Burkill, who has risen from his South Yorkshire roots to travel the world styling high-profile A-listers, is responsible for iconic red-carpet looks for clients including Kim Kardashian, Millie Bobby Brown, and Romeo Beckham. The Session Hairdresser of the Year category is one of the industry’s most prestigious accolades, specifically celebrating artists whose work across fashion, editorial, advertising, and film drives global trend direction and visual storytelling.

To progress to the final stage of the competition, Burkill will submit a curated collection of 8 photographs taken over the last 12 months. The portfolios will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of industry experts alongside international beauty and consumer media editors. The winners will be revealed during a red-carpet ceremony on Monday, 23rd November 2026 at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London.

Pete Burkill commented:

“It’s so exciting to be nominated for Session Hairdresser of the Year 2026. Being born and raised in Barnsley to styling hair for incredible global talents like Millie Bobby Brown has been an amazing journey. Session styling is such a dynamic and creatively rewarding part of the industry. To receive recognition on this level is something I’m really humbled by.”

Mark Moloney, Managing Director of HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards, added:

“Every year, the British Hairdressing Awards recognise the exceptional creativity, dedication and innovation that drive our industry forward, and the calibre of this year’s nominees is truly outstanding.”

The foundation represents a rebranding and narrowing of its previous Faith in Futures programme. Since 2020, the brewery has donated £150,000 to community causes, backing more than 20 charities and grassroots groups. Relaunching under the unified Northern Monk Foundation banner, the brewery has set a new target to hit £250,000 in total donations by the end of 2028. To kickstart funding for its first official project under the new format, Northern Monk will release a special limited-edition foundation beer next week, with all proceeds going directly to the charity.

The charity’s launch follows a strong growth period for the brand, which has recently added three new venues to its portfolio: the Northern Monk Refectory in York, The Hanging Bat in Edinburgh, and a site at the Darley Street Market in Bradford. The brewery has also locked in its official event partnerships for 2026, including the Great North Run, Total Warrior, and the Three Peaks Race.

Russell Bisset, Founder of Northern Monk, said:

“The £150,000 we’ve donated to community projects to-date has helped to create meaningful change across the North and beyond. The Northern Monk Foundation allows us to build on that progress, not replace it. We know the positive impact time spent outside can have on both physical and mental wellbeing. This next chapter is about creating opportunities, supporting the organisations already doing incredible work in this space, and playing our part in improving access to the outdoors.”

The two-day event aims to connect thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, operators, and business leaders. Shunning predictable celebrity keynotes and theoretical speeches, the festival relies on seasoned founders and operators who are just a few steps ahead of the audience to share honest, practical insights on scaling businesses.

ClimbUK was established to directly challenge regional and gender funding disparities, such as the fact that all-female founding teams still receive only around 2% of UK venture capital funding, and that London and the South East attract the majority of investment. By hosting the festival in Leeds, organisers aim to bridge the gap and provide ambitious businesses outside of London with direct access to crucial investment networks, mentors, and corporate buyers.

The 2026 lineup features more than 40 workshops, interactive masterclasses, open-mic pitch sessions, and sector-specific meetups. Attendees will cover core growth topics, including navigating investment rounds, deploying emerging tech, building high-performing teams, and scaling operations into international markets. To maximise networking efficiency, the event will also use an AI-powered app to match delegates, suggest specific sessions, and facilitate introductions based on shared business goals.

Gordon Bateman, Founder of ClimbUK, said:

“We created ClimbUK because we believed ambitious businesses outside London deserved better access to investment, expertise and opportunity. Too many business events feel predictable and inaccessible, with the same speakers and the same audiences year after year. ClimbUK was designed to be different and our goal is simple: for every attendee to leave with new ideas, valuable connections and greater confidence to take the next step in their business journey.”

The Huddersfield-born clinician, who won Young Dentist of the Year in 2022, reports seeing a significant increase in patients presenting with enamel damage, severe tooth sensitivity, and gum problems. He links these issues directly to online whitening hacks, abrasive charcoal toothpaste trends, and unsupervised cosmetic treatments promoted on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Dr Affan attributes the rise in self-experimentation to the current difficulties many people face when trying to access timely professional dental care locally.

