Batch’d, the Leeds-based retailer specialising in artisan desserts, has secured a £1.1 million investment from Finance Yorkshire's growth fund to propel an ambitious expansion plan. The company aims to more than double its outlets and staff within the next three years. Batch’d currently operates 25 sites across the UK, including locations in Yorkshire, Scotland, the North West, and London.

The UK's energy transition is attracting significant political and business focus, with new clean energy job targets announced alongside a stark warning from the wider business community on policy stability.

Apollo3D, a UK 3D mapping specialist, has reached a significant milestone, producing its 3,000th virtual tour for the popular Italian restaurant, Buon Apps in Otley, West Yorkshire. The achievement is particularly notable as Buon Apps was one of Apollo3D’s first clients when the company launched in 2017.

October marks ADHD Awareness Month, a crucial opportunity to raise awareness about the experiences of neurodiverse employees in the workplace. Various UK reports highlight that between 15-20% of people are neurodivergent (a term which includes conditions like dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

Business confidence in the North East rose 13 points to 68% in September – bucking the national trend. Firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects rose two points to 70%, while optimism in the economy climbed 24 points to 67%. A net balance of 54% of businesses in the region also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up five points on last month. Overall UK business confidence dipped 12 points in September to 42%.

A major cultural conference will be held next spring to secure the city’s creative legacy following its UK City of Culture 2025 year. The event, Connecting Culture: The Bradford Way, aims to shape the long-term future of the district's arts and cultural sector.

H&M: efforts to attract fashion-conscious customers take 18–24 months to deliver meaningful revenue impact; US tariffs more impactful than for Zara due to heavy reliance on China and Bangladesh; store optimisation helps improve efficiency.

BDO, the professional services firm, is making a significant investment in the future of the North of England with the appointment of 81 new trainees across its Yorkshire and North West offices. This move is part of a larger nationwide intake of over 600 new trainees and underscores the firm's commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.

Sheffield Forgemasters has appointed Swiss forging specialist Presstrade Technologies GmbH to install the UK’s largest open-die forging press. Presstrade will oversee installation of a 13,000 tonne press and 450mt manipulator, built by Mitsubishi Nagasaki Machinery Mfg. Co. Ltd. (MNM), into a new Forge Building on Sheffield Forgemasters’ site on Brightside Lane in Sheffield.