Darren Greenwood

Club Class Cars (York) Ltd entered creditors’ voluntary liquidation on June 24 after nine years trading as a used-car and light-motor-vehicle retailer. The company had £149,600 in assets but unsecured creditors were owed £527,627.67, including £411,858.24 in business loans, resulting in an estimated total deficiency of £426,707.14. Directors were Paul Bailey-Hague and Ian Lord-Laverick, while Forvis Mazars LLP prepared the liquidation report.

Businesses across York and North Yorkshire are being encouraged to complete the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey for 2026. The survey gathers information on business conditions, confidence and challenges, with results shared with economic policymakers and institutions including HM Treasury, the Bank of England and the Office for Budget Responsibility. Chamber policy head Mark Casci says the findings will help identify regional economic trends and inform efforts to support local businesses.

Sam and Jay’s Limited, the former operator of The Greyhound Inn in Riccall, entered voluntary liquidation after accumulating an outstanding deficit of about £80,781. The company’s creditors included HMRC, employees, utilities, lenders and director Jason Bainbridge. The pub, which York CAMRA previously named its Pub of the Season and which had strong customer ratings, closed in May but has reportedly reopened under new management.

Pollination Group Limited, an advertising agency based in Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, has entered voluntary liquidation. The company, incorporated in November 2020 and directed solely by Catherine Hunter, had no assets and owed HM Revenue and Customs £3,600 in VAT. Exigen Group was appointed liquidator after members voted to wind up the business on July 6.

Wickes plans to open a new store in early October at the former Magnet Kitchens site on Ripon Road in Harrogate, following planning approval and ongoing conversion work. The 10,700-square-foot store will be Wickes’ first small-format pioneer location while offering the full range of categories, including design and installation, paint mixing, solar services, click and collect, and home delivery. Around 25 local staff will be recruited. Magnet Kitchens has relocated to Albert Street.

Samuel Smith's Angel & White Horse Inn in Tadcaster has reopened after seven years, restoring the brewery's flagship pub next to its brewery and shire-horse stables. The traditional venue offers much of Samuel Smith's beer, lager and cider range, while relief staff operate it until a permanent general manager can take up the role. Local customers welcomed the return, praising the pub's historic atmosphere, quiet setting, beer selection and importance to the town.

Hot, dry weather has boosted hospitality trade across York and North Yorkshire, filling beer gardens, increasing visitor spending and extending outdoor trading. The Fat Badger Group reported one of its strongest summers, while City Cruises York saw July trade rise 31% year on year and the Fox Inn reported a 25% increase. Businesses with outdoor areas have benefited, but historic buildings create difficulties for air conditioning, staff comfort and customer welfare. Hospitality operators are expanding shaded seating, ventilation, cooling equipment and heat-related welfare measures, while York BID says extreme heat is hurting retail and creating challenging conditions in kitchens and other buildings. Stakeholders expect hotter summers to become more common and are calling for clearer, more flexible planning rules that protect York’s heritage while allowing businesses to adapt.

Demand for coffee shops, cafés and ice cream parlours in York is rising, driven by the city’s strong visitor economy, according to Barry Crux & Company director Andrew Spencer. The agency says food and drink businesses can generate strong turnover, particularly in freehold properties, and has recently sold an ice cream parlour at a good price. Buyers are also showing interest in pubs, hotels and working men’s clubs, while older hotels across North Yorkshire may offer opportunities to diversify into holiday lodges and wedding venues. Class E planning flexibility is helping attract buyers, although licensing, health and safety and food hygiene requirements remain important.

The Goathland Hotel in North Yorkshire, known as the Aidensfield Arms in ITV’s Heartbeat, has been sold after three years on the market. Tricia Penrose, who played Gina Ward in the series, is part of the new ownership team alongside two local businessmen. Barry Crux & Co says the new owners plan to invest in the hotel, extend bar hours and potentially increase room lettings while preserving its recognizable television-era character. The Richardson family, which ran the hotel for 40 years, is retiring.

Samuel Smith's flagship Angel and White Horse pub in Tadcaster has reopened, with John and Margaret temporarily running the venue after taking over for the day. The couple say managers have been found for the Blacksmith Arms in Skelton, which remains open. Chris Matejack, formerly a pub manager in Settle, is reportedly expected to run the Tadcaster pub and has been recruiting staff.

The 33-metre replica of Captain Cook’s HM Bark Endeavour in Whitby Harbour is being offered for £100,000 after the company operating it, Whitby Endeavour Limited, entered liquidation. The vessel previously cost millions to build and convert and had been marketed for as much as £2 million. Its price was reduced because North Yorkshire Council no longer wants it in Whitby, meaning a buyer must pay to have it towed elsewhere. The attraction, which contained bars, catering facilities and seating for nearly 200 people, closed after receiving a one-star food hygiene rating and suffering repeated business failures.

Furlong and Furrow, a gastropub in Copt Hewick near Ripon opened by Laura and James Davis in late May, has received a 2026 Global Recognition Award in the start-up category after just over two months of trading. The award recognized its service-focused approach, renovated venue, strong customer ratings, charitable activity and support for the Ripon community. The owners have also been nominated for Host of the Year and Chef of the Year in the Harrogate Hospitality Awards.

Acomb resident Haina Shaikh is preparing to launch The Tiffin Box York, a delivery service offering freshly prepared homemade Indian-style dinner tiffins with vegetarian and halal chicken options. The planned business will use a changing menu, fresh ingredients and reusable lunchbox-style containers. Shaikh is finalising the packaging, menu and ordering system while continuing part-time grocery work, with the launch expected soon.

Bombay Spice restaurant on Goodramgate in York won Outstanding Achievement for Restaurant of the Year – Yorkshire and third place for Outstanding Restaurant of the Year at the English Curry Awards 2026. Manager Mohammad Ali Akbar credited the restaurant’s staff and customers for the success. The restaurant, which opened in 2006, was also nominated for Yorkshire Curry Experience of the Year at the Northern England Curry Awards 2026.

Kathy Vint, founder of York sewing business Sewcialising, is encouraging local businesses to enter the 2026 York & North Yorkshire BUSINESSiQ Awards. She says winning the Small Business category brought publicity, credibility, pride and recognition for the company’s community work, and argues that entering gives businesses an opportunity to reflect on their achievements, promote themselves and connect with other local firms even if they are not winners.

York’s four-star Guy Fawkes Inn has completed a more than £3 million extension, increasing its accommodation from 13 to 27 rooms. The new rooms occupy a formerly office-use building next to the historic inn overlooking York Minster, with some nights already selling out. Owned by the Fat Badger Group, the five-year project faced lengthy planning negotiations and heritage, fire-safety and building-preservation challenges. Managing director Simon Cotton said the conversion has preserved and revitalised a Grade I listed building, while the extension of the beer garden has strengthened the inn’s prospects for future growth.

North Yorkshire vineyards, including Yorkshire Heart Vineyard near York, are backing WineGB’s campaign for Wine Tourism Relief, which would reduce duty on wine sold directly to visitors at vineyard cellar doors. WineGB estimates the measure could save vineyards £6 million and support investment in rural jobs, infrastructure and visitor experiences. The campaign comes as wine tourism accounts for almost a quarter of income at more than 300 vineyards in England and Wales, attracting about 1.5 million visitors annually, while the wider UK wine industry continues to expand.

York-based escorted rail holiday company Great Rail Journeys reported a 26% increase in turnover to £139.8 million for the year ending October 31, 2025. Operating profit rose to £14.9 million, while post-tax profit increased to £19.9 million. The company attributed the gains to higher passenger volumes, pricing, improved load factors, yield management and operational scalability. Following its acquisition by investment firm Vitvian Partners, Great Rail Journeys plans to expand its product range, invest in technology, launch a new booking platform and grow its river-cruise business. Directors said strong early bookings and a robust forward order book support expectations of sustained growth in 2026 and beyond.

