On Saturday, 8th March 2025, over 100 attendees gathered at the National Coal Mining Museum to celebrate International Women’s Day. Hosted collaboratively by We Are Wakefield, the National Coal Mining Museum, Wakefield District Labour Women’s Forum, Wakefield Well Women’s Centre, and Wakefield & District Soroptimists, the event was a resounding success, leaving attendees inspired and uplifted.

The day featured insightful speeches, a lively Q&A session, and opportunities to connect with local organisations dedicated to empowering women. Highlights included talks by Jade Botterill MP (MP for Ossett & Denby Dale), Lucy Ndlovu (Progressive Talent CIC), Lucy Farrar (Young Ambassador, Girl Guides), Ali Carruthers-Illingworth (Purple Pebble People), Cllr Denise Jeffery (Leader of Wakefield Council), and Lynn Dunning (CEO of the National Coal Mining Museum), who shared the inspirational story of the woman behind Caphouse Colliery.

All the speakers engaged in a dynamic Q&A panel session, hosted by Claire Sutherley DL, Managing Director of We Are Wakefield, where attendees had the opportunity to delve deeper into the inspiring topics discussed.

The event raised £418 through a raffle, with the proceeds going to Wakefield District City of Sanctuary. Claire Sutherley, Cllr Gwen Page, and Jane Walton from Wakefield Soroptimists presented the cheque to Dick Davis of Wakefield District City of Sanctuary at The Nostell Estate, home of We Are Wakefield.

“This comes to us at a crucial time and will go to help fund the work we do to support migrant women across the District,” said Dick Davis.

Claire Sutherley shared her thoughts on the event: “We Are Wakefield was happy to collaborate with these other organisations to host this wonderful event to celebrate women in the Wakefield District. The venue, National Coal Mining Museun for England, was the perfect setting for an afternoon of sheer inspiration. It was an honour to listen to our amazing speakers and facilitate a really vibrant Q&A session.”

The day also included stalls from numerous organisations, such as Labour Women’s Group, Wakefield Well Women’s Centre, Wakefield & District Soroptimists, Girl Guides, Cridling Ltd, Clutter is the Enemy, and Zenith Pictures, offering a variety of resources and opportunities for attendees to connect with local initiatives.

To complete the occasion, a wonderful afternoon tea was provided by The Caring Kitchen, delighting attendees with its exceptional quality and warm hospitality, further fostering a sense of connection and celebration.

For media enquiries, please contact:
[email protected]

 

On Friday, January 17th, 2025, We Are Wakefield, in collaboration with Wakefield Council and the Ministry of Defence, hosted an incredible knowledge sharing event titled “From Service to Success – How the Armed Forces Community Can Strengthen Your Workforce”  at Wakefield Town Hall.

 

This event proved to be a powerful testament to the value the Armed Forces community brings to the workforce. Delegates had the opportunity to:

– Unlock access to a highly skilled talent pool including service leavers, veterans, reservists, cadets, and their families

– Discover transferable, soft, and specialist skills our Armed Forces community can offer

– Gain insights into the military and Armed Forces community, and

– Hear from esteemed keynote speakers, panel guests, and employer case studies highlighting the tangible benefits of engaging with and employing from this community.

 

The event’s agenda was packed with informative sessions, starting with a warm welcome from notable figures such as Councillor Josie Pritchard, Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Mr Ed Anderson CBE, Home Secretary Rt Hon Yvette Cooper, and Simon Lightwood MP. Colonel Peter Stitt’s keynote address set the tone, emphasising the strength and potential of the Armed Forces community.

 

Sessions on supporting the Armed Forces community in employment, employer case studies, and insights from local reservists and cadet forces underscored the breadth of talent and dedication within this community. We also explored the benefits of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and heard from a large private sector organisation on the advantages of recruiting from the Armed Forces community.

 

The event concluded with closing remarks from Armed Forces Champion Cllr Josie Pritchard, and a symbolic signing of the Armed Forces Covenant by the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire and Guy Cramer of Cyber Intelligence & Advisory Ltd, further cementing their commitment to supporting this remarkable community.

