We’re thrilled to announce that Solupak, manufacturers and innovators in water soluble systems, have renewed as We Are Wakefield Ambassadors for 2024.

Through local warehousing and distribution they maintain low carbon manufacturing in the UK. On-site blending of powders and in-house built sachet production machinery gives customers high speed output. They focus on ensuring that throughout all manufacturing, testing, formulation and packaging processes they maintain a small carbon footprint (using recyclable packaging and re-usable bottles), whilst producing a product which is cruelty free. The user has a low risk of chemical contact, minimal manual handling and easy to use cleaning products. Both the sachet and dilution colour is coded to BICSc. Because it is super concentrated, there is no added costs for shipping water around the country and very little space is required for storage.

The journey of soluCLEAN is one of many twists; 9 years ago the words ‘sustainability’ and ‘eco’ were treated with much less vigour and importance as they are now. soluCLEAN was the first single use plastic free cleaning brand In the commercial cleaning sector… the market place today compared to that of 8 years ago has progressed to having the environment at the forefront. The SoluCLEAN range is an eco-friendly and easy to use range of pre-dosed, concentrated surface cleaning products, encapsulated in fully water-soluble sachets. Covering virtually every aspect of the everyday cleaning needs for today’s demanding professional, saving money, time and waste without compromising on high standards of cleanliness and infection prevention.

“The past 12 months of our membership as We Are Wakefield Ambassadors have been incredibly rewarding for Solupak. This journey has not only provided us with numerous opportunities to enhance our visibility within Wakefield and beyond but has also allowed us to realise the significant positive impact that collaborating with our local business community can have. As a company with a reach extending across the UK and globally, our initial underestimation of the benefits of engaging with our local community has been surpassed. Joining the Ambassador’s club was an easy decision, and the proven return on investment has reinforced our commitment to actively participate, fostering mutual benefits for both ourselves and our fellow members.

We are particularly proud to announce that Solupak will continue our We Are Wakefield Ambassadorship into 2024. As a united team, we recognise the value of sustaining and expanding our involvement in WAW. We eagerly anticipate participating in the many outstanding events that lie ahead, strengthening our connections and contributing to the thriving local business ecosystem.”

Helen McDonald, General Manager

 

Read more about the 2024 WAW Ambassadors here:

We Are Wakefield · Representing diverse sectors around Wakefield and Five Towns

 

A huge thank you to Solupak for their continued dedication to community, collaboration, and excellence.

 

 

With a passion for simplicity Phil Heath has created a straightforward approach to management systems.

From the original ‘One-page’ Management system Phil has created a unique Excel based integrated management system which has been successfully certified by several different certification bodies.

His clients have expressed how simple this system is and how much their business has changed by reducing documentation and simplifying their approach to certification.

What will you gain from working with Phil?

With his help, achieving standards and certifications will give you more than just a pretty logo for your letterhead. This is a real chance to identify your business processes and create an effective management system to help run it.

More importantly Phil understands the benefits that standards can bring to your business. If implemented correctly, standards will result in your business operating more efficiently and effectively and deliver improved customer satisfaction.

Based on the principles of Annex SL, Phil, and IMS Business Solutions Ltd have produced an easy to use and cost-effective way to implement your management system with the ability to add new standards in the future. Contact Phil for further details and a quote.

 

IMS Business Solutions Ltd – Phil Heath

[email protected]

www.ims-sapira.com

Foresight is one of the UK’s most active regional investors, and their three funds dedicated to the North of England, are actively seeking SMEs to support.  They invest across all sectors and transaction types with investments of up to £10 million.  They have 11 offices across the UK and Ireland with a local office in Leeds. They can fund management buy outs, management buy-ins, provide growth capital and equity release.  If you would like to learn more about how they support growth companies, they’d love to hear from you.

Meet Tavia Sparks, Senior Investment Manager at your next We Are Wakefield event!

 

For more information or to arrange a meeting, contact Tavia at [email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

As the festive season approaches, we wanted to take a moment to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Your support and involvement have made 2023 truly special, and we’re grateful for each and every one of you.

 

Reflecting on a year of collaborations and growth, we’re excited for the opportunities that 2024 holds. Let’s continue this journey together, making strides and achieving success as a community.

 

🎉 Book your spots for our exciting events in 2024:

We Are Wakefield · Representing diverse sectors around Wakefield and Five Towns

 

 

Your participation adds vibrancy to our community, and we can’t wait to see you there!

 

🗓️ Important Dates:

– 📅 Closing for Christmas: 22 December 2023

– 📆 Reopening:  3 January 2024

 

📰 Mark your calendars for our first newsletter of 2024:

8 January 2024 (Submission Deadline: 5 January 2024). Share your updates, achievements, news and any collaborations to be featured in our community spotlight!

Send your submissions to: [email protected]

 

Thank you for being an integral part of the We Are Wakefield family. Here’s to a prosperous New Year filled with joy, success, and exciting new opportunities!

 

Warm regards,

Claire, Rachael & Gillian

The We Are Wakefield Team

Pontefract 7 December 2023

Despite the dark, cold, and drizzly weather, the spirit of community and volunteering prevailed as members of We Are Wakefield, representing 12 different businesses, gathered at the Prince of Wales Hospice in Pontefract. The volunteer day aimed to prepare the hospice for its upcoming Light Up a Life event this weekend.

Representatives from businesses including JS Recruitment, Solupak, Ridley & Hall Solicitors, Blossom Training & Development, Mint HR, Crest Commercial Finance, The Wellness Mentor, Hickory’s Smokehouse, Thornton Jones Solicitors, Pink Dragonfly Consulting, and Yorkshire Sculpture Park worked collaboratively on various tasks. These included leaf clearing, marquee building, sign writing, and lighting the garden.

The atmosphere throughout the day was uplifting, and teamwork shone through despite the challenging weather conditions. The volunteers demonstrated their dedication to supporting the hospice’s preparations for the Light Up a Life event, showcasing the strong sense of community in Wakefield.

About Light Up A Life:
Light Up a Life is a poignant event held during the Christmas season, providing an opportunity for families and friends to remember and honour loved ones who are no longer with us. The event at the Prince of Wales Hospice aims to create a meaningful and comforting space for reflection and remembrance.

Donations of all sizes play a crucial role in making a significant difference to patients and their families. Contributors will receive special acknowledgments based on their donation levels:

– Gifts between £5 and £29 qualify for a pin badge.
– Gifts between £30 and £59 qualify for a snowflake tree ornament.
– Gifts between £60 and £99 qualify for a tea light ornament.
– Gifts of £100 or more qualify for a named star in the night sky.

Additionally, donors will receive a personal Light Up a Life card bearing the name(s) of their loved one(s). The tea light ornament will be prominently displayed at the Hospice and available for collection after the Hospice service of remembrance.

The community’s support, as exemplified by the We Are Wakefield volunteers, contributes to creating a warm and comforting atmosphere during the Light Up a Life event, fostering a sense of connection and shared remembrance during the holiday season. For more information contact Adrian Greenwood: [email protected]

The Prince of Wales Hospice – UK Charity Fundraising & Palliative Care (pwh.org.uk)

Celebrating the Power of Community and Giving Back!

We are thrilled to share the incredible success of the collaboration between We Are Wakefield and MY Hospitals Charity’s Christmas Bauble Appeal. Our amazing community joined forces to make a difference this festive season, and the results have been nothing short of heartwarming.

Together, we rallied to support the Christmas Bauble Appeal by purchasing branded Christmas baubles that adorned the magnificent tree in the foyer of Pinderfields Hospital. The spirit of giving was truly alive as businesses and individuals alike came together to make a positive impact.

I’m delighted to announce that, thanks to our collective efforts, we have raised over £1000 to support the MRI Suite Appeal. This generous contribution will undoubtedly make a significant difference in the lives of those in need across the Wakefield District.

This success story is a testament to the power of community and the incredible impact we can achieve when we unite for a common cause. We Are Wakefield takes pride in being a platform that fosters connections between businesses and charitable organisations, and this initiative exemplifies the positive change that can result from such partnerships.

As we reflect on this achievement, let’s take a moment to appreciate the generosity and compassion that define our community. Together, we are making a tangible difference, and we are excited about the continued positive impact we can create in the Wakefield District.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who played a part in this initiative. Your support is a shining example of the positive change that can occur when a community comes together with a shared purpose. Let’s continue to make a difference, one act of kindness at a time!

 

DONATE HERE

 

Please welcome new members, The Swan & Cygnet on Denby Dale Road, Wakefield.

Rick and the team would like to welcome all We Are Wakefield members by offering a 20% discount on main meals on the regular menu*.

Their festive menu is now available to book for your Christmas parties and team celebrations:

£21.99 for 3 courses or £18.99 for 2 courses.

They are also hosting the next WAW Quiz Night on 23rd January – more details here:

2024/01/23 – We Are Wakefield Burger Night Quiz · Representing diverse sectors around Wakefield and Five Towns

 

           

 

Follow The Swan & Cygnet on Facebook for offers and events

 

* to claim your 20% WAW member discount show a business card or proof of email address on ordering.

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrating Growth and Collaboration: We Are Wakefield Ambassador Dinner

 

We recently hosted the We Are Wakefield Ambassador Dinner, a gathering that served as a heartfelt thank-you to the eight existing Ambassadors for their unwavering support and investment in the organisation. This event also marked an exciting milestone as we proudly welcomed two new esteemed Ambassadors into our fold for 2024: Nostell Estate and Vision IFAs. We Are Wakefield Chair, Sir Rodney Walker, and the Managing Director, Claire Sutherley DL, expressed their gratitude to the Ambassadors for their invaluable contributions. The event was held at Create Cafe with Head Chef, Shaun Mounsey, serving a beautiful menu to our esteemed guests.

 

A Closer Look at Our Ambassadors:

 

We Are Wakefield takes strength from the support of our dedicated Ambassadors. These forward-thinking organisations have demonstrated their commitment to the Wakefield District through their partnership with us. Our existing Ambassadors include:

 

1. Elis
2. Juice Personnel
3. Solupak
4. OE Electrics
5. Thornton Jones Solicitors
6. Prosper Wakefield District
7. RV2 Power Ltd
8. Quest Waste Management

 

Each of these companies and organisations has played a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and development within the Wakefield District.

 

New Additions to Our Ambassadors:

 

We are thrilled to welcome Nostell Estate and Vision IFAs to the We Are Wakefield family. Their expertise and dedication to the local community will undoubtedly amplify our collective impact in the region.

 

1. Nostell Estate: With a rich heritage and a dedication to building a supportive business community of their own through high end office space within the grounds of Nostell Priory, they bring a unique perspective to our mission. Estate Director, Peter Molyneux also serves on the We Are Wakefield Board as Treasurer.

 

2. Vision IFAs: As a financial advisory firm deeply rooted in Wakefield, Vision IFAs will undoubtedly bring invaluable insights and support to our endeavours.

 

The Impact of Ambassador Support:

 

The generosity and commitment of our Ambassadors have enabled We Are Wakefield to provide support to over 200 member businesses, a wide range of organisations in the VCSE sector, cultural entities, local authority, and educational institutions. This network encourages collaboration across the Wakefield District, fortifying the local economy and creating a thriving environment for businesses and communities alike.

 

Key Moments from the Evening:

 

The Ambassador Dinner was an evening of celebration and reflection, where like-minded individuals and organisations came together to commemorate our collective achievements. WAW Chair, Sir Rodney Walker and Managing Director, Claire Sutherley DL took the stage to express their heartfelt thanks to the Ambassadors for their significant contributions.

Claire Sutherley expressed her thanks, “As we reflect on the impact we have made, it becomes clear that it transcends mere statistics. It touches the very essence of our community, influencing not only business growth but also nurturing the vital VSCE sector. Moreover, the peer support system we have cultivated has become a cornerstone of well-being for each and every member.

Your involvement has transcended mere professional connections; it has blossomed into friendships that I hold very dear.”

 

 

Looking Ahead:

 

As We Are Wakefield continues to grow, we anticipate even greater opportunities for collaboration and community impact. With the support of our Ambassadors, we are confident in our ability to drive positive change in the Wakefield District.

 

In conclusion, the We Are Wakefield Ambassador Dinner was a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision. With existing Ambassadors by our side and new ones joining the ranks, we are poised for even greater accomplishments in the future. Together, we are strengthening the local economy and creating a vibrant, prosperous Wakefield District for all.

Photography: Kraft Photography Services

Venue, food and service: Create Cafe

Table styling: Meraki Floral Styling, Nostell Estate, Wakefield 

 

In Episode 7 we are joined by Louise Turner, Founder of Wordsmiths Unlimited & Awards Writers, Co-Founder of the Wakefield Business Awards and Multi-Award winning presenter and journalist, Christine Talbot.

We talk everything business awards from writing a successful entry to how to keep the attention of the room at the event itself. 

Conversation leads to why Wakefield should be celebrated, how a familiar TV face gave comfort through COVID and how to find that Midlife Magic.  

Hear Louise and Christine’s “Top Tip for 23” and get to know a little bit more about these two inspirational women.