Samuel Smith's Brewery has updated Tadcaster Town Council on plans for 101 homes on Station Road, intended in part to fund the renovation and reuse of brewery-owned empty town-centre properties. The proposals also include opening Vicarage Green to the public with seating, a central pathway and potential community events. Tadcaster Town Council supports the housing plans, but North Yorkshire Council has yet to determine the application. The brewery is also preparing to reopen the Angel & White Horse and reintroduce brewery tours, with local councillors and representatives describing the plans as positive for the town's heritage and future.

Ripon recorded the highest average food hygiene rating among 15 towns and cities in Yorkshire and Humberside, scoring 4.82 out of five, while York ranked ninth with 4.54 and Bradford came last with 4.35. The region’s average was 4.58 across 21,433 premises, with nearly 90% receiving ratings of four or five and 73% achieving the top score. High Speed Training compiled the analysis from Food Standards Agency data, while City of York Council said its own figures showed more food premises than those included in the report and emphasized continued enforcement of hygiene standards.

Ruby Rae's Country Bar has opened in the former Jalou nightclub on Bridge Street in York, becoming the company's second venue after Newcastle's and joining the nearby Silver Spur in a growing UK country music scene. Co-founders Dean Saunders and Dan Cooke renovated the former church-inspired site with a Nashville-themed interior, new flooring suitable for line dancing, a new bar, stage and DJ booth. Hundreds attended the opening, which featured performances by Chuck Walton, Bryan Watson, Tom Humphrey and guest appearance by Twinnie-Lee Moore. The venue will operate from Thursday to Sunday and had received 28 five-star online reviews by the following Friday.

Lambert Smith Hampton is marketing the freehold and business of York’s New Holgate Hotel, which opened in November 2023 after Nick Bradley invested about £2 million in transforming a former B&B. The 12-bedroom boutique hotel includes a restaurant and whisky bar and has received strong Tripadvisor and Google ratings. The sale price is available on application, with the agents promoting the property as a turnkey business, lifestyle or investment opportunity with potential for redevelopment.

Yorkshire Burrito has opened a new takeaway at 17 Coney Street in York after starting in London in 2015. Founder Henry Preen says the soft opening exceeded expectations, with strong customer feedback, a positive response from neighboring businesses and a team ready to serve. The venue specializes in Yorkshire pudding wraps and Sunday-roast-inspired sides, and has received a 4.8-star Google rating from 17 reviews.

Harrogate-born entrepreneur James Dacombe, founder and chief executive of London-based AI-chip company Olix, has become a billionaire after the startup raised £232 million in Series B funding. The investment tripled Olix’s valuation to about £2.5 billion and included backing from Arm, Reed Hastings, Fundomo and the UK Government’s Sovereign AI Fund. Olix is developing specialist inference chips, with its first platform, DX-1, expected to launch next year. The funding will support expansion of its engineering teams in the UK and North America, while government officials say the company could strengthen Britain’s position in the global AI industry.

FatFace will close its store at Marketgate in Ripon on 11 August 2026. The store opened in 2009, and no reason was given for the closure. FatFace, which was acquired by Next in 2023, said it would support affected employees and explore redeployment opportunities. Customers will still be able to shop online and at other FatFace stores.

Mark Savage is retiring from the Wetherby Whaler after 42 years, having progressed from temporary shift leader to senior manager. He credits the company’s people and family atmosphere for his long tenure, while the business praises his loyalty, training of staff, leadership and service to generations of customers. His career included memorable visits from football figures and entertainers, and he has thanked owners Phillip and Janine Murphy, colleagues and loyal customers.

Fat Badger Group managing director Simon Cotton says York’s hospitality sector had one of its strongest July trading periods in recent years, with strong hotel occupancy, buoyant weekend and midweek bookings, and increased spending linked to York Races, cultural attractions, school holidays and warm weather. His positive assessment contrasts with York BID figures showing sales and footfall fell by more than 8% in May, although tourism was up 3.5%. Cotton says tourism links with Harrogate and a busy events calendar have created sustained demand, and hopes the momentum continues into August.

