Two York-based professionals are offering local business leaders a practical opportunity to improve their communication strategies and strengthen employee engagement. Karen Tinkler, a PR expert, and Michelle Mook, an employee engagement specialist, are hosting a free, half-day workshop on 11 September 2025, designed to help businesses build an appealing internal culture and employer brand.

The workshop will explore how businesses can leverage their brand, story, and culture to stand out in a competitive job market. Attendees will learn actionable strategies for improving external messaging to attract the right candidates and how to implement communication techniques that boost employee retention and satisfaction.

Research suggests poor communication contributes to low employee engagement, a key challenge for many employers. This session will offer solutions to address these issues and increase motivation and productivity across teams.

The event will take place at Pro-Development’s office at Forest Farm Business Park in York. Registration is open to business leaders interested in taking steps to create a stronger, more engaging workplace.

Leeds is positioning itself as a key player in the UK’s health research landscape, focusing on improving health outcomes, addressing health inequalities, and driving economic growth. The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has unveiled a five-year plan aiming for £140 million in research activity by 2030, a 40% increase from previous goals.

The strategy aligns with the Government’s NHS ten-year vision, supporting shifts in healthcare delivery, including moving care from hospitals to communities and enhancing prevention efforts. Central to this plan are 350 industry partnerships and a renewed focus on the commercialisation of NHS innovations, aimed at boosting the regional economy.

The Trust’s Innovation Village, housed in the repurposed Old Medical School, will become a hub for life sciences businesses. Additionally, the Trust is investing in staff training, with 1,250 people set to gain expertise in research and innovation, ensuring a workforce that contributes to cutting-edge discoveries.

With health inequalities a significant challenge, the strategy focuses on digital advancements, health data, AI, and innovations in therapeutics and diagnostics. The Trust is also set to recruit 100,000 research participants, including 10,000 from community settings, ensuring research is accessible to those in need.

Leeds’ growing international partnerships, such as collaborations with Flatiron Health, have already led to breakthroughs in digital pathology and anonymised data research, positioning the city as a leader in healthtech innovation.

This strategy underscores Leeds’ ambition to become a global hub for health research, creating jobs, attracting investment, and shaping the future of healthcare both regionally and internationally.

SOCOTEC UK and Ireland has partnered with Yorkshire Water to implement an AI-based water quality monitoring system, funded through the Ofwat Water Breakthrough Challenge. This project is part of a £42 million initiative aimed at innovating water quality monitoring across the UK.

SOCOTEC will install and maintain advanced monitoring systems across Yorkshire, measuring key water quality parameters including pH, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. Data collected from over 7,000 river samples will be used to develop AI-driven real-time alerts, designed to detect harmful bacteria at bathing sites.

This collaboration with UnifAI Technology is expected to reduce costs and time associated with large-scale bacteria monitoring, while improving safety at inland bathing sites. The solution aligns with public health and environmental protection goals by providing immediate data to water users.

SOCOTEC’s role in the project underscores its leadership in environmental monitoring, with Yorkshire Water benefiting from cutting-edge technology aimed at improving water quality assessment processes.

Splendid Hospitality Group (SHG) is ramping up its investment in York’s hospitality industry with a series of ambitious projects aimed at enhancing the city’s appeal for both business and leisure travellers. The company, one of the region’s largest hospitality operators, is injecting millions of pounds into its existing hotels, reflecting a long-term commitment to improving visitor experiences and fostering local economic growth.

The investment includes a comprehensive refurbishment of SHG’s ibis Styles York Centre. This Grade II listed building, once a brewery, has been updated to include 16 new rooms. The renovation highlights the company’s focus on blending historical charm with modern convenience to cater to diverse guest needs. This follows SHG’s commitment to maintaining high standards across its properties in York.

Meanwhile, The Grand, York, the city’s only five-star hotel, is undergoing a significant upgrade to its spa facilities, with £2.5 million earmarked for new treatment rooms and state-of-the-art wellness technology. The project, expected to be completed by early 2026, is part of a larger plan to refresh the hotel’s guest rooms and dining spaces, reinforcing SHG’s reputation for top-tier hospitality.

SHG is also growing its portfolio in York, having secured a deal to acquire 98 Walmgate, a property next to its Hotel Indigo York. The site, currently a restaurant, is set to be repurposed into an expanded accommodation and dining space, further diversifying SHG’s offerings. Additionally, the group has acquired 37 Tanner Row, a Grade II listed building, with plans to transform it into luxury long-term suites, providing an enhanced experience for extended stays.

As the city’s tourism continues to thrive, SHG is also considering further upgrades at its Holiday Inn Express York location. The company is exploring the potential for additional rooms to meet growing demand, as well as a full renovation of the public spaces in line with new Holiday Inn Express standards.

This extensive investment is being made as York’s visitor economy remains strong, with tourism contributing significantly to the city’s economic success. SHG’s continued development within the region demonstrates its dedication to supporting local growth while providing exceptional experiences for visitors.