The Wakefield Grammar School Foundation numbers amongst the country’s leading families of independent day schools.  There are three schools within the Foundation: Wakefield Grammar Pre-Preparatory School, Wakefield Girls’ High School and Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (for boys) which educate over 1700 students,aged 3 to 18.  An education at each is different in many ways but united by a guiding ethos, The Wakefield Way.  The Wakefield Way is to provide an education in a supportive, engaging and inclusive environment that inspires individuals to develop their abilities, strengthen their character and fulfil their potential. The Foundation schools are recognised as the top performing schools in Wakefield by The Good Schools Guide and rank within the top 10 northern independent schools by The Times.  The schools operate on a campus which includes a mix of historic and modern buildings and extensive sports fields situated in Wakefield, ideally located to the M1 and train station.

What do Elis do? Read here👇

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

We Are Wakefield would like to introduce Alex Roebuck and Nick Rushworth of Quest Waste Management who have chosen to be one of our Ambassadors.

With a head office located in Ossett, Quest 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.

They 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 them to demonstrate their 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 their Head office. They pride themselves in their core values and always look to employ local operatives that are based around their sites and look to offer their support to the local community.

Collaboration, teamwork, communication, listening, and competitive dialogue are embedded in their business model and underpin performance, from their highly skilled operatives on the ground through their 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.

We Are Wakefield are excited to announce that Ali Carruthers-Illingworth of  Purple Pebble People has become a SUPPORTER LEVEL member.  Read about Purple Pebble People and what they do below.

“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 [email protected] or take a look at their website www.purplepebblepeople.co.uk

 

Meet Andy, Director/Owner of Surefire Eco Ltd who are specialists in intelligent low carbon renewable energy systems, being Air Source Heat Pumps, Underfloor heating, Solar PV and Batteries.

What sets Surefire Eco apart is their ability to offer a consultative approach to a full turnkey renewables offering for your next construction project, from inception, through design, implementation and commissioning – a full cradle to grave offering.

Surefire Eco can also provide project management services as a standalone product if you have a project which just needs managing by a very experienced, in house, project manager.

They are also traditional heating engineers and can, and do, provide you with a good old gas boiler on the wall in your home. They don’t lose sight of their roots!

 

Robin Harris is the founder and Managing Director of Velway Limited. Robin established Velway Limited in January 2019 after leaving his role as National Head of Operations for a large Facilities Management company. Robin wanted to build a company that would represent his core values and working ethos.

Robin was joined by his friend and facilities management professional, Matthew Wilson CIWFM, and since it was started Velway Limited has shown year on year growth.

Velway Limited is a national property and facilities management company providing management of around 1,000 properties across all sectors throughout the UK.

These properties include a 300,000sqft city centre office development, a software campus, multi-tenanted office blocks, residential developments, retail parks, high street restaurants, pubs and bars, and care facilities.

Velway manage all reactive, planned and compliance works, whilst also providing soft services such as landscaping, cleaning and security.

In 2023 Velway Limited expanded it’s offering with the establishment of Velway Project and Maintenance, this has become Velway’s self-delivery arm of the business and is completing both project and reactive works across the country.

Based within Nostell Priory Business park, Velway’s office stretches across 2 double units which house their 24 / 7 Helpdesk, senior management team, facilities managers, project managers, administration and accounts, whilst also having it’s own designated meeting room. Other facilities managers and engineers are based throughout the UK.

Anyone interested in learning more about Velway, are always welcome to visit their office – their kettle is constantly on!

More information can be found at the company websites – www.velway.co.uk and www.velwaypm.co.uk

 

Based at Calder Business Park, Durkar, Wakefield Palm Financial Services LTD are Award Winning Independent Financial Advisers that specialise in Mortgages, Commercial Finance, Protection, Investments and Pensions.

Palm Financial was founded by Yasir Al-Din and over the last 15 years has developed a reputation throughout the UK as having a wealth of over knowledge and expertise in the financial sector.

Within the last few Years Yasir and Palm Financial have won and become finalists in a number of awards including Yorkshire Financial Awards Mortgage Broker of the Year 2021, PFS Mortgage & Protection Advice Specialist 2022/23 and Mortgage Awards Finalist in Specialist Mortgage Broker 2024.

