News

🌟Please welcome 2-Work our new members.🌟

A SPACE FOR TOMORROW A SPACE 2-WORK. Whether you’re a growing startup or an established enterprise, your working environment should be a space for community and collaboration. Our co-working space & private offices in Wakefield and Leeds provide the platform for your business to thrive.

 2-Work @ Tileyard North provides high quality office space in Wakefield, set within the iconic Cutter Mill. We’re part of the wider regeneration of the Grade II listed complex of Rutland Mills, the former textile mills adjacent to the famous Hepworth Gallery. The space offers contemporary facilities with a fabulous backdrop of the wider development which includes The Distillery Bar courtesy of Forged Spirits amongst the spacious courtyard.

Offering a flexible and cost-effective option for anyone looking for exceptional quality and a truly collaborative environment to call home. Discover the perfect location for your business to thrive, whether you’re after a desk in our co-working space or a serviced office.

With regular events such as the Peddler Market and the Hepworth Christmas Fair, being based at this location we offer a wealth of opportunity to not only network with like-minded individuals and businesses, but to be part of the largest creative community outside of London.

 

Mikey Young

🍩Please welcome Popdonut as new members🍩

Popdonut is a Wakefield-based family business.

Our mission is to redefine the donut experience with our handcrafted gourmet creations made from an original recipe.

Each donut is a masterpiece, crafted with locally sourced premium ingredients to ensure every bite is a burst of flavour.

We offer unforgettable donut experiences, catering to a wide array of events with flair and creativity.

We specialise in elevating corporate events, adding a touch of sweetness to conferences, meetings, and team-building activities.

Our customisable options make us a favourite for weddings, where our exquisite donuts become a centrepiece, delighting guests with unique flavours and designs. Celebrate birthdays with our vibrant and playful donut selections, perfect for all ages.

We also cater to baby showers, crafting delightful treats that match your theme and make your celebration even more special. For festivals and community events, our donuts bring people together, offering a taste experience that’s both nostalgic and innovative. No event is too big or small.

Our commitment to quality and creativity ensures that every occasion is enhanced with our signature touch.

With Popdonut, you’re not just enjoying a treat; you’re embarking on a delightful journey that celebrates flavour, creativity, and joy.

The WAW Bubul has launched! Spread the Word!

We wanted to help people with great ideas to set up and start their own businesses with some solid advice along the way. Nigel Greenwood from BuBul has collaborated with 20 other WAW members to produce the WAW version of BuBul – the world’s first software that works out what advice someone needs to successfully launch a business and delivers it from experts who have been there, done that and got the t-shirt!

The WAW version of BuBul has now launched and features only WAW members as experts! It’s free to anyone wanting to start their own business so please spread the word!

Interested in getting involved? There’s no cost to being an expert but you have to be happy to give a start-up at least 30 minutes of your time at no cost to them. For further details contact [email protected]

If you want to see what it’s all about, you can register for WAW BuBul HERE 

 

✨Please welcome new members Millgate Ltd✨

The Millgate Group is a Yorkshire-based IT and telecommunications provider that partners with global giants like Microsoft, HP, Dell, Cisco, and Lenovo. We serve businesses of all sizes—from bustling SMEs to large enterprises—with tailored tech solutions that work for their business needs.

Our mission is to drive success by aligning technology with our clients’ operational and strategic goals. At Millgate, we’re dedicated to growing with businesses and achieving success together.

✨Please welcome back, returning members Copiserv✨

Established in 1975 Copiserv have built an enviable reputation in the print equipment and document solutions market place .

Headed by Gareth Hunt it’s Managing Director the company operates out of their Wakefield base; making it well placed to service a growing bank of clients in the area with its professional approach, which is laser focused on what the customer wants with uniquely tailored solutions to suit all business requirements.

This is backed up by a team of specialists with years of experience with a knowledgeable and friendly approach who can provide rapid call out times when you need it most, which is also reinforced by regular serving calls to give peace of mind and the security your systems will always be running smoothly and efficiently – With Copiserv it’s all about service .

This product offering is enhanced by fantastic additional benefits . Customers can choose for either new or refurbished machines . As part of it’s environmental strategy  Copiserv knows that refurbished machines are better for the environment and also help save money. This is backed up by knowing that all our used toner cartridges are not sent to landfill, furthermore, Copiserv supplies you with recycling boxes to make sure your empty cartridges are responsibly disposed of or reused !

October First Friday takes us to Featherstone Rovers

We Are Wakefield First Friday: A Morning of Warmth, Collaboration, and Community Spirit

Published on October 4, 2024 by We Are Wakefield


The We Are Wakefield family gathered once again, and this time, we set our sights on Featherstone Rovers—an idyllic setting for our monthly First Friday event. The sun bathed the autumn morning in golden hues, and as we arrived, the air buzzed with anticipation.

Unveiling Ambitious Renovations

Our 160 attendees settled in, eager to hear from Amy Hardman, representing the Featherstone Rovers Foundation. She shared exciting news about a bold renovation project that promises to transform the heart of their community. The Rovers’ commitment to growth and progress resonated with everyone present.

Tears and Compassion

But it wasn’t all cheers and applause. As the morning unfolded, we also shared tears. Kath Lindley from Prosper Wakefield District and Lisa Milburn from the Community Foundation Wakefield District shed light on the heartbreaking reality of Bed Poverty in our own district. Their stories touched our souls, and in true We Are Wakefield fashion, our members stepped up immediately. Offers of support flowed—a testament to the compassion that binds us together.

