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 

 

Claire Sutherley Appointed Deputy Lieutenant for the County of West Yorkshire

 

We Are Wakefield Ltd is delighted to announce that Claire Sutherley, the Managing Director of the company, has been appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for the County of West Yorkshire. This prestigious appointment reflects Claire’s outstanding contributions to the community, her dedication to fostering positive change, and her unwavering commitment to the betterment of West Yorkshire.

 

As the Managing Director of We Are Wakefield Ltd, Claire Sutherley has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, innovative thinking, and a strong sense of civic responsibility. Under her guidance, the organisation has not only achieved remarkable business growth but has also actively engaged in various community initiatives, demonstrating a deep-rooted passion for the welfare and progress of the district.

 

In her new role as Deputy Lieutenant, Claire will play an instrumental part in representing and promoting the County of West Yorkshire. Her ability to connect with people, drive positive change, and mobilise resources will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing the county’s social, cultural, and economic landscape.

 

“I am truly honoured to be appointed as Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire,” said Claire Sutherley. “This appointment is a testament to the collective efforts of the entire We Are Wakefield team, as well as the community that has supported us. I am committed to using this platform to further strengthen the bonds within our community and contribute to the growth and prosperity of the Wakefield District.”

Deputy Lieutenants are appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant to assist in representing the monarch and promoting the county’s interests on various occasions. Their roles include supporting visits by members of the royal family, engaging in civic and voluntary activities, and acknowledging the achievements of local individuals and organisations.

We Are Wakefield Ltd extends its heartiest congratulations to Claire Sutherley on this notable achievement. The organisation remains dedicated to continuing its mission of positive impact under her leadership.

 

 

Welcome to new WAW members, Architecture 1B.

Architecture 1B is a Wakefield based small yet knowledgeable and passionate architectural team lead by Director Darren Bailey, who boasts over 30 years experience in the industry having worked for some of the North’s largest and respected architectural practices. As a practice we aspire to create high quality architecture and buildings that are enjoyed, approaching every project big or small with an appropriate level of design to make a positive contribution to the built environment in which we live, while satisfying the requirements of the client.

 

The team are proud to have developed an impressive reputation both locally and throughout the UK, having worked with a diverse range of clients from community groups and individuals to property developers and corporate companies, delivering projects of varying scale and sectors. From domestic extensions and large bespoke new build houses, through to large commercial, educational, or leisure buildings, we apply a design led approach based on a bespoke tailored response to any brief.

 

The practice enjoys great existing relationships, fostered over many years, with local Planning and Building Control Authorities, Approved Inspectors, and many local construction companies, along with various consultants and trades people. As such, we have the ability and experience to deal with projects in all design stages and successfully navigate the planning, building regulations, and construction processes.

 

Architecture 1B, celebrates its 10^th year in the industry in 2023, with the practice becoming one of the first residence of the newly opened Tileyard North community, and are delighted to continue to have work recognised through winning regional design and conservation awards, and having been nominated for many more.

 

Pictured: Darren Baily & Mark Smith

 

Connect with Darren here: (14) Darren Bailey | LinkedIn

architecture 1B

We’re delighted to announce that The Wakefield Business Awards has achieved Outstanding: “Ethical Awards Scheme Accredited”.

You can have absolute confidence that The Wakefield Business Awards has a robust and fair entry and judging process and that our event is planned ethically and professionally.

In order to achieve the highest standard of awards accreditation, The Awards Trust Mark – Outstanding, an award scheme must have already launched and Orth November.un for a year, as well as met the criteria for both the Standard Awards Trust Mark and Awards Trust Mark – Advanced :

Awards Trust Mark – “Accredited Awards Scheme”

1. Awards should be open to all within the specified region and sectors stated on the website, with no unwritten filtering (e.g. it is okay to be restricted to clients or association members – but only if clearly stated. Any filtering of applicants by brand name, company size, perceived reputation etc. is not allowed).
2. Judging must be strictly in accordance with the process stated on the website for both the shortlisting stage, and the final selection of a winner.
3. All judges must be independent and not employed by companies that have a commercial interest in table sales, advertising etc. or a conflict of interest with the nominees. If a judge is employed by the awards organiser or sponsor then there has to be a very clear rationale for this (e.g. they are an industry expert).
4. No compulsion that finalists must attend the presentation event.
5. The whole programme should be well organised, with full availability of dates, rules and other important information.
6. Not charging for use of logos or promotion of a win.
7. Providing winners with quotes for press releases for free whenever they ask.
8. Winners being publicly declared (website etc.) within 7 days of any awards event.
9. Fee transparency – all fees and costs declared on the website. Including entry fee, event attendance fees, any membership fees, and optional costs like duplicate trophies (if applicable).
10. Clear website in terms of dates and processes – e.g. having the deadline date clearly visible on the homepage (a date not just a countdown timer), and rules/ eligibility/ how to enter pages are all easy to find.
11. Allowing entry forms to be viewable prior to having to pay an entry fee to gain access.
12. A contact email and phone number is provided on the website for those wishing to enter the awards to ask questions, with responses within 24 hours.

Awards Trust Mark – Advanced: “Ethical Awards Scheme Accredited”

13. Giving feedback to entrants on why they did not win, when asked.
14. Non-disclosure agreements signed by judges (digital acceptance is acceptable if legally binding).
15. Clear scoring systems used by all judges, that remove bias and inconsistency.
16. All decisions on shortlisting and winning to be made by at least two independent judges.

Awards Trust Mark – Outstanding: “Ethical Awards Scheme Accredited”

17. Pay to enter awards schemes, must automatically provide feedback to all entrants.
    Free to enter awards schemes, must offer feedback to all entrants. Automatic feedback is not compulsory, unless requested by the entrant.
18. Some form of training given to judges. This can be a briefing pack, webinar, pre-judging briefing. But judges cannot undertake judging without some form of thorough briefing.

 

We’re extremely proud of the Wakefield Business Awards and look forward to celebrating the very best in Wakefield District businesses at Tileyard North on 9th November.

 

ENTRIES CLOSE 28TH JULY – FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE:

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

 

 

In Episode 5 we are joined by Adrian Spawforth, Managing Director of Spawforths and Mark Lynam, Corporate Director for Regeneration and  Economic Growth at Wakefield Council. 

We talk about the past, present and future of the Wakefield District and how the two organisations plan how we work, live and play.  What can we expect to see happen in the near future and how did this all come about? A great conversation with two very influential people within our District. 

WAW members, Wakefield Trinity, secured a much-needed victory over Salford Red Devils on Friday evening whilst being cheered on by our name badge draw winners from the First Friday event back in May.

 

Thanks to Wakefield Trinity Community Foundation for hosting our winners for an evening of good fun and great chat. Always promoting collaboration, it was great to hear everyone learning about each other and connections being made that will certainly go beyond the evening’s conversations.

On the pitch, Wakefield Trinity put in a fantastic performance to secure a 32-6 win which will no doubt give them the confidence boost they need at this point in the season.

The WAW winners were:

Gayle Summers – Nostell Estate

Phil Hodgson – The Yorkshire Broker

Andy Turner – First Choice Recruitment

Andy Stokes – Surefire Eco Ltd

James McManus – McManus Consulting

Callum Pollard – Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Teaching Trust

Benjamin Anderson – HOY Education Wakefield College

Clare Thorton – Thornton Jones Solictitors & WAW Vice Chair

Rachael Murphy & Claire Sutherley – We Are Wakefield

A huge thank you to Verity, Mark, Will and the Wakefield Trinity team for making the night such a great event for our WAW winners!

 

 

 

Teamwork really did make the dream work as an army of We Are Wakefield members volunteered for the day at The Prince of Wales Hospice in Pontefract.

Sanding, painting, clearing, building, sweeping, jet-washing, counting the stock – they got through a mountain of jobs to get the hospice gardens ready for their Summer Fair which takes place on Sunday 2 July.

Representatives from 14 member businesses joined forces for a day of real collaboration.  Lots of work got done, everyone had a great day.  New friendships were formed as always during a We Are Wakefield event and did anyone even realise they were networking?!

The weather was kind and everyone went home tired and dirty but with a real sense of achievement and pride!

The photo’s say it all – if Carlsberg did team work they’d re-brand as WAW!!

 

Businesses represented today by the following volunteers:

Eddie Atkins – National Compliance Solutions

Laura Bairstow – The Mortgage Master

Anthony Brook – Challenging Leaders

Rebecca Davidson – Parsons Accountants

Jessica Day – Dutton FM

Adam Fletcher – Ridley & Hall Solicitors

Madeleine France – Blossom Training & Development

Chris Gallacher – Solupak Ltd

Karen Horner – Handelsbanken Wakefield

Tracey Mearns – Good Fundraising

Kelly Smith – Juice Personnel

Samantha Stones – WF Web Design

Jodie Lawton – Affordable accountancy Solutions/ The Will Way

Ben Tordoff – National Compliance Solutions

Ninoska Torres – Dutton FM

Rachael Murphy & Claire Sutherley – We Are Wakefield

Meet WAW member, Helen Smith – Sales & Business Consultant – Coach, Mentor & Sales Trainer

 

Professional Resources Consultancy (PRC) was founded on Helen’s core value;

The sharing of experience, enabling people to be the best version of themselves and to fly!

An experienced Sales and BD professional with long-term Director level experience. Helen began in Retail and built a successful career in the sales & training arena encompassing FMCG, and over 25 years in Facilities Management (FM) working with well-known names UK wide.

An ILM Qualified Coach and Mentor Helen has extensive knowledge that is shared to empower others to develop and grow both as individuals and businesses. She does this through consultation, coaching, and the design and delivery of bespoke training and mentoring programmes for individual learning and development that is meaningful and focused to achieve objectives.

Helen is passionate about her business and works with huge enthusiasm and boundless energy engendering trust, building confidence, and inspiring motivation in working environments. She has an outstanding reputation for creating strong working relationships with clients, delegates, and associates, embracing her strong purpose to enable people. She adds value and focus for people and business alike, and is involved in supporting charities, mental health and wellbeing initiatives.

As a specialist consultant within Facilities Management strategies for growth include bid management, tender support, people productivity and efficiencies all focused on achieving a higher return on investment.

She supports and enables teams and encourages organisations to recognise and nurture the value of their people.

Achieving Customer Service Excellence is a specialism within her training workshops; maintaining a constant focus on our customers’ experience is one of the most powerful forms of investment!

Memberships & specialisms
ILM Accredited Coach & Mentor

• NLP Practitioner & Hypnotherapist
• Fellow Member of the Institute of Sales Management
• ISM accredited Training Partner & Business Mentor
• A proactive member of the Association of Business Mentors
• Sales and Customer Engagement Specialist
• A specialist in Facilities Management, in particular cleaning
• Member of The British Institute of Cleaning Science

Please make sure you say hello to Helen at the WAW events or connect on LinkedIn HERE

 

We are joined by Jonny Parkinson, General Manager of Elis, and David Masters, Group Chair of OE Electrics.  We hear about their individual journeys: using gates as goal posts and why education doesn’t have to happen in your teens. 

We talk about why both these large businesses stay in Wakefield, aspirations for the future and the sustainability legacy we’re leaving behind for future generations.

Anna is the founder of Pink Dragonfly Consulting – a Coaching, Mentoring & Business Planning service that specialises in working with female leaders and business owners to reclaim their power and realise their career dreams.

Helping women transform their lives and businesses since 2012, Anna uses her 20+ years experience of working at executive and strategic levels, to help others understand their businesses and work towards their own dreams, at their own pace and in their own way.

As a highly experienced business coach, mentor and qualified neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) practitioner, she’s passionate about enabling entrepreneurs (particularly women) to build and grow profitable, happy businesses, through banishing overwhelm and procrastination.

Using a range of proven business strategies and methodologies, together with mindset and coaching tools, Anna is on a mission to empower creative business leaders to liberate their power and grow a thriving business, whilst choosing to live life on their terms.

By focusing on restoring the right balance of a positive and healthy mindset along with some basic business fundamentals, Anna will meet you wherever you’re at in your unique business journey and support you with key strategies, techniques and structures, helping you to gain clarity, power up your confidence and focus on taking action to fall back in love with your business goals to grow a thriving business on your terms.

The right balance of strategy and mindset is the key to achieving your dreams.

If you want to understand more about how coaching, mentoring or business planning can help you in your own journey, then please contact Anna through Linkedin https://bit.ly/AMHLinkedin or come and find her at the next WAW event!