Category Archives: Bradford

Bradford Garden Centre Reaches Final

The team at a Bradford garden centre group is celebrating after reaching the final of a regional business award.

Tong Garden Centre has been shortlisted in the Sustainability category in the Bradford Means Business Awards.

Tong Garden Centre’s Head of People, Culture & Sustainability, Neil Barwise-Carr, said: “We’re committed to reducing our impact on the planet and have pledged to be Carbon Neutral by 2026. The roadmap to carbon neutrality started with our Year of Waste initiative which includes converting food waste into renewable energy, harvesting rainwater from the lake to water plants and recycling waste oil for biodiesel.

“We continue to work hard to make Tong and the other garden centres in the Yorkshire Garden Centres group as sustainable as possible and it’s great that our initiatives have been acknowledged and rewarded with a place in the final.”

Sponsored by Solensis, the Sustainability award recognises businesses that have done the most to improve overall environmental performance and enhance sustainability. It rewards businesses that are making strides to become more sustainable year on year.

The team will learn whether they have been successful at an awards ceremony organised in partnership with Bradford Council on Thursday 20th July at the Walton View Hotel in Bradford.

Tong Garden Centre occupies a 19-acre site in Tong village. It is one of Yorkshire’s biggest independent garden centres with 11,600m2 of retail space and parking for up to 700 cars. It is part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) group that also owns Tingley Garden Centre and the former Stephen H Smith’s Garden Centres in Otley and Harden, Bingley.

Bull’s LDRL Team Makes History

The Bradford Bulls LDRL team made history by competing in their first ever festival at the weekend!

The action got underway from 10:30am at Leeds Modernians RUFC, with a 11-strong squad taking part representing the Bradford Bulls.
Our Learning Disability is one of nine teams running under the Bradford Bulls umbrella in 2023, which includes a Women’s team, Physical Disability team and a Wheelchair team.

Having lost 5-3 against Hull KR, our LDRL team won their four other matches including an 8-3 victory over Leeds Rhinos! The Bradford Bulls are a wholly inclusive club and remain committed to providing pathways for all to participate in Rugby League.

Bradford Bulls Foundation Chief Executive Chris Chamberlain said:
“This is a great achievement to see a new Learning disability Rugby League team off the ground and competing. This has taken a lot of hard work from a number of people; however I’d like to take this opportunity to say a special thank you to Mick Colborn, Darren Collins and Chris Chamberlain for their continues work”.

There are sponsorship opportunities available for the team and players for this 2023 LDRL season, for further information please contact jonathan.armstrong@bullsfoundation.org
Bradford Bulls’ 2023 LDRL Squad.

  1. Harry Naylor
  2. Barry Mason
  3. Kian Collins
  4. Lily-Rose Chamberlain
  5. Ryan Hobson
  6. Danny Bayliss
  7. Callum Heald
  8. Jamie Readyhough
  9. Charlotte Foster
  10. Jake Fahey
  11. Ben Metcalfe

New Employer Partnership To Boost Regional Welding Skills

Bradford College has become the first education partner in the UK to launch the Energas Fabrication Excellence Student Support Scheme.

The programme is part of a wider initiative by Energas, a Air Liquide Group company specialising in cylinder gases and equipment, to address the global shortage of welders that governments and industry bodies are urgently trying to reverse.

In the UK, Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic have worsened a national skills shortage, with the number of welders falling by a quarter in five years. Nearly half the nation’s welders are expected to retire by 2027.

The new Energas initiative is helping to stem this decline and support welding educational establishments, such as Bradford College and its students. The partnership will enhance existing college welding equipment, offer grassroots exposure to Energas products and services, and deliver safety and technical advice.

Safety is a crucial focus for the content of support materials designed for all skill sets and which enhance awareness of gases, equipment, storage, handling, and transportation used in metal fabrication processes.

Bradford College Trinity Green Campus currently offers Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications in Welding and a Level 1 Certificate in Engineering Fabrication and Welding alongside other Level 2 and 3 Engineering qualifications.

Tony Carter, Lecturer in Fabrication and Welding at Bradford College, said: “We’re delighted with the bespoke package of support Bradford College has been offered, taking in to account our specific needs as an education provider. Energas will now be the go-to welding equipment and gas supplier for all students, including workwear, PPE, and ongoing consumable supplies.”

