Wellhouse Leisure
Innovation has been the key to growth for campervan manufacturer Wellhouse Leisure.
The Shepley-based company set out 13 years ago to convert small compact base vehicles imported from Japan, Since then, it has grown to work with the likes of Hyundai, Mercedes and Ford – and has established itself as the UK’s premier converter within its sector in terms of national exposure, vehicles built and quality.
Having already worked with Hyundai, 2013 saw Wellhouse Leisure turn one of Ford’s latest vans into a class-winning camper. The firm now supplies some of the most prestigious Ford dealers in the UK with its Terrier conversion – all at the request of Ford’s head office.
Managing director David Elliott said: “We told Ford in 2013 that we expected to sell 30 in year one and 100 in year two. To date, we have sold over 360.”
Mr Elliott said: “Probably the biggest thing we have done is to grow the dealer network to well over 22 with more in the pipeline – from Inverness to Maidstone, South Wales to Northern Ireland.”
Wellhouse has orders on the books until December next year. Said Mr Elliott: “We’re now getting contacted by senior directors from large groups rather than sales people – which is quite good as they’re the people who now want our product.
“We have never in our history had so many forward orders, which means we can concentrate on building and let the dealers do the selling.”
Control F1
It's a digital technology company with big ambitions.
Control F1, based at Bates Mill, Colne Road, is working with market-leading clients such as the RAC and Travis Perkins to keep vehicles on the road. Its software service include web application and app development, enterprise cloud applications, telematics, “big data” consultancy and technical support.
In the past 12 months, Control F1 has more than doubled its turnover, secured external investment, landed its biggest client ever and has a blue-chip company take on one of its homegrown products.
The company has also doubled in size – moving into offices at Bates Mill to accommodate 16 staff, about 16 contractors and two non-executive directors.
Among its successes, the RAC approached Control F1 for help in integrating telematic solution RAC Advance into its core business. RAC Advance provides motorists with a “magic box” to monitor driving behaviour and warn drivers about faults before cars break down.
It is also used to track commercial fleets.
Flood Company Commercial Ltd
A family business has made flood protection its forte.
A flood at the family home prompted Tony and Luke Ruddiman to consider designing innovative flood protection products to prevent others suffering similar devastation.
Now Edgerton-based Flood Company Commercial Ltd is a specialist, insurance-approved supplier and installer of flood protection products. It also offers independent, professional expertise to individual householders, businesses and local authorities. It works with organisations such as the Environment Agency and the Department for Farming and Rural Affairs as well as housing associations, architects, surveyors and specifiers.
Products and services include flood doors, windows and barriers, anti-flood air bricks, flood walls, flood surveys and flood insurance.
Said Luke: “Flood defence innovation is at the core of the business and we are constantly striving to extend an already extensive portfolio of products and services.”
This year saw the launch of two major innovations – the Manor Prime range of bespoke wooden flood doors and the WAR non-return valve which gives protection from flooding and rodents in domestic and commercial drain systems. The Manor Prime product has already proved a winner – receiving the annual innovation and sustainability award from the Property Care Association.
Luke said the Flood Company stood out due to excellent standards of service, products and expertise as well as ongoing innovation.