When Karen Jones and her daughter Emma Lindsay launched NinetyOne Jewellery from a studio in North Yorkshire last autumn, neither expected to be unpacking stock at a John Lewis flagship store within six months. Yet, from 1 to 7 June, the pair will host a week-long pop-up at the retailer's Newcastle store — a milestone that many independent brands spend years working towards. Their route there is the kind of second-act story that has become increasingly familiar across the North: two women walking away from established careers to build something on their own terms. Karen, based in Stokesley, in her 60s, recently stepped back from a long career in nursing to commit to the business full time.

Gemma Taylor’s career spans finance, technology and now logistics, driven by a focus on refining complex operations and making them more agile and fit for future trends. Born and raised in Sheffield, Taylor studied International Business, Finance and Economics at the University of Manchester before beginning her career in London at PwC, working in investment audits.

Under Armour: Challenging promotional trading environment in North America and lacks desirability among younger consumers.

Jodie Wildridge, a specialist in insolvency and commercial litigation at Kings Chambers, has been named the new Yorkshire chair for R3, the Association of Business Recovery Professionals. Succeeding Dave Broadbent, Ms Wildridge steps into the role as corporate insolvencies in the UK rose by 7% in March, according to the Insolvency Service.

Pubs and bars across the region are being encouraged to embrace cutting-edge virtual mapping technology as they prepare for a surge in trade during the FIFA 2026 World Cup, with demand for standout venues expected to soar. The tournament kicks-off on 11 June, with England's first game on 17 June.

Commenting on ONS data that showed growth in GDP of 0.6% in Q1 2026, Anna Leach, Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors, said: “Economic growth for the first quarter came in at a fairly punchy 0.6%, buoyed by some recovery in consumer and business spending following a weak final quarter last year.

Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Executive, said: “As the country continues to feel the effects of strong global headwinds, businesses were looking for the King’s Speech to put stability, resilience and growth firmly at the heart of the government’s legislative agenda.

Lifted Ventures has announced a one-year extension of its partnership with the British Business Bank, reinforcing a shared commitment to building a more diverse and inclusive angel investment ecosystem across the UK.

FTSE 100 rises in early trade, shrugging off latest Iran skirmishes. Brent crude rises again to around $105 a barrel as energy crunch continues. Energy stocks among the gainers in early trade. Heathrow reports a dip in passenger numbers in April, but hopes remain that this is a temporary blip, with IAG shares rising in early trade. UK PM Keir Starmer aims for a reset after local election losses. Investors show appetite for catering giant Compass after its upgraded outlook.

The Wakefield-based engineering firm has consolidated its three technical divisions under a single brand following a significant increase in turnover. Stockton Group, a specialist in drilling and pipeline infrastructure, has unveiled a strategic restructure to unify its drilling, pipelines, and civils operations.

Hebburn-based employees from eQuality Solutions (eQS) are rolling up their sleeves in a bid to clean up the local nature reserve, inspired by the centennial birthday of Sir David Attenborough. What began as a workplace wellbeing initiative has evolved into a community-driven effort, with staff volunteering their time to help protect and preserve local green spaces for both people and wildlife.

For many professionals, the traditional nine-to-five job is no longer the sole definition of working life. The rise of the “side hustle”—a secondary job or entrepreneurial pursuit alongside a primary role— is reshaping how people earn, grow, and find fulfilment in their careers.

Following the successful launch of its compliance support service at the end of 2025, Carney Consultancy has helped 15 construction and engineering businesses secure Constructionline Gold accreditation. The achievement reflects the consultancy’s practical, hands-on guidance and rising demand for expert support as firms navigate tighter building safety and procurement standards.

Packaging sustainability consultancy Aura and graphics agency Sun Branding have launched a consolidated entity, Aura Global. The new business is designed to provide integrated strategy and technical services for retailers facing increasingly complex international packaging regulations.

Private equity-backed businesses have a growing appetite for international expansion, despite the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty facing regional mid-market companies. According to the latest research from BDO, more than three-fifths of PE-backed businesses (64%) are looking to enter new international markets, ranking it as the biggest opportunity for growth over the next six months.

Developed in a Yorkshire Dales market town and now available around the world, award-winning equine feed Speedi-Beet is a British export success story that is celebrating 20 years of sales in Australia.

Investors in the North of England should be wary of taking financial advice solely from AI platforms, one of the county’s accountancy and advisory firms has warned. Experts from Azets, which has offices in Leeds, Bradford and York, have likened the practice to Googling health symptoms rather than going to see a doctor.

DS.Emotion, the branding, marketing and creative placemaking agency, continues to cement its reputation as a leading strategic partner for ambitious regeneration and place-making initiatives across the UK.

Independent planning consultancy Quod has strengthened its Leeds office with the return of director Pete Hall to Yorkshire. After several years in London focusing on major infrastructure, Hall will now oversee the firm’s infrastructure offering across the North.

New data has revealed a stagnation in the UK’s innovation landscape, with the financial value of collaborations between universities and businesses declining over the past year. According to the latest Higher Education Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) survey for the 2024–25 academic year, total knowledge exchange income reached £6.1 billion.