Leeds recruitment firm backed Blayds Bar with staffing, uniforms and event support as Leeds Pride marked its 20th anniversary.
The founder of Leeds recruitment agency PJ Staffing has called on businesses to show their support for the LGBTQIA+ community through meaningful, year-round action, following one of the city’s biggest Pride weekends.
Paul McCallum, Founder and Managing Director of PJ Staffing, said businesses should look beyond logos, social media posts and seasonal campaigns after his team supported Blayds Bar throughout Leeds Pride 2026. The company provided bar staff, cleaning teams, staff uniforms and practical support for the venue’s outdoor bar and main stage across the weekend.
PJ Staffing is an annual sponsor of Blayds Bar at Leeds Pride, but Paul said the partnership is rooted in personal commitment rather than commercial visibility. Blayds Bar is owned by Paul’s husband, Duncan McCallum, and celebrated its 19th anniversary during the same weekend that Leeds Pride marked 20 years since its first official event.
Paul McCallum, Founder and Managing Director of PJ Staffing, said businesses should look beyond logos, social media posts and seasonal campaigns after his team supported Blayds Bar throughout Leeds Pride 2026. The company provided bar staff, cleaning teams, staff uniforms and practical support for the venue’s outdoor bar and main stage across the weekend.
PJ Staffing is an annual sponsor of Blayds Bar at Leeds Pride, but Paul said the partnership is rooted in personal commitment rather than commercial visibility. Blayds Bar is owned by Paul’s husband, Duncan McCallum, and celebrated its 19th anniversary during the same weekend that Leeds Pride marked 20 years since its first official event.
Paul and Duncan McCallum
Paul said: “Sometimes the work you do matters more when you understand exactly why you are doing it. PJ Staffing does not support Pride because it looks good for the business. We support it because it is personal. Blayds has been a safe space for Leeds’ LGBTQIA+ community for almost 20 years, longer than PJ Staffing has existed. Spaces like Blayds matter. They give people somewhere to feel safe, welcome and able to be themselves. They have survived and continued serving the community through difficult periods, when they should never have had to fight so hard simply to exist.”
Blayds Bar in Leeds.
Blayds Bar hosted a free Pride celebration during the weekend, with live artists, DJs and entertainment open to the community without tickets or wristbands. The event was supported by PJ Staffing’s bar staff, cleaners and wider team, alongside performers, sound technicians and venue staff.
Paul said the success of the weekend showed what could be achieved when local businesses, venues, workers and the wider community came together. He continued: “Pride is about visibility, inclusion and being honest about who you are and who matters to you. Duncan and I do not hide that we are married, and I do not separate ‘business Paul’ from ‘personal Paul’. Inclusion is not something that should only appear in a company statement once a year. I have always believed that actions speak louder than words. If a business says it puts people first, it needs to mean it when it is uncomfortable, when it costs something and when it involves supporting people beyond its own workforce.”
Paul believes companies can make a greater difference by investing time, money and practical support into community organisations, independent venues and local events. He added: “Putting a rainbow on a logo is easy. Providing staff, paying people properly, giving up time and helping an event run safely takes real commitment. That does not mean every business has to do exactly what we do. It means asking what practical help you can offer and then following through. The least we can do for spaces that have remained visible for the community is be visible right back.”
Leeds Pride 2026 also carried particular significance amid concerns about Pride events, flags and public displays of LGBTQIA+ support being challenged or restricted in some communities across the UK. Paul said the strength of the celebrations demonstrated the importance of continuing to protect inclusive spaces. “It reminds LGBTQIA+ people that they are seen and valued, and it reminds everyone else that progress cannot be taken for granted, he continued. This year was one of the best Pride weekends we have experienced. I am incredibly grateful to every member of the PJ Staffing team who supported Blayds, including our cleaners and bar staff, and to every artist, DJ, sound technician and organiser who made it possible.”
Blayds Bar will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
About PJ Staffing
PJ Staffing is a Leeds-based recruitment and staffing agency supplying experienced workers across hospitality, events, cleaning and support services. Founded by Paul McCallum, the company works with businesses and event organisers across Yorkshire and beyond. PJ Staffing supports inclusive employment, community initiatives and long-term partnerships with local organisations. For more information, visit: www.pjstaffing.co.uk
About Blayds Bar
Blayds Bar is an independent LGBTQIA+ venue in Leeds owned by Duncan McCallum. The venue has served the city’s LGBTQIA+ community for 19 years and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027. It provides a welcoming social space and hosts entertainment and community events throughout the year. Instagram: @blaydsbar
Media Enquiries
Danielle Windecker-Hilton
danielle@sycamorecommunications.co.uk
07704.763269
Paul and Duncan McCallum are available for interviews and further comment.
Paul said the success of the weekend showed what could be achieved when local businesses, venues, workers and the wider community came together. He continued: “Pride is about visibility, inclusion and being honest about who you are and who matters to you. Duncan and I do not hide that we are married, and I do not separate ‘business Paul’ from ‘personal Paul’. Inclusion is not something that should only appear in a company statement once a year. I have always believed that actions speak louder than words. If a business says it puts people first, it needs to mean it when it is uncomfortable, when it costs something and when it involves supporting people beyond its own workforce.”
Paul believes companies can make a greater difference by investing time, money and practical support into community organisations, independent venues and local events. He added: “Putting a rainbow on a logo is easy. Providing staff, paying people properly, giving up time and helping an event run safely takes real commitment. That does not mean every business has to do exactly what we do. It means asking what practical help you can offer and then following through. The least we can do for spaces that have remained visible for the community is be visible right back.”
Leeds Pride 2026 also carried particular significance amid concerns about Pride events, flags and public displays of LGBTQIA+ support being challenged or restricted in some communities across the UK. Paul said the strength of the celebrations demonstrated the importance of continuing to protect inclusive spaces. “It reminds LGBTQIA+ people that they are seen and valued, and it reminds everyone else that progress cannot be taken for granted, he continued. This year was one of the best Pride weekends we have experienced. I am incredibly grateful to every member of the PJ Staffing team who supported Blayds, including our cleaners and bar staff, and to every artist, DJ, sound technician and organiser who made it possible.”
Blayds Bar will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
About PJ Staffing
PJ Staffing is a Leeds-based recruitment and staffing agency supplying experienced workers across hospitality, events, cleaning and support services. Founded by Paul McCallum, the company works with businesses and event organisers across Yorkshire and beyond. PJ Staffing supports inclusive employment, community initiatives and long-term partnerships with local organisations. For more information, visit: www.pjstaffing.co.uk
About Blayds Bar
Blayds Bar is an independent LGBTQIA+ venue in Leeds owned by Duncan McCallum. The venue has served the city’s LGBTQIA+ community for 19 years and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027. It provides a welcoming social space and hosts entertainment and community events throughout the year. Instagram: @blaydsbar
Media Enquiries
Danielle Windecker-Hilton
danielle@sycamorecommunications.co.uk
07704.763269
Paul and Duncan McCallum are available for interviews and further comment.