Some of the big names may have disappeared or survive only as brands in foreign ownership, but Yorkshire and Humber’s remaining engineering companies are working hard to stay at the cutting edge. Drawing on the region’s strong traditions, they are differentiating, exploiting niches and future-proofing themselves.

Richard Wright, strategic champion for the AEM (advanced engineering and materials) sector at Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency (RDA), says the region may not be blessed with many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Rolls-Royce, but has a wide range of companies that are integral to the blue-chip groups’ supply chains.