The Working Well Marketplace, held at the heart of Knowsley, proved to be a resounding success, attracting over 60 attendees and featuring 30 stalls dedicated to health and wellbeing services for businesses. The event offered local businesses a fantastic opportunity to network, explore valuable resources, and learn how to improve the health and wellbeing of their staff.
The Working Well Marketplace was officially opened by Rachel Peak, CEO of Knowsley Chamber and Head of Business Growth Knowsley Council. Rachel welcomed guests, highlighting the importance of prioritising employee wellbeing in the workplace and underscoring how the Chamber is committed to supporting businesses with resources that can lead to healthier, happier, and more productive workplaces.
During the opening ceremony, Cllr Christine Bannon – Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Health also took the stage, sharing insights into how the Working Well Programme benefits businesses in Knowsley. Councillor Bannon spoke about the significant role that the initiative plays in helping businesses invest in their staff’s health, ultimately boosting productivity and reducing absenteeism.
One of the highlights of the day was a presentation by Esther Hindley, Principal of Public Health. Esther spoke passionately about the Working Well Programme, a service funded by Knowsley Public Health and delivered in partnership with Knowsley Chamber. Since 2011, the programme has successfully reached many Knowsley businesses, helping them access a wide array of health and wellbeing grants. Esther detailed how these grants have provided much-needed support to businesses, empowering them to invest in initiatives that enhance the physical and mental health of their employees.
It was also amazing to hear the successful stories of local businesses and charities that have benefited from the Working Well Programme, such as Shakespeare North Playhouse and Liverpool based Charity Strawberry Fields. Their experiences highlighted how the programme has made a real difference in supporting staff wellbeing and improving workplace culture. Additionally, Dr. Merriman shared insights on the incredible partnerships that came together to create the Kirkby Kitchen Cookbook, a project that has helped bring the community closer through shared culinary experiences.
The Working Well Marketplace provided a comprehensive platform for attendees to discover a wealth of services, from mental health support and fitness resources to nutritional advice and employee wellbeing workshops. These services are pivotal in helping businesses reduce stress, improve staff morale, and ensure that employees are equipped with the resources they need to thrive both personally and professionally.
It was also lovely to see so many local businesses attend and show support for the initiative. A special thank you goes out to Centre 63, who generously donated tote bags and gave the Working Well Programme the opportunity to publish the Kirkby Kitchen Cookbook for our stallholders and attendees to take home. Kingfisher Printers very kindly printed the cookbooks as a donation, while Peter Gilding & Co provided the fresh fruit, and FareShare supplied water and snacks for the event.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to the Village Hotel for their exceptional hospitality and generous donation of the room hire. Without these wonderful partnerships and community support, the event wouldn’t have been possible.
The success of the Working Well Marketplace is a testament to the power of collaboration between Knowsley Public Health, Knowsley Chamber, and local businesses. Together, they are making significant strides in building healthier workplaces and fostering a thriving business environment in the region.
Knowsley Chamber and the Working Well Programme would like to thank all those who attended and contributed to the success of this fantastic event.
If you would like more information on the Working Well Programme, please contact our Business Engagement Managers (Working Well) – Cheryl Smeatham at cheryl.smeatham@knowsleychamber.org.uk or Michelle Easton at michelle.easton@knowsleychamber.org.uk.