor End Academy, I seized it. Working in this area of the country, we open up chances for new experiences; I see a massive difference in young people’s lives from being part of the cadets. The benefits in personal development, leadership, confidence, and social mobility are huge – and backed by academic research. Putting on that uniform can genuinely transform life chances and aspirations.”
How does your employer accommodate your volunteer commitments?
“It takes a brave head teacher to let a new member of staff set up an Army Cadet contingent! Communication is key. The school’s priority is always classroom education, but recognising the professional development that CFAVs gain –and the tangible improvements in cadet behaviour and attendance – has enabled us to attend training and run a high-quality programme.”
“It makes you feel valued. The impact you have with cadets is recognised, and working alongside colleagues with Armed Forces or emergency-service backgrounds brings different perspectives and skills to the staffroom. There are strong parallels between teaching and instructing in the Cadet Forces – service leavers bring resilience and adaptability that benefit any workplace.”
Leadership should not cost you your health. Yet burnout, chronic stress, anxiety, emotional eating, and sobriety challenges are the hidden price many high-achievers pay.
Your health is your wealth — and it deserves the same strategic focus as your business.
Dr. Olubunmi Aboaba, Global Wellness
Strategist with nearly 40 years of clinical experience, transforms the wellbeing of C-suite leaders through holistic, root-cause solutions.
Using Bioresonance technology and proven integrative methods, she provides bespoke, discreet, resultsdriven support for leaders who refuse to choose between peak performance and personal wellbeing.
Expertise: Executive burnout • Nervous system regulation • Stressdriven eating • Anxiety management • Sustainable sobriety support
Discover more at drolubunmi.com
AI and IT Solutions That Let Business Leaders Lead.
Empower your SMB with InfraTech Systems — combining AI Foundations and Managed IT Services to automate operations, enhance security, and drive sustainable growth
As a business leader, you need technology that works for you — not the other way around.
At InfraTech Systems, we’ve designed a seamless synergy between AI innovation and IT excellence to help SMEs operate smarter, leaner, and more securely.
Our AI Foundations program accelerates your digital transformation — identifying high-impact automation opportunities, optimising workflows, and delivering measurable results within 90 days. Meanwhile, our AI enabled Managed IT Services ensure your systems stay secure, compliant, and always-on, backed by 24/7 monitoring, expert support, and proactive cybersecurity.
Together, they create an intelligent IT ecosystem that cuts downtime, improves decision-making, and boosts productivity — all while protecting your data and reputation.
With InfraTech Systems, you gain a trusted partner who understands the challenges of growing businesses — helping you focus on what matters most: strategy, innovation, and success. Book your complimentary AI & IT Readiness Consultation today W www.infratechsystems.co.uk
info@infratechsystems.co.uk
+44 (0) 123 456 7890
Learn from Experts Who Understand Your World
Our tutors are qualified teachers or training instructors and industry professionals with real world experience.
Flexible & Convenient
Study in-person, online, blended, or host us to deliver training directly at your workplace.
Investing in staff training enhances staff morale, loyalty, and performance, whilst reducing absenteeism and turnover - introductory offers, group discounts, and loyalty rates, make the investment affordable without compromising quality.
Hussle is the UK’s leading fitness network, on a mission to make fitness flexible, accessible, and affordable for employees as part of one simple corporate benefit.
They collaborate with thousands of fantastic venues across the UK, and Yorkshire is one of their most widely served areas, with a fantastic range of leading gyms, pools and spas available to their members in the region.
With leading names such as Nuffield Health and Village Gyms, alongside local favourites and online workout classes, there really is something for everyone!
Unlock your leadership potential with our Institute of Leadership Approved Programmestailored to optimise your potential and empower you to lead.
As an exclusive offer to West and North Yorkshire Chamber members, Hussle is offering business leaders the chance to trial the Hussle benefit for one month, free of charge.
Contact Hussle’s Business Development Manager, Matthew Williamson, to request your trial pass: matthew.williamson@hussle.com
Gain the confidence to save lives with our Ofqual-regulated first aid at work training and paediatric first aid for those working with or caring for children.
