Editors notes

By group editor Gill Laidler

Welcome to issue 58 of TopicUK. As the UK faces a raft of economic challenges, with December proving to be the most challenging month of 2022 for business start-ups in Yorkshire and The Humber, we have seen a busy start to 2023, and despite the economic climate, there is a lot of positivity from SME’s across the region.

We’d like to welcome new partner to TopicUK and sister publication Yorkshire Businesswoman, Motorhouse of Shipley. Founded in 1994 by three brothers if you’re in the market for a luxury car, do check out their story on page 86.

Our cover story features luxury jeweller Phillip Stoner based in Victoria Quarter. This family business launched in 1982 and has gone from strength to strength over the years, now with Jonathan Stoner at the helm. Read the full story on page 19.

Both TopicUK and Yorkshire Businesswoman will be supporting the Visual Media Conference in April (VMC23) and we are looking forward to being there. If you haven’t yet reserved your free place, there is still time to do so, but hurry as places are limited. We were delighted we were able to introduce our partners Lexus Leeds to the conference and they will be there, not only as keynote speakers, but showing two of their amazing cars.

Also, in April we will be supporting Leeds Fashion Ball and in June BH40 Happy For Nothing Ball at Leeds Marriott Hotel. Tickets are still available for both. We will be bringing you all the news from both events.

Leeds Council have revealed plans for a food village scheme, a major new food and drink venue at Leeds Kirkgate Market. More than 2000 online questionnaires were completed with 71.5% of respondents supporting the village that would be built from refurbished shipping containers –already found in cities such as London and Manchester. The scheme will be considered at an executive board meeting on 8 February. Read the full story on page 59.

Our next edition will publish at the end of March, so please do keep us up to date with all your news.