Studio J Architects Awarded

Best of Houzz for fifth year in a row

The annual award highlights home renovation and design professionals with top ratings and most popular designs amongst the global Houzz community

For the fifth year in a row, Studio J Architects has won a “Best of Houzz” award for Customer Service on Houzz®, the leading platform for home renovation and design. The Wakefield based architecture firm was chosen by the millions of homeowners that comprise the Houzz community, from amongst more than 3 million active home building, renovation and design industry professionals.

Best of Houzz awards are given annually and the awards honour professionals whose work was the most popular amongst the Houzz community. They are a sign of the recipient’s commitment to excellence.

“The Best of Houzz awards serve as a symbol of trust and validation amongst homeowners seeking top-notch professionals,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz. “This year’s winners represent some of the most talented and customer-focused professionals in our industry and we are extremely pleased to give them this recognition”

You can see more of Studio J Architects work on their website: www.studio-j.co.uk

If you have a project you would like to discuss, contact the team via email at [email protected] or by phone on 0113 2449905.

Hako Machines Ltd

Hako Machines Ltd is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and service providers of superior cleaning technology, supplying the finest equipment for industrial and commercial cleaning.

With an extensive range of scrubber driers and sweepers, from small autonomous cleaners to large road sweepers, Hako works with a multitude of sectors to ensure a high-performance total cleaning solution.

From its dedicated Training Centre in Wakefield, Hako offers bespoke training packages for operatives as well as extensive courses for its in-house team that work across the UK.

With a national network of trained engineers who provide outstanding service and maintenance support, its customer support team is split between its Northamptonshire HQ and the Yorkshire office.

Hako is committed to minimalising its impact on the environment and putting practices into place to protect the environment in the future. Part of this commitment is to is reduce its carbon emissions and become a ‘net zero’ company. Net zero will be achieved by carbon offsetting to quickly reduce the company’s impact on the environment.

The company was recently awarded ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, internationally recognised standards in environmental management systems and occupational health and safety.

Sylvie Giangolini

FSB – Federation of Small Businesses

As experts in business, we offer our members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice heard in government. Our mission is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions.

Established 50 years ago to help our members succeed in business, we are a non-profit making and non-party political organisation that’s led by our members, for our members.

Members receive an exclusive package of great value business services including advice, financial products and support. The benefits include protection in the case of tax inspection, legal and HR advice, as well as local networking groups and business banking.

We don’t only provide fantastic membership benefits – FSB is also the UK’s leading business campaigner, focused on delivering change which supports smaller businesses to grow and succeed. Our policy and advocacy team in Westminster focuses on UK and English policy issues. Further to this, our expert teams in Glasgow, Cardiff and Belfast work with governments, elected members and decision-makers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.https://www.fsb.org.uk/

Barney Mynott

Arminder Purewal

Eat IT Drink IT is a one-stop-shop solution catering for all aspect of IT within hospitality. From independent bars and restaurants to multi-national hotel chains, Eat IT Drink IT brings together all the tech to ensure your business succeeds. Initial consultation, installation, configuration, and on-going 24/7 365 days of the year tech support, all under one roof delivered by a UK based talented team. Let Eat IT Drink IT support your IT systems and allow your staff to look after your guests. Whether you need EPOS, Wi-Fi, broadband, card machines, staff planning software, guests Wi-Fi hotspot or all the above, look no further. Eat IT Drink IT bring the right solutions together to meet your requirements and exceed your expectations. They offer all new customers a free, no obligation, on site survey with a senior engineer to scope out the options for you.

Charlotte specialises in providing professional support to businesses and individuals, offering a wide range of administrative, organisational, and communication services. She can help you streamline your workload, increase efficiency, and reclaim valuable time. Partner with Charlotte for personalised solutions tailored to your unique needs.

Podmatic is an innovative audio-visual podcast production company located in Horbury, Wakefield. We specialise in producing high-quality, multi-purpose content specifically designed for small to medium-sized businesses. Our mission is to make professional podcast production accessible and effective, enabling businesses to connect with their audience through engaging audio-visual content. Our state-of-the-art studio is equipped with the latest technology, offering services that include audio recording, video podcast production, and voiceover work. We go beyond just production; we also manage the distribution of content across all major platforms, ensuring that our clients’ messages reach their target audience.

Podmatic’s approach is both innovative and client-centric. We offer an all-inclusive pricing model that provides transparency and value, helping businesses plan their marketing budgets with ease. Additionally, we understand the demands on our clients’ time, which is why we offer flexible recording slots, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate their busy schedules. Our commitment to quality and convenience has quickly established Podmatic as a trusted partner in the West Yorkshire region. We have formed strategic partnerships with prominent local organisations, such as the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and We Are Wakefield, which have been instrumental in expanding our reach.