With one in four people in the UK likely to experience a mental health condition, our Ofqualregulated courses teach you to recognise, support, and signpost others to professional help.
This Ofqual-regulated course is the industry minimum standard for non-teachers to be qualified to work in the further education, adult education, training and skills sector.
Qualsafe Health & Safety and Fire Safety training, and IOSH accredited Managing Safely course - equipping you with essential skills to prevent accidents and ensure compliance.
At OSCAR's Charity, we believe that every child affected by a brain tumour deserves the chance to smile, to play, and to simply be a child—even in the face of life's most challenging circumstances. For families navigating the devastating reality of childhood brain tumours, those moments of joy can feel impossibly far away. OSCAR’s exists to bring that light in the darkness.
We're a Yorkshire-based charity set up in memory of 9-year-old Oscar Hughes from York and we are dedicated to supporting children affected by brain tumours and their families through some of the darkest days imaginable.
We provide practical, emotional, and financial support that makes a real difference. Our lived experience of childhood brain tumour means we understand and we can tailor our support to each family’s needs. Whether it's funding specialist equipment, organising physiotherapy and counselling, or simply being there with a listening ear when it's needed most, we're committed to easing the burden.
We also raise awareness of signs and symptoms, and fund crucial lifechanging research.
But we can't do it alone. The generosity of the business community has been instrumental in helping us continue our work, and we're incredibly grateful for every partnership, donation, and act of support we receive. We are funded entirely by fundraising whether that is from trusts or foundations or people taking part in events.
When you support OSCAR's Charity, you're not just giving money—you're giving hope. helping a child kick a football again; helping a teenager make sense of outliving a diagnosis; putting smiles on faces that have seen too many tears.
It is an absolute honour to be chosen as one of the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce’s Charities of the Year. We invite you to learn more about us via social media (@oscarscharity), via our website oscarscharity.org or by talking to our Charity Manager, Phil Martinez (phil@oscarscharity.org).
Phil is always very happy to tell you why this charity means so much to him, and ways you can be involved if you wish to be on an individual and/or business level.
Yorkshire businesses have always shown us they have big hearts, and we invite you to join us in making a tangible difference to the lives of children and families going through the unimaginable and make this a wonderful two years working together.
Website: oscarscharity.org
Email: phil@oscarscharity.org
This year St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive. Laura Squire OBE, brings a wealth of experience from both the healthcare and public sectors, alongside a deep personal connection to West Yorkshire, which she has called home for over two decades.
Laura Squire, commented “I joined St Gemma’s in February 2025. Being appointed felt like a privilege, like being handed a piece of Leeds to look after. I knew it was a very special place but there were a lot of things I didn’t know.”
“I didn’t know how much of what we do is about living, making the most of the precious time we have – As one of our brilliant consultants says – it’s not about the medicine. It is about people – who they are, what they need and how we can support them to feel safe & comfortable, and to live as well as they can.”
“Our teams walk alongside children, carers and loved ones through illness, change and loss - human care offered with dignity, compassion and enormous skill. Over two thirds of the funding to make all this possible comes directly from the people of this city, from those who donate, volunteer, take on challenges, leave gifts in their Wills, shop with us and cheer us on.”
St Gemma’s Hospice was founded in Leeds in 1978. Since then, the Hospice has been providing end of life care for the people of Leeds, and the services provided have been evolving ever since. Each year, over 3,000 patients and their loved ones are cared for through these services. St Gemma’s care is free to anyone who needs it and the organisation costs over £15million to run annually. One third of that is provided by the Government – the rest is raised through charity shop sales and the vital support of the people of Leeds and bodies like the Leeds Chamber of Commerce.
The Hospice provides a range of services alongside their Inpatient unit in Moortown, Leeds. The Community Nursing
team deliver outstanding palliative care to patients where they live, along with the inclusion service which provides end of life care to those that are vulnerably housed in the city.
The care provided takes a holistic view of each individual, providing therapies for patients and also bereavement and spiritual care; including a Young Peoples Bereavement Service at the new award winning ’The Cabin’ onsite at the Hospice.