“This mutually beneficial agreement is driving footfall into the local Energas branch and increasing web traffic while also giving our students access to the latest industry equipment and sector knowledge.”

Bradford College has placed a large order with Andrew Bamford, Account Manager for Energas Bradford, for eight high-quality Lincoln Electric welding machines for MIG and TIG applications, plus a range of other metal fabrication cutting and welding equipment.

The state-of-the-art equipment will be used to train students at all levels – from those starting out in the field to experienced welders looking to upskill in new techniques, including individuals joining new part-time/night classes at Trinity Green Campus.

In recognition of the collaboration, Bradford College has also placed the Energas logo on welding marketing materials, new learner welcome packs, departmental banners, and safety posters to boost the Bradford Energas branch presence within student learning spaces.

Students will also benefit from an Energas discount scheme and QR codes for quick access to offers and support in a dedicated section of the Energas website.

Forbes England, Fabrication Excellence Market Manager for Energas, said: “Welding is an essential trade for future economic growth in the UK and so collaborative work like this is vital if we are to stop the decline in skilled welding professionals.”

“This is a fantastic example of a local business, Energas Bradford, supporting nearby welding education at Bradford College. By partnering together, we are united in our ambition to attract more individuals into a diverse and exciting industry offering international job opportunities across sectors and specialisms.”

Bradford Garden Centre Wins National Award

The team at a Bradford garden centre is celebrating after winning a national HR award.

Tong Garden Centre won the Retail Company of the Year category of the British HR Awards that celebrate organisations and individuals that are driven by delivering a world-class people experience.

“We’re over the moon to have beaten such stiff competition. Our work family is at the heart of everything we do at Tong Garden Centre. We are passionate about our workplace culture and providing a great place to work and continually strive to be the best employer in the UK.”

“Our People and Culture team of six work hard to create an environment where everyone can reach their potential, so we’re delighted that this dedication has been recognised with a national award” said Tong Garden Centre’s Head of People and Culture, Neil Barwise-Carr.

Organised by next-generation employee insight platform, New Possible, the British HR Awards aim to discover and celebrate the individuals, teams and suppliers who believe in the transformational role a high-performing HR function can play in building brilliant organisations.

Nate Harwood, founder of New Possible and British HR Awards judge said: ” With over 220 entries received from organisations all across the UK, from start-up innovators to public sector heroes, tech superstars, global titans and everything in between, competition proved to be especially tough.”

The stellar lineup of nine judges included representatives from Shelter, Monzo, Apple and Iceland Foods.

In an all-Yorkshire final, Tong Garden Centre faced competition from Hull-based Heron Foods. The winners were announced at a celebration event in Central London on Wednesday 22nd March.

Tong Garden Centre occupies a 19-acre site in Tong village. It is one of Yorkshire’s biggest independent garden centres with 11,600m2 of retail space and parking for up to 700 cars. It is part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) group that also owns Tingley Garden Centre and the former Stephen H Smith’s Garden Centres in Otley and Harden, Bingley.

Bradford Garden Centre Is Shortlisted

The team at a Bradford garden centre is celebrating after being shortlisted for a national HR award.

Tong Garden Centre has reached the final in the Retail Company of the Year Award of the British HR Awards that celebrate the organisations and individuals that are driven by delivering a world-class people experience.

“This is the first time that we have entered a national people and culture award and we’re very proud to have reached the final in the face of such strong competition,” said Tong Garden Centre’s Head of People and Culture, Neil Barwise-Carr.

Nate Harwood, founder of New Possible and British HR Awards judge said: ” With over 220 entries received from organisations all across the UK, from start-up innovators to public sector heroes, tech superstars, global titans and everything in between, competition proved to be especially tough.

“This year saw 125% more entries than last year making judging a real challenge but also a great privilege. Congratulations to all the finalists who are flying the flag for the HR profession and having a positive impact on the working lives of so many people.”

The stellar lineup of nine judges includes representatives from Shelter, Monzo, Apple and Iceland Foods.

In an all-Yorkshire final, Tong Garden Centre faces competition from Hull-based Heron Foods. The winners will be announced at a celebration event in Central London on Wednesday 22nd March.

The British HR Awards are organised by New Possible, a next-generation employee insight platform.

