Topic UK

21/03/2024

Lloyds Bank and Big Society Capital have invested £20m in the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF), a responsible finance provider, to support small businesses.

The investment is part of a £62m boost to Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) to back businesses in the most deprived areas of England and Wales.

Business Enterprise Fund is one of three CDFIs chosen to receive the funding, with a focus on supporting underserved communities such as BAME and female-led businesses that traditional banks cannot service.

The investment aims to create nearly 600 jobs and support over 280 businesses, helping to boost local economies and create proven economic change.

Head to our website to find out more- https://topicuk.co.uk/business-enterprise-fund-to-support-280-businesses-and-create-600-jobs-with-new-20m-fund/

Responsible finance provider the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) has received a facility of £20m to boost support for small businesses, via an investment from Lloyds Bank & Big Society Capital. In a bid to support local jobs and improve the economy, the investment is part of a £62m boost to help

09/03/2024

https://www.instagram.com/stories/yorkshire_businesswoman/3320156894297879560?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=OXYwZmp1djUycTZ3

28/02/2024

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire has appointed Mandy Ridyard as her business advisor to lead the first meeting of the new West Yorkshire Business Board.

The meeting follows the recent launch of the West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter, which aims to help businesses promote and recognize the positive impact of fair work. The Board will comprise local business and community leaders with expertise across multiple sectors, with the aim to build a prosperous and innovative environment where everyone can start and grow a business.

Find out more - https://topicuk.co.uk/business-leaders-join-forces-to-drive-growth-in-west-yorkshire/

21/02/2024

The latest edition of Topic UK Magazine is online now!

This month’s feature article shares the career journey of Asma Iqbal, Partner at Chadwick Lawrence, Award winning lawyer and equality / diversity champion. Asma shares the incredible heights reached in her career and her hard work influencing change within gender inequalities and lack of diversity within the law industry.

Read news, opportunities and success stories from businesses from across the Yorkshire region in our digital magazine, on desktop, mobile or tablet.

Read all about it in the latest edition, available to read here - https://topicuk.co.uk/latest-edition/

Feature article photos by Roth Read Photography.

14/02/2024

Leeds University Business School will be offering the Digital Marketer Degree Apprenticeship from June 2024 to address the digital skills gap that is currently present in the region.

The apprenticeship incorporates 17 modules and provides learners with the skills to create, execute and measure a comprehensive digital marketing strategy, while also developing a range of relevant behaviours designed to create leaders who are skilled at managing, motivating, and delivering organisational goals.

The apprenticeship is delivered by industry practitioners and is designed to be inclusive, attracting a diverse range of applicants. This new offering supports the region's ambition to better equip companies with the digital understanding needed to thrive in this current digital era.

Read more on our website - https://topicuk.co.uk/leeds-beckett-launches-innovative-apprenticeship-to-bridge-digital-skills-gap/

Designed to address the growing demand for digital expertise in the region, Leeds Business School will be offering the qualification from June 2024. The digital world is changing at a rapid pace, and it can be difficult to keep up with the latest developments in areas such as AI, analytics,

09/02/2024

06/02/2024

Yorkshire-based Law firm, Chadwick Lawrence, have extended their sponsorship agreement with the Bradford Bulls Rugby League Club, marking the continuation of a highly successful three-year collaboration.

The law firm will showcase its branding on the right sleeve of the team's 2024 playing jerseys and will also provide legal expertise to the team.

Find out more about the partnership on our website - https://topicuk.co.uk/chadwick-lawrence-renews-sports-law-partnership-with-bradford-bulls/

Chadwick Lawrence, Yorkshire-based law firm, is thrilled to announce the extension of its sports law sponsorship agreement with the Bradford Bulls, marking the continuation of a highly successful three-year collaboration. This renewed partnership signifies a deepening of the relationship between the...

26/01/2024

Property consultancy, Eddisons, has hired Nazar Soofi, the former head of decarbonisation at Leeds City Council, as the head of sustainability and decarbonisation.

Soofi will lead the newly launched sustainability centre of excellence based at Eddisons' Leeds head offices, which will provide advice on carbon reduction and environmental best practice across the public and private sectors.

