Businessplus Winter 2015 | Page 6

L-R: Tom Aplin-Ward and Caroline Wherritt Graduate sets example with Samply app launch An innovative app, which allows users to sample new products and get rewards, has been launched by a Leeds Beckett University graduate. The Samply app, created by sports marketing and PR graduate, Chris Knight, with Josh Graham, received a funding boost last year as Chris scooped the £1,500 Business Concept of the Year Award at University’s Enterprise Awards. Everyone’s a winner with Re:Work Office Furniture Caroline Wherritt, CEO of Leeds-based social enterprise Re:Work, won the Social Entrepreneur award at the 2014 Social Enterprise Yorkshire and Humber awards. Caroline said: “Re:Work is an organisation that combines the best of enterprise with a commitment to a social mission to aid local communities. I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve done and grateful for all the loyal supporters we have. To continue upwards we must explore every opportunity, employ great people and rigorously train to ensure that all who come into contact with Re:work are as passionate.” Samply is a smartphone application which allows users to sample new products from a variety of brands and get rewarded for giving their feedback. Users can review or share products with their social media networks, and are rewarded with Samply Points for their opinion. Samply Points are an in-app currency which can then be exchanged for mobile phone bill credit. Chris Knight said: “The initial £1,500 university funding helped us to create a brand which enabled us to secure essential funding for development. We envisage a strong future for Samply, with plans to add additional features to the app in coming months.”  Bluehoop Digital helps haberdashery wholesaler stitch up sales Ilkley-based Bluehoop Digital Limited has been commissioned to re-develop haberdashery wholesale supplies company Jomil’s website to enable retail customers to order products online. Gareth Lisle, Director at Bluehoop Digital Limited, said: “Jomil’s new website will be designed to deliver an enhanced online presence and we’re looking forward to watching Jomil continue to grow and expand their customer base.” Leeds office helps to raise thousands for cancer charity In another year of fundraising activities, the Leeds office of top 50 law firm, Gateley, has contributed to raising £3,650 for The Christie charity, part of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and one of the largest hospital charities in the UK. Every financial year, each of the firm’s regional offices nominates a local charity to benefit from its fundraising efforts. Last financial year, the Leeds office joined forces with the Manchester operation and took part in a number of fundraising events. William Ballmann, Corporate Recovery Partner and Head of the Leeds office, said: “As a firm, we have raised more than £1.5 million in the last decade for charitable causes. Supporting local charities within the communities in which we operate is important to the firm and our staff.” OPM enables strategic growth with KODAK OPM, a family-owned printing establishment in Leeds,