Five reasons why going digital is good for your learners
Before 2020, a digital revolution was happening, but following the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, this digital revolution has accelerated. With many businesses now working from home, a flexible working structure being called for, and less face-to-face contact, digital work practices have now become a necessity. But converting to digital has often been perceived as…
Read MoreWhat skills does your business need to thrive?
West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has received a significant step forward in the delivery of its Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIPs) following confirmation from the Department of Education that it has approved its delivery plan and we now need you as business leaders to help us take this forward. West & North Yorkshire…
Read MoreEnsuring safety in autonomous systems
Robotics, autonomous systems and artificial intelligence have the potential to transform the way we live, travel and work. From driver-less cars and remotely monitored ships, to virtual assistants and robotic machinery, these technologies increasingly play a defining role within healthcare, transportation, manufacturing and the wider economy. Many Yorkshire businesses are keen to realise the full…
Read MoreNew international trade qualification will help boost companies trading overseas
A major new nationally accredited trade award, open to West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce members, has been launched by Chamber International. Announced at the annual Multimodal Exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham in June, this latest qualification from Chamber International’s successful ‘Excellence Academy’ is equivalent to an A Level or NVQ level 3.…
Read MoreChange and challenge
Change and challenge is driving innovation to a new level in Leeds City Region says Dr Martin Stow, Chair and Director of University of Leeds’ innovation hub Nexus. Businesses have seen so much change – from Brexit and COVID, to Government instability, the cost of living and climate crisis – but as well as presenting…
Read MoreMaking manufacturing inclusive, interactive and inspiring
Pupils from 40 schools and more than 30 local employers came together to share experiences of a career in Bradford’s manufacturing sector, including pupils of Oastlers School in Bradford and Keighley who are working with Cleckheaton-based cosmetic and personal care manufacturer Orean. Based on West 26 Industrial Estate in Cleckheaton and employer of a 238-strong…
Read MoreElectric vehicle export boost
Chamber International provides money-saving export solution for electric vehicle distributor Five electric light commercial vehicles (eLCVs) have been temporarily exported to Ireland for an exhibition to showcase a leading range of eLCVs, to boost EV sales and help combat climate change with support from Chamber International. Leeds office of global freight forwarding company, Uniexpress, worked…
Read MoreLeading the way in artificial intelligence safety
The potential for automation and autonomous technologies is huge. Autonomous vehicles will radically change global transport systems and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are already being used to address challenges from healthcare to energy management. But there are many more uses – as the application of autonomous systems stretches across most economic sectors from manufacturing to…
Read MoreAdapting through technology
One of the UK’s top five-star hotels, The Grand, York offers a memorable visit for all. With a variety of services from the welcoming concierge, award-winning cookery school, food and beverage outlets, a spa and eight meeting and event spaces, you are guaranteed to experience true Yorkshire hospitality and elegance in all formats. Situated midway…
Read MoreRecruiting flexi-job apprentices
Esh Construction partners with Efficiency North to recruit flexi-job apprentices. Seven new apprentices are settling into their new roles within Esh Construction after being recruited via the award-winning Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Service provided by EN:Able Futures. Bricklayers, joiners, and a trainee site manager are among the new starters who have been welcomed across Esh’s affordable housing…
Read MoreInnovate & communicate
Innovation communities are more important than ever says Dr Martin Stow, Director of University of Leeds’ innovation hub Nexus Innovation has become ever more critical to unlocking post-pandemic growth for our region and tech-enabled hubs and business communities, which are specifically designed to foster innovation and connectivity, have a vital role to play. Attracting the…
Read MoreFemale manufacturing leaders inspire pupils
Bradford’s female manufacturing leaders headlined a panel event to inspire school pupils as part of Bradford Manufacturing Weeks 2021. The district’s female manufacturing role models from some of Bradford’s most established blue-chip manufacturers, took questions from Bradford Girls’ Grammar School pupils during the fortnight of in person and online manufacturing events. The women, who have…
Read MoreTeamwork drives success
Transdev CEO Alex Hornby says partnerships and people can build buses back better for Yorkshire. At Transdev, we know how to win new customers to switch to our buses. Take our flagship 36: Riding Refined service linking Harrogate with Leeds and Ripon – in 2019 just over two million people did just that, a 21…
Read MoreFoundations of a greener future
Virgin Money partnered with the Future-Fit Foundation, a non profit organisation to help businesses identify and prioritise the sustainability issues most relevant to them. Our sustainability web page and further information on our partnership with Future-Fit can be found at virginmoneyukplc.com/corporate-sustainability/future-fit/ What is the Future-Fit Foundation? Future-Fit Foundation is a UK-registered charity and the developer, promoter…
Read MoreHow can we work together to tackle the digital divide?
