⭐ 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

In Episode 9, we are joined by Simon Banks, facilitator of The Alternative Board (TAB) Wakefield District and Nick Johnston-Davis co-founder of Instoppabl.

In this powerful conversation we discuss how to achieve maximum performance in your business and personal life and how wellbeing builds the foundations of success.

Host & WAW MD Claire Sutherley explains how the support from these individuals has changed her life and credits Nick with saving her son’s life. 

Simon and Nick share their top tips for 24. 

In an inspiring collaboration aimed at fostering a culture of equality and diversity within the Wakefield District’s business community, We Are Wakefield and Wakefield First joined hands to host a groundbreaking event. The gathering, held today at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, welcomed business owners and decision-makers from various sectors, all looking to overcome obstacles and achieve their GOLD!

At the heart of today’s event was a transformative workshop led by none other than Steve Judge, acclaimed author of “GOLD” and a renowned motivational speaker. With three accolades as the Professional Speaking Associations speaker of the Year, Steve Judge brought unparalleled expertise and insight to the table.

Steve’s journey from wheelchair to world champion serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. Through his experiences, he has gleaned invaluable lessons, firmly believing that every obstacle presents an opportunity for growth and empowerment. His message resonates deeply with individuals at every level of the business sector.

The workshop, aptly titled “Overcoming Obstacles,” delved into the five winning ways to unlock the power of one’s potential and achieve personal and professional goals. Drawing from his own journey of championing equality, diversity, and inclusion, Steve provided attendees with practical tools, inspiration, and motivation to navigate their own paths toward success.

Steve’s session was not merely a theoretical discourse but a practical guide rooted in real-life experiences. Attendees left the workshop armed with actionable strategies and a newfound sense of empowerment, ready to implement positive change within their organisations.

In a world where diversity and inclusion are increasingly recognised as essential drivers of innovation and success, events like this serve as catalysts for change. By coming together to learn, share, and collaborate, the Wakefield business community reaffirmed its commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

As we reflect on the insights gained and the connections forged at today’s event, let us carry forward the spirit of empowerment and inclusivity into our workplaces and beyond. Together, we can create a brighter, more prosperous future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, irrespective of background or circumstance.

&

Elis UK and JS Recruitment have joined forces via We Are Wakefield to harness the power of collaboration.

Elis UK is an international multi-service provider offering laundry and hygiene services. Ambitious growth plans prompted a search for talented staff to join their commercial and operations teams at the production facility in Wakefield. With over 40 years’ experience, a proven track record in recruiting for these functions and an expansive network of over 40,000 local candidates, JS Recruitment made for the ideal recruitment partner.

Jonathan Parkinson – General Manager and Jilly Spiers – Managing Director, along with their respective teams, collaborated to recruit for four key roles. This involved streamlining processes, adopting new ways of working, successfully leveraging technology, and providing a first-class candidate experience.

Through close consultation, they have built a strong partnership, mutual understanding and an effective recruitment process enabling JS Recruitment to identify candidates who are an excellent match for and aligned to the values at Elis UK.

The impact of the partnership has been to attract top talent to Elis UK and mark the organisation out as an employer of choice in the region. Crucially, roles have been filled efficiently by JS Recruitment with high calibre candidates who are already adding value to the business.

Jilly Spiers said

“The team at JS Recruitment feel privileged to act as brand ambassadors for Elis UK and are proud to support them in achieving their business goals. We know that good people can transform businesses and the right jobs transform lives. We’re more driven than ever to create opportunities for our candidates, clients, fellow We Are Wakefield members and boost the local economy.”

The collaborators win 4 tickets to Featherstone Rovers to see how teamwork makes the dream work!

The Yorkshire Broker are a commercial insurance broker who began trading in January 2023 and, with over 40 years’ experience between them, Martin and Phil are experts in all things insurance.

 The Yorkshire Broker are a true independent broker with more than 1000  products available. There’s nothing The Yorkshire Broker can’t do when it comes to commercial insurance and, it also means they can tailor products to their clients’ needs and provide choice.

