Impact Hub Yorkshire has celebrated five years of community-driven innovation and regional impact with a landmark gala dinner at Bradford Live on 12 June – marking not only the organisation’s milestone, but also the first formal event held in the venue’s newly restored ballroom since 2000.
Nearly 300 guests, including community leaders, dignitaries and partners from across the region, gathered for the occasion. The evening followed a royal visit from His Majesty The King to Impact Hub’s headquarters in Little Germany, Bradford, where he met with social entrepreneurs and local changemakers supported by the organisation. The visit also marked the official transition from Impact Hub Bradford to Impact Hub Yorkshire, reflecting its expanded mission to support communities and initiatives across the region.
Founded in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Impact Hub Yorkshire has grown into a regional force for positive change — supporting more than 1,000 individuals and businesses through inclusive economic development, youth empowerment, regeneration projects, and innovative funding models.
The gala at Bradford Live brought together voices from across Yorkshire, reinforcing the Hub’s central belief in the power of community-led transformation. It was also a symbolically powerful venue, with the event marking the reopening of the iconic ballroom as a space once again dedicated to civic life and celebration.
Kamran Rashid, CEO and founder of Impact Hub Yorkshire, reflected on the journey so far, “Five years ago, we took the bold step of launching during a time of global crisis. What began as Impact Hub Bradford has grown into a region-wide movement. Expanding our remit to Yorkshire reflects our belief that every community deserves access to opportunity, investment, and the ability to lead its own change.”
Guests who attended the event enjoyed a three-course dinner, opportunities for networking, and talks from speakers including Kamran Rashid, Imran Hussain MP, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, and Kersten England CBE, Chair of Bradford City of Culture 2025.
The event was made possible thanks to the support of sponsors including Bradford Live, Bradford UK City of Culture, The Broadway Shopping Centre, Mylahore, Biscayne Maintenance Services, Faum Architecture, Schofield Sweeney, and Jinnah Restaurants.
Over the years, Impact Hub Yorkshire has partnered with a range of initiatives and organisations, such as Green Street, Pandora’s Box Desserts, the African Caribbean Achievement Project, and the Tasif Khan Community Boxing Academy, supporting projects that combine social impact with local leadership.
Kamran Rashid closed the evening by looking ahead: “As we enter our next chapter, our commitment is unchanged: to build a movement rooted in equity, shaped by collaboration, and led by the people and places we serve.”
