Huddersfield Hub

Huddersfield MP Harpreet Uppal has celebrated Huddersfield in her maiden speech in Parliament. Ms Uppal emphasised Huddersfield’s proud history in textiles, its diverse communities and the cultural significance of institutions like Dixons Milk Ices, The Huddersfield Choral and the Lawrence Batley Theatre. Huddersfield’s place in sports history, from rugby league’s origins at the George Hotel to Huddersfield Town Football Club’s championships in the 1920s, were also highlighted. Ms Uppal welcomed the government’s recent budget announcement which secured funding for projects central to Huddersfield’s renewal, including The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) improvements to the Huddersfield Open Market and the Penistone Line. Alongside The University of Huddersfield’s National Health Innovation Centre (NHIC), these investments reflect her vision of a thriving town centre which benefits everyone in Huddersfield. #maidenspeech #Huddersfield #HuddersfieldHub

Huddersfield-based Visual Systems Healthcare has told how the West Yorkshire Good Growth Programme has helped boost their business. More than 200 businesses have already signed up for the programme which offers bespoke coaching and group masterclass sessions designed to enhance business strategy. Matthew Hunter, Chief Operating Officer of Visual Systems Healthcare Ltd, said: “Participating in the West Yorkshire Good Growth Programme has been great for the business. “The support we’ve received, from access to funding, expert advice on innovation and the various sessions on key topics has been beneficial. “It’s inspiring to be part of an initiative that not only understands the unique challenges SMEs face but is also dedicated to driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the region.” Time is running out to join the West Yorkshire Good Growth Programme but sign-up is easy at www.wygoodgrowth.co.uk. Emma Clarkson Jas Hayre Jackie Appleyard Rachael Thurlbeck Chris Duffill Chris Hunter #GoodGrowthProgramme #BusinessSupport #Huddersfield #HuddersfieldHub

Honley-based Heneghan Architecture has announced significant business growth and the addition of its second employee, Ciara Duffin, an architectural technician. Dan Heneghan, the firm’s director, said interior design would be a complementary service alongside their strong partnerships with established interior designers. “Ciara will collaborate with them to enhance the overall vision of our projects,” he said. “We believe in employing good people with solid principles, and Ciara embodies this ethos perfectly, bringing something special to our team.”

Let’s celebrate the good news coming out of local businesses. Our Good News Business Round-up, kindly sponsored by Paladin Marketing, highlights the wins big and small. Here we feature Legal Studio Solicitors, Lawrence Batley Theatre, YES Energy Solutions, Camira and Schofield Sweeney Solicitors. Ian McCann, Richard Dean, Gary Caplan, Rebecca Atkinson, Rosie Hinchliffe, Duncan McCombie, Katie Baker, Alex Wilkes, Lynn Kingdon, Neil Towse, Karen Crutchley, Manjit Virdee, Alisdair Straughan, Sophie Seddon #goodnews #businessnews #Huddersfield #HuddersfieldHub

Who doesn’t love property? We all live in one and spend time (and money) in turning mere bricks and mortar into a home. Property is a big part of our lives and people love talking about it and today Huddersfield Hub has teamed up with Chan Khangura MARLA MNAEA, of Huddersfield-based Whitegates Estate Agents, to launch a brand new Property section. Kindly sponsored by Whitegates Huddersfield, Brighouse and Holmfirth, our Property section will cover all aspects of domestic and commercial property and will feature regular insights from Chan on the local property market. Chan, owner and managing director of Whitegates Huddersfield, Brighouse and Holmfirth, said: “As the leading agent in Huddersfield with over 1,300 properties managed, I am delighted Martin Shaw and Huddersfield Hub have invited us to help create a brand new Property section. “Huddersfield Hub is a great read and we’ll be looking to extend that to all things property. I look forward to keeping readers up to date with all the latest trends and statistics on how the Huddersfield housing market is performing.” Martin Shaw, founder and editor of Huddersfield Hub CIC, said: “Chan has been a big supporter of ours for some time now and it’s great to have him on board. “Chan and his team know the local market inside out and if there’s a trend developing Chan will be the first to tell us about it.” #propertynews #Huddersfield #HuddersfieldHub

Students from Kirklees College stepped onto the set of Riot Women, the latest BBC drama from Sally Wainwright. Level 3 Media students were able to work with professionals as part of the crew to see what happens behind the scenes on location filming for a TV show and even take part in some of the scenes as extras. The experience was made possible by Film Buddy Online and founder Ben Sweet said: “For nearly 10 years, we’ve been focused and consistent, quietly building bespoke experiences designed to meet students where they are and give them the real-world exposure and industry understanding they need. “Watching them engaged and inspired on set was a powerful reminder of why we do this.” College media tutor Stewart Jackson said: “It was a great real-life learning experience for our students to be able to understand the skills they will need to work in the TV industry and the different career options available to them.” #FutureFilmmakers #RiotWomen #FilmBuddy #Huddersfield #HuddersfieldHub

