Bradford Council is seeking an operating partner to manage its new food hall as part of the multi-million pound Darley Street Market scheme in Bradford city centre which is currently under construction. The multi-level market and food hall, as well as an outdoor square for concerts and events, will occupy a prominent and large site on Darley Street and is part of the ongoing cultural and physical regeneration of Bradford city centre, complementing what’s on offer across the district and enhancing Bradford’s destination status as the host city for UK City of Culture 2025. Located on the upper level of the market, the food hall will have a wide variety of dine-in and takeaway food from local street and restaurant traders. There will be 11 high quality food kiosks offering a selection of world foods, two bars, a stage for day and night time entertainment along with seating for around 500 customers both indoors and on the external balcony area overlooking the market square and large outdoor screen. Bradford Council’s foodservice consultancy Coverpoint are now inviting potential operators to formally tender for managing and operating the hot food and beverage floor in Darley Street Market. The operator must have the vision and passion for food and foodservice and be able to attract an engaging and thriving community ready to experience the wide range of hot foods that the new market will offer. Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “The new Darley Street Market will help to transform the evening economy in this part of the city centre and will provide another area for community activity and events. The new food hall in the market will be an amazing destination that will fly the flag for a fresh, innovative and more sustainable approach to the food and beverage sector in the city centre.” Coverpoint director Richard Moulds said: “The operator will have the expertise to manage the food hall and work with local independent operators to run the kiosks. They will also have the passion and vision to create a vibrant and community-focused venue, that helps further secure Bradford’s place on the culinary map of Yorkshire and the UK. “The operator could have a background in restaurants, breweries, street food collectives or even contract catering, or be a local business entrepreneur. The most important consideration is the cultural fit and the sense of community spirit.”

Hull-based broadband provider is to invest £100m across Hull, East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire to give the region what it says will be the fastest, future-proofed and most accessible full fibre broadband network in the UK. The investment includes £62m to expand its award-winning network to more than 50,000 more homes and businesses in 14 initial towns and villages across the region; £10m to upgrade 14,000 properties in East Yorkshire currently without full fibre in communities such as Cherry Burton, £17m to replace the ageing copper phone lines in Hull with an entirely new fibre network and a £10m long term upgrade of the existing fibre network to enable download speeds of 10Gbps. KCOM chief executive Tim Shaw said: “In 2019, KCOM enabled Hull to become the first full fibre broadband city in the UK when we completed our first fibre network rollout – more than a decade ahead of the rest of the UK. Then, in 2020, we announced ambitious plans to invest £100m to reach a further 100,000 properties in East Yorkshire and, for the first time in the company’s history, across the Humber to North Lincolnshire. “Now, in that same pioneering spirit we are forging ahead again. As we expand our world class network so more towns and villages can experience the benefits of ultrafast, Fibre To The Premises, broadband. “This £100m investment is a statement of confidence in our business, our region and our future as we make our region one of the best connected in the UK and beyond. This will cement our reputation as a world class destination that’s not only a great place to live but also a place where high value digital and tech businesses can invest and thrive. This investment will be a major boost to the local economy creating dozens of skilled jobs and enhancing local supply chains.” KCOM will now expand to communities including Flamborough in East Yorkshire, Hunmanby, Stamford Bridge and Cayton in North Yorkshire and Caistor and Mablethorpe in Lincolnshire, as part of the next phase of its expansion with more towns and villages to be announced in the coming months. The expansion plans will take KCOM’s overall footprint to 350,000 properties, enhancing its position as one of the UK’s largest full fibre providers. It would also mean the creation of up to 50 new local, highly-skilled engineering jobs to help build the network. Dr Ian Kelly, Chief Executive Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is great news for the Humber region with more investment cementing our area’s reputation as one of the UK’s most desirable places for business to locate, invest and then compete on a global level. “Online connectivity is key to creating a thriving future for Hull and the Humber and once again KCOM is leading the way by investing in and unleashing our region’s enormous potential.” As part of its vision KCOM is also announcing its Full Fibre for Everyone scheme which will invest £500,000 in digital inclusion scheme and events across the region over three years. This will enable KCOM to expand on its digital inclusion schemes that it already operates in local communities. These include digital training sessions schools and community centres, installing open access Wi-Fi in public buildings and investing in local infrastructure – such as connecting community and rural hubs to fibre broadband. In addition, KCOM will continue to promote and encourage sign up for its recently launched Flex package that gives full fibre connectivity to those that previously couldn’t afford it.  

