1. Summarise your business in a couple of sentences

We take the pain out of the Mortgage process! Simply put we provide a Comprehensive Mortgage & Insurance Brokerage service to our clients. We cover any types of property finance as well, so we can assist you with Purchases, Remortgages, Buy to Lets and Commercial Finance.

2. Can you showcase your work by offering an example of a recent project/initiative/event?

I have recently been listed in the UK’s Top Rated Mortgage Advisers supplement within the Times, which I am very proud of. We were also the only Mortgage Adviser listed from within the WF postal district! I am very passionate about the service that is given to our clients and this is reinforced by the reviews and referrals we receive on a weekly basis.

3. How long have you worked/been based in Wakefield?

Me and my fiancé moved into the Wakefield district in 2016 and haven’t looked back. I set the business up in June 2017 and the business continues to grow from month to month.

4. Why the Wakefield District?

It’s clear to me that there is a real drive and focus from within the Wakefield District in progression and development. Considering the line of work that I am in, the abundance of houses popping up throughout the region gave me some reassurance and confidence that the time and location was right to get the business started when we did.

5. Why did you become a Bondholder?

The main feedback we were getting from our local clients was ‘I didn’t know your business existed’, which made us realise that we needed to branch out and broaden our local network. I was told about Bondholders being the pinnacle of local networking organisations within the WF district and I have experienced that already in the brief time that I have been a member.

6. What’s next for the Wakefield District?

There isn’t a day goes by without some more positive local business news. For me it is clear that the Wakefield District is the place to be. I am excited by the consistent and constant developments that seem to be occurring and this really gives me confidence as a small business owner.

7. Do you know an interesting fact about the District?

Unfortunately, I have had to rely on Wikipedia, but did you know that the spire on Wakefield Cathedral is the tallest spire in all of Yorkshire!

Partners from industry and education are working together collaboratively to inform young people about the opportunities within the construction industry.

The focus of the event was to inspire young people in West Yorkshire to consider a career in construction and raise awareness of the diverse range of roles and opportunities the industry has to offer.

The event also showcased a wide variety of activities, ranging from highly technical to hands on roles, aiming to challenge the perceived stereotypes of people that work in construction.

There were over 40 interactive activities on display, ranging from CAD design and surveying, the use of drones in construction through to joinery and brickwork.

To energise and enthuse the students, the event was hosted by Rugby League stars Jamie Jones-Buchanan and Alex Simmons from Rugby AM.

All partners involved in the GCAT Event have a genuine commitment to raise awareness of the amazing careers available within the Construction Industry and address the skills gap currently being faced. By bringing business, educators and industry specialists together we are able to have a greater impact and send a clear message to young people and their schools that Construction really is a great option.

Wakefield College Principal, Sam Wright, said, “Wakefield College is at the forefront of working closely with industry to ensure our students have the greatest choice of careers or further study when they leave us. It’s a cornerstone of our ethos to prepare them for their next steps. This partnership is a great example of how collaborative working and investment in our District, for our communities can change people’s lives by bringing new opportunities and meet the skills gaps identified by employers.”

Claire Jubb (Higher Education Progression Officer) from Minsthorpe Community College said, “Students from Minsthorpe Community College have attended this event a number of times which improves year on year – the activities on offer and professionals in attendance raise awareness of the extensive and diverse range of career opportunities within the Construction Industry and inspire our students to achieve their full potential.

A must attend event for schools in West Yorkshire!

It has been great to see to what extent of detail and a passion for re-engineering their own internal processes the team at Nufox have.

As is so often the case with the custom (business process) application projects we are involved in, the driving force behind the project with Nufox Rubber was to develop a system that specifically met the business’s unique working methods and their objectives for being able to turn customer quotations around faster and with greater levels of embedded knowledge, taken from historical production data, allowing them to be even more competitive and accommodating to their customers’ needs.

Yet again, it serves to act as a reminder to businesses in any industry, that there are viable alternatives to working in ‘off-the-shelf’ business systems, even those aimed at vertical industries, that are developed for the many, rather than the few, or just the one!