To safely navigate oral care, Dr Affan advises patients to prioritise health before aesthetics. He urges the public to follow trusted NHS oral health guidance, buy dental products exclusively from reputable pharmacies or supermarkets, and seek professional advice early rather than relying on social media influencers.

Dr Affan, who holds an MSc with distinction in Advanced Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry, advocates for a minimally invasive approach known as the “ABC Method” (Align, Brighten, Contour). This technique focuses on creating natural smile transformations while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

The dentist’s business has expanded significantly from its Yorkshire roots—where it operates clinics in Wakefield and Sheffield alongside a site in Stockport. Driven by high demand from patients travelling from the South, SPACE Dental has officially expanded into the capital with the opening of its first London clinic in Whetstone.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr Affan said:

“Coming from a working-class background in Huddersfield, I never imagined building multiple businesses or opening clinics in London. My dad really instilled discipline, pride, and work ethic into us from a young age. There’s often a perception that success in healthcare, business and aesthetics only happens in the South, but Yorkshire produces incredible talent. I want young people from communities like mine to realise that with education, discipline and consistency, it’s possible to build something meaningful without losing connection to your roots.”

The website went live on Tuesday 13th May 2026, marking the final phase of a major corporate rebrand for the travel provider, which has been operating since 1982. ESTO is part of the PGL Beyond network, an educational travel group that also manages brands like PGL, NST, and StudyLink Tours. Perfect Storm secured the project in July 2025 following a competitive pitch.

The digital overhaul involved migrating ESTO’s entire platform from DynamicWeb to WordPress to create a more scalable, flexible, and cost-effective content management system (CMS). The agency focused on strengthening the online booking journey, improving commercial performance, and restructuring the site’s content architecture to protect its existing long-term SEO equity.

Dave Nutter, Co-Founder of Perfect Storm, said:

“The relaunch gives ESTO a fantastic digital platform aligned to its new positioning and built to support future growth. It is a stronger, more engaging digital brand experience for consumers with an improved user journey and booking enquiry performance. Translating a brand-new identity into a fully realised digital experience is always exciting.”

Michelle Evans, Director of Product & Marketing at PGL Beyond, added:

“Perfect Storm really understood the brief. There was a lot we wanted to achieve with the new website, without losing the brand equity the organisation has established over many years under our previous name, which dates back to 1982 – even before the internet! We’re delighted with the new website.”

The newly updated platform can be viewed at www.euro-study-tours.co.uk.

The rapid portfolio growth follows the relaunch of the firm’s lettings division two years ago, alongside its acquisition of North Yorkshire agency Lister Haigh last spring. The company reports that landlords are increasingly turning to professional property management for expert guidance on complex new compliance rules, such as those introduced under the recent Renters’ Rights Act.

To handle the influx of new homes, which range from modern apartments to premium rural family houses, Dacres has expanded its team to seven dedicated lettings experts. This includes the strategic appointments of two new lettings and property managers: Deborah Saia (covering Bingley and the Aire Valley) and Rachel Fisher (covering Harrogate and North Yorkshire).

Patrick McCutcheon, Head of Residential at Dacres, said:

“Our lettings and property management division has grown significantly since relaunching and doubling the number of homes we manage in just 12 months demonstrates the strength of demand for high quality professional services across Yorkshire. We’re seeing increasing numbers of landlords looking for expert support, particularly as legislation and compliance requirements continue to evolve following the recent introduction of The Renters’ Rights Act.”

Founded more than 200 years ago, Dacre, Son & Hartley operates 17 offices across North and West Yorkshire.

Launched in 2001 with a team of just seven colleagues, the company has grown significantly over the last two and a half decades. It now employs more than 125 people across its Skipton head office and nationwide regional offices. As a subsidiary of the Skipton Group – closely aligned with Skipton Building Society – the company has guided businesses through major economic milestones, including the 2008 financial crisis, Brexit, and the pandemic.