Tong Garden Centre occupies a 19-acre site in Tong village. It is one of Yorkshire’s biggest independent garden centres with 11,600m2 of retail space and parking for up to 700 cars. It is part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) group that also owns Tingley Garden Centre and the former Stephen H Smith’s Garden Centres in Otley and Harden, Bingley.

Garden Centre Wins Sustainability Award

The team at a Bradford garden centre is celebrating after winning a regional sustainability award.

Sustainability Lead, Steph Bates and Head of People and Culture, Neil Barwise-Carr from Tong Garden Centre were presented with the Sustainability Award at the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards in Yorkshire and The Humber on 24th February.

Organised by the business campaigner, FSB (Federation of Small Businesses), the awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of small businesses and the self-employed across the UK.

“We are delighted and proud to win the Sustainability award. The team has worked tirelessly to embed sustainable principles in all our garden centres and this award is well-deserved.”

“We have exciting plans for 2023 that include partnering with the Carbon Literacy Project to educate our team, and this is a great springboard to launch our initiatives,” said Tong Garden Centre’s Head of People and Culture, Neil Barwise-Carr.

The winners were announced at a lunch at the Queens Hotel in Leeds that was hosted by BBC broadcaster, newsreader and producer, Elly Fiorentini.

Tong Garden Centre beat Wakefield’s Tunley Engineering, Skipton-based Comply Direct, Scarborough-based Sea Grown and York-based ecups Limited and the win has secured them a place in the UK final later that takes place at the NEC in May.

Tong Garden Centre occupies a 19-acre site in Tong village. It is one of Yorkshire’s biggest independent garden centres with 11,600m2 of retail space and parking for up to 700 cars. It is part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) group that also owns Tingley Garden Centre and the former Stephen H Smith’s Garden Centres in Otley and Harden, Bingley.

New Community Box At Bradford Bulls

In partnership with West Yorkshire Police, Bradford Bulls are delighted to officially open their ‘Community Box’ – situated in the Sekhon Group Stand at Odsal Stadium.

The Community Box will be attended by 10 children each game and hosted by West Yorkshire Police, these are children who would not normally get the chance to attend and watch the Bulls.

This community based initiative brings together local businesses who have funded the community box where children and young people can come together to enjoy the match day experience. The partnership also sees the police Early Help teams working with the Bradford Bulls on matchdays providing refreshments, support and safe environments following successful engagement with local support services.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Farrell of Bradford District Police said:
“The initiative came as part of our wider commitment to neighbourhood policing in South Bradford, working closely with wider partnerships seeking to identify early intervention opportunities for children and young people preventing them getting involved with crime and Anti-Social behaviour.”

“Through positive engagements with the on track programme, young people are rewarded for taking part and they can now see how sport can provide positive lifestyle choices.”

“I am grateful for the support or Arif and Safeer, local business owners who have provided the funding for this initiative and the continued engagement and willingness to deliver an effective partnership from Joe Pitts as commercial director and Tracy Erby as general manager. The partnership is continuing to flourish as we seek to build on this with the Bradford Bulls foundation working with the chief executive, Chris Chamberlain as part of the longer term community intervention work.”

Judith Cummins, South Bradford MP said: “I would like to congratulate everybody for coming together, great to see a positive initiative with Bradford businesses, Bradford Bulls, West Yorkshire Police and Bradford police coming together to make a real difference investing in the future of young people, it is really positive.”

Chris Chamberlain, Bradford Bulls Foundation Chief Executive said:
“This is a massive opportunity that we really welcome, using sport as a tool to engage with young people to make a positive difference in Bradford. These partnerships are really welcome and we look forward to developing this moving forward.”

We would like to place on record our thanks to Smorgasbord Coffee Bar (Arif Mehmood) and International Restaurant (Safeer Khan) for their contribution to this partnership.

Bulls Pass Junior Season Ticket Milestone

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce we have passed another milestone in our Kids Go Free campaign – with over 15,000 FREE Junior Season Tickets now distributed.

Over 250 schools have been visited in the Bradford area, alongside over 120 businesses – all receiving one message. KIDS GO FREE.

Bradford Bulls Media & Marketing Manager Luke Mawson said: “Kids Go Free was, and remains, the cornerstone of our 2023 marketing campaign.”

“We are incredibly passionate about engaging with juniors in Bradford and beyond and making watching rugby league at Odsal Stadium affordable.”

“We have distributed 15,000 free season tickets, having visited over 250 schools and over 100 businesses in Bradford, but our work is by no means done.”

“We invite people of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs to our safe, fun and welcoming environment.”

“Plans are well underway to make the match day experience more enjoyable for juniors and all fans alike, and we will constantly be engaging with our local community with all things rugby league.”

“Our mission was to let every child under the age of 18 – in and around the Bradford area – know they can come to our matches for free, and we will not stop until we achieve that goal.”

Christeyns UK Acquisition Of Gannon Chemicals Ltd

Azets, the UK Top 10 accountancy firm, has advised Bradford based chemicals manufacturer Christeyns UK Limited on its acquisition of Gannon Chemicals Ltd.

Christeyns UK Limited is part of the international Christeyns Group which has a turnover of over 280 million euros. Christeyns UK Limited provides hygiene solutions for professional textile care, food processing and retail, the professional cleaning industry and the medical life sciences sector.

Gannon Chemicals Ltd is an expert producer of sustainable cleaning solutions and performance measurement systems. Based in Ballindine Co. Mayo, Ireland, the company was founded in 1972.

The acquisition is part of a strategic move of continued growth in Ireland for Christeyns which strengthens its presence in an important sector.

Azets provided lead advisory services, led by Corporate Finance Partner Rob Burton.

Julie Roberts, Finance Director of Christeyns UK Limited said: “We are delighted to have acquired Gannon Chemicals, an established and highly reputable company with a great track record. This deal will support our expansion into the Republic of Ireland. We expect both companies to experience sustained growth over the coming years.”

“We received terrific support from Azets, who helped us navigate and negotiate the sale. We appreciate the dedication of the team in managing a smooth process throughout and delivering a successful transaction.”

Rob Burton, Corporate Finance Partner at Azets said: ‘We are delighted to have advised Bradford based Christeyns on its latest acquisition. It is a great success story for a Yorkshire based manufacturing business to continue its expansion into key markets and geographies and they’re in a fantastic position to take the company from strength to strength. This deal demonstrates the vibrant business environment in Yorkshire.”

Anita Rani Named University Of Bradford Chancellor

Bradford-born television and radio presenter, Anita Rani, has been announced as the University of Bradford’s Chancellor.

As Chancellor Anita will play a key role in the University’s life and will be an ambassador for the institution, in the UK and internationally. Once installed in spring 2023, Anita’s official duties will include conferring degrees on graduating students and chairing the University’s Court.

Anita said: “I am thrilled that this is happening. Who would have thought that a girl from a Punjabi family who grew up in Bradford would one day hold this position? I am honoured to become the University of Bradford’s Chancellor and to be able to give back to the city that gave me so much. As Chancellor I will be encouraging students to soak it all up, make the most of opportunities and then to be brave, ambitious, and resilient when they graduate – confident that they have what they need to succeed. I am passionate about education; the people and experiences I encountered at university made me the person I am today.”

“The University of Bradford is committed to preparing the next generations of leaders, entrepreneurs, employees and maybe even broadcasters… What I love is that it is really making a difference while staying committed to being inclusive and enabling people from disadvantaged backgrounds to reach their potential. I’m looking forward to supporting the whole University community to thrive.”

Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, said: “Anita is our perfect choice as Chancellor: bold, witty and fiercely independent, she represents our University’s values and ambition – plus being a proud Bradfordian she is as passionate about this great city as we are. As someone who has managed to reach the heart of the establishment in ways that no Asian woman has done before, Anita will be an inspirational role model to our students and an excellent ambassador for the University of Bradford. We cannot wait to welcome her onto the team.”

Presiding over the University’s twice-yearly graduation ceremonies is one of the Chancellor’s most important roles. Summer 2023 will be Anita’s first ceremonies as Chancellor, when she will address the graduands and their loved ones as they celebrate their achievements.

A spokesperson for the University of Bradford Union of Students, said: “The union feels Anita is the perfect choice as the new Chancellor of the University of Bradford. Anita is someone who will understand the challenges that our students face at Bradford, as someone who is pretty familiar with the city and can also connect to our students through her knowledge of a vast category of topics such as cricket, the environment and work around mental health.”