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BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: A model of economic regeneration
THE diverse wealth of talent attracted to Dean Clough has been a major employment boost to Halifax.
For the judges, the nationally-renowned landmark was the obvious choice for the best business award. Arts, design, education, media and blue chip companies are all based in the converted mill buildings which stretch over two thirds of a mile.
The site was once the home of Crossleys Carpets - which in its time was the largest carpet manufacturer in the world.
Since the transformation of the site in 1983, Dean Clough has been celebrated as a model of economic and cultural regeneration, once again making it a force for the area.
In 1822 John Crossley and his wife Martha took on the lease of the worsted spinning mill which existed on the site.
Fifteen years later their three sons John, Joseph and Francis carried on the business, building the first of the mills in 1841.
Musician and entrepreneur Ernest Hall and his son Jeremy bought the complex, which had become derelict, and began its revival.
Over the years a vast range of businesses have been based at the site, from start-ups to well-established companies such as Royal & Sun Alliance. It is now home to over 100 companies and provides employment for 3,500 workers which, as the judges noted, is more than it did in its carpet manufacturing heyday.
Dean Clough encompasses eight galleries and the Viaduct Theatre, charities, theatre groups, arts, music and media groups, and the 20-strong Dean Clough artists group.
The first Enterprise Campus was launched at Dean Clough in 1988, based on a partnership between the private sector and the local education authority, combining education and training programmes with the artistic life at the mills.
Bank of Scotland Business Banking sponsored the award.
Jeremy Hall, chairman and managing director of Dean Clough, said: "So much of what has been said tonight has focused on the strengths of Halifax, its determination and culture of commerce. Dean Clough was born on that. It reflects the people and organisations and the institutions and creativity and their enterprise.
"To be considered a creative part by the community, which is so vibrant and strong, I'm truly honoured."
Bank of Scotland Business Banking sponsored the award.
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