We love it when businesses send us their good news and here’s our latest good news round-up. Awards, expansion, new contracts or new appointments, if you’ve got some good news you want to share please email the editor, Martin Shaw, on martin@huddersfieldhub.co.uk.
The CEO of Leeds United has praised a job scheme that matches businesses across the Kirklees and Leeds with individuals that have experienced homelessness to get them back into employment.
In a new video released by Cleckheaton-based charity, The Howarth Foundation, Angus Kinnear speaks about the involvement of Leeds United with the charity’s Business Building Futures scheme, through which the Elland Road club has employed four formerly homeless individuals.
Speaking in the video Mr Kinnear said: “The Business Building Futures scheme has been a great way that we have been able to give back to the local community and work in partnership with the Foundation and the employees that we’ve been able to take on board.
“It’s not just by means of a financial commitment – it’s actually a practical commitment where we give training and responsibility to an individual to help them get back onto their feet.”
“I think the employees have got a lot out of it. They’ve had training, they’ve been given a sense of worth, given responsibility. We’ve also gained four fantastic employees which adds value to the Leeds United business, day in, day out.”
The Howarth Foundation – which to date has helped secure employment for more than 30 individuals who have experienced some form of homelessness – is the brainchild of Andy Howarth, businessman and founder of Cleckheaton based HR, employment law and health and safety consultancy, Howarths.
Mr Howarth, a long-time Leeds United supporter, said: “I am extremely proud that The Howarth Foundation has achieved the support of a football club that is recognised around the globe, but that also means so much to me personally.”
He added: “The support of Angus and the wider club is invaluable to our clients who have experienced chaotic lifestyles and homelessness, and who need a second chance at life.
“Our clients are some of the most hard-working people I have ever met, and I am sure Angus would testify to that, having successfully recruited and trained four people through our Business Building Futures scheme.”
For more information about The Howarth Foundation’s Business Building Futures scheme, visit www.howarthfoundation.org or email rachael@howarthfoundation.org.
Huddersfield marketing content writer, Jacquie Budd, has recently been named a finalist in the IPSE Sustainable Freelancer Awards.
Jacquie specialises in writing Google-friendly content for outdoor, purpose-driven eco brands. She began her business while working part-time for a conservation charity in Sheffield.
Jacquie said: “My parents had their own business, but I started my career working for large multi-national companies. That said, I always felt drawn towards working for myself.
“I spent 10 years working at the University of Huddersfield, helping other people start a business. Then, in January 2022, decided to take the plunge and become fully self-employed.”
To provide a better service for her clients, she immediately signed up for a 12-week Search Engine Optimisation course. She also applied for membership of the Organisation for Responsible Businesses. Mixing with like-minded business owners helped shape the direction of her own business.
“I’d initially resisted the urge to specialise. But then realised my clients already fell into the outdoor and charitable sectors. When I was invited to pitch for work as a content writer on a Net Zero project, choosing to niche simply fell into place.”
Jacquie interviewed several business owners while working on The Business Village’s Net Zero Accelerator. Learning about their carbon reduction strategies, she created case studies and blog posts. These were then used to inspire other businesses and support further funding bids.
“I developed my own environmental policy after speaking with so many business owners about net zero,” she said. “Then, I learned that carbon emissions from the internet were equivalent to the aviation industry.
“I spend a lot of my time working on a computer, so it felt important to share some of the simple changes I was making. As individuals, we may not feel there’s much we can do. But my belief is that lots of small changes can add up to a big impact.”
As an award finalist, Jacquie recently gave a pitch to the IPSE judging panel. The winner will be announced in November at an event in London. Find out more at www.jacquiebudd.com
Compressed air and fluid power specialist Thorite has been named Family Business of the Year in the prestigious Yorkshire Business Masters Awards.
The accolade comes as the fifth generation Bradford-based company, which has a branch in Barge Street, Huddersfield, celebrates 172 years of unbroken operations and the centenary of its incorporation.
Thorite reported record results for 2021-2022 following a period of investment which has seen it move into purpose-built new headquarters and refurbish all 10 regional branches.
At the award ceremony in Leeds, Yorkshire editor for award organisers TheBusinessDesk, Andrew Staples, said: “The judges faced tough choices, not only to pick the winners, but even to pick the shortlist.
“Anyone can lead a business in good times; what matters is how you lead in challenging times. Every firm shortlisted demonstrated fortitude and adaptability.”
Stephen Wright, managing director of Thorite, said: “As a business, this is a great recognition of what we have achieved over many years and, more recently, to cement our position as a leading national company.
“A lot of hard work has gone into making the business what it is today and I’m grateful to Thorite colleagues across the country who have contributed to our success.”
Thorite started life in 1850 as Thomas Wright, Mill Furnishers in Bower Street, Bradford, supplying textile accessories to the city’s roving and spinning mills. The company credits its longevity to its willingness to adapt to changing markets and customer requirements.
In addition to offering a stock of 70,000 products from 100+ brands, it offers pneumatic system design and installation, aftermarket services and support, and industry accredited training.
Mirfield-based integrated digital marketing specialist Fishtank Agency underlined its commitment to supporting the next generation by appointing a new junior member to its team.
Joining the team is Chloe Arnett, a Graphic Design graduate of the University of Lincoln. Chloe will undertake a digital marketing apprenticeship through Leeds-based training and development provider Estio Training which will involve off-the-job development, such as marketing principles and coding sessions.
Chloe was drawn to Fishtank after seeing its impactful marketing campaigns for City Taxis and Tubex, as well as its inviting culture and past work with graduates and apprentices.
This appointment is not the first time the agency has recruited an apprentice. Katie Lewendon, started her digital career with Fishtank Agency undergoing the same programme and has since been promoted to junior digital marketer, with a clear and fast-paced progression plan.
Katie said: “I really landed on my feet finding Fishtank Agency as it allowed me to work on a wide variety of projects for a number of companies from different industries. Plus, working in an agency is fast-paced, and in my opinion, it’s the best place to learn and grow the skills needed to succeed in this industry.”
Working closely with Katie and the undergraduate interns has allowed the team to develop a supportive and hands-on approach when it comes to training.
“The team ensures that everyone who joins as a full-time member or intern is involved in all aspects of client work, and those who have completed the same training are given mentor opportunities for the younger team.
READ MORE: This is why Huddersfield Hub means business
Commenting on the recent hire, Ola Tambor, head of digital at Fishtank Agency, said: “Chloe’s application and interview manner immediately made her stand out in the apprentice applicants that Estio had approached us with.
“Just like Katie, she has shown great attention to detail, creativity in her approach to the interview task and a touch of design flair too, which never goes amiss in the studio.
“When working on our growth strategy, we wanted to create as many opportunities as possible that would support the future generation and help fill the digital skills gap we’re currently facing.”
Chloe adds: “Everyone at Fishtank has been so supportive since my first day. Whenever I have any questions or worries, someone is always willing to drop whatever they’re doing to help me get back on the right track.
“I’ve enjoyed every aspect of day-to-day activities so far, and can’t wait to contribute towards creative marketing campaigns like Going Places with City Taxis and Tubex Collection and Recycling Programme – Integrated Launch Campaign.”
Fishtank Agency is still looking for a junior full-stack web developer to join the creative team. If this is of interest, find out more information here: https://fishtankagency.com/careers/
