HUDDERSFIELD University has been praised for its work with industry.

The plaudits came at an event attended by 250 Yorkshire business leaders and academics aimed at making it easier for companies to use the expertise and resources of the region’s universities.

Huddersfield University’s 12-year association with precision technology firm Taylor Hobson was highlighted at the event in Leeds, which was hosted by Rosie Winterton, regional minister for Yorkshire.

Leicester-based Taylor Hobson has worked with academics at the university as part of efforts to maintain its position as a global leader in precision technology.

Benefits of the partnership have included the development of 3D software for viewing microscopic surfaces and sponsorship of the Taylor Hobson Chair of Surface Metrology. The university facilities have also provided the firm with as test bed for new ideas as well as a source of potential skilled employees.

Ms Winterton said: “I was delighted to meet so many academics and business leaders who are working together on innovative and profitable projects and I am sure their success will inspire others.”

Twelve of the minister’s specially recruited Business Ambassadors – selected to help other businesses learn from their experience – also attended the event, which was entitled The Business of Research: Yorkshire Universities solving business problems.

The minister also launched a new report which outlines the crucial role of the region’s universities in encouraging economic growth.

The report – The Role of Yorkshire’s Universities in driving the region’s economy – was commissioned by Lord Mandelson, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry as part of the government’s Going for Growth Initiative.

It was researched and compiled by Yorkshire Universities, the association for the higher education sector in Yorkshire and the Humber, in collaboration with regional development agency Yorkshire Forward.

Said Ms Winterton: “The report celebrates the strong track record of partnership between our universities and businesses supported by Yorkshire Forward.”