What We Are Wakefield does

We Are Wakefield is a not-for-profit business networking and collaboration organization operating as We Are Wakefield Ltd (Company No: 10746222), founded in 2017 and headquartered at the Nostell Estate in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The company serves a network of 200+ member businesses across the Wakefield District and Five Towns, primarily SMEs, with a community-led go-to-market anchored on monthly First Friday networking events that rotate across district venues. Membership is tiered into standard, ambassador, and supporter levels, with non-members permitted to attend one taster event before joining.

The organization's product portfolio centers on recurring community touchpoints rather than technology: monthly First Friday events, the WAW Podcast (produced with Podmatic), the Pop Choir, the Manufacturing Forum (launched May 2026 with a manufacturer-led steering group), the annual Wakefield Business Awards, the Collaboration of the Month feature, and twice-monthly newsletters. No proprietary technology platforms are disclosed; operations are supported by a 2-person staff (Managing Director Claire Sutherley DL and PA/Expo Manager Gillian Kitson) and an 11-member Board of Directors drawn from local member businesses.

Revenue is generated exclusively through subscription-style annual membership fees plus ancillary Pop Choir session charges (£10/session, pay-as-you-go); pricing for membership tiers is not publicly disclosed. The organization documents measurable member outcomes — £4.2m–£5.8m in annual member economic value, £64,000+ reinvested into local suppliers through event delivery, and 25%+ of members reporting £1,001–£5,000 of business gained via WAW relationships — positioning itself as the largest business support network in the district.

Name

We Are Wakefield

Legal name

We Are Wakefield Ltd

Website

https://wearewakefield.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Not-for-profit business networking organization serving 200+ member businesses across Wakefield District and Five Towns via monthly First Friday events, tiered membership, Manufacturing Forum, podcast, and the annual Wakefield Business Awards.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Business Networking and Community Services

NAICS

Other Similar Organizations (except Business, Professional, Labor, and Political Organizations) (81399), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Partner, Channel & Vendor Conferences (MPAGAGAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Specialty Membership Clubs (Category-Focused) (CRAEADAI)

Keywords

• Business networking organization
• Membership community services
• Local business collaboration
• Manufacturing industry forum
• Business awards and events

Headquarters

HQ city

Wakefield

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Annual membership subscriptions for businesses to join the We Are Wakefield networking community. Tiered membership levels including standard membership, ambassador-level membership (higher investment), and supporter-level membership. Benefits include networking events, access to collaboration opportunities, newsletter exposure, and member directory listings.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

We Are Wakefield is a not-for-profit business membership organization that runs monthly First Friday networking events, a Manufacturing Forum, a Pop Choir, a podcast, the Wakefield Business Awards, and a Collaboration of the Month feature for its 200+ member businesses in the Wakefield District. Members gain access to a curated directory of local business leaders, networking and cross-sector collaboration opportunities, and shared visibility through newsletters and events.

Product overview

We Are Wakefield is a not-for-profit business networking organization serving the Wakefield District, operating as a single unified community platform rather than a modular product. The organization offers a portfolio of interconnected services including monthly First Friday networking events, the We Are Wakefield Podcast, the Pop Choir, a Manufacturing Forum, the annual Wakefield Business Awards, Collaboration of the Month features, and monthly newsletters. All services are provided to members through a collaborative, community-focused model designed to strengthen the local economy through business-to-business connections.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• We Are Wakefield Podcast: Podcast hosted by Managing Director Claire Sutherley showcasing businesses in the WAW community and communicating business support
• We Are Wakefield Pop Choir
• We Are Wakefield Manufacturing Forum
• Wakefield Business Awards
• Winning Collaborations

Products and services

• We Are Wakefield Membership Tiered membership (Standard, Ambassador, Supporter) giving Wakefield District businesses access to a curated local business directory, monthly networking events, newsletters, and member-to-member collaboration opportunities.
• First Friday Networking Events Monthly in-person business networking events for Wakefield District businesses and members, running as the flagship engagement activity of the organization.
• Manufacturing Forum Sector-specific forum for Wakefield District manufacturers and manufacturing-aligned businesses, providing peer networking, collaboration, and industry-specific visibility.
• We Are Wakefield Podcast Podcast produced and distributed by We Are Wakefield featuring conversations with members and local business leaders, available via streaming platforms.
• Pop Choir Community choir sessions for Wakefield District professionals and small teams, charged at £10 per session, providing informal networking, team building, and wellbeing benefits.
• Wakefield Business Awards Annual awards programme recognizing and celebrating the achievements of businesses and individuals across the Wakefield District.
• Collaboration of the Month Monthly feature highlighting a successful collaboration between two or more member businesses, showcased across We Are Wakefield channels to encourage cross-sector working.
• Monthly Member Newsletter Monthly email newsletter distributed to members, featuring member news, upcoming events, collaborations, and community updates.

Quantifiable outcome

• £4.2m-£5.8m annual economic value generated by the WAW community, equivalent to £11,500-£15,800 daily
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supportive.

• EliscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023International multi-service provider offering textile, hygiene and facility service solutions. Became WAW Ambassador in 2023 to establish presence within local community and build supportive business relationships. Aims to engage with local Wakefield businesses and add positive value to the community by driving collaboration.
• Juice PersonnelcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023Independent recruitment agency based in Wakefield since 2003. Ambassador member since 2023, returning 4th year as Supporting Sponsor of Wakefield Business Awards. Benefits from membership include meeting new clients, new suppliers, winning awards, sponsoring events, and developing genuine relationships with local businesses.
• OE ElectricscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAward-winning manufacturer of cutting-edge power solutions and complete electrical distribution systems. Based locally, dedicated to powering positive changes as manufacturer, employer and part of the local community. Ambassador member supporting WAW.
• SolupakcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerManufacturer and innovator in water soluble systems with low carbon UK manufacturing. Ambassador member. Managing Director Helen McDonald serves as Vice Chair of WAW Board. Hosted Manufacturing Forum event and collaborated on Pop Choir McMillan Coffee Morning.
• Thornton Jones SolicitorscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFull service law firm formed in Wakefield in 2007. Partner Clare Thornton serves as WAW Board Director. Ambassador member believing in power of local businesses working together. Won Yorkshire Legal Awards Law Firm of the Year 2022.
• Prosper Wakefield DistrictcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGrant-making organization improving lives across Wakefield District for 75 years. Invested over £350,000 in local voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations in 2025. Ambassador member supporting WAW community initiatives.
• The Nostell EstatecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAward-winning office space provider with 350+ years of history. 40,000+ sq ft of office space, 4,000+ acres of farmland. Hosts WAW headquarters. Director Peter Molyneux serves as WAW Treasurer. Ambassador member for 2026.
• The One PointsupportiveTechnology or IntegrationManaged technology company founded in Hull in 2005 providing IT Support, Cyber Security, VOIP/Telecommunications, Connectivity, Business Mobiles and Digital Transformation. Ambassador member expanding into West Yorkshire region.
• Heart of Yorkshire Education GroupcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFurther and higher education provider offering apprenticeships, adult courses, and higher education programs. Employer Engagement Manager Debbie Lee serves as WAW Board Director. Ambassador member committed to supporting local business skills needs.
• McManus ConsultingsupportiveTechnology or IntegrationWorkplace technology consultancy offering Managed Print, AV solutions, Cloud Solutions and Digital Mailroom Solutions. Ambassador member contributing insight and practical guidance to support the wider community.
• ActionCOACH White RosesupportiveGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness coaching firm supporting business owners across West Yorkshire to grow, thrive and succeed. Ambassador member believing strong local businesses build strong local communities.
• Huddersfield Business SchoolcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAACSB accredited business school (top 6% worldwide) offering Help to Grow: Management Programme. Supporting Sponsor of Wakefield Business Awards. Committed fully funded places on Help to Grow programme for WAW Manufacturing Forum members.
• PodmaticsupportiveStrategic or Co-development PartnerPodcast production partner producing the We Are Wakefield Podcast. Won Digital/Creative Business of the Year at Wakefield Business Awards 2024. Supports creation of audio and visual content for the WAW community.
• Wakefield Trinity RLFCsupportiveGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional rugby league club with community foundation. Supporter member of WAW. Partnership connects business with culture and third sector. Club runs 265 days of the year with community programs.
• The Alternative Board (TAB)supportiveGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness coaching and peer advisory board franchise for business owners in Wakefield District. Partners with WAW taking collaborative approach bringing business owners together.
• Switalskis SolicitorssupportiveGTM or Marketing PartnerTop 200 UK law firm known for legal excellence with genuine empathy. Named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024. Supporter member of WAW.
• Chadwick LawrencesupportiveGTM or Marketing PartnerLegal services firm providing trusted legal services across Yorkshire for over 170 years. Supporter member committed to supporting Wakefield's thriving business community.
• Disability Sport YorkshiresupportiveGTM or Marketing PartnerCharity improving health, wellbeing and quality of life for disabled people across Yorkshire. Supported by WAW volunteer days including 21 WAW members volunteering at Denhale Active Recreation Centre in May 2026.
• Wakefield CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal authority providing support for Manufacturing Forum with Key Account Manager attending sessions and Chief Executive expressing interest in future meetings. Confirmed presence at all future Manufacturing Forum meetings with full support.
• Wakefield Grammar School FoundationsupportiveGTM or Marketing PartnerLeading independent day school foundation with three schools educating over 1700 students aged 3-18. Top performing schools in Wakefield, ranked in top 10 northern independent schools. Supporter member.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Business Network International (BNI): Global referral-networking organization operating through structured local chapters with paid membership; closely comparable in event cadence, referral focus, and SME member profile.
• 4Networking: UK-wide business networking organization running regular local breakfast and lunch events on a paid membership model; the closest analogue to We Are Wakefield's monthly First Friday chapter-style meetings.
• Just Entrepreneurs: UK business networking community for entrepreneurs and SME owners hosting regular local events and an online community; a direct functional competitor to We Are Wakefield's networking offering.

Emerging players

• Enterprise Nation: UK membership and events platform for small business owners and start-ups with a digital-first offering; overlaps in SME audience and community-led growth support, but operates digitally rather than via local chapters.

Broad incumbents

• Institute of Directors (IoD): UK-wide membership body for company directors offering events, networking, and policy representation; comparable as a business membership institution but oriented toward senior executives rather than the broader SME base.
• British Chambers of Commerce: National network of accredited local chambers (including West Yorkshire chambers) providing events, representation, and member services to businesses; competes indirectly for the same SME networking and advocacy wallet.
• Federation of Small Businesses (FSB): UK's largest membership organization for small businesses, offering benefits, events, and policy voice at national scale; broader remit than WAW but overlapping member base and subscription model.

Others

• Co-operatives UK: UK trade body for co-operative and member-owned businesses; analogous as a membership-based organization supporting member businesses with representation and services, though structurally distinct.
• Social Enterprise UK: UK membership body for social enterprises and mission-led businesses; structurally and philosophically similar as a not-for-profit membership organization serving community-oriented members.

Regional players

• Athena Networking: Professional networking organization primarily for women business owners running regular UK meetings on a paid membership basis; comparable event-and-membership model with a different demographic focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/we.are.wakefield
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/we-are-wakefield

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about We Are Wakefield