Key sectors
Overview
Manufacturing remains a key driver of the local economy, accounting for 25,000 employee jobs in 2023 or 15.8% of all jobs in Kirklees, more than double the England average of 7.4%. This figure has remained consistent since 2015.
With twice the national average concentration of manufacturing and engineering industry, and an established global reputation in multiple fields, Kirklees retains a pivotal role in the UK supply chain - with many businesses demonstrating their resilience by supplying a wide range of different sectors. Key specialisms include:
- Textiles - which has been synonymous with Kirklees for over 300 years and still employs over 3,500 people locally. The home of textile innovation, Kirklees leads the way in sustainable fashion and design, textile and product manufacturing, supplying fabric to world's most prestigious and best-known fashion brands.
- Advanced precision engineering - producing gears, bearings, valves, pumps, motors, turbo chargers and other critical components for diverse markets. Global automotive manufacturers, niche precision engineering supply chain companies and leading-edge innovators combine precision manufacturing with data analytics, artificial intelligence and robotics. This is reinforced by the presence of the National Physical Laboratory at the University of Huddersfield which provides world leading measurement capability.
Alongside these sectors, exciting new opportunities are emerging in health and life sciences. Huddersfield is emerging as a key regional hub for health, wellbeing, medical and digital technologies. The University of Huddersfield's National Health Innovation Campus (NHIC) will create the largest and most dynamic centre for workforce transformation and health and social care innovation in the North of England, building on the University's world leading research and innovation expertise in areas such as clinical diagnostics, skin integrity and infection prevention.
With the benefit of Investment Zone status, the aim is to curate a unique mix of research institutions, public health facilities and businesses seeking to co-locate alongside the NHIC to access its expertise and facilities. This will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the Station to Stadium Corridor which connects Huddersfield's iconic railway station with the Accu Stadium to the east of the town centre.
Kirklees also has a thriving voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. As well as contributing directly to our local economy it creates a significant number of good jobs, provides training and voluntary opportunities, delivers a range of public services and contributes to achievement of outcomes beyond the reach of public organisations and mainstream businesses.
