Microdat appoints new CEO
Posted by davidb on 16 May 2013
Filed under: Uncategorized
16 May 2013
Leeds-based Microdat, the UK’s leader in engineering and process flow control systems for the brewing industry, has appointed Dr Maitland Hyslop as its new CEO. With over 20 years experience of running and growing business in companies such as Tetra Pak, The Onyx Group and the NHS, Maitland brings fresh new leadership to Microdat. His
Symington’s using their noodle to reshore production
Posted by davidb on 14 Mar 2013
Filed under: China, Food and drink, UK manufacturing, Uncategorized
14 March 2013
Symington’s, the maker of Ragu pasta sauce and Golden Wonder’s pot noodles, is cancelling its Chinese contracts and bringing noodle manufacture back onto British soil. The move will createabout 50 jobs and is the latest sign that offshoring – popular in recent decades as manufacturers sought to reduce labor and land costs – is falling
Survey to guage manufacturers’ thoughts on growth opportunities in 2013
Posted by davidb on 01 Mar 2013
Filed under: Manufacturing, Uncategorized
1 March 2013
Yorkshire Business Insider is inviting manufacturers in Yorkshire to take part in its Yorkshire Manufacturing Survey 2013. Manufacturing is shaking off its negative image and re-taking its rightful place at the very heart of business. But are manufacturers finding skilled workers to compete in a global marketplace? Can they secure adequate funding to grow? This
Chinese officials tour Leeds manufacturing businesses
Posted by davidb on 16 Jul 2012
Filed under: China, Textiles, Uncategorized
16 July 2012
A delegation of officials from the Chinese Embassy have visited businesses in Leeds and the wider city region as part of a programme designed to build commercial relationships and maximise opportunties presented by Leeds being chosen as the training base for China’s Olympic athletes. Textile firm Hainsworth was among businesses to meet Zhou Xiaoming, Pan Jiansheng, and
UK manufacturing performing well in ‘tough circumstances’
Posted by davidb on 11 Jul 2012
Filed under: Manufacturing, UK manufacturing
11 July 2012
UK manufacturing output rose 1.2% between April and May despite ongoing problems in the global economy, according to the latest figures from the British Chambers of Commerce. New trade figures showed the defict in goods and services fell to £2.7bn in May compared to £4.1bn in April David Kern, chief economist at the British Chambers
Putting innovation at the core of manufacturing business
Posted by davidb on 23 May 2012
Filed under: Manufacturing, Uncategorized
23 May 2012
Fascinating presentation from Mark Edmonds, managing director of Gripple, on product innovation. The company is the market leader in steel wire joiners and tensioners and Mark described how the basic ‘gripple’ product, developed for use in agriculture to join and tension crop wires, has been adapted for new applications in construction, shop fitting and siesmic bracing.
Yorkshire manufacturers show resilience in face of weak demand
Posted by davidb on 17 May 2012
Filed under: Manufacturing
17 May 2012
Manufacturers across Yorkshire had been taking steps to preserve cash, manage commodity and staff costs and streamline their business in order to survive the prolonged period of weak demand in the wider economy, according to business consultancy Deloitte. As a result, they are showing resilience in the face of the double dip recession, with many radically
Hidden strengths, major challenges – Leeds manufacturing sector faces up to the future
Posted by davidb on 30 Mar 2012
Filed under: Leeds City Region, Manufacturing, UK manufacturing
30 March 2012
Skills, public sector procurement and supply chain development were the key themes on the agenda at this morning’s ‘Hidden Strengths’ debate, organised by Yorkshire Business Insider. “The Leeds City Region is one of the most important centres for financial and legal services but it also has one of the biggest manufacturing clusters outside London and
“Globalisation takes no prisoners” – Digby Jones
Posted by davidb on 23 Mar 2012
Filed under: Leeds Manufacturing News, UK manufacturing, Uncategorized
23 March 2012
Spread risk, learn from others to makes sure you avoid their mistakes and make the most of every opportunity to meet people and network are some of the top tips for exporters from Lord Digby Jones. The former Minister of Trade and Industry was speaking at an event in Wakefield, organised by UKTI and looking
Bagel Nash reveals expansion plans
Posted by davidb on 03 Mar 2012
Filed under: Food and drink
3 March 2012
