Supporter and Ambassador Level members are organisations that have chosen to invest in We Are Wakefield at a higher level. The funds from these memberships will be used to add value to the membership and deliver free business and personal development sessions to support member businesses. Our Ambassadors, Supporters and Partners see that investing in the District’s largest business support community will benefit the local economy and safeguard jobs, create opportunities and promote inward investment. WAW Partner Members are organisations that play a pivotal role in our collective mission to contribute to the prosperity and growth of Wakefield.
Pictured: The WAW Ambassadors 2023/24, WAW Chair Sir Rodney Walker & WAW Managing Director Claire Sutherley DL
With more than a century of expertise, Elis is an international multi-service provider, offering textile, hygiene and facility service solutions. Everyday, we simplify our client’s life thanks to customised solutions that free up time, simplify processes and save money. We have one objective: to help our clients focus on the core of their business so they may better welcome their customers, assure the safety and well-being of their employees and ensure the quality of their products.
“Elis joined We Are Wakefield to establish a presence within the local community, building supportive and constructive business relationships.
Becoming a WAW Ambassador is a huge honour for Elis and we aim to use this role to further engage with local Wakefield businesses, adding positive value to the Wakefield community by driving collaboration and support to We Are Wakefield members.”
Jonathan Parkinson, General Manager
Juice Personnel are an independent recruitment agency based in Wakefield. We were founded in 2003 in Huddersfield with the knowledge that things could be done differently. This led us to adopt what we called our ‘refreshingly different’ approach. This radical new approach to recruitment was based around our core values of mutual understanding, honesty, integrity and quality.
From day one we had a policy to constantly review how we worked. Because of this dedication to self-improvement and our refreshing, personal approach to recruitment we saw a client and candidate loyalty that we’ve never experienced before and quickly outgrew our small office.
Skip forward a few years and we still hold fast to the same morals we started with: mutual understanding, honesty, integrity and quality. Because of our unwavering dedication to client and candidate satisfaction Juice Personnel are now seen as one of the leading independent recruiters in Wakefield.
We are also working towards Net Zero in 2030.
Director, Kelly Smith:
“Juice Personnel has been part of the Wakefield Business Community since 2003 and has worked with 100’s of different types of businesses both from supplier and customer perspectives but since Claire Sutherley joined We are Wakefield, I personally don’t think there has ever been any kind of business community like it. Juice has benefitted from it’s membership in more than a number of ways; we’ve met new clients, new suppliers, won awards, sponsored events and more importantly, developed some genuine relationships with other local businesses which we know will flourish over time and create more and more opportunities.”
“Juice Personnel chose to be an Ambassador for We Are Wakefield back in 2023 as we genuinely believe that our business can support others, and that we can support our local business community all the while, strengthening our position within the local market too. This has paid dividends over the last 12 months with Juice being able to support many WAW members with their own recruitment needs and furthermore to this, we’ve made genuine partnerships with new clients, built on trust and mutual respect from signing up to the scheme. We knew as soon as we heard about the Ambassador scheme that we wanted to be a part of it and we’re excited for the next 12 months will bring’’
Juice Personnel excel in working with commercial, construction and logistic based roles and have consultants who are experts within these industries. From office junior to director level roles, the team at Juice Personnel can assist any business from any industry in finding their next team member.
Meticulously developed and manufactured in-house, OE are dedicated to providing cutting-edge power solutions, tailor-made to the dynamic working environment & beyond. Award-winning product lines & complete electrical distribution systems, OE know power.
Above all else, their customers come first, & that’s why they love working with them. From first contact right through to delivery, OE are committed to elevating customer experience beyond all expectation.
Compromise on quality? Never. OE’s design team are experts in their field & masters of minimizing cost – but never at the expense of quality. Their customers are presented the very best solutions & at the right price, always.
Since inception & throughout humble beginnings, the OE motto has been honored in both philosophy & practice. Measured by the successes of their unparalleled passion in product design, they are always innovating.
OE are not only dedicated to powering people; they also take pride in powering positive changes as a manufacturer, employer and part of the local community.