Read more about Eddisons new appointment and their decarbonation & sustainability plans on our website - https://topicuk.co.uk/leeds-city-council-decarbonisation-leader-joins-eddisons-as-head-of-sustainability/

Eddisons has appointed Nazar Soofi, former head of decarbonisation at Leeds City Council, to the new role of head of sustainability and decarbonisation. The move marks a major strategic hire for the growing property consultancy as it launches its own sustainability centre of excellence, based at its...

17/01/2024

Calling all aspiring producers in Yorkshire!

Distorted have two paid production internship opportunities available for people aged 18-25 within the Yorkshire region. In partnership with Sonic Youth, backed by Youth Music, the two 8-month-long internship opportunities will help new talent get their foot through the door of a profession which is notoriously difficult to break into.

If you'd like to find out more details about each internship or apply, read the full article on our website here -https://topicuk.co.uk/audio-agency-awarded-grant-money-from-youth-music-to-kickstart-music-careers/

Applications are now open until January 19th 2024 Apply here This is Distorted have announced a paid internship programme, Sonic Youth, backed by Youth Music that will launch the production careers of two young people in Yorkshire who are passionate about audio and electronic music. The 8 month long...

05/01/2024

2024 is looking bright for creative industries across West Yorkshire!

The ‘Create Growth’ programme is a £2.3 million support package to boost the region's creative industries. The programme sees more opportunities for young people, those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with disabilities and more.

Read the full article online -

New initiatives designed to boost West Yorkshire’s creative industries will be launched later this month, following investment from Mayor Tracy Brabin. The £2.3 million support package, approved by leaders in July, aims to grow the sector as part of the region’s new ‘You Can Make It Here’

28/12/2023

Incorporate PR into your 2023 strategy by teaming up with Topic UK!

Whether you're an individual looking to amplify your brand or a business seeking to promote your clients, collaborating with Topic UK in the new year has never been more straightforward. Partnering with Topic can unlock an abundance of opportunities for you and your business.

For further details on our exclusive opportunities, reach out to [email protected] to learn more about our packages and benefits.

15/12/2023

Have you been listening to the Yorkshire Businesswoman podcast throughout 2023?

Our sister publication Yorkshire Businesswoman, launched a brand new season of the earlier this year, and the FINAL episode of 2023 is OUT NOW!

This month’s podcast features Brontë Clare Mitchell, Founder and editor-in-chief of Femme Country Magazine. Bronte chats to Freda Shafi about her career journey, from leaving UAL to her return to Yorkshire to create Femme – the UK’s luxury country, fashion and lifestyle publication.

The Yorkshire Businesswoman podcast had some amazing guests and hosts this year, including Freda Shafi, Clementine Crowther MSc, Daneile Moore, Siobhan Daniels, Amanda Peach, Louise Reed, Liz Greene, and the Find Your Midlife Magic ladies (Annie Stirk Christine Talbot, Bernadette Gledhill and Rachel Peru).

You can stream all episodes on Spotify, watch on YouTube and listen on the YBW website - https://yorkshirebusinesswoman.co.uk/podcast/

12/12/2023

December's edition of TopicUK Magazine is online now!

This month's cover story features the Managing Director of The Needs Group, Matt Cheshire. Matt shares his story as a business owner, detailing his journey from starting up in the festival industry to now managing the Aviation, VIP and Furniture needs of some of the biggest celebrities in the world.

Head to our website to find out more about Matt's story, and have a read through the entire magazine - https://topicuk.co.uk/latest-edition/

04/12/2023

AD:VENTURE, the fully funded business support programme, has been travelling West Yorkshire inspiring ambitious business owners with how they can access grants, events and support on the updated programme.

Take a look at our latest article to find out about the next launch event, taking place in Calderdale on Wednesday 6th December - https://topicuk.co.uk/ad-venture-ignites-growth-for-businesses-in-calderdale/

More than 250 entrepreneurs from across West Yorkshire have attended recent AD:VENTURE events to hear about the fully funded support available to help them scale-up their businesses. A final roadshow event is due to take place in Halifax at the Elsie Whitley Innovation Centre, on the 6 December to

21/11/2023

RJC Plant Services LTD, based in Church Fenton, is hosting a festive fundraiser as part of the Mission Christmas appeal, to support the children of North and West Yorkshire.

On Thursday 7th December, the firm will be partaking in a 'RJC Jolly Drive-Thru' to collect presents for children in need. The Drive-Thru will begin at 4:30pm in outside Kirk Fenton Primary School and will move through Cawood where Cawood Primary School will welcome them with Christmas songs.

RJC encourages the community to join and support the cause. Donations of new, unwrapped gifts for children aged 0-18 are welcome.

Further details on the fundraising campaign can be found at www.rjcplantservices.com

Find out more on our website - https://topicuk.co.uk/firm-to-host-festive-drive-thru-to-ensure-children-have-presents/

16/11/2023

Have you read our latest cover story featuring the amazing Dr. Magdalena Bejma?

In the October issue of TopicUK Magazine, we highlighted her journey from a young medical student in Poland to evolving into a successful entrepreneur and mentor in the UK.

Click here - https://topicuk.co.uk/latest-edition/ and flip to page 36 of our digital magazine to discover Dr. Magdalena's inspiring story of triumph and how she continues to impact and improve the lives of others.

TopicUK Informing business across the Yorkshire Region

09/11/2023

Saltaire-based digital marketing agency, Xpand Marketing, is celebrating a year of successful 80x20 networking events, that bring the local business community together for networking and learning.

These events occur every 6 to 8 weeks, featuring 40 minutes of informal networking, a 20-minute educational session on marketing topics presented by Xpand's team, followed by another 40 minutes of networking.

The concept was initiated by Xpand's head of digital marketing, Danni Johnson, with a focus on sharing their expertise with the Yorkshire community.

Xpand's one-year celebration event will take place on 29th November, at a different location. The event will take place at DexaStrong Clinic on Wellington Street Leeds, rather than their Saltaire office, allowing those in and around Leeds City Centre to attend.

Find out more on our website here - https://topicuk.co.uk/xpand-celebrate-1-year-success-for-80x20-networking-events/

01/11/2023

A quartet of experienced digital marketing Yorkshiremen have recently launched their new Leeds-based digital marketing agency 'Another Concept.

The new business aims to redefine the traditional agency model with a more transparent and client-centric approach to digital marketing. The founders, Alex Gregory, Marcus Hearn, Tom Brook, and Richard Hart, all hailing from Yorkshire, have more than 50 years of combined experience in the different specialisms of marketing. Another Concept provides services such as organic search, content, digital PR, and outreach, delivered to their clients through a quality, partnership-like service, acting as an extension to their clients’ teams.

Read more about their success on our website here - https://topicuk.co.uk/new-digital-marketing-agency-launches-in-leeds/

25/10/2023

Yorkshire is home to the UK's largest online printer, instantprint.

Known for being a leading employer in the area and staying at the forefront of technology, Instantprint has recently invested over half a million pounds in upgrading their factory and creating new job opportunities.

Instantprint has also added more than 40 new job openings and is actively hiring for various positions as a way to foster growth and provide better services to their customers, whilst also benefitting employment in the area.

Find out more about their success on our website here - https://topicuk.co.uk/largest-uk-based-printer-instantprint-leads-the-way-with-investments-of-over-half-a-million-in-factory-and-jobs/

The UK’s largest online printer, instantprint, based in Yorkshire, leads the way with investments of over half a million in their latest factory upgrades and new job opportunities. instantprint is renowned for being a leading employer in the local area, creating new opportunities and keeping their...

13/10/2023

Rosehill Polymers Group has successfully concluded a multi-million-pound agreement with Virgin Money and UK Export Finance, furthering their global expansion objectives.

The funding from Virgin Money will enable a management buyout and support the company's global expansion, particularly in decarbonizing and modularizing construction materials. This growth is expected to create new job opportunities for highly skilled roles across West Yorkshire as well as it's supply chain.

Read more about the planned global growth of this innovative, Sowerby Bridge based business on our website here - https://topicuk.co.uk/new-funding-package-supports-yorkshire-business/

Rosehill Polymers Group has finalised a multi-million-pound deal with Virgin Money and UK Export Finance to complete a refinancing and management buyout of the business and accelerate their worldwide growth ambitions. Since 1988, Rosehill Polymers have established themselves as a market leader in su...

04/10/2023

Yorkshire bedmaker Harrison Spinks has teamed up with the Leeds-based charity Zarach to provide 20 custom-made mattresses per month with the aim of supporting families in poverty in the local surrounding areas.

Zarach’s mission is to end child bed poverty in England by delivering beds and essentials to children in need. Harrison Spinks previously donated mattresses in 2022 as well, and their partnership aims to make a lasting positive impact on the lives of children and families in Leeds and nearby regions.