Bagel Nash has unveiled plans to open up to 40 new stores in the next five years and create around 200 jobs according to TheBusinessDesk.com. The bagel and coffee shop chain is also set to rebrand its existing outlets as its new management team starts to put its plans into action. Bagel Nash was bought
Yorkshire and Humber poised to become ‘renewables super cluster’
Posted by davidb on 16 Dec 2011
Filed under: Green investment bank, Leeds, Renewable energy, Renewable technologies, Uncategorized
16 December 2011
“The pressure to source renewable energy has never been greater”, said Insider editor Richard Abbot, introducing the Yorkshire Renewables Debate yesterday (15/12/11) in Leeds. And, while growing the sector presents major challenges, there are also massive opportunities that affect everyone from the largest PLC down to the smallest SME. Rising oil and gas prices, combined
Order books weakening for manufacturers – CBI
Posted by davidb on 16 Dec 2011
Filed under: Leeds Manufacturing News, Manufacturing, UK manufacturing, Uncategorized
A new survey from the CBI says manufacturers are seeing order books weaken as a result of the continuing instability in the Eurozone.
Manufacturers expecting output growth despite volatility in financial markets
Posted by davidb on 28 Sep 2011
Filed under: Brewing, Engineering, Manufacturing, UK manufcturing
28 September 2011
UK manufacturers predict that production will continue to grow over the next three months despite order book levels slackening during September, according to the latest monthly Industrial Trends Survey from the CBI. Of 470 manufacturers surveyed, 22% described total orders as above normal, and 31% said they were below. The CBI says the resulting balance
British manufacturing: all fired up but underfinanced?
Posted by davidb on 09 Aug 2011
Filed under: UK economy, UK manufcturing
9 August 2011
Do you think the government is doing enough to support UK manufacturing? Find out what business secretary Vince Cable and shadow secretary John Denhma have to say on the subject in the new Financial Times video Firing up British manufacturing. As the government attempts to rebalance the UK economy towards manufacturing, debate arounf industrial policy
Symington’s mops up with sauce brands
Posted by davidb on 09 Aug 2011
Filed under: Food and drink, Leeds Manufacturing News, Uncategorized
Symington’s, the Leeds-based food business, has added to its portfolio of leading names by acquiring the Chicken Tonight and Ragu brands. The purchase of the two names from Unilever by the Leeds-based business is expected to boost its annual gross sales to around £150m. It follows the recent acquisition of salad crouton brand La Rochelle
Manufacturing outperforming service sector in export markets
Posted by davidb on 12 Jul 2011
Filed under: Leeds, Leeds Manufacturing News
12 July 2011
The latest Leeds York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce quarterly economic survey shows that overseas markets continue to present opportunities for exporters and that manufacturers are outperforming their service sector counterparts by some distance. More than half of exporting-manufacturers are experiencing an increase in overseas sales and orders, according to the survey, and the majority
Aire Valley Leeds earmarked for enterprise zone
Posted by davidb on 16 Jun 2011
Filed under: Enterprise Zones, Leeds City Region
16 June 2011
Leeds City Region local enterprise partnership (LEP) has chosen the Aire Valley Leeds as its preferred location for an enterprise zone. Enterprise zones are a Government initiative to encourage private sector growth by allowing LEPs to choose areas that can enjoy benefits such as reduced business rates and simplified planning rules. It said that after
Manufacturing drives UK economic growth
Posted by davidb on 06 Jun 2011
Filed under: Manufacturing, UK economy
6 June 2011
Britain’s manufacturers are continuing to drive UK economic growth on the back of export-led demand, with manufacturers optimistic about growth prospects in the short term, according to the second quarter 2011 Manufacturing Outlook survey published today by EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation and BDO LLP. The survey shows output and orders balances turned out as strong
Power generation industry making major investments
Posted by davidb on 01 Jun 2011
Filed under: Engineering, Leeds, Manufacturing
1 June 2011
Chinese manufacturer Power Link Machine Co has unveiled its new European HQ in Yorkshire, creating at least 15 new jobs. The fast growing international company is aiming for its UK operation, based at Sherburn Enterprise Park near Leeds, to grow to a turnover of £10m within two years. From its Yorkshire base Power Link is
