06.11.2025 Export Success in your Manufacturing Business
Learn how to boost your manufacturing business by mastering the art of exporting at our Export Success event!
24.10.2025 Breakfast with Harpreet Uppal MP – Your Say in the Future of Manufacturing
A special CKMA breakfast event: share your ideas and priorities directly with Huddersfield’s MP and help shape UK Industrial Policy.
18.09.2025 Digital Readiness for Manufacturers: ERP & Integration Essentials
Join fellow manufacturers from the CKMA network for a practical, high-impact session focused on what manufacturers really need to know.
11.09.2025 Richard Alan Engineering: Collaborating for Climate: Engineering Innovation
Discover how Richard Alan turned innovation into impact with a 10 tonnes per day carbon capture skid—built in Dewsbury, bound for Europe.
21.5.2025 STOP PRESS! Helping manufacturers navigate business support and funding
21.5.2025 Helping manufacturers to navigate the business support and funding landscape The return of this unique event is bound to be popular so book your place today! Funding & Business Support Breakfast Have you got a project in mind to help grow or develop your manufacturing business? Join us for a morning of insightful updates, networking, and collaboration, where you will: Hear brief 2-minute updates from key organisations on the latest business support and funding opportunities Connect with local sponsors who can support your projects Network with fellow members and business leaders over breakfast Weds 21st May 2025 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services Ltd, Brighouse Whether you’re exploring new funding routes or looking to build valuable connections, this is a morning you won’t want to miss! Manufacturing members and potential members are all welcome! To book your place via Eventbrite click here
30.4.2025 CKMA Industry Insight visit: The Zikodrive Journey
CKMA Industry Insight visit: The Zikodrive Journey Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Zikodrive Motor Controllers! The Zikodrive story is one of resilience, ingenuity, and the power of collaboration, providing a strong foundation for a bright and exciting future. A leading manufacturer of UK-designed motor control electronics the Company launched in 2014 overcoming significant challenges to emerge as a key player in its industry By 2020, Zikodrive had grown considerably however, the onset of Covid-19 presented unexpected challenges. The Directors had to think quickly how to overcome these and adapt. Fostering a relationship with a German company and collaborating led to a strategic investment agreement that enabled Zikodrive to expand operations and relocate to a new, dedicated site near Mytholmroyd. Now firmly back on a growth trajectory, Zikodrive is focused on the future. Its commitment to exporting UK-designed and manufactured products worldwide remains at the heart of its strategy, as it continues to innovate, expand, and strengthen its position in the global motor control market. Whether your interest is in electronics and the motor controller products or in the backstory of growing the business and overcoming challenges don’t miss this opportunity to meet others in the local manufacturing community. If you are a manufacturer and not yet a member of Calderdale & Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance your are welcome to come along as a guest. Date: 30.4.2025 Time: From 5.30pm – 7.30pm Venue: Unit 2A, Dean Country Business Park, Hebden Bridge HX7 5RU To book your place click here
26.3.2025 CKMA Breakfast Member Meeting and visit to Touchstone Glazing Ltd, Brighouse
Breakfast Meeting and Factory Visit to Touchstone Glazing Solutions, Brighouse. Turning a perceived ‘dying trade’ into a successful manufacturing business in the 21st century, as demonstrated by Touchstone Glazing Solutions Ltd and their sister company Design Glass Ltd involves a combination of strategic moves, innovation, and adaptability. Here are some key elements from the success story of Touchstone that can serve as a guide: Embrace Technology: Invest in modern technology for both design and manufacturing processes. Utilise computer-aided design (CAD) software, 3D Printing technology and other advanced tools to enhance efficiency and precision. Protect Intellectual Property (IP): Safeguard unique designs, manufacturing processes, and any proprietary technologies. Consider patents or other legal mechanisms to protect the intellectual assets of the business. Skill Development and Training: Prioritise the training of employees in both traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques. Establish inhouse training programs or partnerships with educational institutions to attract and train young talent. Date: 26.3.2025 Time: 8.00am – 10.30am Venue: Albion Mill, Thornhill Beck Lane, Brighouse HD6 4AH To book go to Eventbrite
13.11.2024 Industry Insight Factory Visit to Westin Drives Ltd, Huddersfield
Join CKMA for an Exclusive Factory Insight Visit at Westin Drives Westin Drives, the leading provider of mechanical and electrical repair services, is pleased to invite CKMA members to an exclusive factory visit. Get a unique, behind-the-scenes look at Westin’s daily operations and discover how they are helping businesses to stay at the forefront of manufacturing. Since our last CKMA visit a few years ago, the W S Westin Group has seen significant growth. Through strategic acquisitions, Westin have expanded their range of services, bringing previously outsourced work in-house. This allows them to offer enhanced design capabilities and embrace the latest technologies. Not only can they restore manufacturing operations quickly, but they also specialise in designing, implementing, and commissioning process improvements and upgrades. Westin’s historic 4-storey mill has been completely transformed, a new facility has been added to accommodate Westin’s expanded capabilities. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn how Westin Drives supports local manufacturers—through precision repair services, innovative product solutions, and expertise across multiple engineering disciplines.
