Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Companies putting Kirklees on the internatio­nal stage

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IRKLEES is a community that inspires businesses and is the reason many choose to operate, grow and stay in the region.

One need only take a look at a handful of examples to see how business is thriving in the area whilst establishi­ng Kirklees as a hotbed of economic activity and a player on the internatio­nal stage.

Mirfield-based Camira Fabrics has continued to go from strength to strength, with their environmen­tal fabrics for commercial and transport interiors proving a hit across the industry. Their fabrics can be found as far afield as public transport in Los Angeles.

Holmfirth-based Briton Engineerin­g Developmen­ts, the innovators and manufactur­ers behind the revolution­ary dry ski-slope Snowflex system, have installed their projects and ski-slopes across the globe and have really put Kirklees on the map in the snow sports industry.

Ocean Spark Studios, a video game developmen­t studio based out of Huddersfie­ld, is not only creating memorable, exciting and unique games themselves but also inspiring younger generation­s of game developers through workshops and seminars. In particular, their Girl Geeks summer workshops supporting girls and women in STEM which teaches a foundation in video game creation.

Linthwaite’s Thornton & Ross is still one of the largest OTC pharmaceut­ical manufactur­ers in the UK and exports to over 80 countries worldwide. Their product portfolio includes the disinfecta­nt Zoflora, which has seen a recent surge in popularity after going viral online as the preferred cleaning product by top mummy-bloggers and Instagram accounts such as Mrs Hinch.

Manor House Lindley is an independen­t business that has rapidly enhanced the local area, raising the profile of the village in which it is situated.

The multi-million-pound renovation of a derelict property has created over 50 jobs for the community and offers first-class accommodat­ion along with fine dining, a choice of four bars, a gym and space for weddings and events.

Entreprene­urship continues to resonate across Kirklees, with Paxman Scalp Coolers having secured a £1million investment to fund the first five years of their biological hair follicle research centre. This is in partnershi­p with the University of Huddersfie­ld, Paxman and the European Union.

Kirklees has world leading manufactur­ers and engineerin­g businesses, dynamic SMEs and micro businesses, who have built on our history of innovation and entreprene­urship. I’m proud of that.

It is the capacity of our businesses to develop and innovate that has resulted in an economy that is more resilient than most. By continuing to grow and develop, our businesses have created wealth not only for themselves but for all the skilled people who work for them and for the increasing network of smaller businesses which have evolved to supply them.

We’re focused on ensuring Kirklees continues to be the place to do business, helping create the right conditions to for current and future innovators to prosper.

 ??  ?? Mark Ayres, general manager of Manor House at Lindley, which opened its doors after a £4.5m restoratio­n of the former children’s home
Mark Ayres, general manager of Manor House at Lindley, which opened its doors after a £4.5m restoratio­n of the former children’s home
 ??  ?? Jacqui Gedman, chief executive at Kirklees Council, tells how she is proud of the district’s world class companies and how she wants Kirklees to continue to be the place to do business
Jacqui Gedman, chief executive at Kirklees Council, tells how she is proud of the district’s world class companies and how she wants Kirklees to continue to be the place to do business

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