Leeds manufacturers’ show of confidence
Posted by davidb on 26 May 2011
Filed under: Leeds, Manufacturing
26 May 2011
The majority of manufacturing firms in the Leeds City Region who attended a keynote business breakfast in Leeds this week say they are planning to invest for growth this year. Nearly every firm at the Leeds Manufacturing breakfast seminar said they have growth plans in 2011. While the skills gap and over-regulation present continuing problems
William Cook Holdings to invest £5 million in Leeds manufacturing site
Posted by davidb on 18 May 2011
Filed under: Leeds Manufacturing News, Manufacturing, Recruitment, UK economy
18 May 2011
The verdict is still out on the prospects for the UK economy, according to Andrew Cook, chairman of William Cook Holdings, interviewed this week in the Yorkshire Post. But he is confident about the future for the family-owned steel castings manufacturer, which is investing £5 million in its Leeds site and expects to create up
Green light for continued manufacturing support from MAS in Yorkshire region
Posted by davidb on 16 May 2011
Filed under: Leeds Manufacturing News, Manufacturing
16 May 2011
Following a turbulent few months, funding has finally been secured which will enable the Manufacturing Advisory Service Yorkshire & Humber (MAS Y&H) to continue to play a vital role in supporting the region’s small and medium-sized manufacturers. MAS Y&H provides hands-on advice and support to manufacturing businesses to improve productivity and efficiency. It is jointly
Optare makes new commitment to manufacturing in Yorkshire
Posted by davidb on 09 May 2011
Filed under: Automotive, Leeds, Manufacturing
9 May 2011
Bus manufacturer Optare has announced that it will keep its main manufacturing operation in Yorkshire after signing a 17 year lease on a new 140,000 sq ft factory in Sherburn in Elmet. It is the first new bus assembly plant to open in the UK for 40 years. Facilities at the new plant will allow the company
Under pressure: report highlights how business is responding to increasing cost pressures
Posted by davidb on 20 Apr 2011
Filed under: Leeds, Manufacturing, UK economy
20 April 2011
More than half of businesses in Leeds, York and North Yorkshire are under serious pressure to increase prices as a result of rising overheads, fuel and raw material costs according to research carried out by Leeds University Business School. But, aware of the potential impact on their competitiveness, rather than passing price rises on to
Distribution deal and acquisitions for Leeds manufacturers
Posted by davidb on 19 Apr 2011
Filed under: Healthcare, Leeds, Manufacturing
19 April 2011
Just Trays, the UK’s largest manufacurer of shower trays, has signed a deal with the leading supplier of quality bathrooms, tiles and plumbing materials across the Middle East and Central Asia. The Leeds company will work with Sanipex Group to distribute its products in the United Arab Emirates and Indian markets. The agreement, reported in the
Export growth drives £1 million investment in new Marpak production facility
Posted by davidb on 06 Apr 2011
Filed under: Leeds, Leeds Manufacturing News, Manufacturing
6 April 2011
A £1m production facility is being created by Marpak Extrusions, the Leeds-based industrial packaging business as it looks to to capitalise on an increase in exports. The new 10,000 sq ft factory, close to the Gelderd Business Park in Leeds, will create an initial 12 new jobs for £10m turnover company Marpak Extrusions. The news follows
Xiros showcase creativity at the heart of UK manufacturing
Posted by davidb on 29 Mar 2011
Filed under: Uncategorized
29 March 2011
With great play being made of manufcturing’s role in helping to ‘rebalance’ the UK economy, the Financial Times has launched a new video series looking at what qualities the companies of the future will need. The series opens with UK manufacturing editor Peter Marsh visiting Xiros, the Leeds-based pioneers in artificial ligaments. Marsh talks to
Turner prizes investment, exports and technical skills
Posted by davidb on 22 Mar 2011
Filed under: Manufacturing, UK economy
22 March 2011
Recession, according to economist Dennis Turner, is the time when even those people who had no intention of paying you stop buying. The most recent recession may be over and, while those who still have no intention of paying may be placing orders again, the more serious issue the economy faces is how we are
Manufacturing flavour of the month?
