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What We've Been Up To
2025; Boldly Elevating
We are thrilled to release our 2025 Impact Report, reflecting a year of "Bold Elevation" at SVH Inc. CIC.
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Despite economic shifts, we’ve successfully woven wellbeing into professional training for clients like the AO Arena and North Yorkshire Council.
This year, we delivered 80 Mental Health First Aid places, planted 168 seeds through our sustainable workshops, and expanded our environmental legacy with 268 trees now planted globally.
From Westminster Abbey to the Yorkshire coast, 2025 has been about deepening our roots and proving that true sustainability starts with people.
Book Announcement
We're pleased to share that our CEO, Valentina Hynes, has published a new book, Crafting Your Wellbeing Awareness Calendar, now available on Amazon.
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The book draws from her work across workplace wellbeing, leadership development and community engagement, and reflects the practical, experience-led approach that underpins our work at SVH Inc. CIC.
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Designed as a year-round resource, Crafting Your Wellbeing Awareness Calendar supports organisations, teams and individuals to plan wellbeing in a way that is realistic, intentional and sustainable, using awareness moments as anchors rather than obligations. It's available as paperback and Kindle versions.
Board of Director Changes
We are sad to announce that Jo Thackwray, one of our founding Directors, has stepped down from her position on our Board.
We are immensely thankful to Jo for the passion, vision, wisdom and commitment she brought during her time as a Director. Our relationship continues in different capacities, and we wish her every success in her other roles.
Kakaki by V14; A Resounding Success
The launch of our incubated project; Kakaki by V14 was an immense success. The event brought together guests from across Yorkshire and beyond, including civic leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and volunteers.
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Kakaki by V14 was an immersive exploration of the ecosystems of enterprise rooted in culture, tradition, and community .
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It was funded by North Yorkshire Council Stronger Communities Fund.
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Watch some highlights here: Video
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We look forward to next year's event.
Breaking Barriers Podcast
Valentina Hynes was interviewed for episode 2 of the Breaking Barriers podcast alongside York Mumbler Founder - Emily Pickard
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​Breaking Barriers is a podcast celebrating women entrepreneurs in York and North Yorkshire. Hosted by Andrea Morrison and produced by Enterprise Works, each episode shares stories, insights, and tools to inspire and support women building businesses across our region.
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​In this honest conversation, Valentina reflects on her journey of building SVH Inc. CIC while navigating caregiving, immigration challenges, and the cultural nuances of the UK business landscape. She delves into why "work-life balance" is a fallacy and why accepting the inevitability of burnout is key to managing it. From bringing her newborn to corporate meetings to dismantling "cultural gatekeepers," Valentina offers powerful insights into creating a truly inclusive business community
Listed on Social Enterprise Business Directory
We are pleased to share that we have been listed on the Enterprise Works Social Enterprise Business Directory in a few categories.
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​For us, this means a stronger foothold in regional procurement conversations, greater visibility among corporate buyers, and a chance to collaborate with like-minded enterprises shaping a more inclusive and sustainable Yorkshire economy.
Thanks to Enterprise Works at the University of York team for championing social enterprises and creating this vital bridge between purpose and opportunity.
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100 Voices Campaign Feature
We are proud to announce that our founder, Valentina Hynes, has been featured in the University of York’s 100 Voices Campaign.
In this candid profile, Valentina shares the story behind SVH Inc. CIC, from the personal challenges that sparked our mission to the resilience required to build a social enterprise in North Yorkshire.
The feature explores her commitment to transforming workplace culture and her advice for the next generation of purpose-led leaders.
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The 100 Voices campaign is a collective response to the research findings of A New Era For Female Entrepreneurship in York & North Yorkshire, a storytelling movement designed to raise the visibility of female entrepreneurs and ensure they are recognised, celebrated, and supported.
Northern Powerhouse Podcast
We are thrilled to share that our Founder and CEO, Valentina Hynes, was recently featured on the Northern Powerhouses series to discuss the heart and soul of SVH Inc. CIC.
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In a candid conversation with Chris from ActionCOACH, Valentina opens up about the personal experiences that fuelled her passion for workplace mental health and the journey of building a social enterprise right here in North Yorkshire.
We Made The NatWest SE100 Top 100 List
We are thrilled to announce that SVH Inc. has once again been listed as one of NatWest SE100 Top 100 UK Social Enterprises 2025!
With our CEO; Valentina Hynes being on the WISE100 One To Watch 2025, we couldn't be more proud of this award and badge of honour.​
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It is strong testament that our leadership team is strong and focused and we deliver social impact and value through our services.​
Valentina Hynes Attends VE80 Service at Westminster Abbey
Valentina Hynes, founder of SVH Inc. CIC and Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society, attended the VE80 Thanksgiving Service at Westminster Abbey. The national event marked 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, honouring veterans and global contributions to peace during the Second World War.
Joined by His Majesty the King, the Prime Minister, and fellow dignitaries, Valentina Hynes reflected on the often-overlooked roles of African and Asian soldiers. Her presence reinforced SVH Inc. CIC’s commitment to inclusion, intergenerational legacy, and collective wellbeing.
Rooted In Action: How Reflection and Growth Shaped Our IWD Impact
As part of our commitment to workplace and community wellbeing and inclusive leadership, our Rooted in Action initiative marked International Women’s Day month with a series of impactful events designed to nurture self-awareness, resilience, and team connection. From interactive planting activities to guided conversations on growth, identity and community, participants were encouraged to reflect deeply and act intentionally.
The initiative featured a bespoke workshop for AO Arena’s team, focused on leadership development and team wellbeing, and a community event in Leeds delivered in partnership with NatWest, bringing women together to explore empowerment, inclusion, and shared growth. These sessions formed part of our wider Wellbeing Awareness Calendar, which supports organisations throughout the year with themed events on mental health, leadership, community engagement and team building.
Watch the highlights from our Rooted in Action events and see how experiential learning can transform the way we lead, work, and grow—individually and together.
Valentina Hynes Champions Workplace Wellbeing at UK Company Culture Awards
Valentina Hynes, founder of SVH Inc. CIC, served as a judge and award presenter at the 2025 UK Company Culture Awards, hosted by Don’t Panic Events. The awards celebrate employers across the UK who are leading the way in workplace culture, employee wellbeing, and HR innovation.
Her involvement strengthened SVH Inc.’s visibility in the corporate wellbeing space, positioning the organisation as a trusted voice in inclusive leadership and employee experience. The event brought together HR leaders, business innovators, and culture champions committed to building healthier, people-centred workplaces.
WISE100 One To Watch 2025 List
We're excited to announce that our Founder / CEO has been honoured with a spot in the WISE100 One To Watch 2025 List - a prestigious compilation of the leading women in social enterprise and impact investing across the UK.
Now in its eighth year, the WISE100 List, curated annually by Pioneers Post in collaboration with Natwest Social & Community Capital, assembles the UK’s 100 most influential women in social enterprise, impact investment, and mission-driven business.
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Congratulations to Valentina and all the other inspirational women who made the list.!​
SVH Inc. CEO Named UN Delegate for Second Time
We are proud to share that our Founder and CEO, Valentina Hynes, has been appointed once again as a delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UN CSW69). This second appointment to such a globally significant platform recognises Valentina’s continued leadership in promoting workplace wellbeing, gender equality, and inclusive leadership across sectors.
As a UN CSW69 delegate, Valentina will contribute to high-level discussions and policy advocacy aimed at advancing the global gender equality agenda. Drawing on her extensive work through SVH Inc. CIC, she will share practical insights on how wellbeing, equity, and inclusion can be embedded into workplace culture, leadership development, and organisational strategy.