Considering the upcoming year, Laura reflects: “Looking ahead, there are undoubtedly challenges – no new money for hospices in the Budget, uncertainty around the Terminally Ill Adults Bill, and ongoing NHS re-organisation –but there is a lot we do know: We know our community values what we do – they tell us every day. We know we have a brilliant team dedicated to our core purpose. We know we are innovative and adaptable – things like our inclusion and education services are held up as exemplars to others. So, I look forward to 2026 with confidence that whatever it brings, we will rise to it”
St Gemma’s Hospice is the current charity partner for the Leeds Chamber of Commerce. If you’d like to know how you can help St Gemma’s, get in touch with Katie Bell, Corporate Fundraising Manager on Katiebell@st-gemma.co.uk
Hurricane Melissa tore through the small Caribbean island of Jamaica on 28th October 2025. This strongest category 5 storm became the thirdmost intense Atlantic hurricane on record. It caused immense damage, with several locations near the point of landfall experiencing almost total destruction to agriculture, infrastructure, loss of wild stock and telecommunications. Recent reports confirmed the sad news that at least 54 people were killed from the storm.
In addition to the loss of life and scores of people injured, around 40% of the national health system was damaged and there are problems from an outbreak of Leptospirosis. There are major levels of homelessness due to homes destroyed, but also other buildings including schools, churches and police stations. Monetary losses are estimated at US$10 billion.
Rebuilding homes and communities is a priority for the Jamaican government. As is getting food supplies to families, repairing and rebuilding health systems, road and transport infrastructure, communications, et al.
Getting vital assistance to communities has and continues to be the aim of organisations supporting those living in Jamaica. The Prime Minister, Rt Hon Mr Andrew Holness noted that shipping would take an extensive amount of time. In response, organisations across West Yorkshire and, indeed, nationwide are supporting the efforts being made to help Jamaica to recover.
Culture City Radio is one organisations involved with this support, and we are reaching out to other local businesses to also request your support where possible.
1 Through donations to a choice of local community drop off points in Bradford, Huddersfield or Leeds. These organisations accept: nonperishables food items, toiletries, baby supplies, flashlights/ batteries/power banks, school supplies, bedding, sleeping bags, tarpaulins and cash donations.
2 By making donations directly through the Government of Jamaica channels on https://supportjamaica.gov.jm
Please get involved and help. Feel free to contact Culture City Radio directly on 07873 518442 / 07916 910662.
Thank you.
The Chamber has seen great activity across all social media platforms in the past several months. The selected posts below are examples of some of the valuable information and discussions shared by the Chamber and our members on a daily basis.
We would love to know your thoughts on this quarter’s magazine and your local Chamber. What would you like to know more about or see more of in the future? Did any articles stand out to you?
Get involved with the regional business discussion on X (Formerly Twitter) by tagging us @WNYChamber and mentioning #YorkshireBusiness
X ( Formerly Twitter)
@WNYChamber
West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce
West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce
Instagram @WNYChamber
ACCESS TO ADVICE
Quality, professional, HR, health and safety, legal, tax and VAT advice.
ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS
Comprehensive online documentation libraries that include a wide range of HR, health and safety, legal and business documents.
SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS
By comparison to the cost of obtaining advice from consultants or solicitors, or the cost of access to online documentation services.
Chamber HR is a valuable resource for businesses of all sizes that employ people. For small businesses without in-house specialists, it provides access to expertise that is essential for managing the employment of their staff. For larger SMEs with in-house resources, it serves as valuable support for their HR department. Even large companies may use Chamber HR to assist with complex cases.
Chamber H&S is the essential tool for ensuring that your business is fully compliant with Health and Safety regulations. This is a requirement for all businesses, regardless of size. Our H&S offers an easy and convenient solution for those without in-house expertise in this area. Additionally, Chamber H&S can provide valuable support for SME businesses in staying compliant with Health and Safety standards.
Chamber Tax is a resource for businesses of all sizes that are seeking professional guidance on tax-related matters. Whether you are a small startup looking for advice on how to manage your finances, or a large corporation seeking guidance on tax planning, Chamber Tax can provide the expert support you need.
