Business Watson Batty Architects announces leadership transition Watson Batty Architects has announced that managing director Peter White is to retire at the end of February 2026, marking the conclusion of more than 25 years of dedicated service to the Practice. His retirement coincides with a leadership transition that reflects Watson Batty Architect’s long-standing commitment to continuity, By The Editor • 2 min read
Business Leeds tech leader backs apprenticeship drive as UK confronts AI talent shortfall Technology expert Sam Hameed from Leeds-based Solution Performance Group has welcomed the government’s new apprenticeships, saying the move will help to ease the chronic shortage of AI talent across Yorkshire and the wider UK. The government has committed to expanding youth apprenticeships to 50,000 places over the next By The Editor • 2 min read
Business Premcor secures planning for 43-acre Mode 18 scheme near Doncaster Premcor Estates (Premcor) has secured planning permission for its 43-acre Mode 18 development at Rossington, Doncaster, marking a significant milestone and paving the way for hundreds of future jobs and the start of much-needed infrastructure works. Located three miles to the south of Doncaster, adjacent to the M18 Motorway and By The Editor • 3 min read
Business Batley Baths to go under the hammer Kirklees Council has announced that the historic Batley Baths building is to be put up for auction as the local authority works to deliver £6.9m of savings required in 2026/27, according to its draft budget report. The Grade II-listed former public baths will appear as a lot in By The Editor • 1 min read
Business Knight Frank brokers new letting at iconic Leeds building The Leeds office of global property consultancy Knight Frank has brokered one of the most significant office deals in Leeds in the past year with the letting of 12,459 sq ft of space at Broad Gate in the heart of the city. Emovis, a global expert in toll-based mobility By The Editor • 2 min read
Business Connect Yorkshire enters a new era to support Yorkshire’s growing businesses. Connect Yorkshire, the not-for-profit business community that has supported ambitious, growing businesses across the region for more than 20 years, is entering an exciting new chapter. The organisation is being guided into this next phase by a newly appointed board of executive and non-executive directors. Owner Sophie Conboy continues in By The Editor • 2 min read
Business SPG Resourcing moves to Park Square offices to support growth plans Technology recruitment and services firm SPG Resourcing has taken new offices on Park Square in Leeds as it looks to support ambitious growth plans and attract specialist talent. The move to St Paul’s House places the business among a growing cluster of technology-focused companies in one of the city By The Editor • 1 min read
Business York architects mastermind go-ahead for housing development The award-winning York-based architects brown + company have won approval for a major housing project in Exeter. Plans to build more than 800 studios and student flats at a gateway site on the edge of the city centre have finally been given the green light by planners. A total of 399 By The Editor • 2 min read
Business Drive to transform rail and growth across Yorkshire and North East People across Yorkshire and the North East will benefit from faster commutes, greater job opportunities and increased investment as part of major Northern Powerhouse Rail plans launched. The new major Government growth plans will boost economic potential and living standards across the north, with more reliable and more frequent trains By The Editor • 4 min read
Business Bradford-based ITC targets growth Bradford founded and based telecommunications company, ITC, is eyeing up further growth in 2026, having marked a milestone year as the official telecommunications provider for Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. ITC, which celebrates its 20th anniversary next year, is an official Bradford 2025 corporate supporter and throughout 2025, the By The Editor • 2 min read
Business Glimmer of hope for businesses says R3 as insolvencies fall Corporate insolvencies fell by 8% to 1,866 in November 2025, compared to the October figure of 2,034. They were also down by 7% compared to the November 2024 figure of 2,001 and by 18% compared to November 2023’s 2,273 figure. Jodie Wildridge, deputy chair of By The Editor • 1 min read
Business AI-up: More hospitality venues sign-up to AI startup Urbanary Urbanary, an AI-driven platform launched to lend a helping hand to the hospitality sector in Leeds earlier this month, has had a host of new venues sign-up as partners, including Leeds Food Tours and Be At One. The mobile-optimised platform allows individuals to plan a perfect night out in the By The Editor • 2 min read