It’s been a busy few days with big news about some of the major developments happening in Huddersfield town centre. The iconic George Hotel is the latest in the spotlight and demonstrates the challenges for developers and Kirklees Council in the current climate. The projected costs of restoring the George have risen by 50% in just two years and now stand at £30 million. The hotel will become a Radisson RED but a new planning application is needed and the timescales have slipped again. Council leader Clr Carole Pattison said: “Bringing this building back to life is one of our priorities within the Huddersfield Blueprint, and we’re unwavering in that commitment.” #regeneration #Huddersfield #HuddersfieldHub

The countdown is on to the opening of the exciting Kingsgate Leisure cinema and entertainments venue in Huddersfield town centre. In what is one of the biggest investments in the town centre in the last two decades, the Kingsgate Centre is re-inventing itself as a place to eat, drink, play and shop. The centre roof has been raised to accommodate a six-screen cinema and there will be a nine-lane bowling alley, climbing wall, Laser Quest and virtual games and arcades. The ground floor fronting Zetland Street will have bars and restaurants in a boost to the town’s hospitality offering and night-time economy. Kingsgate Centre manager Jonathan Hardy said: “Putting all these different entertainment elements into one venue is, we believe, unique in Yorkshire.” Kingsgate Leisure will be operated by The Light and CEO James Morris said: “Our talented team have worked hard over the last few years to develop a commercially robust model which protects cinema, re-imagines entertainment and creates unique spaces. “We strive to offer the best quality, value and experience, with each venue tailored to meet the needs of the local market.” The former House of Fraser space in the Kingsgate Centre represents The Light’s biggest investment to date. #cinema #regeneration #Huddersfield #HuddersfieldHub

Huddersfield Town Football Club owner Kevin M. Nagle has pledged to play “more than his part” in Huddersfield’s £1 billion future. Self-made billionaire Mr Nagle, who made his fortune in pharmaceuticals, sport and real estate in the United States, was the headline speaker at Huddersfield Unlimited’s annual conference at the John Smith’s Stadium. Mr Nagle told of his own personal journey from a “working poor” family background – he never knew his biological father – to securing multi-billion dollar deals in business. Mr Nagle, who says he’s probably two weeks away from taking control of the John Smith’s Stadium, also outlined his plans to develop the 30-year-old stadium and its surrounds. The conference, attended by more than 150 of Huddersfield’s most influential businesspeople, investors and politicians, heard about progress on regeneration schemes which will see more than £1 billion invested in the town. Other speakers at the conference included: James Collett, UK CFO at STADA Thornton & Ross; Adnan Rasool, director of InTuBrands; Jonathan Hardy, of the Kingsgate Centre; Sam Wymer, sales director of The Body Doctor Ltd, Sue Cooke, chief executive at the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre; and Sarah Bowes, head of business, innovation and inclusive economy at West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Kirklees Council’s executive director for place, David Shepherd, also spoke along with Huddersfield MP Harpreet Uppal and Colne Valley MP Paul Davies. The event was rounded off by energetic presentations from Emma Clarkson, of the West Yorkshire Good Growth Programme, and young film-maker Sam Teale of Teale, of Sam Teale Productions. Grab a coffee and read our full report. Charles Maltby Oliver Smith John Harman

What a brilliant event and such passion for #Huddersfield and its £1 billion future! Huddersfield Unlimited’s Huddersfield: The Next Chapter annual conference was attended by more than 150 of the town’s leading businesspeople and politicians including Kevin M. Nagle, owner of Huddersfield Town Football Club and Huddersfield MP Harpreet Uppal. There was a song (yes, a song!) from the gutsy Emma Clarkson of West Yorkshire Good Growth Programme and real passion, incredible energy and emotion from young filmmaker Sam Teale of Sam Teale Productions. Our editor Martin Shaw was there to catch up with friends, sponsors and supporters of the Hub - and was scribbling furiously into his notebook. Martin isn’t one for selfies (come on, Martin, catch up!) so here’s a photo of the back of his head instead! It’s an action shot of Martin doing what he’s done for 38 years (gulp!) - head down as a proper journalist, covering the stories that matter to the local community. Huddersfield Hub is a positive voice for Huddersfield, a clickbait-free zone and all about quality, old school journalism. Best get writing, Martin! There’s a lot to shout about. Charles Maltby John Harman Andrew Hobson Danny McAllister Oliver Smith Carl Sykes Brian Stahelin FREC Sam Wymer Andrew France Jason McCartney