Please welcome new member of the WAW family, Graham Summerscales from All About Change.

Graham was diagnosed with ADHD aged 53 and since then has set up All About Change, coaching other adults within the neurodiverse community.

It’s not always easy for neurotypical people to understand how ADHD people think and Graham’s approach is to coach and co-coach the neurodivergent and neurotypical to encourage and help develop successful outcomes for both parties.

He completed his studies in Executive Coaching and Mentoring at Oxford Brooks University and achieved the highest coaching qualification possible at the time.  He then moved into the learning and development sector, bolting on various other qualifications including psychometric profiling, having trained as a practitioner in MBTI and 16pf.

Graham has coached and trained clients from middle management to board level, conducted C-Suite recruitment programmes and led team development work that has taken him to all corners of the world such as America, Thailand, Brazil and all across Europe. He’s worked with individuals and teams across the globe, supported organisations through mergers, acquisitions and redundancies, and provided outplacement support and career coaching for employees.

When he’s not helping ADHD clients reach their potential, an avid sportsman, having played Rugby for Great Britain at amateur level, he still continues to chase perfection on the golf course.

Connect with Graham HERE 

 

Please give a warm welcome to Diana from Diana Holden Bid Writing Service Ltd, a recent addition to the We Are Wakefield family!

 

“An APMP member and educated to degree level, I am an experienced and talented Bid Writer/Manager with a demonstrable track record of success over the past twenty years. I understand the language of procurement and know how to write, structure and present information to improve the impact on bid evaluators.

 

I work across multiple sectors, however my specialism is in the areas of construction, civil engineering, social housing and transport.  My previous experience as an in-house Bid Manager for large and small companies enables me to effectively integrate with existing bid teams.

 

A strong team player with excellent communication skills, I am able to converse with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.  Enthusiastic and extremely outcome focused, I ensure that all tasks are always delivered to the highest standard and to deadline.  I work closely with subject matter experts to fully understand business activities to help create compelling and persuasive tender responses.

 

I am a proactive individual who strives to not only continuously improve bids, but self-development as I have recently achieved APMP Foundation Level certification. During 2023 I attended BPC Orlando and BIDx in Birmingham which included keynote speakers, interactive sessions and informative presentations.”

 

We’re thrilled to have Diana on board, bringing her skills and know-how to expand our network!

 

Connect with Diana HERE

🌟✨ Rise and shine, Wakefield District! 🌟✨

What an incredible morning we had at the We Are Wakefield breakfast networking event on Friday, 2^nd February, hosted at the stunning Wakefield Cathedral!

Over 200 members and first-timers gathered for a record-breaking morning, making it the largest networking breakfast in West Yorkshire (if not the world)!

 

 

The highlight of the breakfast was the inspiring talk by our key speaker, Steve Judge, who left everyone feeling empowered and ready to conquer the day. His message on not leaning on excuses and finding your “golden gang” resonated with everyone in the room!

Our We Are Wakefield “golden gang” continues to thrive, with members supporting each other and fostering incredible collaborations over breakfast!  The positive energy in the room was wonderful, setting the tone for an amazing year ahead!

 

🎥 Watch the fantastic video below capturing the lively atmosphere of our first morning event in 2024, thanks to the talented Antony at KRA:FT Photography. 📸 Watch it now to relive the breakfast buzz.

 

And that’s not all! 📷 Explore the full photo gallery for more stunning morning moments captured by KRA:FT Photography.  Click here for the visual breakfast journey:

We Are Wakefield · Representing diverse sectors around Wakefield and Five Towns

 

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Friday, contributing to making We Are Wakefield’s first breakfast event of the year truly unforgettable!  Click HERE for more exciting gatherings and opportunities to connect in the coming months. Let’s continue to grow and support each other on this incredible journey!

Thank you to the following members for collaborating on this event:

We Are Wakefield members came together for a heart-warming volunteer day at Wakefield Hospice on Tuesday, January 23rd!

 

Eleven dedicated members rolled up their sleeves to support the hospice’s mission at their distribution centre. They worked tirelessly, sorting, tagging, and bagging donated clothing.  These items will soon be hitting the rails of the hospice’s shops, generating vital funds for patient care.

 

The day was more than just a volunteer effort; it was an experience filled with fantastic teamwork, laughter, and a chance for our members to connect on a deeper level.  Getting to know each other while making a positive impact was truly special.

 

A big shout out to the incredible Hospice staff and volunteers who made us feel right at home!  Hospices play a crucial role in our community, but did you know they need support to cover 75% of their running costs?  Your contributions, whether time or resources, make a significant difference in providing essential care in our district.