With lots of everyday services moving online, from healthcare to shopping, access to technology is becoming vital to our day-to-day lives. But some in society face major challenges when trying to access the world online. In the UK it’s estimated that 16.3 million adults lack core digital skills, and 1.9 million homes have no access…
Read MoreGreen growth
Devolution paves the way for a pioneering green revolution to kick-start the region’s post-Covid economy The proposed devolution plans for York and North Yorkshire provide a once in a lifetime opportunity for green, inclusive economic growth – with BioYorkshire at the heart of the deal. Led by the University of York in partnership with Askham…
Read MoreReducing CO2 emissions
TransPennine Express has already reduced CO2 emissions by almost 20 per cent in recent years and now vows to do even more TransPennine Express (TPE) has now made a public commitment to significantly step up its plans to help address climate change and reduce its carbon footprint to net-zero. The train company, which runs services…
Read MoreBusiness banking for Yorkshire
Head of Regional Banking (Yorkshire), John Bullock, explores the Virgin Money business banking offering in Yorkshire Commitment to our Customers This year we have launched Virgin Money Business which will bring together the expertise and experience of our three heritages of Yorkshire Bank, Clydesdale Bank and Virgin Money under a single brand. In Yorkshire, we…
Read MorePlacing sustainability at the heart of public sector
BT has been a leader on climate and sustainability action for almost 30 years and now the technology and telecommunications firm has outlined its commitments to become a net zero carbon emissions business by 2045. To help reach its goal, BT is using 100% renewable electricity worldwide, meaning that consumers who buy mobile or broadband…
Read MoreB&M celebrates 10 years of carbon neutrality
Leading UK waste management solutions company, B&M Waste Services, is marking its 10th anniversary as a carbon neutral organisation and defines its ‘net zero carbon’ journey since it began in 2011. In the past two decades, the effects of climate change have accelerated, becoming a global threat that will impact everyone. It was ten years…
Read MoreNew grant fund announced to boost SME global trading aspirations
Exporting businesses in Yorkshire can access co-investment funding help to support their plans, thanks to a new partnership between Chamber International and the Department for International Trade (DIT). Business can apply to the Internationalisation Fund, which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and offering match-funded grants of between £1,000 and £9,000 to…
Read MoreFree trade agreements – Six month progress report
Six months on from the EU-UK trade deal coming into force, what progress has been made with agreeing trade deals with the UK’s non-EU trading partners? Rollover agreements Before leaving the EU, the UK was party to approximately 40 trade deals that the EU had negotiated with more than 70 countries. Although the UK is…
Read MoreImportant EU VAT changes for online sales
Complying with EU VAT changes from 1 July What is the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS)? E-commerce businesses trading to customers (B2C) in the European Union (EU) will see new VAT rules due to be introduced from 1 July 2021. On 1st January 2021, the sale of goods from UK businesses to customers in the…
Read MoreInvesting in tomorrow’s talent
Here at Bradford Grammar School (BGS), we are working hard to increase the number of Assisted Places available to bright students from low-income households. This has long been a part of our history and reflects our strong ties to Bradford city and the communities we neighbour. Currently, there are 78 students at BGS who wouldn’t…
Read MoreInvesting in people and pipes for a greener, fairer future
Build back better ‘Build back better’ is a phrase that has been used a lot in recent months, as we look for imaginative ways of recovering from the seismic economic shock of 2020. The phrase implies that recovery policies need to have a central focus on well-being and inclusiveness, as well as a strong environmental…
Read MoreWorking in harmony