To meet the modern demands of UK businesses, the firm has expanded its traditional invoice finance services. Its recently launched Asset-Based Lending (ABL) division has already delivered nearly £12 million in scalable funding structures, and the company continues to facilitate access to the Government-backed Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) to strengthen cash flow for eligible firms.

Greg Bell, CEO at Skipton Business Finance, said:

“Reaching 25 years is an important milestone for the business and something all our colleagues should feel incredibly proud of. Over the last two and a half decades, the business landscape has transformed. What has remained constant throughout that time is the importance of relationships. We take the time to properly understand our clients, allowing us to provide funding solutions and support that genuinely help them move forward with confidence.”

The deal brings together two prominent Yorkshire businesses with a combined history of decades in the region. Founded 30 years ago, Jade Windows specialises in the design and manufacture of uPVC and aluminium windows, doors, and conservatories. The business, which carries a 4.8-star Google rating, serves trade and commercial clients, including high-profile projects for Burberry, as well as homeowners across West and South Yorkshire.

Under the new agreement, Jade Windows will retain its name, its Batley manufacturing facility, and its entire existing team. Ryan Fozard will continue to lead the business as Managing Director. This acquisition follows Woodlands’ successful integration of My Modular in 2023 and expands the group’s workforce to more than 210 people.

Ross Moran, CEO of Woodlands Home & Garden Group, said: “Yorkshire is full of exceptional businesses with deep customer trust and real craft heritage, and Jade is one of the best examples I have come across. Strategically, this is a natural alignment – homeowners investing in our Tiger products are very often the same people thinking about windows, doors and conservatories. We are proud to keep this growth, the jobs and the investment here in Yorkshire.”

Ryan Fozard, Managing Director of Jade Windows, added: “Jade was started by my dad, David Fozard, and we have spent 30 years building it into something we are hugely proud of. What mattered most was finding a partner who understood the craftsmanship and the relationships we have built locally over decades. Woodlands is that partner.”

Building on an existing roster of 500 well-known names, the move adds a further 200 customer favourites to the site this spring, spanning everything from high-end fashion to power tools. The expansion introduces more than 18,000 new products, positioning Freemans as one of the UK’s most comprehensive shopping hubs.

High-profile signings joining the marketplace include designer footwear labels Kurt Geiger, Carvela, and Dune, as well as cult retailer Ann Summers. The platform is also targeting the fashion-conscious 40+ market with the inclusion of Star by Julien Macdonald, M&Co, and Bad Rhino (offering sizes up to 8XL). Beyond fashion, shoppers can now find Einhell power tools, MenKind gadgets, and Panda bedding.

Susie Calvert, Chief Merchandising Officer at Freemans, said:

“The modern shopper wants speed, convenience but most of all, to buy everything from a single, trusted hub. Adding over 200 new brands means we can give shoppers even more of what they want. Curation has been central to the brands we are offering.”

Ann Steer, CEO of Freemans, added that the marketplace is a core part of the retailer’s strategy following six years of consecutive festive growth:

“For Freemans, Marketplace isn’t an add-on offering but part of our core sales strategy. The experience is seamless, with shoppers receiving that Freemans customer service magic.”

The ceremony, held in Leeds on 7th May, saw the York-based specialist recognised for its innovation and market presence. Judges highlighted the company’s focus on customer outcomes and ethical practices, noting that its expertise and growth made the business a standout winner in a competitive field.

This latest success follows a series of national achievements for the firm in 2026, including:

• Best Claims Service at the Moneyfactscompare.co.uk Awards.
• Platinum Trusted Service award from Feefo.
• Defaqto 5-Star Ratings for its Pet, Equine, Caravan, and Bicycle insurance.

Francis Martin, CEO of The Insurance Emporium, said:

“To be named Insurer of the Year for the fifth year running is an incredible honour and a moment of real pride for everyone at The Insurance Emporium. It reflects the passion, commitment and care our teams put into their work every single day, and our shared determination to always do right by our customers. Recognition like this means a great deal to us, as it reinforces the trust our customers place in us and the values we work so hard to uphold.”