The Tockwith and District Agricultural Show is expected to attract around 7,000 visitors, with nearly 300 classes, more than 120 trophies and over £6,000 in prize money. The event will feature animals, vintage vehicles, craft and trade stalls, children’s activities, dog events and specialist displays, although showjumping has been cancelled because the prolonged dry weather hardened the ground. Phil Tottie said preparations were on schedule, while show presidents Lisa and Paul Chasney selected Yorkshire Air Ambulance as the show’s charity.

Käthe Wohlfahrt’s York store is celebrating its tenth anniversary on Yorkshire Day. Founded by Wilhelm and Käthe Wohlfahrt after a handcrafted German music box inspired the family business, the company now operates 22 shops across the UK, mainland Europe and the United States. The York store, housed in a 2,800-square-foot timber-framed building dating to 1434, attracts both tourists and local residents with Christmas decorations and a broad range of seasonal and lifestyle products. The family has no immediate plans for a second permanent UK shop but is considering Christmas market booths and seasonal pop-up stores elsewhere in Britain.

Vineyards around York are cautiously optimistic about the 2026 harvest after a warm, dry growing season, successful fruit set and limited frost damage. Yorkshire Heart Vineyard and Brewery expects a larger and potentially earlier crop, supported by 2,500 additional vines, while Dunesforde Vineyard anticipates excellent quality and possibly higher yields. Newly established Goose Beck Vineyard reports healthy grape development but warns that prolonged rain near harvest could cause mildew and complicate picking. Wine GB says the UK sector has expanded to 1,100 vineyards and 280 wineries, driven by warmer growing seasons and rising demand for English wine.

York Food Festival has launched an equipment-sharing scheme for charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations across York and North Yorkshire. Supported by £46,000 from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund, the scheme allows eligible groups to borrow gazebos, tables, chairs, signage and crowd-management equipment. A central storage facility and online booking system are intended to reduce event costs, transport needs and environmental impact while encouraging activity, footfall and collaboration on local high streets. Mayor David Skaith and festival director Michael Hjort said the initiative would make public events more accessible and help strengthen local communities and independent businesses.

Dale Harvey, who has visited more than 10,000 pubs during his Great British Pub Crawl, names Whitby’s top five venues: Green Dragon, Quirky Den, the Waiting Room, Esk Vaults and Arch & Abbey. He praises the town’s varied pub scene, particularly its craft beer selections and distinctive settings, and also recommends visiting Whitby Abbey and Whitby Brewery. Harvey plans to continue producing similar rankings for other towns and cities.

Punch Pubs & Co has acquired The Masons Arms, a Grade II-listed pub on Fishergate in York. The venue will join Punch’s leased and tenanted estate and continue to be operated by existing publican Terry Cooney. Known for its traditional Tudor styling, food, accommodation, historic interior, beer garden and views of the River Foss, the pub has strong ratings on Google and Tripadvisor. Punch representatives said they expect the pub to continue thriving and indicated that the company is seeking further high-quality acquisitions.

Drax reported lower first-half 2026 adjusted EBITDA of £279 million, compared with £460 million in the same period of 2025, while operating profit and profit before tax also declined. The North Yorkshire power company nevertheless said it remained financially strong, with £630 million in available cash and committed facilities. Its first open-cycle gas turbine came online in May, adding 0.3GW of flexible generation, although a major outage at the Cruachan pumped-storage facility is expected to continue until 2027 because of a grid connection failure. Drax plans to expand generation capacity by about 85% from 2025 levels, pursue further renewable investments and raise its full-year dividend by 11%.

York-based food entrepreneur and former rugby player Charlie Simpson-Daniel has joined industry veteran Alan Craig to launch Protein Balance Ltd, a joint venture between Easingwold-based The Temples of War Gods Ltd and Edinburgh-based All Steak Ltd. The company plans to produce branded and own-label biltong, jerky and other meat snacks for UK retailers. Its manufacturing base in Forres, Scotland, has received multimillion-pound investment and already supplies retailers including M&S, Tesco, Lidl and Aldi, as well as military ration packs. Simpson-Daniel previously built Kings Elite Snacks into a major UK biltong and jerky business before its 2021 sale to Valeo, while Craig brings extensive manufacturing experience. Both founders said the new venture will focus on quality, price, service and product innovation.

