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.
The Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust Communications Team is celebrating after winning a prestigious NHS Communicate Award.
They were joint winners in the Best Use of Digital Communications and Engagement category – in recognition of last year’s We are #TeamCHFT video, which was produced in partnership with the Recruitment Team.
The emotional, day-in-the-life film was shot over three days, and aimed to show a realistic picture of what it’s like to work for the Trust.
The judges said: “The CHFT team developed a creative, insight-led campaign that delivered. This is a different approach to using video on socials which really gets the message across in a unique way, creating the emotional hook that is required, with good evidence of meeting the brief which has expanded to other areas of the Trust. Well done for going with this brave approach.”
Head of communications Amy Campbell (pictured above right) said: “For us to be joint winners alongside the London Ambulance Service is an absolute privilege for such a small team.
“In choosing to tell the story of CHFT without using a single word, we knew we were taking a risk. But it’s thanks to the hard work of our colleagues that we were able to capture such emotional and moving scenes.
“We spend our careers promoting others, so it’s a bit strange for us to be in the spotlight for once. It’s a great boost for us to be recognised in this popular category, and to be rewarded for trying something different.
“Huge thanks go to Jacqui Booth and Megan Litjens for always working their socks off and making it such a great team to be a part of.”
The team was also shortlisted as finalists in the Internal Communications and Staff Engagement Award for their efforts to develop and improve internal communications.
Generous employees at Huddersfield-based Lubrizol helped families supported by the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice at Easter by donating 150 chocolate eggs.
The staff donation was matched by the company and Lubrizol representatives took 150 eggs to an Easter party at the Huddersfield hospice.
Hospice activities co-ordinator Laila Latif said: “We are very grateful to everyone who donates Easter eggs. It means a lot to us, and it’s a lovely Easter treat for families we support – something they can look forward to.”
Sinead Quinn, from Lubrizol’s charities and communities committee, said: “It was a pleasure to donate the Easter eggs. It’s part of the work we do to give back to the local community as much as we can.
“We’ve donated food to the local food bank; we had a bake sale at work to raise money for St John Ambulance, and we helped sort out school uniform donations for another charity too.”
HX5 Encrypted, a leading software company specialising in building secure communication solutions for businesses and regulated sectors, has announced the opening of its second office in Cape Town, South Africa.
The expansion marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey, as it continues to grow its presence within the whistleblowing and risk management markets, serving businesses and regulated sectors worldwide, including 17 current clients.
Founded by Elland-based Andy Parr (above) in 2023, the company’s core offering includes an encrypted messaging platform that empowers employees to report incidents of grievances anonymously.
This unique approach allows businesses to address concerns robustly without fear of negative consequences for those who speak out.
Mr Parr said: “Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of regulations can be quite challenging. With the opening of our new office in Cape Town, we are excited to further strengthen our ability to serve our clients and expand our reach in key markets.
“This expansion reflects our commitment to provide innovative solutions that empower individuals to report wrongdoing through our advanced whistleblowing platform.
“We are dedicated to fostering a positive impact, and the Cape Town office will play a crucial role in supporting our global clientele.”
HX5 Encrypted has established itself as a valuable independent partner for businesses seeking to showcase their commitments to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles while fostering a positive and open company culture.
Additionally, the company is actively developing a digital ID and anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing solution to assist regulated sectors in combating criminal activity within their ecosystems.
Martha Khan has qualified as a solicitor after successfully completing her training contract at Huddersfield-based Eaton Smith Solicitors.
Martha joined Eaton Smith in 2021 as a legal assistant in the Commercial Property team. As a qualified solicitor she has now become a member of the Dispute Resolution team.
Martha said: “I am so pleased to qualify after lots of hard work. I have loved my time being a trainee solicitor at Eaton Smith and I’m very excited to see where the next stage in my career takes me at the firm. A massive thanks to all my colleagues at Eaton Smith LLP for supporting me during this process.”
James Burgess, partner and training principal, said: “We are delighted that Martha has qualified as a solicitor. Throughout her training she has shown great enthusiasm in developing her skills and her role within the legal profession.
“I am incredibly proud to have worked with her as a mentor and, on behalf of the firm, I would like to congratulate Martha on her achievement and look forward to working with her.”
Holden Smith, the Huddersfield-based law firm, has appointed Andy Norton as head of private client.
Mr Norton – who will be based at the firm’s Horsforth office – joins Holden Smith from another Leeds-based firm, where he was an equity partner.
James Smith, co-founder and director at Holden Smith, said: “We are delighted to welcome Andy to Holden Smith. His experience, knowledge and contacts will be instrumental to the continued growth of our private client services.
“His particular experience lies in delivering tailored legal advice to high-net-worth individuals and families around the areas of tax, wealth and estate planning.”
Mr Norton said: “I have followed the Holden Smith journey since the firm was established in 2019 and have been impressed with its growth and ambition to do things differently.
“I am delighted to be joining the firm at an exciting time with further growth on the horizon, and look forward to working closely with James Smith, David Bancroft and the senior teams to build on their successes.”
In February, Holden Smith announced it had recorded a £7 million turnover for its financial year ending October 2023.
The firm was founded by property solicitor James Smith and business development specialist, David Bancroft, after the pair worked together at law firm Ison Harrison.
The business has since grown to a team of more than 100 people across four offices in Huddersfield, Leeds, Horsforth and Elland.
Caleb Auty (above, left) has joined Honley-based architectural practice Heneghan Architecture.
Caleb, who recently graduated from the University of Huddersfield with a First Class BA (Hons) in Architecture, was nominated for the RIBA President’s Medal (Bronze) and the Yorkshire Student Award in his final year.
Practice founder Dan Heneghan (right) spotted Caleb’s talent and potential and said: “Having Caleb join our team is a significant milestone.
“His design skills enhance our technical expertise, providing unmatched services to our clients. His dedication, passion for architecture and practical skills make him invaluable.”
Caleb started work as a general labourer at 16 and has had hands-on experience in construction as well as formal education.
Caleb brings software expertise in AutoCAD, Rhino and Twin Motion to Heneghan Architecture, helping expand their services into immersive 3D imagery, interactive virtual reality and augmented reality visualisations.
“Our studio is a creative hub with a little bit of fun,” said Dan. “Great architecture isn’t about bricks and mortar. It’s about creating spaces that inspire and uplift. Creating a space that brings happiness.”
Caleb said: “I’m thrilled to join Dan and his team. It’s an incredible opportunity to contribute my passion for architecture and technology to a customer-focused company that values creativity and design.”
Juice Personnel Ltd has won the latest Eaton Smith Solicitors Business of the Month Award.
Company founder Kelly Smith first established Juice Personnel in a modest Huddersfield office in February 2003. Two years later the business moved to Wakefield.
Recruitment director Kelly said: “Since Covid, we’ve completely transformed our business and have been able to provide our staff with both personal and professional development opportunities.
“We’ve created a better work/life experience and implemented lots of new wellbeing initiatives. As well as this, we’ve grown our team by over 33% and launched a very successful new division – construction.
“We’re really focused on growing the company and ensuring it is a place where people enjoy coming to work.”
James Burgess, partner at Eaton Smith Solicitors and a member of the judging panel, praised the company’s commitment to supporting its team and added: “The business has experienced significant growth since inception in 2003 and continues to thrive in what is a very competitive industry.”
James chaired the judging panel and was joined by Martin Hathaway (Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce), Annie Bradley (Department of Business & Trade) and Richard Kenworthy (Begbies Traynor).
You can apply for the business of the month award here – https://www.businessofthemonth.co.uk/
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