Posted by davidb on 18 Mar 2011
Filed under: Leeds Manufacturing News, UK economy
18 March 2011
Suddenly, everyone is listening to the region’s manufacturers. FT’s manufacturing editor Peter Marsh was recently in Leeds, meeting over dinner with a group of manufacturers to find out more about how the sector is performing and the key issues it is facing. Before that representatives of the sector had been invited to meet the ‘shadow monetary
Please sir, the weather shrank my economy!
Posted by davidb on 27 Jan 2011
Filed under: Automotive, Engineering, Manufacturing, UK economy
27 January 2011
Adverse weather conditions had a major impact on the UK economy in the last quarter, according to media pundits and economists. Why has snow hit the economy so badly this winter and how come manufacturing bucked the trend?
Manufacturing key to future of UK economy says business minister
Posted by davidb on 13 Dec 2010
Filed under: Uncategorized
13 December 2010
According to reports on TheBusinessDesk.com, the government has invested £50m in the Manufacturing Advisory Service and launched a review into the future of advanced manufacturing in the UK. The move comes after the government abandoned plans to publish a manufacturing framework in favour of incorporating its plans for the sector in its wider “growth review”
Manufacturing: the unsung hero of the UK economy
Posted by davidb on 06 Dec 2010
Filed under: Engineering, Leeds, Leeds Manufacturing News, Manufacturing
6 December 2010
The CBI is calling for the Government to target 5% annual growth in the manufacturing sector as part of wide ranging proposals to secure the future of the sector set out in a new report published today. British manufacturing continues to report strong trading conditions with indicators for output remaining at record levels for the
China tunes in to British textiles
Posted by davidb on 15 Nov 2010
Filed under: Leeds, Leeds Manufacturing News, Manufacturing, Music, Textiles
15 November 2010
Leeds textile manufacturer Hainsworth has racked up a £1 million order for China’s booming piano manufacuturing industry and expanding pool and snooker markets.
Manufacturers warned not to miss green opportunity
Posted by davidb on 05 Nov 2010
Filed under: Engineering, Manufacturing, Textiles
5 November 2010
Coronation Street’s Kevin Webster may be Britain’s most famous ‘engineer’ but while manufacturing in the UK continues to fly under the radar in terms of public perception it continues to make a massive contribution to the economy. The sector employs 2.5 million people in the UK and in June 2010 generated £22 billion in exports.
Textile firm opens new production facility in Leeds
Posted by davidb on 05 Nov 2010
Filed under: Leeds Manufacturing News, Manufacturing, Textiles
One of Yorkshire’s oldest textile companies has invested in a brand new manufacturing plant in Guiseley, Leeds. The move is part of a growing trend towards bringing overseas production back to the UK. Laxtons specialist yarns, both Worsted and Fancy, are now being manufactured at the new production facility, believed to be the first factory
Smart move for school uniform manufacturer
Posted by davidb on 11 Oct 2010
Filed under: Leeds, Manufacturing, Textiles, Uncategorized
11 October 2010
MORE than 20 new jobs have been created at a Yorkshire school uniform company thanks to a strategy combining traditional garment tailoring and niche internet retailing. Specialising in school uniforms, Perry Uniform, based in Bramley, Leeds, has grown significantly over the past two years and is on target to achieve annual sales of £2.5m. The
Award for Taylor-made card business
Posted by davidb on 11 Oct 2010
Filed under: Manufacturing, Print and publishing
Congratulations go to Sue Taylor, owner of Leeds-based Craftwork Cards, who picked up the award for manufacturing business woman of the year at the Women in Business Awards organised by Forward Ladies, the networking organisation for women in business. A recent deal with TV shopping channel QVC promises to grow the turnover of the £1.2m
News media pay attention to manufacturing?
