Business Poonam Kaur appointed to lead IoD West Yorkshire The Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed Poonam Kaur as acting chair of its West Yorkshire branch. Poonam is managing director of corporate finance firm fds, based in Wakefield. She was formerly vice-chair of the branch and an IoD Ambassador, representing the M&A sector. She succeeds Dr Richard By The Editor • 1 min read
Business Yorkshire PR agency hires first full-time employee after rapid growth A growing PR and marketing agency has taken on its first full-time employee – making it a real family affair. Leeds-based Leuly Photography & PR was set up by PR consultant Gemma Birbeck in 2019. The business quickly established itself and now, after a series of new contract wins in August By The Editor • 2 min read
Business Leeds joins the call for five point plan to improve the effectiveness of covid-19 responses A new five-point plan to help Leeds and other northern cities fight the spread of COVID-19 is being called for today. Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Judith Blake has joined her counterparts in Manchester, Newcastle and Liverpool to express their concerns about the effectiveness of restrictions currently in place By The Editor • 2 min read
Charity Security manufacturer supports terminally ill man to achieve Guinness World Record Yorkshire based security manufacturer, Heald, has supported a terminally ill man to achieve his Guinness World Record ambition by building him a bespoke electric wheelchair to enable him to achieve the record of being the first person to travel more than 60 mph (95 kph) in an electric mobility vehicle. By The Editor • 2 min read
Business The biggest threat to Yorkshire businesses is a second wave of COVID-19 * 47% of Yorkshire businesses believe a domestic second wave of COVID-19 poses a bigger threat than a no-deal Brexit, according to a BDO LLP poll released today * 90% of Yorkshire businesses think the Government will make progress on its ambition to ‘level up’ the UK regions, despite the difficulties of By The Editor • 2 min read
Arts&Culture Leeds Irish Centre announces 50th anniversary book The UK’s first purpose-built Irish Centre has announced details of its forthcoming book released to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Leeds Irish Centre was due to host a number of celebrations and commemorations in June 2020 to mark its 50th year at the heart of the city’s Irish community. By The Editor • 2 min read
Business New owner for Hull-based Shipham Valves One of the longest-established and best-known valve manufacturers in the world, established in Hull in 1798, is in the hands of a new owner. Finnish technology group Wärtsilä announced on October 1st, the divestment of 100% of the shares in Wärtsilä Valves Ltd to an affiliate of Evergreen Capital L. By The Editor • 2 min read
Charity Bradford charity ready to face winter with help from print firm Bradford-based Dominion Print has helped to equip a local charity, Inn Churches, for vital community work in the coming months following the donation of 250 reusable face coverings manufactured at the company’s printing facility in Bankfoot. Dominion recently launched Let’s Face It, a new service printing bespoke branded By The Editor • 2 min read
Business Shortlist revealed for IoD Director of the Year Awards The Institute of Directors (IoD) has revealed the names of the business leaders shortlisted for its 2020 Director of the Year Awards. The finalists are drawn from across Yorkshire and the North East and represent the full spectrum and diversity of business and industry, from young entrepreneurs to experienced public By The Editor • 2 min read
Business Acquisition of Skipton-based natural dog treats business One of the UK’s leading suppliers of natural dog treats, Hollings Ltd, has been acquired by Assisi Pet Care Ltd as it pursues its goal of entering the pet care market in the UK and Europe. Founded in 1980 by Jeff and Celia Hollings, the business has its head By The Editor • 1 min read
Business Smart tech helping older people to stay safe and well in their homes Older people are being given smart watches to help them stay safe and independent in their own homes. City of York Council is among several local authorities to trial wearable technology as part of its long-term social care strategy. The council has been working with social care technology specialist Sensing247 By The Editor • 2 min read
Legal Matters Clarion extends client offering with appointment of director of HR consulting Clarion has added consulting to its range of client services with the appointment of Natalie Saunders (pictured) in the role of director of HR consulting. Natalie has held a number of senior positions in HR, most recently with Leeds Beckett University where she was people director. Her specialisms include culture By The Editor • 2 min read
