Member Article

Chancellor George Osborne's stamp of approval for Yorkshire hydraulics firm

Advanced Actuators was heralded as an example of a national recovery in manufacturing following a visit by the Chancellor George Osborne yesterday.

Visiting the Yorkshire-based hydraulic actuator engineering firm which supplies oil, gas and nuclear industries across the globe, the Chancellor was “hugely impressed”with the Silsden-based business and its investment in apprentices and the future generations of engineers.

George Osborne said: “What’s great about this company is that it uses other local companies to make parts for things which are exported around the world and it’s impressive the way they bring on the apprentices in their workforce.”

“It’s a real vote of confidence in British manufacturing and the West Yorkshire economy.

“Orders growing out of Britain through businesses like this demonstrates our country playing its part in the global economy. I find it hugely refreshing to see this happening.”

The Chancellor’s visit included a stop off in Halifax and Howarth in the run up to the introduction of the Employment Allowance which enables businesses to claim £2k cashback on jobs.

Chris Woodhead, Managing Director of Advanced Actuators, which had a £3million turnover in 2013 and has just won a £300,000 contract in China, saidgrowth is accelerating faster than ever in the company’s 45 year history.

“It’s been fantastic to have Mr Osborne here and show him what we’re doing with youth employment, other local firms and global exports but what is key to us as a business is more resources overseas.

“Over 50% of our business is through export but we have to support the product with engineers and facilities in the countries we’re working with and it can cost up to £60k per country. That’s where the Government needs to focus its attention.”

Advanced Actuators employs 29 people and is a leading supplier of actuators, control solutions and hydraulic components. Since 1969 it has supplied a range of diverse markets, including oil & gas, power generation, nuclear, marine, and industrial marketplaces throughout the world.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .