Archive for March 2026
Chamber announces new chair of the board
West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce today announces Victoria Wainwright as its new chair. Victoria, a former president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, will takeover from outgoing chair Amanda Beresford, who is stepping down from the board after 9 years, five of which as its chair. Amanda, herself a former president of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce, said: “I…
Read MoreRecord backing for Leeds Manufacturing Festival 2026 as employers unite to tackle skills shortage
A record number of sponsors are backing this year’s Leeds Manufacturing Festival, as employers and industry organisations in the region seek innovative ways to address the sector’s skills gap and inspire the next generation to consider careers in manufacturing. The festival, now in its ninth year, launched earlier this month amid rising youth unemployment, which…
Read MoreCelebrating the Heart of Business at the Leeds Chamber Annual Dinner 2026
The prowess of Leeds’s healthcare industry was the focus of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner at Elland Road. More than 150 people attended the dinner at the football ground’s banqueting suite to celebrate the city’s business community. Leeds Chamber president Aqila Choudhry MBE presented the keynote speech while ex-BBC presenter Andrew Edwards compèred…
Read MoreCreative Skills Roundtable
Creative Skills roundtable, held at Leeds City College, Luminate Group on 19th March 2026 Creative skills were the focus of this week’s Skills Roundtable at Leeds City College, organised by West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. Attendees included employers, education providers and public sector partners, including Digital Plus Ltd, Ingeus, West Yorkshire Combined Authority,…
Read MoreGreen Energy Skills Roundtable
Green Energy Skills round table, held at Bradford College on 16th March 2026 Green Skills were the topic for today’s Skills Round Table held at Bradford College, and organised by West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. Attendees included Arcadis Consulting, Bradford Council, Ingeus, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, 1 Energy, ACS Group, Bradford Manufacturing Futures,…
Read MoreWNY Chamber set for China & Hong Kong trade mission
West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce is preparing for take-off for its largest trade mission to date when it takes a number of key Yorkshire businesses to China and Hong Kong. Teesside Airport has been confirmed as Gold Sponsor for the delegation which will take place in late April. The Chamber selected the Chinese cities of…
Read MoreThe hidden productivity drain: travel admin overwhelms nearly two-thirds of business travellers
New research from Trainline Business highlights how simpler systems and a single booking platform could free up time for revenue generating work Almost two-thirds (63%) of business travellers feel overwhelmed by travel admin, as fragmented booking systems force workers into inefficient workarounds. The findings, as revealed by Trainline Business, highlight how outdated tools are leading…
Read MoreLeeds Manufacturing Festival returns – as employers step up to tackle skills gap and rising youth unemployment
Manufacturing and engineering employers across Leeds are stepping up efforts to tackle the sector’s ongoing skills shortage, as youth unemployment reaches a 10-year high. The Leeds Manufacturing Festival returns for 2026, kicking off with a sold-out launch event this week and showcasing an expanded festival programme designed to connect businesses directly with young people and…
Read MoreWNY Chamber hosts launch of Diplomatic Advisory Hub
Thousands of businesses to benefit from expert geopolitical insights Businesses across the UK are set to benefit from expert geopolitical insights thanks to a new initiative launched in Leeds this week. The Diplomatic Advisory Hub, a joint initiative by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and British Chambers of Commerce will provide business across the country with access to timely and strategic geopolitical advice. The hub was launched at the factory…
Read MoreWNY Chamber responds to Spring Statement
Mark Casci, head of policy and representation at West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Whilst the news that the nation’s economy is heading in the right direction is of course to be welcomed, there are still some key areas which require attention. “The economy is expected to grow but at a rate lower…
Read More