Food&Drink Yorkshire whisky wins gold award in world whisky competition The team at Yorkshire's first single malt whisky distillery is celebrating its success in a prestigious world whisky competition. Spirit of Yorkshire's Filey Bay Peated Finish #3 was awarded a gold medal in the Other Single Malt Whisk(e)y category at the San Francisco World By The Editor • 1 min read
Business Insolvency-related activity and business start-up rates fall in Yorkshire and Humber New business starts-ups and insolvency-related activity had both fallen across the UK and in Yorkshire and the Humber last month, according to the latest research from the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, R3. The findings, based on an analysis of data provided by Creditsafe, show an 18% decline By The Editor • 1 min read
Business Bradford city centre sees positive growth as footfall rises 25% in early 2025 Bradford City Centre is showing encouraging signs of recovery, with both footfall and dwell time on the rise following a challenging year for local businesses. The Bradford Business Improvement District (BID), which represents almost 600 member businesses in the city centre, closely monitors a range of performance indicators. Figures from By The Editor • 2 min read
Business FinTech North returns to Leeds with conference debut FinTech North's flagship Leeds conference returns to the city on May 15th, with Innovate Finance's prestigious Pitch360 competition set to be a key draw for attendees. The northern iteration of Innovate Finance’s renowned FinTech pitching competition will offer selected start-ups the opportunity to showcase their By The Editor • 2 min read
Business York businessman appointed to key role with national trade body A York-based businessman has been appointed regional chair for the North of England by national trade body, the BMF (Builders Merchants Federation). Martin Armour, commercial director at Burton Roofing Merchants Ltd, has taken up the role, which involves representing builders’ merchants and suppliers across Yorkshire and the North East region. By The Editor • 2 min read
Business SPG Intelligence launches to help UK businesses unlock the power of AI. Leeds-based SPG Intelligence has launched to support UK businesses in adopting artificial intelligence technologies. A subsidiary of Solution Performance Group, the firm focuses on three key areas: cloud intelligence, cyber intelligence, and applied intelligence. The move follows a strategic reorganisation of teams across the business to scale AI delivery for By The Editor • 2 min read
Arts&Culture Generations of football fandom given a new voice in library exhibition Some of the world’s oldest football fanzines, which kicked off a wave of people-powered publications on terraces across the globe, are going on display in a new exhibition in Leeds. A copy of Foul, widely regarded as the original magazine created by football supporters, is among the scores of By The Editor • 3 min read
Business Award-winning Yorkshire developer welcomes base rate cut A LEADING Yorkshire developer has warmly welcomed today’s cut in interest rates by the Bank of England. Paul Brown, of award-winning Huddersfield-based Vivly Living, said the decision by the Bank to cut the base interest rate by 0.25 per cent from 4.50 per cent to 4.25 By The Editor • 2 min read
Business Prime 527,000 sq ft M62 logistics site hits the market Leading Yorkshire developers Sterling Capitol have unveiled a prime distribution and logistics site by Junction 36 of the M62. The 29-acre Axis 36 development already has planning permission for a single distribution facility, with the flexibility to accommodate alternative layouts. Paul Beckett, CEO of Leeds-based Sterling Capitol, commented: “We are By The Editor • 2 min read
Food&Drink Society support amid farm confidence and wellbeing concerns Farming charity, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society will be looking at the support it provides to the farming community, following concerns about business confidence and wellbeing raised by its members. According to the findings of the Society’s first ever Farming Outlook survey, almost two in every three farmers (65%) fear By The Editor • 3 min read
Legal Matters Schofield Sweeney supports ‘home city’ again with Bradford showcase partnership Leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney will play a key role in showcasing the Bradford district’s planning and investment potential at an event alongside the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), in Leeds from May 20th-22nd. Working in partnership with Bradford Council, Schofield Sweeney, is a main By The Editor • 1 min read
Business Extra care housing scheme is laying the foundations for independent living Construction work is under way on an extra care housing scheme that will open up new independent living opportunities for older people in Leeds. Leeds City Council’s Middlecross development in Armley will provide a total of 65 high-quality and energy efficient apartments for affordable rent by people aged over By The Editor • 3 min read