We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all speakers, guests, and delegates for their participation and engagement. Your contributions made this event a resounding success.

 

If you’d like to more information on how signing the Armed Forces Covenant can support your business go to:

Home – Armed Forces Covenant

Check out the event photos captured by Chris Whittam Photography in our gallery below.

Let’s continue to champion the Armed Forces community and unlock their potential within our workforce.

 

#WeAreWakefield #ArmedForces #FromServiceToSuccess #KnowledgeSharing #TalentPool #WorkforceStrength

 

Just Mortgages: Your Trusted Mortgage Partner

At Just Mortgages, they understand that it’s not just about securing a mortgage; it’s about providing a service tailored to your unique needs and requirements. They believe your journey should be one of simplicity, choice, and expertise.

Their mission is to deliver the ultimate mortgage services experience by upholding the highest standards. They are there to assist you throughout the home buying, moving, or re-mortgaging process, ensuring you receive the right guidance and advice every step of the way.

Their Commitment to You:

• Mortgage & Protection Specialists: They are experts in both mortgages and protection, offering you comprehensive support.
• Unmatched Service: They provide a level of service that you won’t find directly from lenders or comparison sites.
• Comprehensive Advice: Their mortgage advice comes from a wide panel of lenders, including exclusive and semi-exclusive deals.
• Seamless Coordination: They liaise with lenders, estate agents, and solicitors to ensure your deadlines are met.
• Home Ownership Support: They help you buy your home—and keep it.

Choose Just Mortgages for a mortgage experience that prioritises your needs and simplifies your journey.

 

Luke Senior

On Wednesday, 20th November, we had the privilege of hosting the We Are Wakefield Ambassador Dinner at the beautiful Wakefield Cathedral. Under the stunning backdrop of the Cathedral’s Chapter House, we gathered to celebrate and give thanks to the incredible support we’ve received over the past year from our esteemed Ambassadors.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Ambassadors who have supported throughout 2024:

• The Nostell Estate
• Prosper Wakefield District
• Juice Personnel
• RV2 Power
• Thornton Jones Solicitors
• Solupak
• Quest Waste Management
• Vision IFAs
• Elis
• OE Electrics

These elite members play a crucial role in fostering a supportive, collaborative community, bringing together businesses, VCSEs, education, local authorities, and sectors such as leisure and culture. Their ongoing dedication is helping shape the future of Wakefield’s thriving community.

The evening was made even more special with a delicious meal from Create, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the Cathedral pianist, creating a magical atmosphere. A huge thank you to Kraft Media Services for capturing these unforgettable moments.

It’s been an incredible 12 months, and we look forward to even more success in the year ahead as we continue to strengthen our network and community!

 

#WeAreWakefield #AmbassadorDinner #BusinessCommunity #SupportLocal #Collaboration #Wakefield #Networking #Leadership

Recent Beans is a specialty coffee roaster, retailer, wholesaler, and ecommerce business founded in 2020 in Castleford, with a flagship roastery opening in Wakefield in 2023. Their mission is to make exceptional coffee accessible to everyone by focusing on quality, freshness, and sustainability.

They believe coffee is a fresh product that should be enjoyed at its peak. That’s why they roast daily in small batches, ensuring every cup captures the magic of freshly roasted coffee. This approach sets Recent Beans apart, as they prioritise freshness and quality over convenience.

Sustainability is at the heart of what they do. They actively reduce their environmental impact by minimizing single-use packaging and using electric vehicles for local deliveries. Their green coffee is sourced through trusted suppliers who exceed farming standards, ensuring safe working conditions, healthcare, education, and housing for coffee farmers and their communities.

At Recent Beans, they are proud to be raising the standard for coffee while fostering a more ethical and sustainable industry. Whether you’re visiting the Castleford or Wakefield locations, you’ll find exceptional coffee crafted with care for both people and the planet.