In the current challenging climate for the arts, international law firm Pinsent Masons has announced a second year of support for Opera North’s award-winning music education programme In Harmony Opera North. While recognising the individual and social benefits of the programme on the lives of over 1,800 pupils in Leeds, Pinsent Masons was also impressed…
Read MoreThe earthy side of law
We spoke to Craig Burman, Partner and Head of the Environmental and Regulatory team at Schofield Sweeney LLP, to discuss waste, Brexit, climate change and the year that has changed us forever. What was your route into law? For as long as I can remember, I have loved houses. It’s a good job too, because…
Read MoreExpansion for Marketing Agency despite Covid uncertainties
Full Service Marketing Agency Keane Creative has seen both client and employee growth in recent months despite ongoing uncertainties from the pandemic. The Yorkshire based agency, with a regional and national client base, has recently added to their portfolio with 2 new clients from London and the south of the country. Following a recommendation from…
Read MoreHow Businesses can Take Back Control of their Outgoings
National restrictions continue to significantly affect businesses across the country. While non-essential retail, hospitality and leisure businesses have had to temporarily close during lockdown, those businesses which are still operating will also have been heavily affected by the pandemic. As such, there is an enormous pressure on businesses’ financial situation. They may be juggling reduced…
Read MoreCityFibre: enabling a digital revolution across Yorkshire
One of the biggest takeaways from months of national lockdown has been the critical importance of digital connectivity in keeping businesses running and consumers connected. From virtual meetings and exercise classes, to online shopping and catching up with friends and family, we have been utterly dependent on technology to provide a socially-distanced gateway to normal…
Read MoreSupporting SME success and resilience
Leeds Beckett University is an anchor institution in the Leeds City Region, making a significant contribution to our regional economy, with a key role in driving local economic growth and supporting SMEs in the region to prosper and grow. As we react, readjust and recover from the changes the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the…
Read MoreFirst zero emission bus fleet for cleaner Leeds nearing completion
The first-ever zero emission bus fleet for Leeds is being prepared to enter service in a multi-million pound investment by First Bus in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Council. The nine Yutong E10 electric vehicles (EV) are supplied by Pelican Coach & Bus, a family-owned engineering company based in Castleford…
Read MoreHow the technology sector can help drive the region’s recovery
An interview with Deb Hetherington Head of Innovation for Bruntwood SciTech in Leeds Please introduce yourself and your role at Bruntwood SciTech. Deb Hetherington, Head of Innovation for Bruntwood SciTech in Leeds. My role is to help science and technology businesses based in Platform to form, scale and grow by helping them to access finance…
Read MoreHow businesses can adapt to the new duty of care to drive recruitment and retention
The COVID-19 pandemic will in time leave many legacies on society, including a heightened awareness of the importance of physical and mental health and wellbeing . Moreover, government and public health experts are reporting a clear link between health, weight and the impact of COVID-19 on those infected; with NHS campaigns launched to galvanise the…
Read MoreLone Worker Protection
Lone Worker Protection : advice for H&S professionals A number of businesses have had to embrace the idea of working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic. While working from home is the new normal, some occupations make working remotely impossible. For these employees, it has been crucial that they and their employers take the…
Read MoreEssential planning for the future of your business
Businesses are gradually starting to understand how they might be affected by the financial impact of COVID-19. As they start to transition from crisis management to securing the future resilience of their organisation, what are consequences of some of the Government backed initiatives that have been introduced recently and how might these might affect businesses…
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