 They are proud to be Yorkshire, and proud to be part of it’s community. They believe it deserves to be looked after. Yorkshire Broker believe that  many services are faceless these days and are missing the personal touch but, The Yorkshire Broker want to change this. They have built their business on providing unparalleled personal service. The many five star🌟 reviews they receive, really shows they deliver on this.

Martin said, ‘Phil and I are passionate about our business and what we have achieved so far, and our initial success is in part thanks to groups like We are Wakefield, we are delighted to become Supporters and continue to help our business community.’🎉

martin weaver-parker, dip cii

Phil Hodgson

#insurance #wakefield #wakefield businesses’

 

On 8^th March2024, We Are Wakefield, in collaboration with the Mayor of Wakefield and Wakefield Council, orchestrated a spectacular celebration at the iconic Wakefield Town Hall to mark International Women’s Day. The Kingswood Suite, adorned with history and elegance, set the stage for an event that brought together influential women leaders and a community eager to celebrate and discuss the strides made towards gender equality.

The morning kicked off with a lineup of exceptional key speakers, each leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the audience. The Mayor of Wakefield, Cllr Josie Pritchard, and Cllr Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, graced the stage with powerful messages of empowerment and progress. Tracy Carpenter from Mint HR and Lucy Ndlovu of Progressive Talent CIC shared their personal and professional journeys, inspiring everyone present.

Guiding the morning’s proceedings with finesse and enthusiasm was the Managing Director of We Are Wakefield, Claire Sutherley DL.

After the enlightening speeches, the audience participated in a lively quiz focused on inspirational women. Laughter and excitement filled the room as participants tested their knowledge about women who have left an indelible mark on history. The event also featured a raffle and tombola, generating enthusiasm and providing an opportunity for attendees to contribute to a noble cause.

The funds raised during the event will be directed towards the Mayor’s Charity: Andy’s Man Club and Community Foundation Wakefield District‘s Women’s Fund. In a commendable show of community support, Prosper Wakefield District pledged to generously match the funds raised, amplifying the impact on these vital initiatives.

The morning concluded with a delightful lunch and networking session, allowing attendees to connect, share experiences, and forge new connections. The historic venue provided a stunning backdrop, with access to The Mayor’s Parlour and The Old Courtroom, offering a glimpse into the rich history of Wakefield.

Chris Whittam Photography skilfully captured the essence of the event, freezing in time the moments of elation, excitement, and sheer joy that permeated the venue.

The International Women’s Day event at Wakefield Town Hall was not just a celebration; it was a declaration of commitment to inspire inclusion. The theme #InspireInclusion resonated throughout the morning, leaving attendees invigorated and empowered to continue the journey towards a more inclusive and equal society. As the event came to a close, the echoes of inspirational stories and shared joy lingered, serving as a testament to the collective strength and unity of Wakefield’s women.

 

   

 

 

JS Recruitment are a professional consultancy providing services to businesses across Yorkshire and beyond. The team have over 40 years’ experience recruiting for some of the region’s most recognisable employers and a proven track record placing staff from entry through to executive level. As members of the REC and GLAA Licence Holders JS Recruitment are recognised as being compliant, committed to world-class standards and licensed to supply to regulated sectors.

 

Founding partners and sisters Jilly and Sarah shared a vision; to create a successful recruitment consultancy which is a positive force in the community. Jilly and Sarah’s passion for service excellence and the hard work of their valued team has seen them build a trusted reputation and consultancy where employees thrive, candidates achieve their career aspirations and clients hire talented people who transform their businesses.

 

“We love being part of the We Are Wakefield community; we’ve met some great people and benefitted from some fantastic opportunities provided by the membership. In return, we’re keen to give back and invest by becoming a Supporter Member.  We whole heartedly believe in the ethos of WAW and, as such, are more driven than ever to create opportunities for our clients, candidates, fellow WAW members and boost the local economy.” Jilly Spiers, Managing Director

(13) Jilly Spiers | LinkedIn    (13) Sarah Knight | LinkedIn

#wakefield #wearewakefield #recruitment

Thornton Jones Solicitors were formed in Wakefield in 2007 by Clare Thornton and Claire Jones.  At that time, they specialised in Family Law but soon expanded to become a “full service” firm which means they offer services for all the needs of your family and business.