16.10.2024 Industry Insight Factory Visit to Polyseam Ltd, Huddersfield
What’s Inside the Big Black Box? An Exclusive Look Inside Polyseam Date: Wednesday 16th 2024 Time: 08:00 – 10:30 Location: Polyseam Head Office, 15 St Andrews Road, Huddersfield, HD1 6SB Event Description: Curious about what happens inside the big black box on St Andrews Road? Now’s your chance to find out! Polyseam, a global manufacturer of passive fire protection and construction products, proudly serves nearing 200 customers across more than 50 countries. We are excited to open our doors for What’s Inside the Big Black Box?, offering a unique opportunity to explore the innovations and operations behind our people, products and processes. An exclusive event for members of The Calderdale and Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance (CKMA). Join us as we give you an insider’s look into what makes Polyseam a global leader in passive fire protection. Agenda: 08:00-08:30: Arrival and Breakfast 08:30: Health & Safety Greeting 08:45: The Polyseam Journey & What is Passive Fire Protection? 09:00: Continuous Improvement in Sustainability and Certification 09:15: Fostering a Positive Culture at Polyseam 09:30: Factory Tour Whether you’re curious about our innovations, interested in sustainability, or want to explore the culture behind Polyseam, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Register now to secure your spot and find out what’s really inside the big black box! Places are limited. We anticipate this being a popular visit for our members so book early here
3.7.2024 Breakfast meeting and factory visit to BCA Leisure, Elland
3.7.2024 Factory Visit: Driving Success and Sustainability at BCA Leisure Delegates having a fascinating insight into the bespoke nature of the wiring looms which BCA produces for specific markets BCA Leisure’s Journey in Expanding and Diversifying its Manufacturing Business Based in Calderdale’s industrial heartland, Elland, BCA Group has carved a niche as a reputable manufacturer specialising in electronics and electrical systems tailored for the leisure motorhome and caravan sector. Yet, like any industry player, they grapple with the dynamic nature of markets, constantly innovating to broaden their customer-base and maintain a competitive edge. Come and join us to glean insights from the management team as they share the strategic measures adopted in recent years to strengthen the group’s sustainability. Hear first-hand the investments made in cutting-edge tooling and technology for future growth and resilience. Date: 3rd July | Time: 8am – 10.30am Venue: Unit H9, Unit, Lowfields Business Park, Premier Way, Elland HX5 9HF Booking essential. Places are limited. To book please visit Eventbrite This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
28th June Factory visit to Chem Resist Ltd, Dewsbury
Factory visit to Chem Resist Ltd Join us as we visit Chem Resist in Dewsbury, specialists in solutions to transfer and store aggressive and corrosive chemicals. Chem Resist are providing CKMA members with the opportunity to understand have they have seen 40% growth over the last five years, achieved through a strategy of continuous improvement. Having pioneered the use of thermoplastics since the 1960’s and developed a manufacturing method in conjunction with Cambridge University, Chem Resist specialise in designing, manufacturing and installing spiral wound thermoplastic chemical storage tanks. Combined with the products and services of their own Fluid Transfer and Pipework Systems teams, Chem Resist provide solutions for safely delivering, storing, diluting and processing chemicals. We will learn how the business has focussed on improvement in processes, quality and culture change to empower staff to influence and deliver change and see how they are embedding this culture throughout the business. Date: Weds 28th June Time: Arrival and networking from 5.30-6pm. Presentation and visit 6-8pm Venue: Dewsbury WF13 3SX BOOKING ESSENTIAL via Eventbrite
31.03.23 Thomas Broadbent & Sons Ltd welcomes CKMA members…
Awesome is a much over-used word in current times however CKMA members who joined the visit on the 26th April were truly in awe when shown around the vast factory and the range of equipment in constant use at Broadbents. Broadbents are well known for their centrifuges used in many different sectors globally, however they do so much more and have a back-history of manufacturing and servicing many large-scale products in their 150 years of production. A fascinating presentation demonstrated the absolute top-level innovation, technology and scientific knowledge used in the design of their products. What is less well-known is that Broadbents also are sub-contractors for large scale work utilising their massive range of equipment. There was a real buzz in the room with company leaders and engineers enjoying the opportunity to meet the team and also to be inspired. Huge thanks go to all the team at Broadbents for sharing their story, inspiring our members and for wonderful hospitality.