York's family-owned Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring has received four major awards within 18 months of opening, including Emerging Tourism Business of the Year at the SME UK Enterprise Awards, New Tourism Business of the Year at the Visit York Tourism Awards, Best Tourist Attraction at the YorkWorks Business Awards and Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice Award. Founder Matthew Tritton-Hughes credited the attraction's team and visitors, while the venue reported increased demand during the school holidays and encouraged advance bookings.

Warrendale Wagyu, based near Pocklington in East Yorkshire, has received a three-star Great Taste Award—the scheme’s highest honour—for its British Wagyu brisket. Judges praised the cut’s rich flavour and long finish, while only about 1.8% of more than 15,000 entries achieved three stars. The company also won one-star awards for its Flat Iron, Picanha and Sirloin products, and may now enter the Great Taste Golden Fork awards. Warrendale supplies beef to Aldi, Waitrose and UK steak restaurants, with the award-winning brisket available for home delivery.

York-based Transform Your Training has been appointed by the Department for Education to deliver a free national continuing professional development programme for careers advisers across England. The programme will focus on helping professionals support young people facing barriers such as trauma, care experience and adversity. It will use the organisation’s Training 4 Influence methodology, facilitators with lived experience, conferences, six CPD modules, expert panels and a professional community. Launching in October, the contract is expected to create seven new roles.

York-based rapid diagnostic test developer and manufacturer Abingdon Health reported a more than 30% increase in annual revenue to £11.3 million for the year ended June 30, up from £8.6 million. Strong second-half performance, particularly in contract development services, moved the company into adjusted EBITDA profitability for the period. Year-end cash increased to £2.9 million, while some £500,000 of reader-unit sales was deferred to August. The company is investing in Abingdon Analytical and expanding manufacturing capacity in the United States, and its board expects further growth in the 2027 financial year.

Renovation work is underway at Sam Smith’s Wellington Arms pub in York, which closed in November 2024 after prompting a local reopening campaign and petition. The pub is now expected to reopen in mid-August, with a management couple from Pontefract reportedly appointed. The development follows the reopening or planned reopening of other Sam Smith’s pubs, including the Tankard Inn in Rufforth and the Angel and White Horse in Tadcaster.

Martin Davies of Knaresborough has been confirmed as the Freedom Alliance candidate in the Clacton by-election, where he will compete against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, Count Binface and 31 other candidates. Davies, a former Lloyds Banking Group manager, promotes what he calls positive, libertarian politics, including constituency-average MP salaries, opposition to imposed Digital ID and greater transparency over politicians' contacts and public spending. The election was triggered by Farage's resignation, which followed criticism over allegedly undeclared financial support; Farage denies breaking any rules.

Croda International reported a 25.6% year-on-year rise in pre-tax profit to £107.4 million for the six months to June 30, alongside higher EBITDA, free cash flow and adjusted operating profit. Growth was led by the Consumer Care division, particularly Beauty Actives, Home Care, and Fragrances & Flavours. The company said its transformation plan generated £18 million in first-half savings and remains on track to deliver broader efficiency and working-capital improvements by 2028. Despite geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty, Croda maintained its 2026 outlook for 3–6% organic sales growth, improved margins and further profitability gains.

York-based family business Panels by Sofia has launched a range of composite decking boards and outdoor wall cladding panels. Founded in 2023 by husband and wife Joe and Summa Costandi, the company says the products are designed for straightforward installation, durability and minimal maintenance. The decking is available in several colours and finishes, while the wall panels come in slatwall and shiplap designs for use on exterior walls and outbuildings.

Fine weather helped attract strong attendance to the 111th Aldborough and Boroughbridge Agricultural Show at Newby Hall near Ripon. The event featured livestock and equine competitions, a new Fittest Farmer challenge, a rural wellbeing hub, creative writing, and traditional countryside entertainment. Chairman Catherine Park Peyton praised the success of the new competition and the hub’s role in connecting visitors with rural charities and welfare organisations. Dominique Hardcastle and Jonny Betts won the female and male Fittest Farmer titles, while the Bishop of Ripon described the show as a lively celebration of local farming, crafts, food and community.