You can read all about this delightful new partnership by visiting our website https://topicuk.co.uk/yorkshire-bedmaker-supports-children-and-families-in-need/

27/09/2023

Kirklees College, a valued partner of TopicUK, is introducing two new Foundation Degrees in Computing and Business in partnership with The University of Central Lancashire - UCLan starting September 2023.

These programs emphasize work experience, employability, and industry-relevant skills, providing students with a valuable path to employment in high-demand sectors.

This collaboration aligns with Kirklees College’s Higher Education Strategy, offering students a pathway to higher technical qualifications and meaningful employment opportunities with industry placements integrated into the programs.

You can find out more about Kirklees College’s partnership with UCLan on page 33 of our latest edition - https://topicuk.co.uk/latest-edition/

22/09/2023

Independent coffee and food chain Bob & Berts Coffee is set to open its 28th UK store in Wakefield on September 25th, creating more than 30 new jobs.

The company’s menu offers an all-day breakfast, including signature dishes like ‘Bob’s Famous Fry’ and ‘Bert’s English Breakfast Muffin,’ with seasonal specials such as toffee apple pancakes and pumpkin-spiced French toast. They also serve artisan coffee, hand-roasted in Northern Ireland, and a variety of milkshakes, frappes, and smoothies.

Will you be visiting Bob & Berts? You can read all about the opening on our website https://topicuk.co.uk/bob-berts-expands-uk-footprint-into-yorkshire/

15/09/2023

Have you read our feature story this month about James Marsden of Impulse Decisions UAE?

You can find out all about how James’ passion for sports led to him launching Impulse Decisions on pages 50-52 of our digital magazine.

In this month’s edition you can also read about growth and success from businesses across the Yorkshire region.

Head to our website to read the article in full - https://topicuk.co.uk/latest-edition/

13/09/2023

Celebrate the waning days of summer in style at Harvey Nichols Leeds with a visit to the newly launched Rozél Rosé Vodka Terrace!

Located at the Fourth Floor Brasserie, this enchanting terrace whisks you away from the city’s hustle and bustle to the serene ambiance of an English garden. While you soak in rooftop views, sip on exquisite Rozél cocktails specially crafted by Harvey Nichols’ talented mixologists.

Rozél Vodka, a light and delicately fruity spirit inspired by the flavours of Provence rosé wine, has been the star of this summer’s outdoor drinking scene. At Harvey Nichols, you can indulge in a bespoke cocktail menu that captures the essence of the season.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a drink on the terrace while soaking up the last rays of sunshine or treating yourself to a delightful brunch at the brasserie, this experience promises a taste of summer like no other.

If you fancy visiting the Rozél Vodka Terrace – it’s open from 10am to 6pm on Sundays to Wednesdays and from 10am to 10pm Thursdays to Saturdays. Don’t miss out on this enchanting summer retreat, as it only runs until October 2nd!

You can find out more information about this delightful opening on our website https://topicuk.co.uk/

11/09/2023

Farmhouse, a beloved brunch spot in Harrogate has now expanded to open with its second location in Leeds.

The restaurant, known for its independently owned, family-friendly atmosphere, occupies the former ASK Italian space on Lands Lane. Led by celebrated chef Tom Hunter, Farmhouse serves a diverse menu featuring brunch classics, burgers, Japanese rice bowls, and plant-based options, all crafted with locally sourced ingredients.

The Farmhouse bar also offers a range of beverages, from smoothies to cocktails. Owner Jordan Aspinall, a chef with extensive experience, is eager to bring their unique world food-inspired dishes to Leeds city center and replicate the success of their flagship restaurant in Harrogate.

Find out more about the expansion of Farmhouse on our website here - https://topicuk.co.uk/harrogate-brunch-spot-heading-to-leeds/

09/09/2023

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

You can now nominate a deserving lady for one of our 11 award categories online.

Now live on the Yorkshire Businesswoman Awards page on our website, you can browse all our award categories and name someone you know anyone who is deserving to win the award. Nominations will close on towards the end of the year, and our judges will start to work through a shortlist of nominees to pick their winners.

Winners of each award category will be announced on our evening of celebration on the 8th March 2024.

Place your nominations now here – https://yorkshirebusinesswoman.co.uk/ybw_awards/