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who ruled the country for over 70 years with poise and dignity, businesses and local leaders have been paying tribute and offering messages of condolence. Barrington Billings and Lee Bloomfield, chair and Chief Executive of Manningham Housing Association, said: “It was with deep sorrow that we learnt of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. “Her Majesty’s record of service to the nation will never be surpassed and her passing will come as a great shock to everyone in the Manningham Housing Association community. “She visited Bradford district several times during her long reign, occasions that will be forever remembered by all who had the privilege to see her. “We offer our sincere sympathies to the Royal Family at this most difficult of moments.” Sophie Allanby of Ripon Farm Services, said: “Like the rest of the nation, we are deeply saddened to hear that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has passed away. She had a true love for the countryside and many from the farming community will have had the honour of meeting her at various shows and events over the years. She leaves behind a huge legacy. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this difficult time.” South Yorkshire’s mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was the best of us. “Not simply because of the length of her service, but because of the dignity and unparalleled commitment with which she carried out her role on our behalf: as an ambassador, a servant, a monarch and a leader. “She leaves behind a country unrecognisable to the one she inherited. Throughout decades of war and peace, of prosperity and privation, she offered a constant reassurance; that we remain a United Kingdom, governed by something greater than all of us but for which we are all responsible. “Even in her passing she will bring together our country and our communities, not just to mourn her death but to celebrate her life. Few will match her service – but because of her service, I have no doubt many will be inspired to try. “The thoughts and prayers of South Yorkshire are with the Royal Family. “Thank you, Your Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. “May she rest in peace.” Tony Danker, CBI director-general, said: “The CBI and the UK business community join the nation in mourning the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. “Throughout her unprecedented 70 years on the throne, HRH Queen Elizabeth II served the nation with distinction as a stalwart example of British values of honour, dignity and resilience. She dedicated her life to the people of the UK and the Commonwealth, providing compassionate and inspirational leadership during the many challenging times of her long reign. “Times are hard right now – made more so by the loss of our much-loved Queen – and our tribute should be to work tirelessly to build a better future for the people of this country in memory of Her Majesty.” Phil Newstead, the co-owner of Leeds-based cosmetic vehicle repair company Smart Repairs, said: “We’re devastated to hear about the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Sincere condolences to the Royal Family from everyone at Smart Repairs across the UK.” West Lindsey District Council chairman, Cllr Angela Lawrence, said: “It is with much sadness that we have learned of the passing of our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth the Second. “My sadness at this time is shared with Members and Officers of the Council and, I am sure, all residents across the whole of West Lindsey District, as we remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given by our longest-reigning Monarch of 70 years. “As a mark of respect the Union Flag will be flown at half-mast on the Council flagstaff until the morning following the funeral.” IoD director general, Jonathan Geldart, said: “It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. “In her 70 years on the throne, the Queen showed a selfless commitment and dedication to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. She was loved and held in the highest esteem by the people of her country and around the world. “The thoughts of the IoD and all our members are with Her Majesty and the Royal Family at this very sad time.” Professor Peter Slee, vice chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, said: “On behalf of the staff, students and Governing Body of Leeds Beckett University, I share our sincere sympathies with the Royal Family. “Throughout her life, the Queen demonstrated a keen interest in and support for education and research both in the UK and around the world and valued the contribution of those working to support the development of others. “Our thoughts are with her family, friends and supporters at this very sad time.” Cllr Steve Beasant, mayor of North East Lincolnshire, said: “It is with profound sadness that North East Lincolnshire Council learnt of the death of Her Majesty The Queen today. “Queen Elizabeth II had served her country, Commonwealth and people loyally for more than 70 years and she is the longest serving Monarch to have overseen the United Kingdom and Countries of the Commonwealth. “Flags across the Borough have been lowered to half-mast as a sign of respect for Her Majesty’s passing.” Cedric Boston, the Chief Executive of Unity Homes and Enterprise, said: “The Queen dedicated her life to the service of people, both in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. “She witnessed considerable societal changes over more than seven decades on the Throne but moved with the times and was held in the warmest respect by people from all communities and ethnic backgrounds. “We are living through a particularly challenging period but Her Majesty’s presence as our nation’s figurehead was reassuring for so many and her loss will be sincerely felt. “On behalf of Unity, I extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to the Royal Family.” The Lord Mayor of Sheffield Sioned-Mair Richards said: “On behalf of the City Council and the people of Sheffield I want to express our great sadness at the news of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. “Our sincere condolences go to members of the Royal Family at this time of sadness and personal loss. “Her reign will be acknowledged in history as one of the greatest of all monarchs and, through years of major challenges and difficulties for the country, she retained a true sense of dignity throughout. “I recall the enthusiastic welcome given by the people of Sheffield when the late Queen visited the city in April 2015. It will be an event that many will remember for the rest of their lives and will always be a significant day in Sheffield’s history.” Adam Pye, Managing Director at John Pye Auctions, said: “Queen Elizabeth II reigned with dignity, elegance, and grace. She was constant in all of our lives. She devoted her life to this country and we have lost a truly great Monarch. An extremely sad day for us all.” Councillor Keith Aspden, leader of City of York Council, said: “Her Majesty The Queen has inspired millions of people, charities and leaders through her sense of duty and constant service. Her