Happy Haddock in Deighton, opened by Dave and Jaz Dhesi in 2006, is celebrating 20 years in business. The shop attributes its longevity to quality ingredients, traditional preparation methods, customer service and strong local support. It has maintained a five-star food hygiene rating, including a clean inspection on June 26, despite challenges including the Covid pandemic and a 2023 vehicle collision that caused temporary closure. The owners thanked customers and staff for supporting the business.

White Horse Farm Inn in Rosedale Abbey, North Yorkshire, is being marketed for £795,000 by York-based Barry Crux & Co. The historic venue, which reportedly dates back to 1703, includes a bar, restaurant, function room, 17 en-suite rooms, extensive grounds, parking and unused outbuildings. Agents describe it as a profitable business in a strong North York Moors location with scope to increase trade. The inn has received high ratings on Google and Tripadvisor and was previously offered for sale in 2016.

Ernest Wilson & Co sold the leasehold of the busy Ripon Post Office in the Arcade, Market Place East, after it had been on the market for several months because the operator was leaving the area. The sale price was undisclosed. The business generated £205,968 in Post Office remuneration over the 12 months to August 2025, alongside growing retail sales, and included a shop, counters, stockrooms and staff facilities. Agent Stuart Moorhouse said the office remained popular because of its regular income and trusted brand.

Boston Spa is portrayed as a prosperous, fashionable West Yorkshire village with a strong selection of bars, pubs and restaurants. The guide highlights venues including Tom Foolery, Boston Tap, Chok Dee, Inlamentation, Amor, Aquila, Da Carlo's Trattoria and the refurbished Crown Inn, praising the village's food, drink, atmosphere and value. Da Carlo's is singled out as the best Italian restaurant, while visitors are advised to book ahead because several venues are highly popular.

Harrogate-based AVL Technologies Ltd, which operated the Harrogate Home Cinema shop on Bower Road, has entered voluntary liquidation. Founded by Andy Wyatt and Peter Hudspeth in 2016, the company had realizable assets of £7,800 but total creditor claims of £162,846.39, including substantial unpaid HMRC liabilities and a Santander Bounce Back Loan. The estimated shortfall to creditors was £155,046.34, rising to a total deficiency of £156,046.34 after accounting for issued capital.

York-based Cizzle Biotechnology has begun commercial sales of its CIZ1B Biomarker Blood Test for early lung cancer detection in the Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio areas. The launch follows validation at OmniHealth Diagnostics and is intended to serve as a model for expansion across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. The ELISA-based test detects the CIZ1B biomarker, which is associated with early-stage lung cancer and is being used in a clinical study at Moffitt Cancer Center. The company plans to broaden physician access through partnerships with additional CLIA-certified laboratories.

Brew York and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust have collaborated on Hare of the Bog, a limited‑edition hazy IPA marking the trust’s 80th anniversary and celebrating the Askham Bog nature reserve. The beer features artwork by the trust’s design team and was unveiled to staff and volunteers during anniversary events. It will be sold through Brew York’s online store and selected venues, highlighting the brewery’s support for local conservation efforts.

Simunix Holdings, a York-based software company known for its ORBIS and T2A identity verification platforms, has been acquired by Banyan Software. Azets advised on the transaction with support from Raworths, whose teams guided the deal through completion. Banyan aims to support long-term growth under its buy-and-hold strategy. Founder John Lewis praised the advisers and highlighted Banyan’s alignment with the company’s values. The sale price was not disclosed.

A new bar in Fulford, Brewhemian Hopsody, was packed as it received CAMRA’s Pub of the Season award, recognizing the efforts of owners Katie and Amanda in creating a welcoming venue with high‑quality beer. CAMRA praised the pub’s quick rise despite industry challenges, while Katie highlighted the hard work, personal approach, and passion behind its success. The award has increased visitor numbers through the Ale Trail, and the pub plans upcoming events including a first birthday celebration, an Oktoberfest weekend, and weekly quizzes.