With a head office located in Ossett, Quest Waste Management is a market leader providing nationwide coverage in the utilities sector with a focus on the UK circular economy, a drainage and waste specialist offering both planned and reactive support to domestic and commercial customers across a range of industries. We have a proven approach to offering tailor made cost-effective solutions with a focus on exceptional customer service. Quest maintains the highest standards in quality, environment and health and safety management in accordance with national accreditations, enabling us to demonstrate our exceptional operational output without compromising safety or impact on the environment. With financial success improving year on year, plus growth in the team, fleet and locations, whichever way you look at it, Quest is a business on the move however, Wakefield remains at the heart of the business and home to our Head office. We pride ourselves in our core values and always look to employ local operatives that are based around our sites and look to offer our support to the local community. Collaboration, teamwork, communication, listening, and competitive dialogue are embedded in our business model and underpin performance, from our highly skilled operatives on the ground through our office and management teams. This Ambassador experience has not just given us many chances to boost our presence in Wakefield and beyond but has also allowed us to recognise the positive influence that partnering with our local business community can offer.
“As Quest continues to grow, collaboration with We Are Wakefield as an Ambassador has enabled us to strengthen our position in the community, develop better supply chains and benefit the Wakefield Area.
We are excited to be able to continue to actively support the Wakefield Business District as we expand our customer base. Our relationships are built on confidence and fairness, delivered as a partnership.” Ivan Smyth, Quest’s Chief Executive.
RV2 Power are the experts in the renewable energy sector. They provide Solar PV design and installation, backup battery storage and nationwide EV charging installations as core services. All with the ability to support other green tech, such as Air Source Heat Pumps, Wind Turbines, Solar Farms and more. They offer full turn-key solutions across all electrical, solar PV and EV Charging sectors for both residential and commercial. Whatever your power requirements, RV2 can help.
Following on from their success at The Wakefield Business Awards, Tony Simmonds, Director of RV2 Power Ltd said, “RV2 are delighted to become Ambassadors for We Are Wakefield. Claire has created a group of local businesses who share our ethic for trying to keep services local and for doing great work for the people of Wakefield. The group is different from the traditional networking events that we have previously attended. This feels like a natural coming together of like-minded people from across all sectors, whether that be commercial, charitable, or cultural. Nothing is forced it just feels right, something we want to be a part of. We have no expectations of increasing our business, only that we build relationships within the district and hopefully help others along the way. We’re looking forward to see what we can achieve together. I hope we can contribute to assisting We Are Wakefield and the wider WAW community.”
Solupak are manufacturers and innovators in water soluble systems. Through local warehousing and distribution they maintain low carbon manufacturing in the UK. On-site blending of powders and in-house built sachet production machinery gives customers high speed output. They focus on ensuring that throughout all manufacturing, testing, formulation and packaging processes they maintain a small carbon footprint (using recyclable packaging and re-usable bottles), whilst producing a product which is cruelty free. The user has a low risk of chemical contact, minimal manual handling and easy to use cleaning products. Both the sachet and dilution colour is coded to BICSc. Because it is super concentrated, there is no added costs for shipping water around the country and very little space is required for storage.
The journey of soluCLEAN is one of many twists; 8 years ago the words ‘sustainability’ and ‘eco’ were treated with much less vigour and importance as they are now. soluCLEAN was the first single use plastic free cleaning brand In the commercial cleaning sector… the market place today compared to that of 8 years ago has progressed to having the environment at the forefront. The SoluCLEAN range is an eco-friendly and easy to use range of pre-dosed, concentrated surface cleaning products, encapsulated in fully water-soluble sachets. Covering virtually every aspect of the everyday cleaning needs for today’s demanding professional, saving money, time and waste without compromising on high standards of cleanliness and infection prevention.
“The past 12 months of membership for Solupak have provided us with endless opportunities to put us on the map, throughout Wakefield and beyond. As a company that supplies businesses all over the UK, as well as worldwide, we underestimated the positive impact working with our local business community could have. Becoming part of the ambassador’s club was an easy decision as the return on investment has already been proven but also extended our commitment to be active and engage to benefit not just ourselves but our fellow members. As a full team the value of continuing and further extending our involvement in WAW was agreed and look forward to attending the many superb events on offer.” Helen McDonald, Managing Director.
Thornton Jones Solicitors were formed in Wakefield in 2007 by Clare Thornton and Claire Jones. At that time they specialised in Family Law but soon expanded to become a “full service” firm which means they offer services for all the needs of your family and business.
Their growth really happened after Claire Jones retired and Clare Thornton took on 2 more partners -Liz Fyfe and Steven Eldridge. Together they decided to grow the firm by moving the Head Office to Bank House on Burton Street, Wakefield and opened their first branch office in Ossett, followed by Garforth, Sherburn-In-Elmet and Mapplewell near Barnsley.
“We are so proud of our team of people who all live by our values – a passion for excellence, trust and community and contentment. These values were created by our team and have been used to help us ensure we can provide the best service to our clients and to make TJ a really great place to work. They also underpinned our win at the Yorkshire Legal Awards in October 2022 when we became law firm of the year!” Clare Thornton.
Clare signed Thornton Jones up as a member of We Are Wakefield in March 2022 when she met WAW managing Director, Claire Sutherley. She quickly became a board member having seen how fabulous the concept was and has attended every first Friday event since!
Clare went on to say, “We decided to become Ambassadors because we absolutely believe in the power of local businesses working together to help and support each other. We are proud to be involved with We are Wakefield and it’s continued growth and success and hope our Ambassador level membership reflects our commitment to continue to support the fabulous work Claire and the board are doing to build local strength and partnerships for all our businesses.”
Prosper has been changing the lives of communities across the Wakefield district for over 200 years. Driven by a founding vision of investing in community health and prosperity, we remain one of very few independent organisations in the area, committed to improving people’s lives by tackling the causes of poverty by working with and supporting the Voluntary and Community Sector to deliver vital services.
We are the largest independent grant maker in the district. Our grants support charities and community organisations who work with communities in the most deprived areas across the Wakefield district, supporting people with the greatest health and wellbeing needs. Our research shows that there are inequalities in the levels of funding and inward investment into the VCSE sector in Wakefield, compared to other localities with similar challenges and demographics. But because we are independent it means we can challenge decisions and influence policies to drive social change.
We are proud to be a We Are Wakefield Ambassador, we will work with other members to promote Wakefield as a place that welcomes investment into the VCSE, developing meaningful partnerships to support businesses to realise their CSR aspirations by investing resources, including non-financial support, to communities across the Wakefield district.
We are proud to announce The Nostell Estate as Ambassadors of We Are Wakefield for 2024.
With over 350 years of history in the Winn family, The Nostell Estate stands as a testament to tradition, innovation, and community spirit. Covering 40,000+ sq ft of award-winning office space, thriving farm businesses across 4,000+ acres, and over 40 residential lets, we are honoured to be part of the vibrant Wakefield region.
Owned by Lord St Oswald, who transformed the business park in 2004, The Nostell Estate is a hub of like-minded individuals working towards making Wakefield an even better place to work and live.
Peter Molyneux, Director of The Nostell Estate, shares his excitement: “The Nostell Estate is honoured to become We Are Wakefield Ambassadors. We’ve hugely benefited from discussions with various members, and having the We Are Wakefield HQ right here at Nostell Estate is a testament to our commitment to collaboration and community support. We’re thrilled to embark on this new journey as Ambassadors and contribute to the thriving business community of Wakefield.”
Founded in 2008, Vision Independent Financial Advisors Ltd is a family run business which helps people understand their financial position and strives to guide them to achieve their financial goals. The company was initially founded to assist teachers with their retirement but has grown to work with many clients and businesses, and provides tailored advice in retirement, investment, and protection planning.
The business is now run by a husband-and-wife team, David and Alana, who are the principle financial advisors. They are dedicated to delivering balanced, bespoke advice tailored just for you. Understanding that a perfect financial plan is not one-size-fits-all, the team ensures clarity about your current arrangements and the steps needed to secure your personal financial future.
Plain-Speaking Approach
Count on them for honest, unbiased advice that’s free from jargon or confusing industry terms. They believe in straightforward communication, ensuring you always understand the advice and guidance we provide.
With You Now and in the Future
While the average age of financial advisors in the UK is 58, the Vision team is not only skilled but also significantly younger. This age advantage means they can be with you for the long run, offering support through all of life’s twists and turns. Their teams focus is on you and your journey, and they’re committed to doing everything possible to help you reach your financial destination.
Formed in 2017 Certus Construction Group is a family-owned, regional construction company. They cover Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottingham and Derbyshire. They have experience working with Local Authorities, Housing Associations, loss adjustors & insurance companies, main contractors and private developers in the domestic, residential, public and commercial sectors. They are CHAS accredited Principal Building Contractors, and have in place an extensive materials supply chain and along with their directly employed trades workforce a network of approved specialist sub-contractors. They have experience working directly for clients as a principal contractor.
More information coming soon!
At the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, we understand that businesses need highly skilled individuals to help them innovate and grow. That is why we offer a range of flexible training and development programmes designed to support your employees’ personal development that are tailored to meet your business needs.
From Apprenticeships in the workplace to part-time Adult courses to Higher Education programmes to Distance Learning, we can help you to identify and address your existing and future skills demands. With many possible FREE funding options available and competitive rates, why not take steps to build a better workforce for the future with us?
JS Recruitment is a professional consultancy providing services to businesses across Yorkshire and beyond. The team have over 40 years’ experience recruiting for some of the region’s most recognisable employers and a proven track record placing staff from entry through to executive level. As members of the REC and GLAA Licence Holders JS Recruitment are recognised as being compliant, committed to world-class standards and licensed to supply to regulated sectors. Founding partners and sisters Jilly and Sarah shared a vision; to create a successful recruitment consultancy which is a positive force in the community. Jilly and Sarah’s passion for service excellence and the hard work of their valued team has seen them build a trusted reputation and consultancy where employees thrive, candidates achieve their career aspirations and clients hire talented people who transform their businesses.
“We love being part of the We Are Wakefield community, we’ve met some great people and benefitted from some fantastic opportunities provided by the membership. In return, we’re keen to give back and invest by becoming a Supporter Member. We whole heartedly believe in the ethos of WAW and, as such, are more driven than ever to create opportunities for our clients, candidates, fellow WAW members and boost the local economy.” Jilly Spiers, Managing Director
McManus Consulting was Founded in March 2021, in the middle of a pandemic! The catalyst behind the business was in fact COVID, whereby there was a huge shift in terms of how businesses have now had to operate. This was due to the ‘new ways of working initiative’ whereby more and more people had to work from home. This meant business now had to adapt their internal systems, for companies to operate not only efficiently but more importantly effectively.
This is the reason why McManus Consulting was formed, to be a truly independent technology workplace service provider. Our mission is to be the most customer focused technology provider in the UK, who offer unparalleled service to their clients. Add to this our real passion – using innovation and automation to make process simple!
“Having joined WAW, our business has grown exponentially, due to the great collaborations we have made from within the group. We believe in it so much, we decided to take the plunge and become Supporters of the group. Claire and the team have created something tremendously special at WAW, and I for one, are very proud to be part of such a great community” James McManus Managing Director.
Do thoughts of leading the people who work in your organisation keep you awake at night? Are you exploring options to ensure you retain those great colleagues, and grow and develop others to join them? Are you yourself exploring your next steps or want to uncover what’s holding you back (hello! Inner Imposter). Then consider grabbing a brew with the team at Purple Pebble People.
Established in 2011, Purple Pebble People offer People Development solutions which focus on Leadership, Culture and Coaching.
Their vision is to work with individuals and organisations who desire to focus on how they are ‘BEING’ (not just what they are doing). So that, together with you, they can create a world of relationship focused, enlightened, and inspired people, who want to make a difference.
Get in touch at hi@purplepebblepeople.co.uk or take a look at their website www.purplepebblepeople.co.uk
Welcome to Team I.T. Solutions proudly serving businesses in West Yorkshire and beyond. Team I.T. Solutions specialise in providing comprehensive IT services designed to optimise your operations and enhance productivity.
As your trusted technology partner, they offer a wide array of solutions, including broadband and leased lines, VoIP services, Microsoft 365 integration, and professional web hosting.
At their core, they specialise in IT support, taking care of your servers, PCs, and the entirety of your IT infrastructure. The team of dedicated professionals, comprising nine individuals deeply passionate about their craft, is committed to delivering excellence in customer service. They prioritise building strong, personal relationships with clients, ensuring that their needs are met with attentiveness and care.
With over a decade of industry experience, Team I.T. Solutions stands apart from the competition by eschewing cumbersome ticketing systems in favour of immediate, personalised support. When you reach out to Team I.T. Solutions, rest assured that assistance is just a phone call away.
Whether you’re a burgeoning startup or a well-established SME, Team I.T.’s flexible support contracts are tailored to accommodate businesses of all sizes. Moreover, their commitment to accessibility means that you’ll always speak directly with a knowledgeable professional — no automated responses, just genuine expertise and assistance.
The Yorkshire Broker are a commercial insurance broker who began trading in January 2023 and, with over 40 years’ experience between them, Martin and Phil are expert in all things insurance. The Yorkshire Broker is a true independent broker with more than a 1000 of products available, theres nothing The Yorkshire Broker can’t do when it comes to commercial insurance and, it also means they can tailor products to their clients’ needs and provide choice. They are proud to be Yorkshire, and proud to be part of this community. It deserves to be looked after. So many services are faceless these days and are missing the personal touch but, The Yorkshire Broker want to change this and have built the business on providing unparalleled personal service. The many five star reviews they receive really shows they deliver on this.
Martin said, ‘Phil and I are passionate about our business and what we have achieved so far, and our initial success is, in part thanks to groups like We are Wakefield, We are delighted to become Supporters and continue to help our business community.’
Wakefield Grammar School Foundation. More information coming soon!
Castleford Tigers, The Mend-A-Hose Jungle, Wheldon Road, Castleford WF10 2SD
Rugby League is part of the fabric of our district and we are proud to partner with Superleague club, Castleford Tigers. The Tigers sponsor our monthly “Collaboration of the Month” competition and have hosted our First Friday event at the Jungle in 2022. Sport and business run in parallel and can support each other in so many ways. We are immensely proud of this wonderful collaboration.
Castleford Tigers joined the sport of Rugby League in 1926 having previously been a successful junior club and since 1927 has always played home games at the current stadium on Wheldon Road which has been known as The Mend-A-Hose Jungle since 2014.
The Tigers have grown into one of the most famous Rugby League Clubs in the United Kingdom and has consistently produced players who have achieved worldwide status in the game of Rugby League while playing in the famous black and amber colours. With numerous players featuring at an international level.
As well as a successful team on the field, the off-field operation boasts a proactive and forward-thinking setup which includes the Castleford Tigers Foundation, the community arm of the club which has charitable status.
The region has always and continues to be a rich hub of Rugby League talent, competing at the top level whilst being centre of its local community.
Featherstone Rovers has been established as a Rugby League Club since 1921 the club has a wealth of history and has been well known for being the small Mining Town in Yorkshire that produces some fine Rugby League players. Later nicknamed the colliers the majority of the Featherstone outfit worked for the National Coal Board. The Featherstone District had long been a fertile breeding ground of fine Rugby Footballers. ‘Forwards as hard as the coal they hewed’ ‘Featherstone may well be the smallest community in the country to maintain a professional football team.’
The club has gone on to enjoy many a success including 3 Challenge Cup wins, the club currently plays in the Betfred Championship League and finished League Leaders in 2023.
The club is situated in the heart of the community and Featherstone Rovers Foundation the official Charity of the Rovers run some fantastic community engagement programmes to help the local community lead happier, more fulfilled and active lifestyles The use the power of sport and the Rovers brand to help tackle local issues in Featherstone and the wider Wakefield District.
Amy Hardman – Head of Featherstone Rovers Foundation said ‘It is fantastic for both club and Foundation to be a partner of WAW, since joining it has enabled us to become more connected with organisations within the District which is supporting our programmes and outreach. We have also hosted some of the monthly meets here at the Millennium Stadium – which are always fantastic events. We look forward to the year ahead and what exciting collaborations this will bring. UTR’
Rhubarb Radio, 1-3 Cross Street, Wakefield WF1 3BW
Rhubarb Radio is your station, your music, broadcasting across the Wakefield District online, on mobile and tablet, smart TV’s and smart speakers, and soon to be on DAB.
