VANBAR associates is delighted to be one of a growing number of local companies to sponsor a player for the 2016-17 season at Yorkshire Division 3 table-toppers Aireborough RUFC.

Kris Brook, who deservedly lifted the 'Player of the Year' and 'Clubman of the Year' trophies at the end of last season, in our view represents all that is good about rugby union in general and 'Aire' in particular.

As well as his own training and playing commitments with the 1st XV, Kris also serves as Coaching Coordinator with the club's junior section, the Aireborough Lions, and even finds the time to be Head Coach with the Under 9s.

Unbeaten in September with four wins from four games, Aire go into Saturday's home encounter with Castleford determined to consolidate their lofty league position with a bonus point victory.

The club has designated this Saturday as a Sponsors Day with a buffet and pre-game drinks in the clubhouse, followed by the game which kicks-off at 3pm.

The 1st XV will also be wearing their brand new kit and, afterwards, there will be presentations and a chance to mingle with the players and other sponsors.

If you are interested in sponsoring the club or a player, Nick Jackson would be delighted to hear from you. His email address is nickjackson0@hotmail.co.uk

We hope to see you at Nunroyd Park on Saturday and, with a bit of decent ball, maybe Kris will treat the big crowd to one or two of these.

Leeds digital recruitment platform Herd has appointed communications agency VANBAR Associates to provide PR support and boost its business profile.

Herd was founded last year by entrepreneur Amy De-Balsi to act as a link between technology firms in the Leeds City Region and help candidates access the growing number of vacancies in the local digital sector.

The firm also organises regular networking events and offers members access to industry intelligence and contacts in Yorkshire.

Recent sign-ups include Epiphany, Sky Bet and Leeds City Council.

Mrs De-Balsi said it was an ideal time for Herd to further capitalise on the opportunities the burgeoning Leeds digital community presented, with many London companies now relocating their software engineering functions to the city.

In April 2015 the Government launched the Tech North initiative to help digital firms in Leeds and neighbouring cities work more closely together and promote the North as a prime location for global technology businesses to invest.

And in his Budget a few weeks ago, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announced plans to create new three new Tech Hubs in the North including £3.7million for a six-floor technology business incubator in the centre of Leeds.

“The Leeds digital sector is on the march, as evidenced by the ever-growing number of jobs being created by Herd members and made available on our website and via social media,” Amy said.

“In our short history, Herd has established a strong record of achievement in filling these roles. And through our other activities such as providing networking opportunities, we’ve enabled many local tech firms to collaborate.

“Herd’s partnership with VANBAR Associates will raise our brand profile, increase industry awareness of what we do and attract many more members to our ranks.”

VANBAR Associates is an integrated communications firm established in 2014, also based in Leeds.

Barry White, a partner at the agency, said: “I’ve worked with Amy in the past and been immensely impressed by the professionalism, knowledge and skill she brings to the table.

“Under her leadership, Herd has rapidly become a vital resource for digital and tech firms across Leeds City Region.

“VANBAR Associates looks forward to playing our part in assisting Herd to expand its role and membership in the months ahead.”

VANBAR associates join the pack at Nunroyd Park

VANBAR Associates joins the Herd