Readers express concern that higher parking charges in York are contributing to reduced footfall and sales, though many acknowledge wider economic pressures, online shopping trends, and declining retail variety as additional factors. Some support the council’s efforts to limit car use, while others criticise councillors for ignoring commercial impacts. Suggestions include reduced or free parking for residents during quieter periods. York BID has offered to work with the council on practical solutions, and some readers call for broader government action as rising taxes reduce disposable income.

Game, once a major UK video‑games retailer with more than 300 stores, is set to remain only as concessions within Sports Direct after years of closures and financial difficulties. An administration report shows £3.5 million owed to secured creditors and £12 million to unsecured creditors, most of which is unlikely to be recovered. All remaining standalone stores across the UK are expected to close in 2026, leaving the brand operating online and through concessions in locations including York, Monks Cross and Harrogate.

Youth unemployment has risen across York and North Yorkshire, prompting York Jobcentre to promote work‑experience placements as a way to build skills and improve employment prospects. Recruitment consultants report strong outcomes from placements in retail, warehousing and visitor attractions, including a participant securing a permanent role at B&M. Employers are encouraged to offer additional placements as claimant counts for 18–24‑year‑olds have increased across multiple districts despite overall unemployment remaining stable nationally.

Locked In Games York Limited will be voluntarily liquidated after a general meeting determined the business could not continue due to its liabilities. Records from the London Gazette confirm the decision, and Michael Howorth of Aurora Equity and Development Limited has been appointed liquidator. The York escape room venue, incorporated in 2017 and previously highly rated by customers, closed earlier this year, although its sister site in Leeds remains open.

Repair work on the Grade II-listed Cattal Bridge is scheduled to begin after years of delays caused by funding, logistical issues and the need for listed building consent. North Yorkshire Council has posted closure signs for the five‑day project, which addresses damage caused eight years ago when a large vehicle struck the structure.

A well‑known hospitality business in Cropton, comprising Cropton Brewery, the New Inn pub and two camping fields, has been placed on the market by Ernest Wilson & Co with the price available on application. Founded by brothers Philip and Paul Lee, the brewery is currently mothballed but can restart production quickly and has significant expansion potential. The New Inn offers accommodation, food and drink, and attracts visitors through tours and events, while the camping fields provide additional income. Agents describe the offering as a profitable, versatile opportunity with options to buy the full business, purchase the brewery separately or acquire the freehold with a leaseback arrangement.

A one‑star food hygiene rating was issued to St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Pickering following a June inspection that found deficiencies in food handling, facility condition, and management of food safety. Impact Food Group, the school’s catering provider, implemented corrective measures including a deep clean, new catering management, additional training, and plans for structural improvements such as a new extraction system, and has requested a reinspection. The headteacher apologised to families and stated the school is working with the catering provider to restore high standards.

Econ Engineering secured a major contract to deliver 62 winter service vehicles to Ringway Infrastructure Services in support of its highways agreement with Kent County Council. The fleet includes pre-wet and dry spreaders, hotboxes, and units with quick‑change body systems, all built on DAF and Mercedes-Benz chassis and equipped with advanced safety and operational technology. Econ will provide eight years of repair and maintenance support. Representatives from Kent County Council praised the company’s engineering quality during a visit to its Ripon facilities, reinforcing Econ’s role as a leading UK supplier of winter maintenance vehicles.

A free networking event hosted by the York Press, York St John University and York College aims to bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals across York and North Yorkshire. Featuring guest speakers and informal opportunities to connect, the event seeks to strengthen regional collaboration and foster new commercial opportunities. Organisers expect high demand and encourage early registration via Eventbrite or QR code.

The Aldborough and Boroughbridge Agricultural Show returns to Newby Hall on July 26, featuring livestock classes, equine events, creative competitions, family attractions, and rural-focused activities. Newly appointed president Amanda Gill emphasizes the importance of supporting agriculture during challenging times, while Newby Hall’s commercial director highlights the event as a major annual attraction. Discounted tickets are available online, and a free shuttle bus will operate between Boroughbridge and Newby Hall.