 

Let’s continue to stand together, support our local hospices, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.

Huge thanks to the following WAW members for giving their support:

Judy Parsons, The LinkedIn Lady

Cameron Mosley, Hickory’s Smokehouse

Helen Byram, Buzz Safety

Kelly Smith, Juice Personnel Ltd

Claire Mouzer, Prosura

Amanda Shearman-Webb, Simul Digital

Emma Wicks, Thornton Jones Solicitors

Mark Rowbottom, Photoneg

Mark Laycock & Reece Limbert, Solupak

Claire Sutherley DL, We Are Wakefield

Here’s some snaps from the day!

 

🌟 We Are Wakefield Quiz Night Recap! 🌟

 

What an incredible night of trivia, laughter, and friendly competition at the We Are Wakefield Quiz Night! 🧠✨

 

👥 A huge shoutout to the 50 brilliant members who brought their A-game, representing 22 diverse businesses! 🌐👔 Your energy and enthusiasm lit up the room.

 

🏆 The competition was fierce over 4 rounds of general knowledge, with a special Wakefield District round putting everyone’s local expertise to the test! 🌍🤔

 

🎉 Drumroll for the new champions – Quizee Rascals! 🏆🎉 Juice Personnel and Certus Construction teamed up to snatch the crown from defending champs Outside In Management who collaborated with Copperwire Creative but couldn’t retain the winners’ trophy.

 

🌟 Handelsbanken claimed 2 individual round victories, showcasing their impressive knowledge! 👏 As for Mint HR, our Lambrini Losers, your gracious defeat with the lowest score added charm to the night – ! 🌈

A WAW- eitex-Chris Whittam Photography combo took the best team name with: “I thought this was speed dating”!!

🏰 A massive thank you to the Swan & Cygnet at Calder Park, Wakefield for hosting us – your hospitality made the night extra special! 🍻🎤

 

📸 Share your favourite Quiz Night moments using #WeAreWakefieldQuiz. Let’s relive the joy and celebrate the vibrant community spirit!

 

Here’s to more quiz nights, shared laughter, and building lasting connections. Until next time, stay sharp, stay connected! 💡🌟 #QuizNightRecap #WeAreWakefieldquiz night #CommunityFun

Thanks to all that took part:

Copperwire Creative, Eitex, Solupak, McManus Consulting, Mint HR, Chris Whittam Photography, Juice Personnel, Charlotte Hall – Travel Counsellors, Zest Business Support, Outside In Management, SPC Cars, Zenith Pictures, Handelsbanken, Get Ahead VA, The LinkedIn Lady, Hickory’s Smokehouse, Hanah Davis Personal Estate Agent, Thornton Jones Solicitors, Certus Construction Group Limited, Buzz Safety Consultants, OE Electrics.

 

 

We’re thrilled to announce that Solupak, manufacturers and innovators in water soluble systems, have renewed as We Are Wakefield Ambassadors for 2024.

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; 9 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 our membership as We Are Wakefield Ambassadors have been incredibly rewarding for Solupak. This journey has not only provided us with numerous opportunities to enhance our visibility within Wakefield and beyond but has also allowed us to realise the significant positive impact that collaborating with our local business community can have. As a company with a reach extending across the UK and globally, our initial underestimation of the benefits of engaging with our local community has been surpassed. Joining the Ambassador’s club was an easy decision, and the proven return on investment has reinforced our commitment to actively participate, fostering mutual benefits for both ourselves and our fellow members.

We are particularly proud to announce that Solupak will continue our We Are Wakefield Ambassadorship into 2024. As a united team, we recognise the value of sustaining and expanding our involvement in WAW. We eagerly anticipate participating in the many outstanding events that lie ahead, strengthening our connections and contributing to the thriving local business ecosystem.”

Helen McDonald, General Manager

 

Read more about the 2024 WAW Ambassadors here:

We Are Wakefield · Representing diverse sectors around Wakefield and Five Towns

 

A huge thank you to Solupak for their continued dedication to community, collaboration, and excellence.

 

Foresight is one of the UK’s most active regional investors, and their three funds dedicated to the North of England, are actively seeking SMEs to support.  They invest across all sectors and transaction types with investments of up to £10 million.  They have 11 offices across the UK and Ireland with a local office in Leeds. They can fund management buy outs, management buy-ins, provide growth capital and equity release.  If you would like to learn more about how they support growth companies, they’d love to hear from you.

Meet Tavia Sparks, Senior Investment Manager at your next We Are Wakefield event!

 

For more information or to arrange a meeting, contact Tavia at Tsparks@Foresightgroup.eu

 

 

 

 

 

As the festive season approaches, we wanted to take a moment to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Your support and involvement have made 2023 truly special, and we’re grateful for each and every one of you.

