News

Celebrating Partnerships and Culture: An afternoon at Yorkshire Sculpture Park with We Are Wakefield

What an afternoon it was at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park! Our Partner and Supporter members gathered under the open sky, surrounded by art, nature, and the promise of camaraderie. As the sun played hide-and-seek with the clouds, we shared stories, sipped tea, and celebrated the heartbeats of our community.

Gratitude Over Afternoon Tea

“Thank you”—two simple words that carry immense weight. We Are Wakefield took this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who make our mission possible. Our Managing Director, Claire Sutherley DL, and Board Director Peter Molyneux, expressed their heartfelt thanks to WAW Partners and Supporters.

  • Claire’s voice resonated across the sculpture-dotted landscape. “Thank you for your support, commitment and enthusiasm for We Are Wakefield and what we stand for.”
  • Peter agreed, “Your support enables Claire and the team to continue building this amazing community.”

A Brief History, Shared

But the day wasn’t just about tea, scones and pleasantries. We leaned in as Joe Penney, Associate Director of YSP, stepped forward. With the rolling hills as his canvas, he painted a vivid picture of the site: YSP, once a coal mining area, transformed into a sanctuary for creativity. The sculptures—like silent sentinels—now graced the land. Henry Moore’s sinuous forms, Barbara Hepworth’s elegant curves—they stand as testament to Wakefield’s artistic legacy.

Art and Landscape Tour

For those hungry for more, we embarked on an Art and Landscape tour. Led by a knowledgable YSP guide, we wandered through meadows, past ancient trees, and alongside reflective lakes. Our footsteps echoed the footsteps of giants—artists who had left their mark here. We paused before Moore’s monumental bronze, feeling its weight and grace. Hepworth’s sculptures seemed to whisper secrets of form and balance. And Bharti Kher’s work—bold, colourful and enigmatic.

Celebrating Partnerships

As the event drew to a close, we celebrated not just our collaborations but also the very essence of Wakefield.

So here’s to you, We Are Wakefield Partners and Supporters. Here’s to the tea shared, the art explored, and the bonds forged. Let’s continue weaving our tapestry—one sculpture, one conversation, one partnership at a time.

WE ARE WAKEFIELD PARTNERS:

Tileyard North

Rhubarb Radio

Theatre Royal Wakefield

TAB – The Alternative Board Wakefield District

Featherstone Rovers & Featherstone Rovers Foundation

Castleford Tigers

Wakefield Trinity & Wakefield Trinity Foundation

WE ARE WAKEFIELD SUPPORTER MEMBERS:

Heart of Yorkshire Education Group

JS Recruitment

McManus Consulting

Wakefield Grammar School Foundation

Certus Construction

Team IT Solutions

The Yorkshire Broker

Clear Workplace

Onside Travel Management

Purple Pebble People

Mint HR

SPC Cars

 

 

 

 

Please welcome Podmatic to the We Are Wakefield Family!

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

We Are Wakefield’s Volunteering Day at The Prince of Wales Hospice: A Team Effort with Heart

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.

 

 

 

 

🌟Please welcome new members Pierrepont Ltd🌟

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

🌟Please welcome new members Second Chance Headway Centre🌟

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.

🌟Please welcome new members Turning Point🌟

Turning Point Talking Therapies is the free talking therapies service for those 16+ across the entire Wakefield District.

Turning Point is known within community more so for the substance use services at Inspiring Recovery and Inspiring Futures, however Talking Therapies has been around since 2009 (formerly known as Right Steps) providing common mental health support in the form of therapy.

Talking therapies are psychological treatments for mental and emotional problems like stress, anxiety and depression. There are lots of different types of talking therapy, but they all involve working with a trained therapist. This may be one-to-one, in a group, online, over the phone or with your partner (couples therapy).

For one-to-one therapy or groups, Talking Therapies services can be accessed via a self-referral via the website https://talking.turning-point.co.uk/support or over the phone 01924 234 860.

Talking Therapies also deliver regular live workshops that anyone in the district can sign up to, take a look at some of the upcoming topics https://talking.turning-point.co.uk/workshops . Additionally, Talking Therapies have produced three on demand workshops that can also be viewed by anyone https://talking.turning-point.co.uk/events .

If you would like to book a therapist to deliver a workshop for an event or team meeting, please contact us on [email protected] or 01924 234 860.

Employment Support is a recent exciting addition to the Talking Therapies offer, available to clients with a treatment plan agreed.

For more information visit the website https://talking.turning-point.co.uk/support and follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TurningPointTalkingTherapies/  and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wakefieldtalkingtherapies?igsh=MW51c2FvYzBsdTNjcg==

Joe Nicholson

🌟Another Renewal Upgrade for SPC Cars at We Are Wakefield🌟

SPC act as a guide through the labyrinth of the vehicle procurement process. Minimising the stress of this for clients that are restricted on time.

We source, an extensive range of vehicles for purchase or contract hire for either business or personal use. Check out our awesome Trustpilot reviews.

An exciting new division of SPC is Selectric… a range of select, high quality, electric vehicles available on business or personal contract hire.

As an independent finance broker, we can put competitive funding in place too for any vehicle, even if you have found your own car or are looking to restructure finance on a car you already own.

Commercial asset finance is also available, including lorries, plant or machinery.

Adrian Hogarth

🌟Welcome to We Are Wakefield Partner Featherstone Rovers🏉

Featherstone Rovers has been established as a Rugby League Club since 1921 the club has a wealth of history and has been well known for being the small Mining Town in Yorkshire that produces some fine Rugby League players. Later nicknamed the colliers the majority of the Featherstone outfit worked for the National Coal Board.

The Featherstone District had long been a fertile breeding ground of fine Rugby Footballers. ‘Forwards as hard as the coal they hewed’ ‘Featherstone may well be the smallest community in the country to maintain a professional football team.’

 The club has gone on to enjoy many a success including 3 Challenge Cup wins, the club currently plays in the Betfred Championship League and finished League Leaders in 2023.

The club is situated in the heart of the community and Featherstone Rovers Foundation the official Charity of the Rovers run some fantastic community engagement programmes to help the local community lead happier, more fulfilled and active lifestyles The use the power of sport and the Rovers brand to help tackle local issues in Featherstone and the wider Wakefield District.

Amy HardmanHead of Featherstone Rovers Foundation said ‘It is fantastic for both club and Foundation to be a partner of WAW, since joining it has enabled us to become more connected with organisations within the District, which is supporting our programmes and outreach. We have also hosted some of the monthly meets here at the Millennium Stadium – which are always fantastic events. We look forward to the year ahead and what exciting collaborations this will bring. UTR’

⭐Please welcome our new members Bluestone⭐

Bluestone is an FCA accredited, award-winning, independent broker based in Wakefield with over 27 years’ experience providing UK businesses with finance solutions to help them grow.

 

Taking pride in their ethical and consultative approach, Bluestone make things simple, move quickly, offer exceptional value, and enable funding to happen where others can’t.

 

With access to one of the largest funding panels in the UK, Bluestone support businesses in finding the best solution for their circumstances, including:

 

  • Finance for a wide range of assets across multiple sectors.
  • Cashflow finance solutions (including loans for VAT, Tax & Invoice Finance)
  • Revolving Credit Facilities.
  • Vehicle Finance.

The Bluestone Portal

 

In addition to having a team of dedicated account managers on hand to support, Bluestone has an online end-to-end finance platform, The Bluestone Portal, that allows you to:

 

  • Access quick and affordable finance quotes.
  • Submit applications online both for your own business, and your customers.
  • Track your application progress from a personalised dashboard.
  • E-Sign documents.
  • Get quick (& in some cases instant) finance decisions.
  • Go from a quote to payout in as little as 20-minutes.

Contact Bluestone: [email protected] | www.bluestone.app | 0330 135 8660

Joshua Atkinson

🌟Please welcome Jigsaw Business Support🌟

Jigsaw Business Support offers comprehensive virtual assistance tailored for businesses, streamlining administrative tasks, efficient business management, handling VAT quarterly returns and bookkeeping. By seamlessly integrating into clients’ operations, Jigsaw serves as the missing piece to their organisational puzzle, providing expert support and enabling businesses to focus on their core objectives while ensuring compliance, accuracy, and operational efficiency in all financial and administrative aspects.”

Kerry Longley

Caitlin Longley