Along with their sister station, Rhubarb Smoothies Radio, they are based at their state-of-the-art Wakefield City Centre studios just off Northgate, and are at the heart of the community, delivering the latest news, information, community advice and support features, business news, sports news, and entertainment 24/7.
Their dedicated team of presenters play the biggest hits from the 70’s to today on Rhubarb Radio, with Rhubarb Smoothies Radio playing a more relaxed mix of music aiming at a more mature audience. Their stations are proud to be local, and they are the only full service community based radio stations covering the whole Wakefield District.
With thousands of listeners a week, they offer superb cost-effective advertising, sponsorship, and promotions packages to businesses large and small. Contact dave.stankler@rhubarbradio.co.uk for more details.
Our official media partners air the monthly We Are Wakefield Showcase on Rhubarb Radio, with WAW MD, Claire Sutherley, in the studio hosting the feature. Rhubarb have broadcast live from We Are Wakefield events and offer special discount packages to our members.
For more details of how you can listen to both stations visit: rhubarbradio.co.uk and rhubarbsmoothiesradio.co.uk
At The Alternative Board Wakefield District, Simon Banks and Dougie Brown want to help as many business owners in the area improve their businesses in ways that make a positive impact on their lives. This can only mean good things happening in the local economy and community. We want all business owners we work with to get the results you deserve and thrive with other business owners in the Wakefield district. Just like We Are Wakefield we take a very collaborative approach bringing business owners together with no hidden agendas, we are non-judgemental and want the best for each other. Together with the other business owners we help challenge decisions, provide advice and bring accountability all with a view to moving you and your business forward in the direction you want it to go.
Do you want quicker, better decisions, more time with the family, to work smarter not harder – these are some of the results you can get working collaboratively with your peers.
Theatre Royal Wakefield’s mission is to develop new creative opportunities and experiences in our theatre building, throughout the wider community and on tour, encouraging high quality engagement in the Performing Arts.
There’s something to excite and delight everyone at Theatre Royal Wakefield, from the smallest to the tallest! They have shows for families, for fans of music, drama, comedy and more. The stage is usually occupied 265 days of the year and some of the work is made by them, right here in Wakefield (such as the hugely popular pantomime). The rest is hand picked from the best that the UK has to offer. Theatre Royal Wakefield is for everyone, that’s they we are also proud to present work from our local community, amateur societies and groups on their stage.
Tileyard North, Wakefield WF1 5FY
Championing and supporting independent and creative businesses since 2011, Tileyard is a globally recognised creative community and is expanding to an extraordinary new space in Wakefield. Tileyard North is a creative industries hub, based at Rutland Mills, which when re-generation is completed will transform the site into the UK’s largest creative community outside of London. A hub to create, stay and play – featuring recording studios, flexible workspaces, event venues, creative edit suites, an education facility, delicious food and beverage offerings and vibrant spaces for the community to enjoy. We pride ourselves on providing a home to the best minds in the business, actively encouraging and nurturing collaboration amongst like-minded creatives. Bridging the gap between the creative industries of the South and North of England, our expansion to Tileyard North will create new opportunities and empower talent in the area. Curating a destination for collaborative partnerships in all facets of the commercial creative sector.
We Are Wakefield are thrilled to announce a joint new partnership with Wakefield Trinity RLFC and the Wakefield Trinity Community Foundation. WAW MD Claire Sutherley said, “We’re so excited to have Wakefield Trinity and the Community Foundation as Supporter Members of We Are Wakefield. We see it as an important part of WAW’s work to connect business with culture and third sector within the District. Rugby League runs through the veins of District and is an important part of our lives and connecting with local business will be a fantastic two-way opportunity. I am looking forward to working with Verity and Mark to promote the club within our membership and beyond. I’m sure our members will embrace the opportunity to connect with the club in any way they can.”
“We are already seeing the benefit from being partnered with We are Wakefield” said Verity Thomas, Commercial Manager at Trinity. “They run fantastic events which are attended by a large range of businesses from around Yorkshire and we look forward to the partnership going from strength to strength”.