Housebuilder to help raise £50,000 this year for homeless charity

Sheffield-based housebuilder Honey is helping raise £50,000 by the end of this year for its home city’s homeless and vulnerable people’s charity, The Archer Project.

Founded more than 30 years ago, The Archer Project is in purpose-built facilities within Sheffield Cathedral. The charity’s services include oneon-one support, provision of in-house nurse and dental clinics and access to hot food and showers.

In addition, the charity runs a programme of activities to help people learn skills, enjoy new experiences, gain accreditation, grow confidence and increase their employability.

The Honey team have already been involved in a range of volunteering activity, including serving breakfasts and helping decorate the charity’s shop. In addition, the team is also undertaking fundraising to help hit the £50,000 target.

Lynne Urpeth, fundraising team manager at The Archer Project, said: “We are delighted that the wonderful people at Honey have chosen us to be their charity. This will not only help greatly with our fundraising, but also with raising awareness of what we do.”

Honey chief executive, Mark Mitchell, said: “We are very proud to support The Archer Project. The charity does amazing work within Sheffield and being able to get involved has been hugely inspirational for all of us at Honey.”

Sense:lab Leeds offers ground-floor research space that is fully equipped with the latest technology creating the perfect environment for focus groups with live streaming and recording available, as well as a separate client viewing room. The facility also offers access to sensory booths built to ISO standards, shower rooms, toilets and a laundry room with multiple washing machines and dryers.

Located just five minutes from Leeds city centre, this state-of-the-art product testing facility is now available to book directly for qualitative viewing and workshop facilities. It’s a versatile space that can be adapted and configured to host market research projects, to capture the insight needed.

Ellie Atack, fieldwork manager, told us: "After weeks of refurb, the facility is now ready to welcome clients and participants. The space is perfect for hosting research and is already buzzing with clients watching their fieldwork live, streaming it from around the world and the participants feeling right at home whilst taking part."

Mark Smethurst, operations director, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce direct bookings of our world class research space, reaffirming the incomparable value of face-to-face research. Connecting with people, feeling their emotions, and observing their reactions first-hand is an unparalleled experience that truly drives insight.

“Our industry has faced numerous challenges in recent years, but our unwavering belief in the power of personal interactions has fuelled our commitment to face-to-face research. We are providing researchers and clients with an opportunity to connect with people and gain deep insights into consumer behaviour and preferences. There really is nothing like face-to-face research.”

First intake of market research apprentices in Leeds

Blue Yonder is thrilled to announce the launch of the Level 4 Market Research Executive Apprentice Scheme in conjunction with MRS and supported by Swarm Training professional body. This new entry level recruitment initiative will welcome at least five new apprentices over the next two years in Leeds, with two new recruits, including Adam Pottage, that started at the end of June 2023.

Blue Yonder recognises the importance of nurturing young talent and providing them with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and valuable industry knowledge. The apprentice scheme offers a structured pathway for individuals to kick-start their careers and develop vital skills. Blue Yonder is committed to a culture of innovation, and apprentices will play a pivotal role by infusing fresh perspectives and ideas into the company, as well as supporting Blue Yonder’s growth and cementing its position as a leader in the market.

Apprentices will be offered a diverse range of opportunities across various departments, including field work and data science. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, the apprentices will engage in real-world projects, gaining invaluable hands-on experience that will accelerate their professional growth.

Jonathan Million, CEO said: “We needed a solution to re-energise our recruitment, it’s important to have a broad set of skills and diversity that services our clients and fuels business growth. The MRS Apprenticeship scheme is a breath of fresh air to our industry, focussing on 18+ school leavers or those already in the industry looking for a career pathway. We will now see a new entry point into our wonderful sector introducing different skillsets and alternative mindsets to sharpen up our offering. I am delighted to welcome Adam, our first apprentice and hope he will enjoy his MR journey.” Jane Frost CBE, CEO of MRS said: “I congratulate Blue Yonder on their first apprentice! This scheme is truly the best way to widen both the sector’s access to new talent streams and a great way of building diversity. It is never going to be an easy choice, but it will reward the effort. I am looking forward to seeing the future success of Blue Yonder’s apprentices, which will be ensured by all the support I know they will get from the agency.”