On Thursday, 14 businesses based across Yorkshire attended the launch of the Smart Works Leeds Collective, making a commitment to uplift jobseekers through supporting the charity with vital funds. The Smart Works Leeds Collective is a network of forward-thinking, dynamic Yorkshire individuals and businesses who have pledged to help the charity support unemployed women across the county into work. Collective members stand for equality and inclusivity. They believe that employment is key to transforming women’s lives, that of their families, and their communities. Members of The Collective donate either £150pcm or £1500pa, vital contributions needed to run the service. In 2022, Smart Works Leeds helped 630 women find work. This year, the charity are ambitiously aiming to support 1,000 women. Kate Murphy, Centre Manager at Smart Works Leeds, said: “We were delighted to see so many existing, as well as new supporters at the event on Thursday. At Smart Works we help women with a carefully designed coaching and clothing service, which allows many clients to secure employment and succeed at work. We have a brilliant track record with 69% of Smart Works’ clients securing a job within a month of their appointment. “The audience who attended our launch event were introduced to the service we offer unemployed women in Yorkshire and heard about how, with their support it will enable us to reach more women and help them gain not only financial stability, but the sense of purpose and identity that securing employment means. “By joining The Collective, a business, or an individual demonstrates that they share in our mission to help women realise their potential and empower them in their professional pursuits.” Smart Works Leeds Client Champion Fran spoke at the event about the impact Smart Works has had on her life. Fran is a 43-year-old single parent from Leeds, with a passion for supporting others. She had been out of work for quite some time when she was introduced to Smart Works by Women’s Health Matters, a local women’s organisation where she completed a course focussed on freedom after domestic violence. Fran left everything when she fled an abusive relationship and has done tremendous work to change her life since. Smart Works Leeds helped Fran pick a beautiful outfit ready for her interview with a local addiction charity as well as a dedicated coaching session tailored to the role. Following her successful interview, Fran was welcomed back for a Second Dressing where she picked out a capsule wardrobe to support her through her first weeks at work. She is now working with a local addiction charity, an organisation whose services she had previously accessed. Fran said: “I didn’t know what to expect, but it was just brilliant. Smart Works really helped me. Coming out of a domestic violent relationship, I didn’t have many choices and I had a low opinion of myself. “Hearing that I looked good, and getting input from my dressers made me feel so much better. I was able to present myself in a professional manner at the interview which helped me secure the role. My dresser just got me! It completely changed my perception of myself. “My coach was so knowledgeable. She put questions to me that I was actually asked in the interview. I got loads of tips and invaluable advice. I was able to talk about my fears and this resolved a lot of my anxiety. “Smart Works is empowering, lifechanging and a huge confidence builder. It’s an amazing, amazing service.”

Caddick Group, the Yorkshire-headquartered property business, has raised over £20,000 for charity by abseiling down the face of Moda’s New York Square building at SOYO, Leeds.

The effort raised vital funds for three of the organisation’s charity partners, the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association, Candlelighters Trust and Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.

The charity abseil brought together over 60 people including employers, partners and supporters, all eager to contribute to the important cause. Participants took on the exhilarating challenge of descending down the 148ft Moda building, located in the heart of Leeds’ cultural quarter.

Kairen Brown, head of CSR at Caddick Group, expressed her pride in the event’s success, stating: “This brilliant event has not only raised substantial funds for our charity  partners but has also brought out team and community closer together.

“As part of our wider commitments as a business, we are dedicated to supporting charitable initiatives that have a real and tangible impact on people’s lives. This event perfectly encapsulates our dedication to making a positive difference and is another example of where we’re supporting our home city.” 

Paul Caddick, founder and chairman of Caddick Group, added: “We are immensely proud of the funds raised through this charity abseil.

“Our commitment to giving back to the community is deeply rooted in our company’s ethos, and we will continue to support initiatives that create positive change and improve lives.”

Candlelighters Trust, one of the beneficiaries of the funds raised, expressed their gratitude for Caddick Group’s unwavering support. 

Chris Salt, philanthropy manager at Candlelighters Trust, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Caddick Group for their continued support. The funds raised through the event will make a significant difference to the lives of children and families affected by cancer. This remarkable display of support underlines Caddick Group’s dedication to the community and their tireless efforts in making a positive impact.”

Caddick Group recently celebrated their major fundraising milestone of £100,000 with Candlelighters, as they continue to nurture a longstanding charity partnership.