Posted by davidb on 03 Sep 2010
Filed under: Manufacturing
3 September 2010
Good to see the regional business news media giving recognition to the regions’ manufacturing sector, with the recent launch by The Business Desk of a dedicated ‘Manufacturing’ news channel. There’s been a lot of talk in recent months, particularly in the run up to the elections, about manufacturing leading the UK out of recession. But there’s
Leeds print firm making its mark
Posted by davidb on 03 Aug 2010
Filed under: Manufacturing
3 August 2010
News today that Leeds-based Resource Print Solutions is set to become a major player in the web to print arena following advice from the Manufacturing Advisory Service Yorkshire and Humber. The management of the company has invested £250,000 into the business and new jobs have been created. Read more>>>
Call for ‘Minister of Manufacturing’ as Output Rises
Posted by davidb on 12 May 2010
Filed under: Leeds Manufacturing News, Manufacturing
12 May 2010
UK Manufacturing recorded its strongest growth for 23 years in March, according to the National Institute for Economic and Social Research. Manufacturing output grew by 2.3% in March – the sharpest rise since 1987 – strengthening growth within the wider economy and suggesting that the recovery is more secure than previously thought. The rise in
Eureka
Posted by davidb on 15 Feb 2010
Filed under: Healthcare
15 February 2010
Good to see a well-earned and extended piece on a regional television news programme for fast-moving Leeds healthcare star Surgical Innovations (BBC Look North Leeds Sunday February 14). Having invested a further £1m in new product development, the company’s unique instruments for non-invasive surgery continue to lead the market at home and abroad and even
Leeds Chamber members survey shows strong growth
Posted by davidb on 25 Jan 2010
Filed under: Automotive, Engineering, Manufacturing
25 January 2010
Results of the latest survey of members of Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber shows a stong growth in export sales and orders amongst manufacturers and an increase in the number of businesses recruiting. Key findings show: Manufacturers reported 33% growth in export sales and 11% growth in export orders, the largest reported improvements in
The Future of UK Manufacturing
Posted by davidb on 25 Nov 2009
Filed under: Automotive, Chemicals, Electronics, Engineering, Manufacturing
25 November 2009
Just finished working through a report from PWC on The Future of UK Manufacturing. Hard going but some really interesting analysis and observations in there. As the report’s sub-heading puts it, reports of the death of manufacturing in the UK are greatly exaggerated but the sector faces major challenges if it is to retain critical
Ian Parker is no BIMBO!
Posted by davidb on 13 Nov 2009
Filed under: Manufacturing
13 November 2009
The torrid impact of recession on the UK automotive industry was the theme taken up by Birkby’s Plastics chief exec Ian Parker at the MAS Manufacturing Convention. Following the temporary closures of UK car plants, he described how the business went from shipping 140,000 components a day to just over 60,000 and how the assets,
The pursuit of opportunity
Posted by davidb on 13 Nov 2009
Filed under: Manufacturing
Soeren Vonsild, head of engineering at Leeds dairy products manufacturer Arla, reckons that the structures and processes within large corporate organisations are fundamentally opposed to innovation and entrepreneurship. Speaking at yesterday’s MAS Manufacturing Convention at Rudding Park, he described entrepreneurs as quick to spot an opportunity opportunity and quick to commit; people for whom there’s
Not To Be Missed
Posted by davidb on 28 Oct 2009
Filed under: Manufacturing
28 October 2009
MAS Yorkshire & Humber’s Manufacturing Convention next month should not be missed. Under the banner ‘Looking to the Future in Manufacturing’, an invaluable day of learning is promised. You will be able to: 1. Pick up practical tips and advice from local companies and respected business leaders 2. Network with over 200 members of the
Welcome to the Leeds Manufacturing blog
Posted by davidb on 07 Sep 2009
Filed under: Leeds Manufacturing News
7 September 2009
A little over three years ago, we launched our Leeds Manufacturing media relations campaign and it has met with conspicuous success, achieving media coverage far and wide. This is not so much due to our skills in recording the continued progress of the city as a centre of manufacturing excellence, but more to the rich