Back in May 2013, the Huddersfield Examiner featured the launch of HD8 Network — a business community initiative created to bring together and support businesses across the HD8 area – now rebranded to become Work Rest or Play.
The idea behind HD8 Network was simple but powerful: create stronger local connections by encouraging collaboration, promoting independent businesses, and building a supportive community network across the region.
What started as a locally focused business group soon became something much bigger.
Over the following decade, the network continued to evolve organically, building relationships, promoting events, supporting charities and helping local organisations gain visibility throughout the area.
As the platform expanded beyond the HD8 postcode and into surrounding communities, it became clear the original name no longer reflected the growing reach and ambition of the project.
In July 2025, HD8 Network officially rebranded as Work Rest or Play.
The rebrand marked a major new chapter — expanding coverage across Kirklees, Wakefield, Barnsley, Leeds and wider West and South Yorkshire, while still remaining rooted in the same community-first values that inspired the original HD8 Network back in 2013.
Today, Work Rest or Play continues to support businesses, charities, organisations, events and communities by helping people discover what’s happening locally — whether that’s where they work, rest or play.
Looking back at the original Huddersfield Examiner article is a proud reminder of how far the journey has come — from a small HD8 networking group to a growing regional platform connecting communities across Yorkshire.
Read the original story: https://www.workrestorplay.co.uk/news/sayers-solutions-leads-drive-to-form-hd8-business-group/
If you would like to find out how you can promote your business, non-profit or event locally, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – use the webchat (its us not a robot – so if we are away from our desk we will reply using the details you leave), via social media or using the details found on the footer of our website.