Accu Hosts Huddersfield Unlimited
Last Wednesday, February 12th, Accu hosted the fourth Huddersfield Unlimited Business Forum at our headquarters in Brockholes. Bringing together over 100 industry leaders, the event reinforced Huddersfield’s growing influence in advanced engineering and manufacturing, providing a platform to showcase innovation and strengthen collaboration among local key players.
Championing Advanced Engineering in Huddersfield
As proud sponsors of the event, we at Accu welcomed key figures such as Stephen Crow - Business Development Director at Clarion Solicitors and Sir John Harman, Chair of Huddersfield Unlimited. We also had the pleasure of hearing from Hayley Austin, Chief Executive of the One Community Foundation, who shared valuable insights on the organisation’s impact in Kirklees.
The forum highlighted how Huddersfield is driving innovation and solidifying its position on the UK’s industrial map. With Kirklees boasting four times the national average industry concentration for machinery and equipment manufacturing, our region continues to play a vital role in West Yorkshire’s 117,000-strong manufacturing workforce.
While being hosted at our HQ, staff took time to take visitors on small tour groups around our new HQ, showcasing how we operate and allowing visitors to get hands-on with our Antweight combat robots and time trial maze.
Investing in Talent and Innovation
One key topic of discussion was the wealth of talent and innovation emerging from Huddersfield.
At Accu, we're deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of engineers and Huddersfield is making great strides in developing that talent. The Kirklees College Engineering Centre plays a key role in training future engineers, while institutions such as the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre and the National Physical Laboratory are accelerating research and development.
We continue to support STEM professionals through initiatives like our Accu Scholarship, which provides UK-based undergraduate engineers with financial aid and potential internship opportunities. Looking ahead, we are excited to launch a STEM Engagement Programme in September 2025, delivering assemblies, workshops and interactive learning experiences for high school students across Kirklees.
Driving Collaboration and ESG Commitments
Beyond celebrating Huddersfield’s engineering successes, the forum also provided an opportunity for businesses to discuss Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles. We explored a range of ESG initiatives, from tree planting projects to annual gender pay gap reporting, all aimed at making a positive impact within our industries and communities.
The discussion also covered the economic opportunities emerging from Huddersfield’s £1bn transformation. With major projects like the Transpennine Route Upgrade and the National Health Innovation Campus (NHIC) on the horizon, there is no doubt that Huddersfield’s economic landscape is set to strengthen further.
Our Industry Peers on the Forum’s Impact
Reflecting on the event, Sir John Harman commented:
“We saw lots of investment in Huddersfield in 2024, with projects picking up pace over the course of the year. From the Transpennine Route Upgrade to the development of the NHIC, Huddersfield is shining on the UK stage already, and that’s set to continue with further investment over 2025 and beyond.”
Sir John Harman
Chair of Huddersfield Unlimited
He added:
“After our first Business Forum took place just over a year ago, it’s been pleasing to watch them continue to grow as a platform for driving collaboration and investment locally. Our fourth event has seen another brilliant turnout, with many business leaders keen to tackle the major topics affecting the region, whilst developing new partnerships that will positively impact Huddersfield.”
Sir John Harman
Chair of Huddersfield Unlimited
Our Managing Director, Alastair Morris, highlighted the town’s engineering strengths:
“We’re incredibly proud of our Huddersfield roots at Accu and the role this town plays in the global engineering landscape, with a number of reputable manufacturers operating right here in Kirklees. Partnering with Huddersfield Unlimited for the Business Forum is a fantastic opportunity to bring together businesses, innovators and industry leaders to celebrate and strengthen our local economy.”
Alastair Morris
Managing Director (UK) of Accu
Stephen Crow, Business Development Director at Clarion Solicitors, echoed the importance of collaboration:
“Clarion is delighted to support this event, which brings together the business leaders of Huddersfield – we firmly believe it will enhance collaboration and underpin the future success of Huddersfield.”
Stephen Crow
Business Development Director of Clarion Solicitors
Supporting Community Initiatives
Hayley Austin, Chief Executive at One Community Foundation, spoke about the organisation’s mission to support local causes through grants and charitable initiatives:
“One Community Foundation is dedicated to making a lasting impact in Kirklees by connecting generous donors with local causes that need support the most. As an independent charity, we provide grants to grassroots organisations, helping to build stronger communities and address critical social issues.”
Hayley Austin
Chief Executive of One Community Foundation
She also highlighted the foundation’s upcoming Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) event in April, which will give businesses an opportunity to engage further in local philanthropic efforts.
Our Commitment to Huddersfield’s Growth
Since its establishment in 2018, Huddersfield Unlimited has been a driving force behind the town’s business, investment and community initiatives. Chaired by Sir John Harman, the organisation continues to work with key stakeholders to promote Huddersfield as a thriving hub for culture, commerce and education.
By hosting and participating in events like the Business Forum, we at Accu remain committed to fostering partnerships that drive innovation and economic prosperity in the region. With continued investment, talent development and cross-sector collaboration, Huddersfield’s engineering and business community is set to make an even greater impact in the years to come.