Similarly, even those large, off-the-shelf applications, like SAP, Salesforce, Microsoft Dyanamics and similar, that do offer significant scope for customisation, often do not offer the opportunity to have customisations that are entirely unique to the customer which allow them to work how they already do, or wish to work, rather than being constrained to work how the system could best be extended to provide a home to their information.

Innovative businesses are choosing custom applications over Excel spreadsheets, Access databases and poorly fitting or overpriced enterprise software, which can often be too rigid or cumbersome to use.

This annual fundraising event supports work with the learning and participation programmes designed by the Theatre in their mission to create great art accessible to all. Beneficiaries include projects for young people like Theatre Royal Wakefield’s Performance Academy, Musical Theatre workshops for learning disabled young people (CHIME), theatre projects for refugee and asylum seekers (Stories) and targeted workshops for older or isolated people.

Hosted by BBC Radio Leeds presenter, Nick Ahad, guests enjoyed performances from juggler Chris Marley, magic from Chris Cross, music from Alison George, Ben Lancaster, Dan Smith and the Punjabi Roots Academy. The evening also showcased plenty of singing and dancing from Theatre Royal Wakefield’s Performance Academy students.

Sarah Shooter, Theatre Royal Wakefield’s Head of Fundraising and Partnerships, said “Each year our Gala Dinner and Performance goes from strength to strength. To be able to raise funds while showcasing what amazing talent we have in Wakefield is a real pleasure. It’s the perfect chance to show all the amazing work that comes from the generous donations this event generates”

Theatre Royal Wakefield offers 60 bursaries for weekly training sessions, which are held in three separate academies across the Wakefield District. To sponsor a bursary place, please contact: [email protected]

The Gala Dinner 2020 is already set for 13 March next year. Tickets will be available in November.

Clients also benefit from links with Leeds Beckett University including access to graduate talent, knowledge transfer opportunities and academic and research expertise.

Businesses also benefit from gigabit connectivity provided by Exa Networks.

With just a few offices remaining to let, the Centre is currently inviting businesses to take advantage of their current deal of workstations starting from only £60 a month.

If you know of any businesses who might benefit, their online brochure can be viewed here https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/ubc/-/media/files/ubc/wakefield.pdf or contact the Centre on 01924 640136.

On Wednesday 27th March, 14 venues across Wakefield city centre will host a range of free art exhibitions, poetry, music, activities and, food and drink for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Taking place from 17:00 – late, residents and visitors are encouraged to discover a few hidden gems as they explore the city. In its own words “Ask anyone who has visited and they’ll tell you, Artwalk is Wakefield’s best kept secret!”

This time around, visitors can enjoy The Hepworth’s late-night opening and see their new exhibition by Magdalene Odundo: The Journey of Things, rated 5 stars by The Guardian. Or, if it’s music you’re into, catch live performances at The Jolly Tap where Ukes O’clock will be performing as part of Ali Bullivent’s Acoustic World.

If you fancy something a little more interactive, why not explore Westgate Studios or visit Now Serving where you can get involved with ‘Brutalising Blue Peter’ – you’ll have to go along to see what that means!

Food and drink are also available at some venues, including The Art House (launching its latest exhibition by sculptor Tony Heaton on the night) where visitors can indulge in delicious Italian coffee and bakes from Laura’s café.

Artwalk always has a surprise up its sleeve for those bold enough to seek it out. With 14 venues to visit, the Artwalk team recommends you pick up a free map on the night to plan your ideal route.

For more information visit artwalk.org.uk

The annual ceremony kicked off a week of activities at Wakefield College to coincide with National Apprenticeships Week, recognising those who have shown hard work and commitment, both in their College work and in their workplace.

Businesses that provide apprentices with exceptional support and mentoring were also acknowledged at the ceremony.

The event was attended by the Mayor of Wakefield Metropolitan District, Councillor Stuart Heptinstall, families, Wakefield College Principal, Sam Wright, and nominees in both ‘Employer’ and Apprentice’ categories.

This year’s winners included:
Health and Care Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by Wakefield College
Chloe Sykes-Kinder – Level 3 Dental Nurse (Park View Dental Practice)

Animal Care, Hair & Beauty, Horticulture, Logistics and Sports Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by YPO
Grant Wynn – Level 2 Horticulture (Wakefield Council)

Non-Levy Employer of the Year
Sponsored by Wakefield Council
JBC Industrial Services

Wakefield College Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by Wakefield College
Zoe Wright – Level 3 Customer Service

Higher Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by Chadwick Lawrence
Judith Megson

Automotive and Engineering Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by OE Electrics
Simon Grayston – Level 2 Mechanical Engineering (Hydraulic Equipment Supermarkets)

New Employer of the Year
Sponsored by Business Development at Wakefield College
Phase 3 Consulting

Construction Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by Arcadis
Bailey Matthews – Level 2 Trowel (Jordan Developments Ltd)

Levy Employer Apprentice of the Year Sponsored by Wakefield Council
South West Yorkshire Partnership Foundation Trust

Business and Professional Apprentice of the Year
Sponsored by Engie
Andrew Smart – Level 2 Business Administration (Card Factory)

Special Recognition
Brian Fisher and Tyler Pickard

Executive Director for Employer Engagement and Apprenticeships, Joanne Taylor said. “Apprenticeships at Wakefield College continue to go from strength to strength and we are delighted so many friends and families could join us. Our fourth annual Apprenticeships Awards Ceremony was another successful event and the perfect opportunity to recognise the outstanding contribution apprentices and employers are making to the local economy.”

The funds were raised following a silent auction, which took place as part of the monthly first Friday networking event, which was attended by Bondholders and individuals from the local business community. Items donated for the silent auction included a HARIBO hamper, a Cedar Court room stay, an Eric Richmond meat hamper and a Nightingales bottle of gin.

Centre Manager of the Well Women Centre, Maddy Sutcliffe, comments: “We’re really grateful to Wakefield Bondholders for choosing to support our organisation. We rely on the goodwill of donations and thanks to organisations such as Wakefield Bondholders, we are able to empower women and support them to change their lives.”

Melissa Armitage, Manager at Wakefield Bondholders, comments: “Firstly we’d like to say a huge thank you to all those that supported the auction, in donating a fantastic selection of auction items and making bids. We’re thrilled to have donated to Wakefield’s Well Women Centre. It is a fantastic organisation that is doing great things to provide much-needed help and support.”

The Well Women Centre is a charity providing mental health and wellbeing services. The centre offers bespoke services to all women, including those with multiple and complex needs through IAPT counselling, EMDR therapy, specialist support, advocacy services, complementary therapies, groups and courses.

For further details about membership of Wakefield Bondholders and upcoming events, email [email protected].

Andrew, who works at business communications specialist NGC Networks, Wakefield, has joined the Dementia Revolution, the official charity team of the Virgin Money London Marathon 2019.

Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK have created the Dementia Revolution to power groundbreaking research at the UK Dementia Research Institute. Almost one million people are living with dementia in the UK today.

Andrew aims to raise £2,000 for Dementia Revolution with support from his work colleagues, friends and family. This is his second London Marathon having completed the 26.2 miles last year.

To support Andrew, go to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndrewDavies73

This year’s London Marathon takes place on Sunday 28 April.

NGC Networks specialises in implementing telecommunications and internet connectivity solutions for businesses across the North of England.

The company’s expanding portfolio of clients includes Lupton Fawcett, Freeman Grattan Holdings, Harrison Spinks, Timpson, Manning Stainton, Puma UK, The Car People and Sharp Business Systems. NGC also works with academies, schools and medical centres.

Martin has worked in the insurance industry for over 30 years, starting as an administrator in a small family run broker in Tamworth. After gaining experience in General Broking and Professional Risks Martin played a key role in setting up PIB and headed up their Leisure division from 2017.

Commenting on the news, Lockyers Sales Director Shaun Mallia said “I am delighted that Martin is joining Lockyers. He is very well known in the market and has a wealth of experience in the leisure industry”

Martin Hall added “It’s a great team at Lockyers. Together we can make the most of our knowledge of this sector, delivering the right protection at the right price for clients. I’m looking forward to exciting times in the year ahead”.