A piece of masonry fell from the historic Golden Slipper pub in York, prompting the temporary closure of part of the adjacent footpath. Landlady Lyndsay Weston said no one was injured and the pub remains open. The affected area was cordoned off and structural engineers and the City of York Council were contacted to ensure safety. The pub continues normal operations while assessments and repairs proceed.

A vacant retail unit on Parliament Street in York will be redeveloped into a 23‑apartment aparthotel for Mansley Serviced Apartments under a £4 million project managed by Silverstone Building Consultancy. The scheme will merge three 19th‑century buildings and address conservation and access challenges, with Artium Construction already on site and completion expected within ten months. The development follows the collapse of the previous developer, North Star, which entered administration after structural issues and financial losses.

A Pocklington-based firm, SealStop, joined more than 40 UK businesses pitching products to Indian buyers during the Great British Pitch India event in London, gaining mentoring and export training. Co-founder Belle Richardson described the opportunity as significant for expanding the water-saving device internationally. Attendees later visited 11 Downing Street for a reception with senior UK and Indian officials, while Small Business Britain highlighted the potential growth linked to UK‑India trade relations.

A Sam Smith’s Brewery pub, the Tankard Inn in Rufforth, will reopen on July 22 under new manager Paula Dawson, who also operates Paula’s Kitchen. The pub has been closed since September 2023, and contractors are preparing the site ahead of reopening. The brewery is moving to reopen several of its closed pubs across Yorkshire, with additional sites expected to follow.

Animal opened a new store on Davygate in York, replacing the former Mountain Warehouse site and creating eight jobs. The company frames the move as part of its evolution toward a contemporary outdoor lifestyle brand, with the two‑floor store offering a wide range of clothing and accessories. Chief Commercial Officer Shantelle Charters said York reflects the brand’s creative and active identity, and the shop features modern design elements and signature mannequins to showcase its latest collections.

A well‑reviewed 18th‑century pub in Ampleforth has been listed for sale on a free‑of‑tie leasehold at £79,950. The White Horse Inn includes characterful trading areas, three ensuite letting rooms, a manager’s flat and parking for 20 cars. Current owners Ali Moran and his partner Lydia are selling due to other commitments and note that the business operates limited hours despite generating healthy profits. The agents indicate potential for new operators to expand trade, especially during peak visitor seasons.

Two York manufacturers, Great Balls of Flour and Andrews Signs & Engravers, are investing in automation and digital technology with support from the Government‑backed Made Smarter Yorkshire programme. The companies received grants to implement automated production equipment and advanced digital printing systems expected to increase productivity, expand capacity, support workforce growth, and improve sustainability. Programme leaders and company directors highlight the importance of adopting digital technologies to remain competitive amid economic pressures.

Economic survey data highlights rising inflation as the main cost pressure for Yorkshire businesses, surpassing taxation due to energy and shipping disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz blockade and broader Middle East instability. Export performance has weakened, while the service sector shows modest improvements in hiring and domestic sales. Manufacturing firms face declining orders and recruitment, and cashflow pressures persist. Chamber representatives stress that the regional economy is stabilising rather than strengthening, citing mixed demand, tentative confidence, and ongoing cost burdens. National chamber analysis warns of entrenched risk aversion among SMEs and calls for government policy that directly supports investment, exports, and growth.

A £9.4 million upgrade has begun at Harrogate Convention Centre, including creation of larger breakout rooms and improvements to cooling systems, interiors, and energy efficiency. Local leaders highlight the project’s importance for supporting Harrogate and North Yorkshire’s economy, while contractors Galliford Try work toward completion next spring. Recent energy‑saving measures have already reduced annual electricity costs by about £150,000, and further efficiencies are being explored.

Thousands attended York’s Merchant Adventurer’s Beer Festival, featuring more than 90 ales, food stalls, live music and tasting sessions. Organised as a major charity fundraiser, the event is expected to raise around £25,000 to support educational activities. Attendees, organisers and sponsors reported record crowds and praised the festival’s atmosphere, beer selection and continued growth over its four-year run.