 

Gaz Poole  Barry Back

At HomeLife Financial Solutions, they place the important things, your home and life, at the heart of their business. You require a mortgage for your home and your life requires protection and for HomeLife Financial Solutions these fall hand in hand; therefore, they have built a business dedicated to helping their clients find the right mortgage and protection products to suit their budget, circumstances and meet their life goals. Through fully tailored advice and whole of market analysis, they support first-time buyers, home movers, property investors, families, and businesses in West Yorkshire and all around the UK. With over 20-years’ experience in the industry and working with the largest and most awarded mortgage network in the UK, expertise comes easy: they can answer all your questions and reduce the stress of securing a mortgage and arranging protection at their easily accessible office situated in the beautiful grounds of Nostell Priory Estate.

Rachel Kirk  Kathryn Whittingham

Holden Smith are a Law Firm with 5 offices across West Yorkshire who can assist Clients with Residential and Commercial property, Family matters, Wills & Probate and Company Commercial matters. Their offices are based in Denby Dale, Crossgates, Horsforth, Elland and Queensbury.

They pride themselves on providing an excellent service to all their Customers and making communication easy by using the most up to date technology and ensuring they keep in touch regularly with all their Clients. They can converse with their Clients in person, on their Portal or by using the good old fashioned telephone.

In summary at Holden Smith, you will find a fresh approach to legal problem solving. Their approach respects the traditions of the law without compromising on efficiency, progress and excellent Client Care.

Their people are the core of everything they do, all their Fee Earners have a down to earth approach and that is what makes them a Firm that everyone can trust.

Julie Makin

 

At Your Choice Fire & Security they are a leading provider of fire alarm, CCTV, intruder alarm, access control and electrical systems based in Pontefract.

Their dedication to compliance and ensuring their clients are compliant and is backed by their third party accreditation with BAFE for fire detection and alarm systems. SSAIB for CCTV, intruder alarm, and access control systems, and NICEIC for electrical works.

To ensure you have reportable evidence-based compliance, their CRM allows them to provide reports per asset and not just an overview report for system. The asset report includes the details of each item along with a photograph and if that specific item has passed or failed it’s service.

Their experience covers both the public and private sectors where they work closely with clients to find the solution, which is right for them and their business, to ensure complete peace of mind.

Their fully trained maintenance and installation teams provide round the clock support on a nationwide basis to ensure you are never without the protection and security you deserve.

Graham White

Stellar Garlands is the original Storytelling Garland creator with the first handcrafted story-garland created in 2016.

It is currently the only company in the UK crafting such specialised creations, with each luxury garland telling a business or a person’s story in a wonderfully positive and loving way.

With over 40 years of Christmas magic experience, they listen with love to your wishes, needs and dreams, so they can thread your garland with the warm riches of your life.  They are utterly inspired by your incredible journey to the present day, by who you are, and who you are still becoming.

It truly needs to be shared and seen.

The Storytelling Garland can be beautifully adapted for any celebration or contribution, as they can tell the story of any lifeline. Or any other story, if you prefer.

They also create stunning bespoke garlands, table-centrepieces and wreaths. These are just as lovingly handmade with the same attention to detail as their Storytelling Garland Brand.

They focus on just a few extra-special creations a year. So, with many very happy clients thus far, they feel they are delivering on what they promise.

A magical fairy-tale celebration that will last for years to come.

Stellar Garlands was founded by Stella through art therapy to deal with the aftermath of a car accident. Well, who wouldn’t feel cheered up by a little sparkle?

And so, the Stellar Garland story continues…

Deaf – Text only please to: 07958 318469

Email: [email protected]

www.stellargarlands.co.uk

Stella Morrissey

‘AMO Group’s journey started in West Yorkshire back in 1989 when the late Peter Hudson decided to put his heart and skills into supplying high-quality Garage Doors, Security Shutter and Grilles. Over the years, their scope has expanded and now with an array of contemporary pergolas, retractable awnings, and more, our portfolio is decked out to meet your every need. At the heart of AMO, their family spirit still thrives. Today, three generations of the Hudson family steer the ship: Rachael Hudson, Abby Huntington, and Liz Hudson, along with their fantastic team. Their mission is simple: deliver quality service and uphold a legacy that makes every customer feel like they’re part of the AMO family.’

 

Rachael Hudson, Liz Hudson, Abby Huntington