Local Collaboration in Action

Next up was Glyn Selway from RTC North, who introduced us to Supply Chain West Yorkshire. The room hummed with excitement as Glyn explained how this initiative aligns perfectly with our ethos: local collaboration. We believe in lifting each other up, strengthening our community’s fabric, and creating opportunities for growth.

Capturing the Moments

Of course, we couldn’t let the morning slip by without capturing its essence. Chris Whittam Photography worked his magic, freezing smiles, laughter, and meaningful conversations into beautiful frames. You’ll find these snapshots on HERE, a visual reminder of the connections forged during our time together.

Breakfast, Coffee, and Newcomers

As always, The Caring Kitchen treated us to a stunning breakfast spread. And the coffee? Endless, of course! But beyond the food and caffeine, what truly fuelled us was the warmth and welcome extended to our first-timers. Their wide-eyed amazement at the WAW spirit—priceless!

Hope you can join us for the next event at Pontefract Racecourse on Friday 1st November – BOOK HERE.

✨Please Welcome the Friends of Waterton’s Wall.✨

The Friends of Waterton’s Wall is a charity focussing on the wall that surrounds the first nature reserve in the world. Our charitable object, summarised, is to preserve the historic and architectural heritage of the wall and its immediate vicinity surrounding what was Charles Waterton’s parkland in Walton; and to educate the general public in its architecture, geography, natural and social history.

Registered Charity Number: 1203426

John Smith

🌟Please Welcome the National Coal Mining Museum for England🌟

National Coal Mining Museum for England’s mission is to keep the stories of coal mining alive by collecting and preserving the industry’s rich heritage. We co-create enjoyable and inspiring ways for people of all ages, backgrounds and needs to engage with the history of coal and its legacy. 

 Journey 140m underground and discover 180 years of mining history. Explore Caphouse, a modern colliery that witnessed more than two hundred years of coal production. Find out about the people and communities at the heart of the industry and discover the life of a miner at work and play. Learn about the story of coal and how it changed our nation forever. Explore acres of woodland, spotting plants and wildlife and find out how the excess water from the mine is cleaned and pumped back into a local river. Then let off some steam in our Adventure Playground!

💫Please welcome Production Light and Sound.💫

Production Light & Sound are a one stop shop, able to provide full production support to your events. We specialise in working on unique events, we enjoy working closely with our clients to provide customised solutions that meets the event requirements and their budget.

We have worked on a wide range of events of all sizes, including Conferences, Awards Dinners, Fashion Shows, Product launches and private events. We are experienced at working in unusual locations, both indoors and outdoors, and transforming them to meet your needs.

We have been trading for 24 years and from our base in Leeds work on events throughout Yorkshire and the rest of the country.

Sarah Buckmaster

 

We Are Wakefield’s Pre-Loved Fashion Event: Where Sustainability Meets Style

Pre-Loved Fashion Event

A Sustainable Twist on Glamour ahead of the Wakefield Business Awards

We Are Wakefield, led by MD Claire Sutherley, has always been about community, creativity, and conscious living. So when Claire and Solupak MD Helen McDonald hatched an idea a couple of years ago, it was no surprise that it involved fashion with a twist: pre-loved, sustainable, and utterly fabulous. The event was hosted at Solupak’s manufacturing HQ in Castleford.

The Collaborators

This year, they joined forces with some remarkable partners:

  • Rachel Smith from Clutter is the Enemy: A decluttering guru who knows that less is more.
  • Lisa Milburn from Community Foundation Wakefield District: A champion for local causes and families in need.
  • Shannon Gilbert from En Route Hair and Beauty: Because great hair is the ultimate accessory.

How It Worked

Attendees generously donated their pre-loved clothing items, creating a treasure trove of fashion waiting to find new homes. But this wasn’t just a one-way street. Oh no! The magic happened when guests were allowed to exchange their donations for other fabulous finds. It was like a high-end clothing swap, where sustainability met style.

Posing Tips and Hair Magic

The event wasn’t just about clothes—it was an experience. Ace photographer Perrin Read of Roth Read Photography shared posing tips, turning everyone into a runway model. Meanwhile, En Route’s Mel Tudor worked her hairstyling magic, ensuring that attendees looked red-carpet ready.

The Buffet: A Feast for the Senses

As guests mingled and tried on their newfound treasures, they also indulged in a beautiful buffet courtesy of The Caring Kitchen. Because nothing complements sustainable fashion like delicious food.

The Mayor’s Special Role

The Mayor of Wakefield, Cllr Darren Byford, graced the event with his presence. He even drew the raffle, adding an extra touch of elegance to the proceedings.

Giving Back

But it wasn’t all about glamour and style. We Are Wakefield believes in community impact. Proceeds from the raffle and any leftover clothing were donated to Community Foundation Wakefield District, supporting families in need across the Wakefield area.

A Toast to Sustainability

And what’s a fabulous event without a touch of wine? Jean Juvinierre Wines provided a special tasting, raising a glass to sustainability and community spirit.

Cheers!

We Are Wakefield’s pre-loved fashion event at Solupak Ltd. was more than just a soirée—it was a celebration of conscious choices, collaboration, and making a difference. Cheers to sustainable style! 🌿👗🥂

Have you got your tickets for the Wakefield Business Awards?  Join us for an amazing night celebrating the best of Wakefield!  Get your tickets HERE!

Here are some images from the event: