The Manufacturer of the Year Award went to Acorn Stairlifts. This award was sponsored by Thorite

Manufacturing creates economic growth and is the engine that drives the district's economy. Manufacturers like our winner contribute to the vibrancy of our communities through good business practices, innovative processes and productivity enhancements.

Since it was founded in 1992 the company has grown to become the world’s biggest company concerned solely with the manufacture, sale and installation of home stairlifts. 

All of its stairlifts are manufactured at its factories in Shipley and Steeton, and at Haddington, near Edinburgh, with two-thirds going for export to more than 80 countries worldwide.

After winning the award on Thursday night, Andrew Longthorne, manufacturing manager, and Catherine Beecroft, customer relations manager, said in a joint statement: “This is a reward for all of the hard work that everyone puts in.

“We’re a family business that started in 1992 and we employ both local people and many others from further afield. We always want to encourage the next generation of innovators.”

After making it through to the finals operations director Nick Wilson said: “We’re firmly rooted in Bradford District, which has nurtured and sustained our growth and continues to do so.”