This appointment is not only a personal honour but also a powerful reflection of SVH Inc. CIC’s growing influence in shaping inclusive, resilient workplaces and communities. It underscores the importance of centring wellbeing and psychological safety in conversations around equality and social change—locally, nationally, and globally.
Congratulations, Valentina, on this well-deserved recognition and your continued impact on the global stage.
Valentina Hynes Inspires Future Founders at ASEP Workshop
Our CEO, Valentina Hynes, was invited to speak at University of Bradford's Accelerated Student Entrepreneurship Programme (ASEP), on the 30th of January. She shared her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting real-world challenges and lessons in resilience, purpose, and leadership.
Delivered in person on campus, the session encouraged students to shape their business ideas with confidence and intention.
Watch the session testimonial using the button below.
January With North Yorkshire Council & Business Owners - Connect Over A Cuppa
We facilitated a Planting Workshop and Conversation Café at Co-Lab Harrogate, bringing together 35 Yorkshire business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders, working with North Yorkshire Council Business Network platform - Connect Over A Cuppa.
Through planting thyme seeds, parsley, marigold, and sunflower seeds—and engaging in meaningful discussions using proverb prompts from our EXPLORE cards—we reflected on business journeys, forged new relationships, and gained fresh insights to spark ideas for growth.
Looking for an inspiring, hands-on experience for your team, organisation, or community? See what was said by Business leaders about the session and contact us to book a session!
2024; A Year of Sustainable Elevation
2024 was a transformative year for SVH Inc. CIC.
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From award nominations and wins to collaborations and royal visits, Social Enterprise and Good Market accreditations to expanded mental health training, speaking engagements, environmental stewardship and themed community and workplace wellbeing events.
It has indeed been a year of Sustainable Elevation, and we couldn’t have done it without you.
Thank you for being part of our remarkable journey.
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Read our 2024 Impact Report here, and use the link below to watch some highlights from our remarkable year.
Our BHM Highlights
That’s a wrap for 2024 UK Black History Month: Reclaiming Narratives! This year, we went all out – consistently, creatively, uniquely, and authentically bringing the theme to life!
From the beats and rhythms to the stories that power us, every moment was a celebration of heritage, identity, and resilience. Together, we didn’t just reclaim our narratives – we amplified them!
Thank you for being part of this unforgettable journey. Stick with us to be part of our exciting and impactful journey. ​
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Press Report: Potted Conversations
Potted Conversations brought together an incredible group to discuss the challenges diverse communities face. It was a powerful day, where we explored inclusion, resilience, and what it means to nurture growth in society, symbolised by planting onion seeds.
The Harrogate Advertiser covered it beautifully, highlighting the voices and stories shared. Dive in to get a sense of the energy and purpose we shared that day.
Read the full article here -https://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/news/people/harrogate-event-puts-spotlight-on-immense-challenges-of-diverse-communities-4856851
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You can also watch highlights on our Youtube page using the link below.
Community Event: Potted Conversations
We had an amazing turnout at Potted Conversations in Harrogate, celebrating Black History Month with planting and deep conversations around diversity, nurture and inclusion using plants and the adjustments we make to help them flourish as a life metaphor.
Hosted at the beautiful Time Together venue, the event brought the community together to explore the links between nature, culture, and wellbeing. Thank you to everyone who joined and helped make it a memorable day!
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Here's a press report of the day -https://www.yourharrogate.co.uk/local-news/harrogate/black-history-month-event-held-in-starbeck/
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You can also watch highlights on our Youtube page using the link below.
University of Bradfrod Enterpreneurship Festival
Last week, our CEO Valentina Hynes presented a materclass on Entrepreneurship at the University of Bradford’s Entrepreneurs Festival. She connected with a highly engaged audience, sharing valuable insights in her session, “Lessons Learnt As An Entrepreneur.”
Her masterclass, titled “From Idea to Impact: The Journey of Entrepreneurship,” guided participants through the genuine challenges and achievements that shape an entrepreneur’s journey. Using her unique EXPLORE card deck, Valentina incorporated cultural proverbs to enrich each discussion, encouraging participants to reflect and engage. A standout moment of the session was the audience’s interpretation of these proverbs, which led to meaningful conversations on resilience, direction, and the underlying values that drive entrepreneurial success.
Reclaiming Narratives . . . NatWest Cultural Social
We partnered with NatWest Leeds Hub for their cultural social event aimed at celebrating and exploring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Black communities, on the Black History Month theme: Reclaiming Narratives.
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We enjoyed the vibrant flavours of Africa while participating in a conversation café that encouraged open dialogue on the history, culture, and experiences of Black communities.
SVH Inc. CIC Wins Community Impact Award!
We are proud to announce that SVH Inc. CIC has won the Community Impact (Small Business) award at the Raising The Bar Awards, hosted by West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.
This recognition reflects our dedication to building strong, vibrant, and happy communities through holistic wellbeing solutions, aligned with CSR and global SDG goals. From our Away Day experiences to Mental Health training and workshops, we are committed to making a positive difference.
Thank you to everyone who supports our journey toward better workplace wellbeing!
The Yorkshire Society Women in Business Conference Headline Speaker
We are thrilled to announce that our Founder/CEO was the Headline Speaker for The Yorkshire Society Women In Business conference.
She spoke on “Building Credibility and Sustainable Business Growth" and we had glowing feedback from organisers and delegates. Use the link below to see some highlights of the reactions to her delivery.
The Little & Big Things Community Event
We had an incredible day at our community wellbeing event! With activities like litter picking, green grass bowling, and engaging discussions at the Conversation Café, the day was filled with meaningful connections and valuable insights. This was a great opportunity for local families and residents to come together, promote wellbeing, and discuss important topics—without any formal presentations or pitches.
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped foster such a positive environment, and a special thanks to the Co-op and Bilton Dragon Bowling Club for their amazing support. We look forward to hosting more community events focused on family wellbeing and local engagement in the future.
A Royal Visit
What a proud moment to see our founding directors, Valentina and Stephen Hynes, at Buckingham Palace for the prestigious Garden Party celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth. This event was notably King Charles’s second public appearance since his cancer announcement.
Valentina was honoured with an invitation by the Lord Chamberlain, on behalf of the King, due to her remarkable achievements in community work and her role as an Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society which she has been since 2015.
Read the press coverage using the link below. You can also watch a video reel of the day here; WATCH
VCSE Leadership Conference
Valentina Hynes was one of the keynote speakers the just held VCSE Ordinary ExtraOrdinary Leadership Conference by Community First Yorkshire.
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Valentina's topic was 'Inspirational Leadership'​ and she explored Happiness, Leadership and DISC in her session. She rounded up with a conversation cafe prompting insightful engagement from her audience.
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Feedback on her presentation includes words like 'inspiring and very thought provoking'.
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Ahead of the conference Valentina wrote an article - READ
UK Company Culture Awards Judge
Thrilled to share that our founder, Valentina Hynes was appointed as a judge for the UK Company Culture Awards by Don't Panic Events.
She joined a panel of esteemed judges dedicated to recognising and celebrating outstanding organisational cultures across the UK.
In our very busy world of “9-5 routines”, the essence of company culture cannot be overstated. The UK Company Culture Awards spotlight those exemplary organisations that not only nurture their teams but also reward their staff, creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels truly valued.
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Congratulations to all the winners and shortlisted organisations and individuals.
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Inspiring, Connecting & Learning
Valentina Hynes recently spoke at Huddersfield Giants Women In Business event.
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She spoke alongside two other awesome speakers - Asthma Iqbal who spoke on Equality, diversity and cultural representation and Kate Kier Miller who spoke on neurodiversity with a focus on dyslexia.
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Valentina spoke on 'Becoming a Giant' while being your authentic self using the GROW model.
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It was a wonderful few hours of connections, inspiration and learning.
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Find out more on Huddersfield Giants page here: