We love it when businesses send us their good news and here’s our latest good news round-up, kindly sponsored by PALADIN. 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.
Equilibrium Risk, a leading provider of security solutions for manufacturers, has announced that it has chosen The Welcome Centre as its Charity of Choice for 2023.
The Welcome Centre is a registered charity based in Huddersfield that provides a range of services to people in crisis, including food parcels, advice and support.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, Huddersfield-based Equilibrium Risk has pledged to support The Welcome Centre by hosting several events throughout the next 12 months and donating the proceeds.
Equilibrium Risk is committed to supporting the UN Sustainability Goals by assisting the charity’s work tackling hunger and poverty in the local community.
Equilibrium Risk director Luke Appleby said: “We are delighted to be supporting The Welcome Centre as our Charity of Choice for 2023.
“The Welcome Centre does vital work in the local community and we are proud to be able to support their efforts to provide practical support to individuals and families in crisis.
“We believe No Hunger and Zero Poverty are key sustainability targets for all businesses, and we are committed to doing our part to help create a more sustainable future for everyone.”
The Welcome Centre’s fundraising manager Emma Greenough said: “We are thrilled to be chosen as Equilibrium Risk’s Charity of Choice. It’s fantastic to see a company that shares our values and commitment to sustainability.
“We look forward to working with Equilibrium Risk over the coming year to make a positive impact on the local community.”
Mirfield-based integrated agency The Bigger Boat (TBB) is helping to facilitate rapid growth for Lancashire-based quality engineering company Roq with a reimagined brand identity, tone of voice and website.
The project forms an integral part of Roq’s aim to quadruple in size over the next four to five years.
Building on Roq’s clear values, culture and reputation, TBB needed to ensure the 14-year old brand stood out in a crowded market.
Roq CEO and founder Stephen Johnson said: “Roq is evolving at pace, and has a clear vision to be the UK’s leading quality engineering company.
“It felt like the right time to revisit our brand identity, personality and visibility, as well as investing in an updated website. We’ve always tried to punch above our weight with how we’re perceived, and wanted our digital home to act as an effective tool for self-promotion, lead-generation and educational resources that reflects a company four times as big as we are today.”
Speaking about the positioning work, Carrie Webb (above), head of content at TBB, added: “Roq is a people-focused organisation, and wanted its identity and assets to demonstrate its inclusive, values-driven approach to attracting and retaining colleagues by promoting Roq as an employer of choice and a great place to work.”
A dedicated carer proved herself to be a true snow angel after she battled through thick snow and ice on foot to provide Huddersfield locals with care in their homes.
During heavy snowfall in March, care co-ordinator Janice Hislop, of Dalton, resorted to completing her five-mile rounds on foot to ensure that her customers were safe and warm.
Janice is no stranger to such feats of endurance, having also marched out to her customers at Bluebird Care Wakefield and Kirklees when snow bought roads to a standstill in previous years.
Janice’s reputation for her untiring commitment to compassionate care is widely acknowledged throughout the community that she serves. In 2020 Janice was nominated as a Covid hero for her work to inform, support and reassure vulnerable locals who were experiencing anxiety during the pandemic.
Janice, who walked through the snow to homes in Salendine Nook, Golcar, Marsh, Crosland Moor and Lockwood, said: “I embarked on a career in social care because I wanted to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others in my community.
“This passion drives my work every day and no quantity of snow is going to deter me from my mission to make sure everyone is safe and supported!”
Narinder Gill, director of Bluebird Care Wakefield and Kirklees, said: “Janice always goes that extra mile to ensure the happiness of our customers and staff. She really is a true inspiration and I think she really brings to light just how important our work here is.”
A successful company with its roots in Marsden has installed sustainable flood defence for UK Power Networks.
Andel, started by Ian Pogson in his garden shed in the village around 30 years ago, is now the UK’s leading developer of specialised leak detection and environmental protection systems.
The company, now based in Dodworth, near Barnsley, installed its innovative FloodWall and FloodBlox products to protect transformers on a large substation in Croydon which helps supply electricity to London and the South East of England.
With panels and posts constructed from 100% nonporous, post-industrial plastic waste, Andel’s FloodWall is a sustainable cost-effective system compared to traditional flood defence systems.
As well as its flood alert and defence systems, Andel is responsible for oil storage, fuel maintenance, sampling and inspections at more than 50% of all NHS trusts in England and two years ago pledged to go carbon-zero by 2025.
Managing director Peter Double said: “We’re very proud of FloodWall as it is made from recycled materials therefore, we encourage clients to use it to improve sustainability and reduce their carbon footprint.
“The concrete used in flood defences represents around 50% of our carbon footprint, therefore our solution is an important alternative in the flood defence market.
“I believe it is everyone’s responsibility to take care of the environment and since it was founded in 1992, Andel has been committed to protecting our world for future generations to come.”
Huddersfield-based estate agent Whitegates has teamed up with financial experts Simpson Wood to ensure their clients are compliant and fully informed when it comes to tax and the properties they own.
Whitegates is the largest lettings agency in Huddersfield with managed properties worth more £100 million and managing director Chan Khangura said: “At Whitegates we pride ourselves on protecting clients’ property investments and we offer a straight-talking, efficient and courteous service.
“My family and I have personally utilised the services of Simpson Wood for many years and I’m delighted to offer this commercial arrangement to our clients.”
Simpson Wood, also based in Huddersfield, offer accountancy and financial planning services.
Chan Khangura pictured above and below with the two winners of Whitegates’ Easter competition – Evelyn from Lindley Junior School and Emma from St Patrick’s in Huddersfield
CEO of The Piece Hall Trust, Nicky Chance-Thompson DL has been named Transformational Leader at TheBusinessDesk Northern Leadership Awards 2023.
The North’s business community came together to celebrate the best in business leadership at a glitzy ceremony at The Midland Hotel in Manchester.
Joining The Piece Hall Trust in 2015, initially as a trustee, Nicky has been at the helm since 2017 overseeing The Piece Hall’s ascent to world class visitor attraction. Alongside the board she has successfully steered the business through the turbulent waters of the global pandemic, securing this precious asset’s long-term future.
Under her leadership an outstanding arts, culture and community events programme has seen the award-winning heritage destination welcome more than 11 million visitors. Growing in both repertoire and reputation the organisation has been described as an exemplar business model and an example of ‘Levelling Up’ in action.
Nicky (above) said: “I’m so honoured to have been given this award. It’s a complete privilege to be the custodian of this unique and precious heritage site and working with my team to breathe new life into it is a labour of love. I’m incredibly proud of the transformation.”