Initially specialising in residential mortgages and protection the business has naturally developed into Commercial Finance and been able to provide advice and services to protect clients both now and plan for their financial future and security.

The company now has a specialist Mortgage and Protection Adviser Sara, Yasir who specialises in Commercial, Higher Value Mortgages, Pensions and Investments.

Palm Financial is dedicated to ensuring their clients are in the best financial position and knowledge possible whilst insuring clients have the right financial foundations in place for their families future.

#wakefield #collaboration #wakefield businesses

Wakefield Pride is committed to promoting equality and diversity, focusing on eradicating discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Through events like the annual LGBT+ festival, they raise awareness and foster positive sentiments.

This year, Wakefield Pride returns on August 11th at 10 am at Trinity Walk, celebrating🎊it’s 20th anniversary. The community stage highlights local talents, showcasing the best of Wakefield’s culture and diversity. The Parade at midday supports LGBT+ rights and recognises the work of local entities.

The Festival stage features beloved Pride favourites, alongside charity and local business stalls. With an equal emphasis on charity and business, Wakefield Pride aims to make a positive impact on the city until 8 pm.

Reflecting on Wakefield Pride’s impact, they celebrate their journey and look forward to a brighter, more inclusive future. This celebration is made possible by the dedication of volunteers and the support of partners, showcasing the essence of Wakefield. 🌈🍾

Visit the Wakefield Pride’s website to learn how you can support or get involved: Wakefield Pride – Wakefield Pride

🎉 #wakefieldpride #wakefieldbusinesses #wakefield

📸 Looking to Capture the Essence of Your Property Business? Look No Further! 🏡

Meet Mark Rowbottom, the founder of Photoneg, who is here to elevate your property marketing game. With over twenty years of dedicated experience in the property industry, Mark has fine-tuned his craft to help businesses like yours stand out in today’s competitive market.

At Photoneg, they specialise in a range of photography and videography services tailored specifically for the property sector. Whether you’re an estate agent, architect, or commercial property developer, they have you covered:

🏢 Commercial Photography: Showcase the unique features and character of your commercial properties to attract potential clients.

🚁 Drones Video & Photography: Capture stunning aerial views of your properties to provide a comprehensive perspective to your audience.

🌐 Matterport 3D Photography: Immerse your clients in a virtual tour of your properties, allowing them to explore every nook and cranny from the comfort of their own home.

🛋️ Staging and Lifestyle Photography: Highlight the lifestyle potential of your properties through expertly staged and curated photographs.

📸 PR, Events, and Press Photography: From grand openings to industry events, they ensure every moment is captured professionally and in line with your brand image.

They understand the importance of visual storytelling in today’s digital landscape, and are committed to helping you generate captivating images that resonate with your audience.

If you’re considering leveraging the power of photography to elevate your business, connect with Mark over a coffee and discuss how Photoneg can bring your vision to life.

Contact Mark at your convenience:

📞 07974135318 📧 [email protected]

Let Photoneg transform your property marketing strategy one image at a time!

#photographer #wakefield #wakefieldbusinesses

⭐ A huge welcome to Andrew and Rob of Panda IT Solutions, who have chosen to join We Are Wakefield at “Supporter Level” 😍  Panda IT Solutions are proudly serving businesses in West Yorkshire and beyond. They specialise in providing comprehensive IT services designed to optimise company operations and enhance productivity.

As a 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 company servers, PCs, and the entirety of company IT infrastructure. Their team of dedicated professionals includes nine individuals who are deeply passionate about their craft and are committed to delivering excellence in customer service. They prioritise building strong, personal relationships with their clients, ensuring that all needs are met with attentiveness and care.

With over a decade of industry experience, Panda IT Solutions stands apart from the competition by eschewing cumbersome ticketing systems in favour of immediate, personalised support. When you reach out to Panda IT, rest assured that assistance is just a phone call away.

Whether you’re a burgeoning startup or a well-established SME, their 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 response, just genuine expertise and assistance.

#wakefield #wakefield businesses #it solutions