Diamond Scheme to help make region sparkle

Organisers say companies of all sizes are already showing their commitment and support to The Diamond Scheme, which relies on a fixed contribution from members.

This investment will be used to develop an ongoing marketing, promotion and PR strategy for Wakefield and the five towns.

In a bid to communicate and share the good news and benefits that the district has to offer through one collaborative route, the marketing strategy will seek to promote the area to local, regional and, in time, national and international audiences.

The team behind the scheme will be supported by a panel of 12 independent ambassadors from the private and public sector who will review approaches from local companies interested in providing services that will support the ongoing marketing strategy.

Coun Peter Box CBE said: “The Diamond Scheme is a great example of how private and public sector businesses can work together to create initiatives that will benefit the city and district at large.

“We have a proud community in Wakefield who are passionate about the area and all that it offers.

“We know that companies both large and small are already eager to get involved, which just shows what can be achieved if we all put our minds to it.”

Mark Ridgway, a prominent Wakefield businessman, added: “We need businesses to understand that we all need to support the scheme in order for it to work and we genuinely believe that as a result we can encourage greater inward investment and profile for the city and five towns.”

As a result of becoming a member of The Diamond Scheme, companies will receive a variety of benefits including marketing support, branding at specific functions and across a range of platforms both on and offline, plus invitations to networking events throughout the district.

Promotional offers, details of tenders and other procurement news will also be shared with those who are involved in the scheme via a dedicated online platform.

For larger businesses an involvement within the scheme could support their corporate social responsibility (CSR) with a commitment to invest in the local area attracting greater interest and increasing the number of companies who choose to be located in the region, which in turn would improve the economic performance of the district.

In addition, the Diamond Scheme will support a strategy to encourage more businesses to work together and where possible call upon local suppliers to deliver the products and services that they rely on.