Chamber Legal is an essential tool for businesses of all sizes, but it is particularly beneficial for small businesses and sole traders who may not have access to in-house legal expertise. Whether you are just starting out in business or are an established company looking to address
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who are these services for?
Everyone! Individuals operating as sole traders may use legal services, while small businesses with employees may utilize HR services. For larger companies, HR services are there to give support.
Who are Quest?
Quest is a national provider of comprehensive HR and Health & Safety services, training solutions, and consultancy. With over 30 years of expertise, we are the preferred supplier for over 80,000 members, as recommended by the BCC and TAF.
How can unlimited access be free?
The service is subsidised by the Chamber as they pay us a fee. It's a national scheme for all British Chambers.
I have internal resources - do I need them?
Yes - these services should be used as a resource by your HR Manager, both for documents and advice. Book a One2One Discover meeting to show them the service value.
We outsource our HR / HS - why do I need these services?
Because they could save you a lot of money. If you are outsourcing HR or H&S services you may not need to. A One2One Compare meeting will show you how much you could save.
We never have any issues to manage - why do we need these services?
Our services go beyond crisis management or problem-solving. They are designed to address any questions or concerns you may have, as staying informed in a constantly evolving world can be challenging.
How can I access it?
Call the membership team on 0113 247 0000 or visit www.chamberhr.co.uk and select West & North Yorkshire Chamber
• Resolve any employment-related issue
• Understand your HR responsibilities as an employer Reduce costs from in-house or external HR support Immediate answers to any questions/concerns
• Stay compliant by ensuring you're up to date with all legislation
• Operate with full peace of mind
What's included in the service?
Advice line access - Talk to an experienced HR/Employment Law specialist for any queries or guidance on finding documents
Website - Use over 450+ HR template documents which cover the lifecycle of an employee. In addition to reading our latest articles in the Newsroom, you can also take advantage of a HR Health Check One2One
Common Call Enquiries
• Disciplinary Issues
• Persistent Absence
• Workplace Disputes
• Disability and Capability issues
• Redundancy
• Equal Pay Grievances
Popular Documents
• Redundancy
• Maternity & Paternity
• Employee Contracts & Handbooks
• Disciplinary
• Recruitment
At Quest Cover, our HS team boasts an impressive collective expertise, fortified by decades of experience and diverse qualifications in various aspects of Health and Safety Management.
With over 80 years of consolidated experience, our Health & Safety professionals have developed an extensive knowledge on various sectors, including healthcare, retail and hospitality, manufacturing, construction, and more. From comprehensive risk assessments to guiding businesses through regulatory compliance, our team offer expert advice tailored to specific needs.
Our team have practiced in both private and public sectors, gaining invaluable insights and practical knowledge to apply to clients.
Having worked in senior HS management and on-site consultation roles, across the UK and internationally, our HS Team has firsthand experience in managing a diverse range of clients. This experience includes managing high-value portfolios, overseeing safety across multi-site operations, and successfully implementing management systems that align with ISO standards.
Our HS Team holds a range of qualifications, including degrees in Occupational Health & Safety Management, NEBOSH General and Environmental Certificates, IOSH Memberships, Fire Risk Assessor Certifications, CSCS Professionally Qualified Status, and ISO Auditor.
Our specialists have managed Health & Safety across industries including construction, hospitality, and retail, ensuring compliance with UK/International Standards.
Our adept HS Team have successfully delivered expert Health & Safety advice to businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to large enterprises, offering practical solutions.
Contact the membership team now to gain access to Quest Services. You will need to acquire the Support Bundle to use these services.
Call 0113 247 00 00
Email info@wnychamber.co.uk
Your next opportunity awaits
LEEDS CHAMBER ANNUAL DINNER
Thursday 12 March 2026
Elland Road
Reserve your seat now
BRADFORD CHAMBER ANNUAL DINNER
Thursday 14 May 2026
Bradford Live
Reserve your seat now
YORK & NORTH YORKSHIRE
CHAMBER ANNUAL DINNER
Thursday 4 June 2026
York Racecourse
Reserve your seat now
