HD8 Life CIC is a hyperlocal community media, communications and support organisation covering the HD8 area of Kirklees and neighbouring boundary villages. Its activities are designed to help people discover, support and connect with the independent businesses, community groups, charities, creatives, events and projects operating locally. During the year, activities included free community promotion and signposting, social media and local news content, an online directory, collaborations with local businesses and organisations, networking opportunities, marketing and communications support, and the launch of the Beyond the Postcode podcast. The CIC also undertakes paid marketing and communications work, with income from commercial activity helping to support the wider community activity that is provided free of charge. HD8 Life CIC primarily benefits people who live, work, trade or take part in community life within the HD8 area and neighbouring villages. This includes residents, independent businesses, charities, voluntary and community groups, creatives, event organisers and local projects. A particular focus is placed on smaller organisations and community initiatives that may have limited budgets or marketing resources and can benefit from free promotion, increased visibility, connections and practical communications support. The purpose of HD8 Life CIC is to celebrate, support and connect the communities within and around HD8. Its objectives include improving access to information about local businesses, organisations, activities and events; encouraging people to shop and support locally; helping small organisations and community projects reach a wider audience; creating opportunities for collaboration and connection; and strengthening the visibility and sense of community across the area. During its first year as a CIC, HD8 Life completed more than 60 collaborations with local businesses, organisations and community projects. The organisation continued to build a substantial local digital audience, with approximately 2.3 million Facebook reach and 1.5 million Instagram reach recorded during the year, alongside more than 88,000 TikTok views. Three Social Collective networking events were held during the reporting period, bringing local business owners and organisations together in an informal setting and encouraging collaboration rather than traditional sales-led networking. HD8 Life also launched the Beyond the Postcode podcast in January 2026, providing another platform for local people and organisations to share their stories. Alongside these projects, HD8 Life provided ongoing free promotion, signposting, directory listings and support for local businesses, charities, community groups, events and fundraising activities. HD8 Life CIC has provided a central, accessible platform through which local residents can find out what is happening in their area and discover businesses, services, organisations and activities they may otherwise not have known about. For local businesses and community organisations, particularly those with limited marketing budgets, the CIC has provided free or low-cost access to promotion, communications support and a substantial local audience. Its networking and collaborative activity has also helped create connections between organisations that may not otherwise have met, encouraging referrals, partnerships and greater local spending. By combining free community activity with paid commercial work and external funding, HD8 Life CIC is developing a model intended to make this community support sustainable rather than relying entirely on unpaid work.

No consultation with stakeholders

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration