Explore the CKMA Events Programme – Now on Eventbrite
CKMA events consistently receive great feedback for being practical, engaging, and refreshingly different from the usual networking fare. What sets them apart? Every event is designed specifically for manufacturers – with real-world insights, behind-the-scenes access, and open conversations at the heart of the programme. Whether it’s a factory tour, peer learning session, expert briefing or industry roundtable, attendees value the chance to connect with like-minded professionals and take away ideas they can actually use. It’s not just networking – it’s about learning, sharing, and moving the sector forward together. If you’re new to CKMA, attending an event is a great way to see what we’re all about. Many of our regular members first got involved by coming along to a session and finding real value in what we do. What can you expect to take away? Plenty. From practical ideas to improve your own operations, to new business connections that could lead to collaboration, customers, or supply chain partners. Many attendees also find it useful as a benchmarking opportunity – seeing how others work can spark improvements at home. And you’ll meet people who can point you toward funding, support programmes, and specialist advice when you need it. Visit the CKMA Events Page on Eventbrite Most of our events are free to attend and open to manufacturers of all sizes across Calderdale and Kirklees. They’re a great way to build connections, share experiences, and discover practical ideas to drive your business forward. Got an idea for a future event or want to host a visit? Get in touch – we’re always keen to hear from members and local partners. Contact us via our website to suggest an event, explore membership, or find out more about how we can support your business.
July 29, 2025
Lancereal gears up for growth with senior financial appointment
Following a management buyout and significant investment in growth and development at the end of 2024, Lancereal, a leading powertrain solutions provider and systems integrator has appointed a Financial Controller to accelerate its growth. Victoria Wetherill, who has a first-class degree in Accountancy and Finance from the University of Huddersfield, gained her ACCA qualification offered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants whilst working in an accountancy practice. With more than nine years of experience, Victoria has held positions within industry and has managed a finance department – overseeing the full finance function across the business. It is this experience that she brings to the role at Lancereal where she will be bring in new policies to enable the company to thrive in new and existing markets. Her expertise and strategic outlook will benefit the company in this new role, as it navigates growth through financial processes, diligence in financial reporting and production efficiencies. Victoria Wetherill, Financial Controller at Lancereal commented: “Working in an owner managed business, where I can work hands-on with a small team is really exciting. I have been able to take ownership of financial leadership across the business and promote Lancereal’s values, whilst overseeing all aspects of the finance function – which will ultimately enable the company to thrive. I am enjoying the variation of the role and being part of the team. The team has been so welcoming, and I can see this as a place I will grow too.” Laura Hampson, Managing Director at Lancereal added: “We took our time in our approach to hiring a Financial Controller as it is a new role for the business and we wanted to ensure the post was filled by someone who can steer our growth with experience but also by embodying our values. Victoria is a perfect match for us. She’s fitted in so well with the team and her industry experience and wealth of knowledge across financial disciplines is a real boon for the business. As we round off our first year following last year’s MBO we have worked with Victoria to put new policies in place to support our growth plans and I’m excited by what she can bring to the team and what it will mean for the business.” The appointment demonstrates Lancereal’s commitment to sustainable growth in innovating industries through the supply of world class components and specialist services in engineering powertrain products and systems. For more information, please visit www.lancereal.com.
July 15, 2025
How to Get the Most from Your CKMA Membership
Being a member of CKMA – the Calderdale & Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance – means more than just joining a network. It’s about being part of a grassroots movement that brings manufacturers together to support one another, raise their collective voice, and strengthen the regional economy. But like any network, the more you put in, the more you get out. Here’s a quick guide to making your CKMA membership work harder for you: Keep Your Profile Up to Date Whether you’re a member or a sponsor, your business profile on the CKMA website is one of the easiest ways to be found by fellow members, collaborators, and local partners. Think of it as a free listing in a trusted regional supply chain directory – so keep it fresh with your latest capabilities, key contacts, and specialisms. Share Your News and Wins Won a new contract? Hiring? Got a new machine or launching a service? Let us know. We’re always keen to spotlight member successes through our blog, email updates, and LinkedIn presence. These posts get great engagement – not just from members but from local stakeholders and potential customers too – and our new strategic marketing partners Northern Media are helping us supercharge member news, so make the most of this opportunity. Join Us at Events CKMA runs regular breakfast briefings, factory tours, and networking sessions – low-pressure, high-value gatherings where you can meet fellow manufacturers, hear from local leaders, and explore shared challenges and opportunities. They’re not just social – they often lead to introductions, ideas, and new collaborations, just ask members who come. All of our events are published on our Eventbrite Page. Ask for an Intro Looking to connect with another manufacturer, supplier, or supporter in the region? CKMA can help. We’re happy to make warm introductions within the network – just reach out. Let’s Talk Strategy We regularly speak with members to understand what’s important to their business – and how CKMA can support them. Whether that’s talent, funding, visibility, skills, or lobbying for change, we’re here to listen and act. If you haven’t had a check-in recently, just ask. Step Up Your Involvement Some members want to go further. CKMA’s curated sponsorship programme offers opportunities to raise your brand, support the network, and align yourself with local manufacturing leadership. You can also contribute by speaking at events, mentoring others, or simply volunteering time and ideas to help the community thrive. Use the Badge All members and sponsors receive a CKMA Member logo – display it proudly on your website, email signature or marketing materials. It shows your commitment to supporting manufacturing in Calderdale and Kirklees – and that you’re part of something bigger. A bit more old school? We’ll send you one of our CKMA window stickers for your reception or vehicle! Stay Connected Follow CKMA on LinkedIn, engage with our posts, and tag us when sharing your own updates. It’s an easy way to grow your visibility and stay informed about what’s going on across the region. It Starts with You CKMA is built by manufacturers, for manufacturers. Your ideas, input and engagement shape what the Alliance becomes. So whether you’re here to network, collaborate, learn or lead – make the most of it. Got questions or want to talk about how we can support you more? Drop us a quick note using our contact form #strongertogether
July 11, 2025
A New Industrial Strategy: What It Means for Manufacturing in West Yorkshire
The UK Government has launched a new 10-year Industrial Strategy, marking a significant shift in national economic policy. Designed to unlock investment, boost productivity, and create high-quality jobs, the strategy focuses on long-term, sector-led growth—with manufacturing at its core. At the heart of the strategy are eight key sectors identified as critical to the UK’s future prosperity. These include Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy, Life Sciences, Defence, Digital & Tech, Creative Industries, Financial Services, and Professional & Business Services. For manufacturing businesses across Calderdale and Kirklees, this represents both a signal of intent and a practical opportunity. The strategy commits to: Reducing industrial electricity costs Accelerating grid connections for new sites Unlocking finance through the British Business Bank and new Industrial Strategy Zones Supporting innovation and skills development in key clusters Importantly, the strategy includes a strong place-based component—recognising that growth is driven by local ecosystems of SMEs, supply chains, research institutions, and regional leadership. As CKMA, we’ll be working to ensure that our region’s voice is heard, and that West Yorkshire manufacturers are well positioned to benefit from the support and investment this strategy promises. You can read the full strategy here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/industrial-strategy
July 7, 2025
Collaborative R&D grants: Making the Most of Britain’s investment in Horizon Europe
Horizon Europe is the European Union’s key funding programme for research and innovation. It runs from 2021 to 2027 with a total budget of around €95.5 billion, making it the largest research and innovation programme in the world. Its goal is to drive scientific excellence, support industrial competitiveness, and tackle global challenges such as climate change, health crises, and digital transformation. The programme is organised into three main pillars: Excellent Science – Supports frontier research and the development of research infrastructure (e.g. through the European Research Council). Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness – Funds collaborative research tackling societal challenges (e.g. health, climate, energy, mobility). Innovative Europe – Promotes market-creating innovations and supports SMEs (e.g. through the European Innovation Council). Horizon Europe includes measures to strengthen the participation of underrepresented countries and improve the overall R&I ecosystem in Europe and is organised around “missions” such as cancer, climate adaptation, and oceans, as well as public-private and public-public partnerships to pool resources and expertise. The programme is not only open to universities, governments and research organisations, companies can also apply – including small and medium sized enterprises, often in partnership with organisations who are more focussed on research than commercialisation. Despite Brexit, UK organisations can associate to Horizon Europe and access most of the programme’s funding and opportunities, following the UK-EU agreement announced in 2023. Here, we hear from Louise Mothersole, one of the UK’s national contact points for the programme. Louise talks about the best way for UK for organisations to find partners to opportunities within the programme. In Louise’s words, “The most frequent question I am asked is how to find consortium partners. There are several things you could do: Treat joining a consortium as a project in its own right. Make a plan of activities and tasks and allocate time and resources. Set up review milestones to check progress. Being in the right consortium is almost as important as writing a good proposal. The European Commission recently said at a Cluster 5: Climate, Energy and Mobility Programme Committee meeting “Never in the history of Horizon Europe has a consortium of just newcomers to the programme been successful”. Therefore, your challenge is to find people who have strong track record of past success and demonstrate to them that they need you in their team if they are going to continue to be successful. The following suggested actions are in what I think of as descending order of usefulness. Networking is by far the most useful way to find consortium partners. You will often hear people say “I was lucky, I got invited into a consortium by somebody I knew already”. If you know somebody already that is in a position to invite you to join a consortium, it is likely that these are part of your professional network rather than somebody you met while waiting for the kids to come out of football practice. You won’t win the Lottery if you don’t buy a ticket, and in the same way, there are things you can do to improve your chances of being invited to join a consortium. Networking isn’t just about following people on Linked In, it’s about interacting with others in your sector in such a way that they can see the value of your work and how it might help them with their work. Things you can do to improve your networking profile, regardless of whether you are seeking consortium partners for a specific competition, include: Write posts/blogs for Linked In, encourage your colleagues to share/forward these and, if people comment on your post, engage with them. Formal peer reviewed papers have their place but for networking where you can have a discussion in almost real time and allow others to see that discussion, Linked In is very useful. Join European associations and similar organisations for your sector and be an active member. Don’t just pay your subscription and occasionally scan the newsletter but join in the work of the association. Ask about specific working groups and join these, especially those writing technology roadmaps and similar. Volunteer to draft documents and papers (if you are short of time, volunteer to be a reviewer). Demonstrate thought leadership and that you are the person that everyone needs to have in their team if they are going to be successful. If you aren’t sure which organisations are the best ones for you to engage with, you can search the Cluster 5: Climate, Energy and Mobility Stakeholder Directory by sector Attend conferences, workshops, etc and be an active participant. Don’t sit there answering emails or browsing X on your phone, pay attention to every speaker and actively think of what question you might ask of them that demonstrates that you have grasped the key issues, understand the implications of these and that you have additional insight that should be considered in any follow-up work (after all, if they’re planning a follow-on project, they need you in their consortium don’t they?). Don’t be confrontational/negative about what they have achieved but be supportive and additive to their work. For online workshops and meetings it’s even more important to stand out as somebody who would make an ideal consortium partner. If possible, keep your camera on and make sure you are paying attention (and are seen to be paying attention). Once the meeting is underway, write in the chat “Good morning/afternoon, great to see so many old friends here”. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know anyone because each person in the virtual room now thinks that you know everyone else except them. There is a subtle change in the way that people respond if they think you’re part of the ‘club’ (most easily recognised if you are not part of the club). Continue to engage the room by being active in the text/chat: Paste a few sentences (not an essay) to explain who you are beginning “For those I’ve not yet met in person, I’m…” i.e., still implying you know most people there Post your email address and encourage people to contact you – think of it as handing out your business card Post points in support of, or to add to those of, the speaker (not negative points, even if they are obvious, as these are rarely well received by the audience and it’s those people you are networking with, not just the speaker). Prepare at least one question that shows your insight into the issue being discussed. To find potential partners that have a strong track record of previously successful proposals and therefore know how to write a winning proposal, you can search the EU’s CORDIS website where every past project has a webpage that contains a brief description of the project and lists the coordinator and project participants (the link above already filters for Horizon Europe projects from Cluster 5). Once you have logged in to the system (same login as the rest of the EU funding and tenders portal), you can get in touch with the ‘Participant Contact’ which is the name for the specific person involved in the project, by clicking on ‘Contact the organisation’. For example: Searching using key words ‘Maritime Wind Shipping’ returns 15 projects. The first result is given as ‘Orcelle Wind as main propulsion by ORCELLE’ and clicking through the link takes us to the project’s page which tells us that the coordinator of this project is Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean AS. Scrolling down the web page for the project we can see that there are 11 other participants too. Under each organisation (click the down arrow on the right to reveal if not visible) is a link to ‘Contact the organisation’ When you click through, you will come to a text box where you can send a message – ask them about their project, be interested in what they’re doing. All projects have to Disseminate and Communicate their results so they should be happy to hear from you. Build a relationship with them and tell them about your capabilities before you ask if they’re involved in preparing a follow-on proposal and perhaps you could help? You will be limited to sending only about 10 messages a day and I have heard that there is only about a 10% response rate but if you make a point of sending 10 every afternoon before you log off for the day, you will get five responses a week from people that you know that they know how to write a winning proposal – they’ve done it before! There are several partner search websites where you can search the profiles of potential partners and upload your own too. However, it is quite rare for well established Horizon Europe participants to use these schemes, and they’re the people you’re trying to attract so my advice is not to rely on these but to use them as well as networking and searching CORDIS as described above. Some examples include: The EU funding and tenders portal has a Partner Search tab Each Topic (EU word for individual competition) listed on the EU funding and tenders portal has a specific link to organisations seeking to partner for that Topic (scroll down on an individual Topic web page) The Enterprise Europe Network has a Partnering Opportunities facility although interaction beyond initial search will require you to work with Innovate UK Business Growth The Cluster 5: Climate, Energy and Mobility National Contact Points from across Europe have created a partner search facility just for this part of the programme – GREENET. This is a ‘curated’ system so only approved profiles are uploaded. Once again, sorry for the length of this article, but as I said at the start, getting in to the right team is difficult but essential and hopefully the above steps can help you to find the right partners. Louise Mothersole is the UK National Contact Point for Horizon Europe and the author of this article.
July 5, 2025
Welcome to our new member: Fox Engravers Ltd, Huddersfield
Fox Engravers combine the very best of traditional engraving and modern laser technology, to supply and engrave trophies and awards, business and corporate goods and provide a unique personalisation offering. Working in partnership with fellow manufacturers to supply signs and labels for machinery and goods produced using a variety of materials. See Member Directory for details.
April 3, 2025
CKMA Members inspired at Touchstone Glazing and Design Glass Ltd
Members were treated to an exceptionally inspiring story from Liz Taylor, Director, about the history, development and future plans of these two truly innovative companies marrying traditional craftsmanship not changed in centuries with technology and innovation enabling them to look forward to a sustainable future in what some would deem to be a dying industry.
March 27, 2025
Meet our newest member of the Steering Group: Nick Hampson from Lancereal Ltd
Meet our newest member of the Steering Group: Nick Hampson from Lancereal Ltd Lancereal, Penistone Road, Kirkburton, Huddersfield.Picture: Chris Vaughan Photography for LancerealDate: October 4, 2024 Nick has been a regular attender of CKMA events for a number of years. Here is what he has to say about why he accepted the nomination to join the Steering Group… “Having personally benefitted from a first-class apprenticeship and many successful years of close working with skilled and experienced people I feel I have a responsibility to ensure that I share, in whatever way I can, my knowledge to strengthen and maintain our manufacturing capabilities locally and nationally. After starting out with David Brown Gear Industries in 1962 I worked my way up through Industrial and Marine gear fitting and assembly into Transmission Design Estimating and Export Sales and then was invited to join the Board. After 25 years I stepped away and established Lancereal Ltd as a UK based distributor of Power Transmission products, including gearboxes and industrial clutches. With 37 years of continuous growth we added CNC machines to complement our capacity and offer additional products and product flexibility. We now employ 14 staff and export 70% of our turnover. In 2025 we completed a management buy-out with two co-directors now taking the business forward.”
February 24, 2025
26.2.2025 West Yorkshire Advancing Manufacturing Futures Summit
26.2.2025 West Yorkshire Advancing Manufacturing Futures Summit We have the highest number of high-value manufacturers in the UK and sit at the centre of global supply chains. We are renowned for our use of cutting-edge technologies, dedication to producing high-quality materials, and leadership in the manufacturing industry. Advancing Manufacturing Futures offers a unique opportunity to connect with a room of industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators. We will explore the evolving needs of West Yorkshire manufacturers, and cultivate a valuable community dedicated to collaboration. Don’t miss this Yorkshire-wide event for manufacturers supported by CKMA and sponsored by Lloyds Bank. Full day programme commencing at 9am Book here
February 15, 2025
12.2.2025 AGM WEST YORKSHIRE MANUFACTURING – BRIDGING OUR PAST AND OUR FUTURE
12.2.2025 AGM Join us for this update and enjoy meeting and socialising with other manufacturing leaders and engineers – bar open for networking sessions! WEST YORKSHIRE MANUFACTURING – BRIDGING OUR PAST AND OUR FUTURE HOW WE ARE POWERING THE FUTURE OF INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL SUPPLY CHAINS In a challenging and changing environment with recent government changes, the financial impact from the budget, more responsibility and funding being devolved to the regions through English regional mayors and the ongoing issues of recruiting, retaining and training staff there has never been a more important time for SME manufacturers to organise ourselves to be heard by policy makers and politicians. Our AGM this year highlights personalities working at regional level and beyond on behalf of our industry. At the meeting, we will hear about efforts to wrest control of the manufacturing agenda and organise our sector to properly represent the issues and needs facing a wide range of small and medium sized manufacturing businesses, critical to the health of the global economy but all too often hidden from view in the lower echelons of its diverse supply chains. Aaron Holt, Yorkshire Entrepreneur and Founder/Co-owner of Holdson Ltd, an innovative green tech machine tool startup based in Skelmanthorpe will speak about his role on the West Yorkshire Business Board and proactively driving the agenda for manufacturing. The Business Board represents the view of the private sector. It makes sure that local businesses remain fundamental to decision-making and delivery at the Combined Authority. Fara Butt, Director of award-winning Shire Beds Ltd, will speak about her role as Chair of the West Yorkshire Manufacturing Advisory Board and the importance now increasingly being placed by West Yorkshire local government on recognising the needs of manufacturing industry in our area. Neil Kendall, Chair of CKMA, will also speak about the work going on behind the scenes to bring a cohesive representation of the industry across West Yorkshire in the future and also plans to develop and widen the influence of the manufacturing community. Stuart Thornton, of M Thornton Engineering Ltd and CKMA Steering Group member, will give an update on our Skills Special Interest Group comprising members specifically interested in pushing the skills and training agenda. There will be a brief AGM with a review of CKMA activity in 2024 and plans for the future. Come along for an evening shared with the manufacturing community and our supporters to kick off 2025! Date: Weds 12.2.2025 Time: 5.30pm – 6.00pm for a 6pm start. 7.30pm onwards closing buffet and bar open Venue: Briar Court Hotel, Halifax Road, Birchencliffe, Huddersfield HD3 3NT Book via Eventbrite here
January 9, 2025
28.1.2025 NEW! CKMA Skills Special Interest Group
NEW! CKMA Skills Special Interest Group Unlock the Power of Collaboration with CKMA Next meeting 28.1.2025 9.30-11.30am on Zoom Join a network of forward-thinking manufacturers united by CKMA to share insights, drive innovation, and shape the future of local manufacturing. Together, we aim to: Expand Opportunities Across the Board Highlight the diverse roles and career paths available in local manufacturing—not just in production or engineering but at all levels and in all areas. Lead Employer-Driven Research Serve as the region’s only independent, employer-led research group, free from college or training provider influence, to pinpoint and address industry needs. Streamline Training Solutions Potentially pool demand across employers to commission targeted, high-impact training that directly meets workforce requirements. Forge Strategic Partnerships Collaborate with private and public training providers to create innovative solutions tailored to manufacturers’ challenges. Partnering for a Stronger Future We also work hand-in-hand with other organisations to: Inspire the Next Generation Engage schools through our Make it in Manufacturing initiative, building a robust talent pipeline for tomorrow. Upskill Your Workforce Develop programs that support the growth of both new hires and seasoned employees. Ready to Make an Impact? Get involved today! Contact us here to learn more and secure your spot in upcoming meetings. Let’s shape the future of manufacturing—together.
December 19, 2024
A brief review of CKMA activity in 2024
A brief review of CKMA activity in 2024: as we look towards 2025 here is a glimpse of some of our events for members in the last year… Unlocking Success: Apprenticeships and Advancing Manufacturing Careers An outstanding and well-attended CKMA member meeting featured dynamic presentations from Next Gen Makers, E3 Recruitment, Enginuity, and West Yorkshire Business Boost. Together, they explored pathways to success in manufacturing careers, highlighting the power of apprenticeships to shape the next generation of industry leaders. CKMA Shines at #MACH2024 For the first time, West Yorkshire manufacturers were proudly showcased as a united group at MACH2024, the UK’s premier event for manufacturing innovation and inspiration. CKMA was delighted to represent the region, flying the flag for West Yorkshire’s world-class manufacturers and their contribution to the national stage. Behind the Scenes at BCA Leisure, Elland CKMA’s Industry Insight Factory Visit to BCA Leisure offered delegates an extraordinary glimpse into the meticulous craft of wiring loom production. Specialising in bespoke electronics for motorhomes and caravans, BCA has built a stellar reputation for quality and innovation in the leisure sector. Your Guide to Business Support for Manufacturers Our recent member meeting connected attendees with a wealth of resources, presenting the latest business support schemes for manufacturers. It also served as an invaluable opportunity to meet trusted CKMA sponsors dedicated to delivering successful projects in the manufacturing space. Lead to Succeed: Professional Growth for Manufacturing Leaders CKMA’s exclusive Lead to Succeed programme, in partnership with Enginuity, has kicked off a transformative 13-month journey. This initiative equips manufacturing leaders with tools, strategies, and insights to drive growth and innovation in their businesses. Exploring Excellence at Polyseam Ltd, Huddersfield An Industry Insight Factory Visit to Polyseam Ltd provided CKMA members with a first-hand look at the innovation powering this thriving business. Delegates discovered the craftsmanship behind Polyseam’s niche passive fire protection products and learned how the company has built its success through cutting-edge processes and a dedicated team. Inside Westin Drives Ltd, Huddersfield During a fascinating visit to Westin Drives, members gained exclusive access to the company’s operations. Renowned for its expertise in mechanical and electrical repair services, Westin Drives plays a pivotal role in keeping manufacturers at the cutting edge of their industries. *****Roll on 2025!!! Don’t miss out! Get involved! Join us here *****
December 6, 2024