Case Studies
Explore how Wakefield First has helped business to grow throughout the Wakefield District.
WF8 Retail Outlet
The WF8 Retail Outlet is a unique space catering to customers of all kinds. Their premises in Pontefract offers a wide range of offerings, including: prop hire, antiques, collectibles, retro toys and games, home furnishings, vinyl records and a whole host most.
Wakefield First has been able to provide free, unbiased and experienced business support, particularly in the form of networking and business connections to help the business grow further.
Queen's Mill Tearooms
The Queen's Mill Tearooms are a luxurious tearoom located in a scenic spot on the River Aire. Welcoming walkers, cyclists, friends and families and their furry friends.
Wakefield First has been able to offer the business free, curated business support in the form of assistance with funding and grants. They also greatly appreciate the 'face to face' support that we regularly offer to local businesses.
"A very good range of funding options with opportunities to meet 'can do' Wakefield First representatives face to face."
The Hive Wakefield
The Hive Wakefield is local co-working space that offers a wide breadth of private offices, meetings rooms and other professional spaces that are perfect for various business-based uses.
One of the key indicators of The Hive's success was achieving the 'Best New Business of the Year Award' at the Wakefield Business Awards 2022, which was sponsored by Wakefield First.
This recognition gave them the boost they needed to take their business to the next level.
Silvertini
Silvertini began their business journey as a luxury florist, providing stunning floral arrangements to high-end events, weddings and other special occasions.
With Wakefield First's curated business support programme, are receiving ongoing assistance and guidance on business development opportunities, networking and event promotion.
"Their resources have been invaluable in helping us raise awareness of our venue within the wider business community."
Studio J Architects
Studio J Architects are a local architecture firm dedicated to providing personal, professional and friendly services across Wakefield, Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate, York, Halifax, Huddersfield, Barnsley, Rotherham, Sheffield and surrounding areas.
Based in Horbury, the business was founded in 2009 by Managing Director James Butterworth.
Wakefield First was able to support Studio J by assisting them in joining the Green Economy Programme.
Second Chance Headway
Second Chance Headway is a Wakefield-based charity that supports people with brain injuries and their families. They were founded at Pinderfields Hospital almost fifty years ago.
Wakefield First continue to support the charity with connections and contacts which they use to expand their network and further grow the impressive work that they do. With the assistance of our Business Support Team, Second Chance Headway want to focus on growth and establishing new partnerships across West Yorkshire.
Policelot
Policelot are film and TV police specialists, who supply genuine police props and costumes to various production companies and projects.
With the free, tailored support of Wakefield First, Policelot were able to get curated information on potential properties in the district through our Inward Investment Team. Additionally, our team are looking into supporting the business with new energy efficient lighting for the studio, carbon footprint measuring and producing a CRP (Carbon Reduction Plan).
Podmatic
Podmatic are a premium podcast production agency, who enable clients to produce high quality video and audio content for their podcasts. The company is based in Horbury, Wakefield and has been established since 2023.
Isaac Soko, Podmatic’s Founder, has worked closely with Wakefield First to help the business find their current commercial location.
FlowerBarn
FlowerBarn is a florist and gift shop based in Normanton, established in 2008, providing beautiful floral arrangements and curated present ideas for a variety of occasions.
In their local area, FlowerBarn is heavily involved with the community and supports care homes, local children’s sport, schools and charities.
With Wakefield First’s unbiased, curated business support, FlowerBarn are planning to further expand the digital presence of their business, including the development of their website.
Sales Geek Yorkshire
Sales Geek Yorkshire offer a vast range of services to boost revenue, enhance sales strategies, and develop sales talent through tailored training. They provide a range of mentorship programmes including ‘Your Sales Director’ and ‘Your Sales Trainer.’
Wakefield First has been able to support Sales Geek Yorkshire throughout their journey in the Wakefield District.
Nosh Rocks
Nosh Rocks is a wellbeing business based in Sandal, which provides regular healthy recipes and other engaging content through the Nosh Rock Self-Health Private Members Club.
Wakefield First has been supporting the business with contacts and networking opportunities with local organisations and professionals.
B:Skills Beauty Academy
B:Skills was founded in 2000 and creates training and upskilling opportunities for people in a wide range of industries. B:Skill Wakefield is the flagship to their beauty centres, where they offer courses in Beauty Therapy, Makeup Artistry, Nail Technology and much more.
Originally the business was Wakefield based, before relocating to Batley, but with the support of our Inward Investment and Property Search Team, they have decided to move back to the centre of Wakefield to take advantage of the wide offering of real estate opportunities that the city centre has available.
To find out what Wakefield could offer your business, visit our Commercial Land & Property page.
Mike's Drumming School
Mike's Drumming School offers drumming lessons to a broad range of clients of all ages at his facility and also in schools across the Wakefield District.
Mike initially approached Wakefield First to get support with finding a new property as his previous one was no longer serving his requirements in terms of space, facilities or location.
Following a diagnostic with Paige from the business support team, Paige was able to feed back Mike’s soundproofing measures to the Invest team so Millie was able to negotiate with letting agencies/landlords. With Wakefield First advocating for Mike we were able to secure a premise that perfectly meets Mike’s requirements.
Complete Training
Complete Training are a local training provider, based in Wakefield, that offer a wide range of accredited courses in a number of specialist subjects.
With our curated business support, we were able to assist Complete Training in gaining access to connections, networks and organisations who can enable them to achieve their business goals and enable future networking.