legacy is one of uniting people and communities through finding common ground over many decades, and it is one we must all strive to continue. “Many residents in York will remember The Queen’s visits and connections to our city, including reopening York Minster following the 1984 fire and more recently in 2012 for the Royal Maundy service. As Head of State for over 70 years, The Queen has been a part of most, if not all of our lives including, importantly, a connection to our wartime generations. As Princess Elizabeth, she served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) during the Second World War.” Cllr Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “This is very sad news and our condolences go to the Royal family. “During her long reign, Queen Elizabeth has been a consistent presence in national life, known and recognised across the world for her devoted public service. “Many people will, over the coming days and weeks, pay tribute to her and reflect on her long life, and how it has touched their own lives. “Many residents will have fond memories of Queen Elizabeth – from her visits to the district on a number of occasions, including in 2005, when large crowds welcomed her to Wakefield Cathedral for the Maundy Thursday service. “Others will have met her through receiving recognition for their public service, and will no doubt be recalling those memories at this time. Queen Elizabeth was an inspiration to many and lived her life with unwavering dedication to this country over her long reign. Her work and her remarkable commitment to national life will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.” Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis, said: “We were deeply saddened to hear the announcement from Buckingham Palace that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has died. I know many of our residents will be feeling a sense of deep shock, sorrow and grief. “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II dedicated her life in service to this country. She is the longest reigning monarch in our history, and the only monarch many of us will have ever known; having celebrated her Platinum Jubilee marking 70 years on the throne this year. “Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had a strong association and connection with Leeds and left a lasting legacy on the city and its communities during her memorable visits and occasions, which crossed different decades and generations. As well as her own family ties with the estate of Harewood, she undertook tours for her Coronation in 1952 and Silver and Diamond Jubilees in 1977 and 2012 respectively; when she also honoured the city by officially launching our Child Friendly Leeds commitment. “A number of iconic Leeds institutions were included in her royal visits across seven decades on the throne including Roundhay Park, the Burton’s Factory, Leeds Art Gallery, the Emmerdale set, Elland Road and the Royal Armouries. She also opened the Seacroft Civic Centre where she took the time to speak with residents and council housing tenants. “I’m sure that people across the city will join us at this time in paying their respects and remembering her many years of service to the city and the country. Our thoughts are with them, and with His Majesty the King and the other members of the Royal Family.”

Businesses together with education and skills providers in the city are being asked to make a pledge and join the new plan to transform jobs and the economy in Leeds. The new Future Talent Plan for Leeds presents a bold and ambitious new approach to bring together all elements of the employment, learning and training markets in the city to help connect people to opportunities and jobs. The aim of Future Talent Leeds is to be influenced, created, and owned by the city and be adaptable and resilient to thrive in the face of change. This collaborative approach seeks to help people, businesses and the Leeds economy to flourish in a post-pandemic environment. It also aims to contribute to the council’s climate emergency response by promoting skills and opportunities associated with the green economy through low carbon and sustainable infrastructure. The new plan is supported by Leeds City College and has already received pledges from groups including Women Friendly Leeds, 100% Digital Leeds and the West Yorkshire Green Jobs Taskforce. The Women Friendly Leeds pledge focuses on encouraging employers to be Women Friendly recruiters, while 100% Digital Leeds is committed to ensuring everyone in Leeds has equal opportunity to use digital tools, technology and services in the right way for them. The regional West Yorkshire Green Jobs Taskforce has made a series of pledges around the green economy, connecting employers to talent and encouraging progress within jobs, as well as the creation of a thousand new skilled jobs for young people. The council says the key to success of Future Talent Leeds is a focus on maximising all available resources and partnerships. Improving education, training opportunities and addressing the digital skills gap are priority elements, working with higher and further education providers as well as with health partners in the city and wider region to create and align learning and training with the skills employers are looking for. This in turn will drive up standards and boost productivity across the city economy. Deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education of Leeds City Council, Councillor Jonathan Pryor, said: “We are very excited to be launching Future Talent Leeds today and look forward to seeing businesses and organisations make pledges so we can all work together and shape the future of the city economy. “This about boosting our city and regional economies as well as future-proofing so everyone can maximise their potential and enjoy fulfilling working careers. “I’d like to thank everyone involved for their comments and enthusiasm to develop the plan, committing to taking on challenges head-on and embracing the future with confidence that Leeds will continue to be a compassionate, vibrant and innovative city with a strong economy for all to benefit from.” Future Talent is a major refresh of the council’s Talent and Skills plan which was published in 2017. It offers a modern approach reflective of the significant changes which have affected the local economy since, including new national government policy, extra devolved powers plus the impacts of Brexit and Covid-19 which have brought considerable changes to industry trends and ways of working. Its focus is on addressing issues such as unemployment, inclusion and diversity, digital skills and climate change whilst also ensuring support and skills are in place as the city continues to emerge from Covid-19. To inform the plan, a citywide conversation took place in two stages at the end of last year, looking at all aspects and challenges influencing jobs and the economy in Leeds. More than 1,300 contributions were received, while there were also discussions held with a wide range of representatives of all ages and backgrounds including key stakeholders and partners including those from business, education and third-sector groups.