Huddersfield has long been known for its industrial heritage, and today, it is rapidly emerging as a dynamic hub for advanced engineering. With significant investment and cutting-edge innovation, Huddersfield is proving to be where engineering thrives.
At the recent Advanced Engineering Business Forum, hosted by Huddersfield Unlimited and Accu, key industry leaders, business owners, and local stakeholders gathered to discuss the sector’s future and the town’s growing reputation as a business destination.
Investment and Growth in Huddersfield’s Engineering Sector
One of the key themes from the forum was the scale of investment pouring into Huddersfield. Sophie Seddon of Sophie Seddon PR noted that the Health and Innovation Partnership at Huddersfield University is driving new opportunities and attracting interest from businesses looking to expand. “I think people have recognised that it’s an up-and-coming area geographically. It’s well placed between Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, and Wakefield,” she said.
Alistair Morris, Managing Director of Accu, echoed this sentiment, highlighting his company’s commitment to expanding in Huddersfield. “Accu has decided to invest in this local area, expanding our facility massively here, acknowledging that the growth will be here,” he said. “It feels like there’s a real momentum in the town. There’s investment, there’s growth, it feels positive.” This confidence reflects a broader trend of businesses recognising Huddersfield as a place of real momentum and economic potential.
A Strong and Supportive Business Community
Beyond the financial investment, Huddersfield’s business community is one of its greatest assets. Industry leaders at the forum emphasised the collaborative nature of businesses in the area, with many firms working together to support innovation and growth.
Janet Bebb from Social Progress highlighted this: “Huddersfield has always been a thriving business community, where businesses want to support each other.” This sentiment was reinforced throughout the event, with attendees noting the importance of networking and shared knowledge in driving success.
Sam Melton, from West Yorkshire Combined Authority, pointed out that many businesses in Huddersfield are engaged in ground-breaking work, such as space technology engineering. However, she stressed that more needs to be done to showcase the town’s strengths: “Many businesses don’t shout about the amazing things they’re doing, and they should. There’s so much going on, from independent businesses to big engineering firms contributing to global industries like space tech.”
Breaking Stereotypes: Engineering as an Exciting Career Path
Another key discussion point was changing the perception of engineering as a dull, repetitive industry with a largely male workforce. Historically, engineering has suffered from an outdated image, but businesses in Huddersfield are working to reshape this narrative.
Sam Melton commented on this shift, explaining that many people assume engineering means “sitting at a machine all day” when, in reality, modern engineering careers offer exciting, varied, and innovative work. “You can get a real sense of being in this building and talking to the staff that they’ve put much thought into ensuring the workplace is nice. People want to work here; they’ve got a smile on their face, and that’s exactly how it should be.”
Sophie Seddon agreed, adding: “Engineering isn’t just about machines and factories anymore. There’s so much creativity, problem-solving, and innovation involved, and we must encourage more women and young people to consider it as a career.”
The Future of Engineering in Huddersfield
As the forum wrapped up, speakers were asked to describe the future of engineering in one word. Their responses captured the sense of excitement surrounding the sector:
- “Fun” – “Just by judging the room here, it looks like it will be fun.”
- “Exciting” – “There’s so much potential and growth happening right now.”
- “Emerging” – “Huddersfield is establishing itself as a key player in advanced engineering.”
Alistair Morris summed it up perfectly: “Only a year ago, we didn’t have enough space to gather all our employees in one room. We’re hosting over 100 people from across the business community.” This growth is a testament to Huddersfield’s increasing role as a leader in the advanced engineering sector.
Looking Ahead
With ongoing investment, a strong business network, and a new generation of talent entering the field, Huddersfield’s future in engineering looks brighter than ever. Companies like Accu are proving businesses can thrive, expand, and innovate here in West Yorkshire.
As Huddersfield continues to attract top engineering talent and foster industry-leading businesses, the town is set to play a vital role in the UK’s advanced manufacturing and engineering landscape. The message from the forum was clear: Huddersfield is not just keeping up with industry trends; it’s setting them.