Please welcome new members, The Swan & Cygnet on Denby Dale Road, Wakefield.

Rick and the team would like to welcome all We Are Wakefield members by offering a 20% discount on main meals on the regular menu*.

Their festive menu is now available to book for your Christmas parties and team celebrations:

£21.99 for 3 courses or £18.99 for 2 courses.

They are also hosting the next WAW Quiz Night on 23rd January – more details here:

2024/01/23 – We Are Wakefield Burger Night Quiz · Representing diverse sectors around Wakefield and Five Towns

 

           

 

Follow The Swan & Cygnet on Facebook for offers and events

 

* to claim your 20% WAW member discount show a business card or proof of email address on ordering.

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrating Growth and Collaboration: We Are Wakefield Ambassador Dinner

 

We recently hosted the We Are Wakefield Ambassador Dinner, a gathering that served as a heartfelt thank-you to the eight existing Ambassadors for their unwavering support and investment in the organisation. This event also marked an exciting milestone as we proudly welcomed two new esteemed Ambassadors into our fold for 2024: Nostell Estate and Vision IFAs. We Are Wakefield Chair, Sir Rodney Walker, and the Managing Director, Claire Sutherley DL, expressed their gratitude to the Ambassadors for their invaluable contributions. The event was held at Create Cafe with Head Chef, Shaun Mounsey, serving a beautiful menu to our esteemed guests.

 

A Closer Look at Our Ambassadors:

 

We Are Wakefield takes strength from the support of our dedicated Ambassadors. These forward-thinking organisations have demonstrated their commitment to the Wakefield District through their partnership with us. Our existing Ambassadors include:

 

1. Elis
2. Juice Personnel
3. Solupak
4. OE Electrics
5. Thornton Jones Solicitors
6. Prosper Wakefield District
7. RV2 Power Ltd
8. Quest Waste Management

 

Each of these companies and organisations has played a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and development within the Wakefield District.

 

New Additions to Our Ambassadors:

 

We are thrilled to welcome Nostell Estate and Vision IFAs to the We Are Wakefield family. Their expertise and dedication to the local community will undoubtedly amplify our collective impact in the region.

 

1. Nostell Estate: With a rich heritage and a dedication to building a supportive business community of their own through high end office space within the grounds of Nostell Priory, they bring a unique perspective to our mission. Estate Director, Peter Molyneux also serves on the We Are Wakefield Board as Treasurer.

 

2. Vision IFAs: As a financial advisory firm deeply rooted in Wakefield, Vision IFAs will undoubtedly bring invaluable insights and support to our endeavours.

 

The Impact of Ambassador Support:

 

The generosity and commitment of our Ambassadors have enabled We Are Wakefield to provide support to over 200 member businesses, a wide range of organisations in the VCSE sector, cultural entities, local authority, and educational institutions. This network encourages collaboration across the Wakefield District, fortifying the local economy and creating a thriving environment for businesses and communities alike.

 

Key Moments from the Evening:

 

The Ambassador Dinner was an evening of celebration and reflection, where like-minded individuals and organisations came together to commemorate our collective achievements. WAW Chair, Sir Rodney Walker and Managing Director, Claire Sutherley DL took the stage to express their heartfelt thanks to the Ambassadors for their significant contributions.

Claire Sutherley expressed her thanks, “As we reflect on the impact we have made, it becomes clear that it transcends mere statistics. It touches the very essence of our community, influencing not only business growth but also nurturing the vital VSCE sector. Moreover, the peer support system we have cultivated has become a cornerstone of well-being for each and every member.

Your involvement has transcended mere professional connections; it has blossomed into friendships that I hold very dear.”

 

 

Looking Ahead:

 

As We Are Wakefield continues to grow, we anticipate even greater opportunities for collaboration and community impact. With the support of our Ambassadors, we are confident in our ability to drive positive change in the Wakefield District.

 

In conclusion, the We Are Wakefield Ambassador Dinner was a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision. With existing Ambassadors by our side and new ones joining the ranks, we are poised for even greater accomplishments in the future. Together, we are strengthening the local economy and creating a vibrant, prosperous Wakefield District for all.

Photography: Kraft Photography Services

Venue, food and service: Create Cafe

Table styling: Meraki Floral Styling, Nostell Estate, Wakefield 

 

In Episode 7 we are joined by Louise Turner, Founder of Wordsmiths Unlimited & Awards Writers, Co-Founder of the Wakefield Business Awards and Multi-Award winning presenter and journalist, Christine Talbot.

We talk everything business awards from writing a successful entry to how to keep the attention of the room at the event itself. 

Conversation leads to why Wakefield should be celebrated, how a familiar TV face gave comfort through COVID and how to find that Midlife Magic.  

Hear Louise and Christine’s “Top Tip for 23” and get to know a little bit more about these two inspirational women. 

Meet Helen Byram, health and safety consultant and founder of Buzz Safety Consultants Ltd.  Buzz Safety Consultants is a health and safety consultancy with a real zest for working with environmental and outdoor businesses and charities, ethical businesses, local SMEs and any organisation wanting to work towards becoming a more sustainable businesses.

 

Helen is keen to help businesses to understand that health and safety is a key element of a sustainable business. Health and safety management is not just about legal compliance; if implemented with a genuine desire to improve health and safety practices and led with honesty and integrity from the top; health and safety can play a leading role in the sustainability and profitability of an organisation. Positive health and safety management can help to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees, reduce business costs, increase retention rates, improve reputation and attract investors and customers, reduce downtime, improve relations between management and employees, reduce the potential for accidents and the associated costs, reduce the potential for enforcements by regulators –  the reasons go on and on!

 

Helen is a chartered health and safety professional and have worked in the field of health and safety for over 23 years. She has a very broad background, working with social services, schools and educational establishments, charities, the Canal and Rivers Trust, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, environmental and ecological consultancies and local authorities.  Her values and that of the business are Authenticity, Meaningful Work, Honesty, Community and Family and she tries to incorporate these values into all of the activities both personally and in the business. Helen would be more than happy to chat with any organisation that would like to discuss the health and safety arrangements of their business and is very much looking forward to meeting other businesses and developing positive and mutually beneficial relationships to help everyone to flourish.

 

 

In Episode 5 we are joined by Peter Molyneux, Estate Director at Nostell Estate and Tony Simmonds, Director at RV2 Power.

We talk about career pathways, art collections and Glastonbury, passion projects including The Great Yorkshire show and winning and judging the Wakefield Business Awards.  We cover negative networking and the power of community.

Conversation leads to mental health and dog walking and some wonderful “Top Tips for 23”.

A wonderful conversation from two of our fantastic WAW members. 

Simul Digital: Empowering Digital Solutions for a Thriving Wakefield

 

Amanda, the Operations Director is excited to represent Simul Digital as a member of the esteemed We Are Wakefield Networking Group. With a history of building long-term business relationships and delivering exceptional customer service, Amanda has immersed herself in the dynamic world of digital solutions. With her expertise in strategic planning, business development, and creative problem-solving, she has positioned herself as an invaluable asset in the realm of digital transformation.

 

Simul Digital is a forward-thinking digital agency that thrives on pushing boundaries and transforming ideas into reality. With a team of talented professionals, Simul Digital offers a comprehensive range of services to businesses of all sizes. Offering web design, development and innovative real visual solutions they deliver e-commerce growth through internal system integration driving both efficiency and profitability for their clients, all of which is supported by detailed digital marketing strategies.  Simul Digital is committed to delivering tailor-made solutions that enable businesses to thrive in the digital landscape.

 

Simul Digital are more than just a digital agency they are a team of passionate individuals driven by the desire to empower businesses through cutting-edge technology. They believe in fostering long-term partnerships with clients, understanding their unique goals, and providing personalised solutions to help them succeed in the digital age.

 

Simul Digital is delighted to be welcomed as a member of We Are Wakefield Networking Group. This vibrant community brings together like-minded professionals who are passionate about promoting the growth and prosperity of Wakefield. We look forward to forging valuable connections, sharing our expertise, and collaborating with fellow members to collectively contribute to the development of the region’s digital landscape.

 

Tileyard North – Proud Supporter Members of We Are Wakefield

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.

They pride themselves 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, the 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.

Tileyard North is the exciting new venue for The Wakefield Business Awards in November and brings Peddler Market to Wakefield this weekend: 18/19th August.  Click here for more information:

Peddler Market to Launch at Tileyard North – Tileyard North

 

Pictured L to R: Katie Hopkins, Head of Community & Marketing – connect HERE & Kerry Astin, Event Manager – connect HERE

 

Launched in Wakefield in January 2023, The Virtual IT Director is Chris Lord’s dedicated and passionate initiative stemming from 20 years in the IT sector. With an accounting background and nearly a decade of directorial experience, Chris has a unique perspective that bridges both technology and business acumen. Its goal is simple: to change how businesses and charities use and benefit from technology. Even though the venture is new, Chris’s commitment to enhancing IT operations for various organisations is already making a difference.

 

As the driving force behind The Virtual IT Director, Chris helps businesses and charities reduce their IT costs. In today’s world, where online threats are everywhere, Chris serves as a protective guide, helping organisations grow and use technology safely and effectively. From giving valuable advice, managing projects with different vendors, to comparing quotes without bias, Chris strives to be a trusted partner in the complex world of technology.

 

A key feature of The Virtual IT Director is its focus on honesty. Chris doesn’t sell hardware, software, or any IT products. This ensures that every piece of advice Chris gives is based only on what’s best for his clients. He offers his time and expertise, showing his commitment to giving a clear and unbiased view on all tech-related matters. While he doesn’t provide IT support, Chris’s main goal remains; preparing organisations to thrive in the tech world.

 

Customer service is at the heart of The Virtual IT Director. Chris knows that in the tech world, trust is everything. Every conversation, every piece of advice, is given with honesty and a genuine desire to see his clients succeed.

 

Joining We Are Wakefield, Chris is excited to work with others, share knowledge, and add to the growth and success of Wakefield’s business community. The journey for The Virtual IT Director has just started, but the goal is clear – to be the go-to tech advisor for businesses and charities navigating the world of IT.

 

Connect with Chris HERE