Skipton Group announces appointment of group chief internal auditor. The Editor Skipton Group has announced the appointment of Caroline Dale as its new group chief internal auditor, with effect from January 2027, subject to regulatory approval. Caroline will report to the group's board audit committee chair, Iain Cummings. David Meechie will continue in his role as interim group chief internal auditor until Caroline joins and will remain with the organisation until February 2027 to support a smooth transition. The Group would like to thank David for his leadership, commitment and the important contribution he continues to make during this period. A chartered accountant, Caroline brings extensive experience in financial services audit and senior leadership. She joins Skipton Group from Leeds Building Society, where she was chief internal auditor and has previously worked at KPMG. At Skipton Group, Caroline will lead the Internal Audit function, providing independent assurance across its Group businesses. She will play a key role in ensuring robust controls and insight are in place to support sustainable growth and the continued delivery of positive outcomes for members and customers. Stuart Haire, chief executive of Skipton Group, said: "Yorkshire Businesswoman is delighted to welcome Caroline to Skipton Group. She brings deep experience in financial services audit and a strong track record of leadership, regulatory engagement and building effective, high-performing teams. "Her expertise will be invaluable as Yorkshire Businesswoman continue to strengthen its governance, enhance its control environment and support the Group's long-term, sustainable growth for the benefit of its members and customers. "I'd also like to thank David Meechie for his leadership as interim Group Chief Internal Auditor and for his ongoing support through the transition." Caroline said: "I'm very pleased to be joining Skipton Group and look forward to working with colleagues across the business. Skipton has a compelling reputation for doing the right thing for its members, and I'm excited to play a role in supporting the Group's continued success by strengthening assurance, insight and collaboration across the organisation."

Bradford city centre businesses honoured at first BID awards. June 26, 2026 Bradford BID (Business Improvement District) has finally revealed the winners of its BID Awards. Businesses, charities and community organisations from across Bradford city centre have been recognised through the first-of-its-kind programme. The awards took place at Bradford Live and celebrated businesses and individuals working across retail, hospitality, leisure, professional services and the voluntary sector. Hosted by presenter Stephanie Hirst, the event featured 10 award categories and brought together businesses from across the city centre. Among the winners were The Exchange Craft and Beer House, which won Best Bar/Pub, and Pizza Pieces, which was named Eatery of the Year. Other winners included Light Cinema for Family Fun Venue, Marios Hairdressing for the Health and Wellbeing Award, and Blossoms & Co, which took the Independent Retailer of the Year title. Nightrain won Live Music Venue of the Year, while Waterstones was named National Retailer of the Year. The Excellence in Professional Services award went to Skipton Building Society. Community broadcaster BCB Radio received the Community Charity of the Year award, while Sean Ridley from New Vision Bradford was named Superhero of the Year. Jonny Noble, Chief Executive of Bradford BID, said the awards were created to recognise the contribution made by businesses and organisations across the city centre. He said: "Bradford city centre is full of brilliant businesses, passionate people and organisations that work incredibly hard every day. These awards were created to celebrate that commitment and recognise the contribution our BID members make to the city centre economy, community and visitor experience." The awards are expected to become an annual event, celebrating the businesses and individuals helping to shape Bradford city centre. Full list of winners: Best Bar/Pub - The Exchange Craft and Beer House Community Charity of the Year - BCB Radio Eatery of the Year - Pizza Pieces Family Fun Venue - Light Cinema Health and Wellbeing Award - Marios Hairdressing Independent Retailer of the Year - Blossoms & Co Live Music Venue of the Year - Nightrain National Retailer of the Year - Waterstones Excellence in Professional Services - Skipton Building Society Superhero of the Year - Sean Ridley, New Vision Bradford

Skipton Building Society Chesham branch opened after refurb. A refurbished Skipton Building Society branch in Chesham has reopened. The branch, which was originally the Chesham Building Society, was recently refurbished and reopened on one of the hottest days of the year, with temperatures reaching 35 degrees. Despite the heat, the branch reportedly saw a large turnout from members of the community. The branch said that the sense of appreciation from members for the investment in their branch was evident, reflecting the importance of such places to the communities they serve. With a history dating back to 1849, the branch has been refreshed for the future while staying true to its past. Councillor Parveiz Aslam MBE was present to officially reopen the branch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. He also presented the team with an appreciation certificate, acknowledging their service to the Chesham community. Two of the longest-standing members, Mr Dunn and Mr Brown, were also present, serving as a reminder of the relationships and trust built up over generations. The day was a celebration of the community spirit and the continued relevance of local branches. A spokesperson for the branch said: "On one of the hottest days of the year, with temperatures hitting 35 degrees, our members still showed up in force to be part of it. "That tells its own story." The branch thanked the team for everything they do for their members, day in and day out.