 

Reflecting on a year of collaborations and growth, we’re excited for the opportunities that 2024 holds. Let’s continue this journey together, making strides and achieving success as a community.

 

🎉 Book your spots for our exciting events in 2024:

We Are Wakefield · Representing diverse sectors around Wakefield and Five Towns

 

 

Your participation adds vibrancy to our community, and we can’t wait to see you there!

 

🗓️ Important Dates:

– 📅 Closing for Christmas: 22 December 2023

– 📆 Reopening:  3 January 2024

 

📰 Mark your calendars for our first newsletter of 2024:

8 January 2024 (Submission Deadline: 5 January 2024). Share your updates, achievements, news and any collaborations to be featured in our community spotlight!

Send your submissions to: newsletter@wearewakefield.org.uk

 

Thank you for being an integral part of the We Are Wakefield family. Here’s to a prosperous New Year filled with joy, success, and exciting new opportunities!

 

Warm regards,

Claire, Rachael & Gillian

The We Are Wakefield Team

Pontefract 7 December 2023

Despite the dark, cold, and drizzly weather, the spirit of community and volunteering prevailed as members of We Are Wakefield, representing 12 different businesses, gathered at the Prince of Wales Hospice in Pontefract. The volunteer day aimed to prepare the hospice for its upcoming Light Up a Life event this weekend.

Representatives from businesses including JS Recruitment, Solupak, Ridley & Hall Solicitors, Blossom Training & Development, Mint HR, Crest Commercial Finance, The Wellness Mentor, Hickory’s Smokehouse, Thornton Jones Solicitors, Pink Dragonfly Consulting, and Yorkshire Sculpture Park worked collaboratively on various tasks. These included leaf clearing, marquee building, sign writing, and lighting the garden.

The atmosphere throughout the day was uplifting, and teamwork shone through despite the challenging weather conditions. The volunteers demonstrated their dedication to supporting the hospice’s preparations for the Light Up a Life event, showcasing the strong sense of community in Wakefield.

About Light Up A Life:
Light Up a Life is a poignant event held during the Christmas season, providing an opportunity for families and friends to remember and honour loved ones who are no longer with us. The event at the Prince of Wales Hospice aims to create a meaningful and comforting space for reflection and remembrance.

Donations of all sizes play a crucial role in making a significant difference to patients and their families. Contributors will receive special acknowledgments based on their donation levels:

– Gifts between £5 and £29 qualify for a pin badge.
– Gifts between £30 and £59 qualify for a snowflake tree ornament.
– Gifts between £60 and £99 qualify for a tea light ornament.
– Gifts of £100 or more qualify for a named star in the night sky.

Additionally, donors will receive a personal Light Up a Life card bearing the name(s) of their loved one(s). The tea light ornament will be prominently displayed at the Hospice and available for collection after the Hospice service of remembrance.

The community’s support, as exemplified by the We Are Wakefield volunteers, contributes to creating a warm and comforting atmosphere during the Light Up a Life event, fostering a sense of connection and shared remembrance during the holiday season. For more information contact Adrian Greenwood: agreenwood@pwh.org.uk

The Prince of Wales Hospice – UK Charity Fundraising & Palliative Care (pwh.org.uk)

Celebrating the Power of Community and Giving Back!

We are thrilled to share the incredible success of the collaboration between We Are Wakefield and MY Hospitals Charity’s Christmas Bauble Appeal. Our amazing community joined forces to make a difference this festive season, and the results have been nothing short of heartwarming.

Together, we rallied to support the Christmas Bauble Appeal by purchasing branded Christmas baubles that adorned the magnificent tree in the foyer of Pinderfields Hospital. The spirit of giving was truly alive as businesses and individuals alike came together to make a positive impact.

I’m delighted to announce that, thanks to our collective efforts, we have raised over £1000 to support the MRI Suite Appeal. This generous contribution will undoubtedly make a significant difference in the lives of those in need across the Wakefield District.

This success story is a testament to the power of community and the incredible impact we can achieve when we unite for a common cause. We Are Wakefield takes pride in being a platform that fosters connections between businesses and charitable organisations, and this initiative exemplifies the positive change that can result from such partnerships.

As we reflect on this achievement, let’s take a moment to appreciate the generosity and compassion that define our community. Together, we are making a tangible difference, and we are excited about the continued positive impact we can create in the Wakefield District.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who played a part in this initiative. Your support is a shining example of the positive change that can occur when a community comes together with a shared purpose. Let’s continue to make a difference, one act of kindness at a time!

 

DONATE HERE