“The past year has been transformative for Podmatic. Our involvement in the local business community has not only elevated our profile but also reinforced our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our clients,” says Isaac Soko, Managing Director. At Podmatic, we are more than just a production studio; we are your partner in creating content that truly resonates.

Isaac Soko

At We Are Wakefield (WAW), we believe in community, collaboration, and making a positive impact. So, when the opportunity arose to roll up our sleeves and support The Prince of Wales Hospice in Pontefract, our members jumped at the chance.

On a sunny Thursday morning, armed with enthusiasm and a can-do spirit, our WAW crew—comprising of fantastic individuals from local businesses—descended upon the hospice grounds. Let me introduce you to our dynamic squad:

1. Karen, David, Kyle, and Grace from Handelsbanken Wakefield: These financial wizards brought their banking prowess and a willingness to tackle any task. David, the Sweeping Maestro, armed with a sweeping brush, David kept our paths clear and our spirits high.
2. Rowana from Nosh Rocks: Our no-carbs expert, Rowana, was ready to whip up some magic—though this time, it was garden magic!
3. Jez from Pennine Recruitment: Jez, our recruitment guru, proved that he’s not just about finding the right people for jobs; he’s also a pro at jet washing.
4. Louise from The Northern Badge Company: Louise, with her eye for detail, ensured that no nook or cranny escaped our cleaning frenzy.
5. Jodie from Affordable Accountancy Solutions (aka Jet Wash Jodie): Jodie lived up to her nickname, wielding the jet wash like a superhero.

And of course, our hosts, Colin and Adrian from The Prince of Wales Hospice, guided us through the day.

Our Mission: Dismantle, Clean, and Transform

Our tasks were as diverse as our team. First, we tackled a large marquee, dismantling it with precision. Then came the heavy floor panels—cue Jez’s jet wash magic. The gardens received some much-needed TLC, and the walkways sparkled after Jodie’s path-cleaning prowess.

By the end of the day, we were a mix of sweat, laughter, and camaraderie. Poor Jez might have been drenched, but his smile never wavered. David’s sweeping skills were unmatched, and everyone got to know each other beyond business cards and LinkedIn profiles.

Networking with Heart

As we worked side by side, we realized that networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards—it’s about building connections, sharing stories, and supporting one another. And all this while contributing to an incredible cause.

The Prince of Wales Hospice provides vital care to those facing life-limiting illnesses. As a charity, they rely on community support. Our efforts today—whether moving marquee panels or scrubbing garden paths—directly contributed to their mission.

At WAW, we’re passionate about collaboration, and this volunteering day embodied that spirit. We left tired but fulfilled, knowing that our teamwork had made a difference.

So, here’s to more days of rolling up our sleeves, networking with heart, and supporting amazing charities. That’s what We Are Wakefield is all about.

Pierrepont is a firm of Chartered Management Accountants based in Wakefield & Holmfirth.

Operating over the last twelve years Pierrepont has a wealth of experience  working with and supporting the owners of SME’s providing the following:-

• Bookkeeping & payroll services
• Interim management & year end accounts
• Advisory including tax planning, business start-ups & exit strategies
• Wealth management

The Pierrepont team of nine are friendly and professional, with a very high client retention rate. As a client, we are always right by your side, giving you the service that you never thought you could afford.  Solutions and services provided are client specific.

For example, bookkeeping is £21.50 per hour, payroll & pension  administration for a team of four is £8 (weekly paid) £15.75 (monthly paid). Typically, year end accounts + tax return  £150 (sole trader), £495 (Ltd co. All costs are + VAT.

Wherever possible Pierrepont will work with the latest digital solutions incl. Xero, Quickbooks & Sage, to provide our clients with timely information that is cost effective, relevant & meaningful

Contact Pierrepont:

support@pierrepont. Accountants / www.pierrepont.accountants /  01924 950988

Jonathan Hill

Second Chance is a registered Charity that provides specialist support for people with brain injury and deliver help and advice to their families and friends.

We offer therapy-led day centres in the heart of Wakefield and support work in the community across West Yorkshire providing effective rehabilitation services delivered by dedicated, professional and compassionate staff.

Our Patrons are Mr Neil Fox MBE, Ms Gaynor Barnes, Mr John Godber OBE. Please considering helping us to continue to support people with brain injuries and their families. https://gofund.me/f2f56d97

Nathan Garbutt-Moore

Our registered Charity No is 1121645.