Their growth really happened after Claire Jones retired and Clare Thornton took on 2 more partners -Liz Fyfe and Steven Eldridge. Together they decided to grow the firm and opened their first branch office in Ossett, followed by Garforth, Sherburn-In-Elmet and recently, Mapplewell near Barnsley.

 

Clare Thornton: “We are so proud of our team of people who all live by our values – a passion for excellence, trust, community and contentment. These values were created by our team and have been used to help us ensure we can provide the best service to our clients and to make Thornton Jomes is a really great place to work. They also underpinned our win at the Yorkshire Legal Awards in October 2022 when we became law firm of the year!

I signed Thornton Jones up as a member of We Are Wakefield in March 2022 when I met Claire Sutherley. I quickly became a board member having seen how fabulous the concept was and have attended every first Friday event since!”

 

“We decided to become ambassadors because we absolutely believe in the power of local businesses working together to help and support each other. We are proud to be involved with We are Wakefield and it’s continued growth and success and hope our ambassador level membership reflects our commitment to continue to support the fabulous work Claire and the board are doing to build local strength and partnerships for all our businesses.”

 

We Are Wakefield are looking forward to working with Thornton Jones throughout 2024 as WAW Ambassadors.

Exciting News!

 

We Are Wakefield is delighted to welcome Vision IFAs as new Ambassadors for 2024, dedicated to helping you achieve your financial goals!

 

Originally founded to assist teachers with retirement planning, Vision IFAs has evolved into a dynamic financial advisory firm, working with diverse clients and businesses. Now led by the passionate husband-and-wife team, David Abel and Alana Abel, they are the principal financial advisors committed to providing balanced, bespoke advice tailored just for you.

 

At Vision IFAs, a perfect financial plan is recognised as unique to each individual. Their plain-speaking approach ensures honest, unbiased advice, free from jargon or confusing industry terms. You can count on clear communication, ensuring you always understand the advice and guidance provided.

 

What sets Vision IFAs apart is not just their expertise but also their age advantage. While the average age of financial advisors in the UK is 58, the Vision team is significantly younger, ensuring they can be with you for the long term. They are committed to supporting you through all of life’s twists and turns, focusing on your journey and doing everything possible to help you reach your financial destination.

 

Join us in welcoming Vision IFAs to the We Are Wakefield family! Together, let’s navigate the path to financial success.

 

 

#WeAreWakefield  #FinancialJourney #Ambassadors2024

Fanfare Music hosted a corporate songwriting evening on 16th January at their studio in Ossett for the WAW team and We Are Wakefield members:
Diana Holden Bid Writing Service Ltd
Solupak Ltd
Wordsmiths UnLimited
Chris Whittam Photography
Blossom CIC
Prosura

Participants came with a variety of levels of musical confidence but over the course of the evening learnt chords on the piano and about the chord structure of pop songs.
After a vocal warm up, Jenna taught participants to play the chords to two pop songs on the piano and we took it in turns to play and sing. However, the main business of the evening was creating our very own We Are Wakefield song and in teams participants wrote chord progressions and lyrics for the verses, chorus and a bridge.
When it came to recording the song, those who wanted to, sang a solo line and everyone else was involved with the chorus and the rap! It was a great evening, and we can offer something similar, or something totally different, to you and your team – musical theatre, burlesque, songwriting, rock band, learning instruments, singing, drama, improvisation, even visual art – use your imagination.

Creativity is the key to productivity in any workplace and we’d love to help unleash your team’s creative superpowers.
Drop Jenna an email: [email protected] to book some creative time in the diary for your team.

“We’re delighted to award Jenna the winning tickets for all her hard work on this collaborative event!” Jenna wins tickets to see how team work makes the dream work at Castleford Tigers!

Listen to the song here: