My Nostell: Claire Sutherley of We Are Wakefield

We are Wakefield Managing Director, Claire Sutherley tells us why The Nostell Estate is the ideal meeting place for achieving a better work-life balance.

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS…

We are Wakefield (WAW), a not-for-profit business networking platform, supports businesses across the Wakefield district and beyond. I’m proud to say we’re the fastest-growing business community in the Wakefield area, with 128 members at the last count.

Our primary purpose is to encourage collaboration between businesses, working closely with each member to support growth and help them thrive while improving the local economy. The connections our members make often go beyond commercial gain. For example, Castleford-based Solupak, a global leader in water-soluble cleaning products, recently partnered with Camphill College Wakefield to develop a work placement programme for young people and adults with learning disabilities.

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO WAW?

After running my own business for 25+ years and moving on to a business support role for Wakefield Council, I could see the potential in bringing businesses together creatively. WAW is collaborative, supportive, friendly and welcoming. It’s not a platform solely centred around commercial gain. I was attracted to the role because it allows me to put my experience into practice autonomously, helping to form connections through the delivery of inspirational events and services. I also get to meet lots of interesting people – I love my job!

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BASE WAW AT NOSTELL ESTATE?

On a personal level, working from Yorkshire House (Office 2) – update: Claire can now be found in Harrison Suite, Office 3 – gives me a better work-life balance. Like many others during the pandemic, I struggled to separate my working hours from home life and started to feel that I was always ‘on’. Nostell Estate allows me to separate the two – and is also a fabulous space in which to meet members and potential members. 

Previously, I travelled to several locations each day. I can now host three or four meetings per day in the beautiful Nostell surroundings, in the Meridian meeting rooms, café area or within the parkland. Natural touches such as the tree-lined driveway and gorgeous fragrant lavender bed outside my office evoke a sense of well-being and make Nostell Estate a special place. Everyone loves to visit.

I had no idea that Nostell Estate existed until I came to visit a WAW member. I was blown away by the surroundings! It’s amazing, so beautiful and a bit of a hidden gem.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR BUSINESSES LOOKING TO SET UP AT NOSTELL ESTATE?

I would recommend using the Meridian meeting rooms or perhaps the café to host an event. I used the meeting rooms before I secured an office here. It will help you to get to know the team! Peter and Gayle are so welcoming – they’ve helped with everything from booking out Meridian to securing the National Trust Nostell Priory Stable Block for the next WAW event. The Nostell Estate team ethos mirrors that of WAW’s, promoting collaboration and inclusivity.

HOW CAN BUSINESSES GET INVOLVED IN WAW?

You can attend one of our events as a ‘taster’ session, then if you think it’s right for you, you can continue the journey by becoming a member. There’s more information about this on the We Are Wakefield website. Once you’ve signed up, there are various ways to get involved:

• Attend our regular networking events on the first Friday of every month between 9:30am and 11:30am. Events are held at different locations across the district. The events are booked through Eventbrite, and I would recommend booking quickly as they are usually oversubscribed!
• From September 2022, join a series of business-oriented Masterclass Sessions within the historical setting of Hodroyd Hall Estate, focusing on business and personal development.
• Enter the Wakefield Business Awards, celebrating all that’s great about the district’s businesses.