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 jobs, if you’ve got some good news you want to share please email the editor, Martin Shaw, on martin@huddersfieldhub.co.uk.
Businesses from across the region have helped raise over £6,000 to support of The Howarth Foundation, a charity supporting people that have been homeless across Kirklees and Leeds to get back into employment.
Eighteen teams took part in The Howarth Foundation Charity Golf Day at Cleckheaton and District Golf Club to raise vital funds for the charity’s Business Building Futures programme, which matches individuals that have been homeless with businesses that are able to offer employment and training opportunities.
The charity – which to date has helped secure employment for more than 30 individuals who have experienced sofa surfing or have been homeless – is the brainchild of Andy Howarth, businessman and founder of Cleckheaton based HR, employment law and health and safety consultancy, Howarths.
Mr Howarth said: “We are absolutely delighted that so many generous businesses from across the region chose to support the charity golf day and help raise vital funds to continue the work of The Howarth Foundation.
“We are a self-funding charity, and events like our golf day make up a large proportion of our fundraising efforts, so having the backing of so many local businesses is truly outstanding. We are so grateful for every company that sponsored or took part in the event.”
Rachael Stalley, fundraising and event manager at The Howarth Foundation, said: “The day was a huge success and so well-received by all the businesses that took part.
“We’ve had some fantastic feedback and have set the date for the 2023 Charity Golf Day which will take place on Monday June 19 2023 at Cleckheaton Golf Club.
Businesses wishing to sponsor the 2023 event or enter a team can email rachael@howarthfoundation.org or call 01274 864 999.
Organisations across the region that have employed people through The Howarth Foundation’s Business Building Futures programme to date include Leeds United Football Club, Kirklees Stadium Development Limited, Ringways Motor Group and Howard Civil Engineering.
Huddersfield-based Propack has expanded its senior leadership team with the appointment of Andy Cromack as operations director.
Mr Cromack has joined the technology-led print and direct mail solutions provider to spearhead the firm’s commitment to developing an outstanding service delivery model and improving quality and efficiency throughout its team and processes.
He previously held the role of operations director at digital print and direct mail agency Gecko and has a wealth of industry experience, having started his career with a printing apprenticeship upon leaving school.
Speaking of his new role, Mr Cromack said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Propack team and can’t wait to get stuck in. I have been impressed with the company’s growth and progress over the last few years so jumped at the chance to get involved with what the team is creating. It’s a really exciting time.
“The recent investments made by Propack and its capabilities for targeting and segmentation are top notch and this is an area where the print industry can work hand-in-hand with digital communications to propel our industry forward for years to come.”
Managing director of Propack, Jason Clough, added: “I am delighted to welcome Andy to the team. His impressive CV and clear vision for the Propack brand will be a real asset to the team.
“Andy’s appointment is an important step for us, underpinning our commitment to ensuring our processes, from start to finish, produce the best possible results in terms of quality, ethics, sustainability and efficiency.”
Propack produces in excess of 25 million technology-led print and direct mail packs per year, working with a range of both B2C and B2B clients, with sector specialisms in retail, charity, travel and automotive. Its current client list includes global household brands like Moonpig, Mercedes Benz and Sue Ryder.
Law firm Holden Smith has grown its specialist conveyancing team with the appointment of experienced conveyancing manager, Julie Makin.
Ms Makin has more than 20 years’ experience in the conveyancing industry, having worked in a volume re-mortgage team before moving into operations management and client relationship roles.
Ms Makin is based at the firm’s Leeds Crossgates office and will act on sales and purchases, re-mortgages, transfers of equity and bridging finance for clients.
James Smith, co-founder and director at Holden Smith, said: “Julie is a well-known and highly regarded conveyancing specialist, and her appointment is significant in the continued growth of our residential conveyancing team. We are delighted to welcome her to Holden Smith.
Ms Makin said: “Holden Smith is a dynamic, forward thinking law firm and I am pleased to be joining at a time of significant growth for the business to further strengthen our specialist conveyancing team.
“We are different to other large conveyancing solicitors as we retain the small firm feeling where customer service sits at the core, while having the resource and experience to manage a high volume of cases.”
Founded in 2019 by James Smith and David Bancroft, Holden Smith employs a team of 60 people with offices in Huddersfield, Leeds, Halifax and Ilkley.
A Kirklees Council partnership that supports people who face an increased risk of homelessness made the finals at this year’s Local Government Chronicle Awards.
The Kirklees Better Outcomes Partnership, which brings together social sector organisations to support people with a range of complex social needs across Kirklees, was a finalist for the Public/Private Partnership award.
The partnership makes sure residents with complex social needs that puts them at increased risk of homelessness get the help they need to secure or maintain suitable accommodation, improve their health and well-being and develop the skills they need to live independently.
Working together with charities and housing associations, the partnership supports domestic violence victims, disabled people, people with drug and alcohol issues, homeless people, and people with vulnerabilities.
To date, the partnership has supported over 3680 residents, including Jack who benefited from the partnership’s help in securing accommodation and employment.
Jack had been sofa surfing for several years and had had to leave his last job due to untreated mental ill-health.
Jack was offered a property with local housing association Connect Housing and received support registering with a GP, who prescribed him with the right medication, which improved his outlook. Jack was able to move towards his employment goals by registering with the Works Better Programme.
Jack has now started in full-time employment as a production operative at a local bed company.
He is continuing working to progress his career by enrolling in college to complete a Level 3 qualification in joinery.
Clr Mus Khan, Cabinet member for health and social care, said: “The Kirklees Better Outcomes Partnership work tirelessly to make sure those most vulnerable in our communities get the support they need and are able to live independent and fulfilling lives in their own homes.
“I’m delighted that the team’s and our partners’ vital work has been recognised at these national awards.”
