Hydraulics & Pneumatics November/December 2022

NEWS Compressed air and fluid power specialist Thorite has been named Family Business of the Year in the Yorkshire Business Masters Awards. The accolade comes as the fifth generation Bradford-based company celebrates 172 years of unbroken operations and the centenary of its incorporation. Thorite reported record results for 2021-2022 following a period of investment which has seen it move into purpose-built new headquarters and refurbish all 10 regional branches. At the award ceremony in Leeds, Yorkshire editor for award organisers TheBusinessDesk, Andrew Staples, said: “The judges faced tough choices, not only to pick the winners, but even to pick the shortlist. Anyone can lead a business in good times; what matters is how you lead in challenging times. Every firm shortlisted demonstrated fortitude and adaptability.” Hard work Stephen Wright, managing director of Thorite, added: As a business, this is a great recognition of what we have achieved over many years and, more recently, to cement our position as a leading national company. A lot of hard work has gone into making the business 10 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS November/December 2022 www.hpmag.co.uk As part of its journey to become carbon neutral, engineering company Forth has teamed up with Milwaukee Tools to sell a range of battery-powered products from its trade counter at the company’s main headquarters in Flimby, Cumbria. Forth Trade Counter will now stock a variety of battery-powered devices including chainsaws, cut-off saws, cordless drills and other power tools, lawnmowers, hedge trimmers and leaf blowers. Traditionally, these types of products are powered by petrol or other fuels. Committed to change Mark Telford, managing director of Forth, says: “We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with such a household name as Milwaukee Tools, a company which is renowned for its high quality of products. As a company, we are fully committed to becoming carbon neutral and implementing changes like providing alternatives to fuel-powered equipment will help us achieve our ambition quicker. “We want to encourage as many of our customers, whether tradespeople or members of the public, to be greener and making steps through supplying products of such high quality can contribute to that aim. Stocking Milwaukee’s tools and products really strengthens what we can offer from our trade counter, and this partnership has proven that we strive for the highest quality.” Milwaukee Tools provides products across the world and is a popular brand of power tools within the UK. The inclusion of the products complements the wide range of stock already available for purchase from Forth Trade Counter. Engineering firm partners with power tools giant to help reduce carbon emission usage what it is today and I’m grateful to Thorite colleagues across the country who have contributed to our success.” Thorite started life in 1850 as Thomas Wright, Mill Furnishers in Bower Street, Bradford, supplying textile accessories to the city’s roving and spinning mills. The company credits its longevity to its willingness to adapt to changing markets and customer requirements. In addition to offering a stock of 70,000 products from 100+ brands, it offers pneumatic system design and installation, aftermarket services and support, and industry accredited training. Thorite wins Family Business of the Year Award, capping a year of achievements Mark Telford: “As a company, we are fully committed to becoming carbon neutral and implementing changes like providing alternatives to fuel-powered equipment will help us achieve our ambition quicker.”