From angel drones to the return of Bond, Andy Bond, what we’ve learned about Yorkshire business this week

Well, according to Yorkshire entrepreneur Nick Glynne, “an angel drone” could be the perfect way of keeping our loved ones safe when they leave the house.

He’s the managing director of Huddersfield-based buyitdirect.co.uk, a company that has just bought ProFlight, a company specialising in drones.

Mr Glynne sees huge global potential in the market for drones because they can be use to monitor and protect children and elderly people.

The return of Bond made headlines this week with the news that the former chief executive of Asda is launching a Leeds-based challenger discount chain.

Supported by the investor Christo Weise’s Pepkor investment vehicle, Andy Bond’s new chain - which has still to be named - will enter a fiercely competitive market, which already includes big players such as Poundland.

A spokesman said that the name and locations of the first stores will probably not be revealed until just before or just after Christmas.

However, the spokesman confirmed that the new chain is looking to open ten 10,000 sq ft stores in the first half of 2016, with the first two expected to open in March.

Mr Bond recently launched the budget fashion chain PEP&CO with the backing of Pepkor.

Meanwhile, Yorkshire Bank moved closer to independence this week after parent National Australia Bank confirmed proposals for the demerger and initial public offering of its UK operations in February.

The new chief executive of Yorkshire Bank has promised major investment in the historic brand as the lender prepares to separate from its owner of 25 years.

David Duffy said the move will give the region a bank that has control over its own destiny and will be beneficial for the local economy.

Australian shareholders need to approve the plans at a meeting in January. Commentators said Yorkshire Bank is looking bonza again.

Following the pomp-laden state visit of Chinese President Xi, a senior diplomat from the Chinese Embassy in London came to Yorkshire to speak at Leeds University.

Jin Xu, minister counsellor for economic and commercial affairs, invited Yorkshire businesses to “join hands and do something together” with China.

He said Chinese investment is coming to the North of England and, in return, China wants to benefit from Britain’s world-leading creativity, technology, healthcare service and management systems to tackle problems posed by its ageing population of 1.3bn people and rising labour costs.

Finally, The Yorkshire Post welcome Yorkshire entrepreneur Jonathan Turner as guest Business Editor for the day. Mr Turner, chief executive of the Bayford Group, made a big impression with his enthusiasm and interest in the editorial operations at Yorkshire’s national newspaper. He said: “There is a wonderful sense of teamwork.”