💼 Why Big Organisations Belong in Local Networks: A Wakefield Success Story
When people think of business networks, they often picture small enterprises, start-ups, and solo entrepreneurs swapping ideas over coffee. But what happens when a major institution steps into the room—not just to listen, but to lead?
On Friday 7th March 2025, Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust did just that.
In celebration of 125 years of the Pinderfields Hospital site, the Trust opened its doors to host our First Friday networking event. And what a morning it was—160 local businesses gathered at Trust Headquarters, stalls buzzing, conversations flowing, and a shared sense of purpose lighting up the room.
This wasn’t just a celebration. It was a revelation.
Here’s how the Trust reflected on the experience:
🏥 Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust Hosts We Are Wakefield First Friday Networking Event: Our Reflection
“On Friday 7th March 2025, in celebration of 125 years of the Pinderfields Hospital site, Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust opened its doors to the We Are Wakefield local business network, hosting the First Friday networking event at the Trust Headquarters.
The event saw 160 local businesses come together in true We Are Wakefield fashion to network, showcase their businesses with stalls and learn about the Trust.
Not only did the event help to raise awareness of the Trust, but feedback on the day allowed the Mid Yorkshire team to reflect as to how we position ourselves within Wakefield and more importantly highlighted the exact reason for hosting the event!
“Do you think people even know you are here?”
The spotlight presentation was kept in-house with a showcase on the Trust’s footprint, its role as an ‘anchor institution’ including its social value impact on the Place, Economy, Education and Employment, Equity and Engagement and the Estate and Environment ahead of the launch of the MY Community Promise.
Presentations highlighted how Mid Yorkshire works with local businesses, including partnership opportunities, local supply chains, MY Innovation Space, volunteering and work experience and MY Hospitals Charity.
The energy on the day was high in anticipation of the largest community event in Wakefield’s history—Hands Across Wakefield.
Since the event, the partnerships team at Mid Yorkshire have maintained contact with the local businesses who attended the event, with follow-up conversations evolving with a further ten local businesses! Of course, this has meant more time for coffee and building relationships with fabulous We Are Wakefield members, as we explore the potential to work together.
The event allowed Mid Yorkshire to raise awareness of the organisation by being a host, but by delivering the spotlight presentation we have been able to articulate clearly to We Are Wakefield members exactly what the potential is to work together. This has been a fantastic opportunity and one which we highly encourage other members to tap into!” Lucy Moore – Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust
🌟 Why It Matters—for Everyone
If you’re a larger organisation wondering whether We Are Wakefield is the right space for you, let this be your answer: yes, it absolutely is.
We’re not just a network—we’re a community. One where hospitals, manufacturers, creatives, educators, and entrepreneurs stand shoulder to shoulder. Where your voice matters, your impact multiplies, and your presence helps shape the future of our region.
Whether you’re looking to raise awareness, forge partnerships, or simply connect with the heartbeat of Wakefield’s business scene, there’s a place for you here.
☕ Try Before You Join
Curious? Come along to one of our First Friday events as a guest. No pressure, no pitch—just a warm welcome, a brew, and a chance to see what we’re all about.
Because in Wakefield, we don’t just do business. We build belonging.
Book to attend the next We Are Wakefield event HERE
OR
Contact We Are Wakefield MD, Claire Sutherley for more information HERE