Conservatory Outlet has been praised by the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, for its commitment to boosting industry in West Yorkshire. The comments were made after a site visit that formed part of a wider fact-finding mission into manufacturing and investment in the region.

The company, which is one of the UK’s leading fabricators of windows, doors and living spaces was chosen ahead of other Wakefield-based businesses due to its leading apprenticeship programme and status as a nationally recognised voice in both the manufacturing and fenestration sectors.

Conservatory Outlet operates from its riverside facility on Thornes Lane Wharf and has seen the benefits of targeted investment. It is a key voice in promoting both manufacturing and the fenestration sector as a positive career choice.

By tapping into available funding, the manufacturer has driven through landmark projects through improvements to its production capabilities, implemented a new digital transformation project, created a dedicated Sales Training Academy and recently took on five more apprentices.

As part of the visit, the Mayor was given a private tour of Conservatory Outlet’s facility by the company’s Head of HR, Karen Starkey.

On the walkaround, she met several staff members who have benefitted from the firm’s industry-leading apprenticeship programme.

The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: “Ensuring that young people have the skills they need to succeed is one of my key priorities for West Yorkshire as it will lead to a stronger, more modern economy.

“We’re investing in growth and productivity programmes for businesses across the region, and I’m thrilled it’s making such a positive difference on the ground.”

Karen Starkey added: “The Mayor’s visit couldn’t have been timed better for us, given that we’ve recently seen several apprentices move into full-time employment within the company in roles as wide-ranging as Order Processing, Marketing, Finance and Fabrication.

“We’re hugely proud of our local heritage and the way we invest in people in Wakefield and the wider West Yorkshire region. By doing this, we’ve put several people on journeys to reach their full potential and forge lasting careers with us.”

Karen added: “Developing talent is one of the cornerstones of our business. It was great to discuss this with the Mayor and showcase how our work is levelling up the workforce in the region.”

Conservatory Outlet is one of Yorkshire’s fastest-growing manufacturers, supplying a range of conservatories, doors, extensions, orangeries and windows. The latest advancements in UPVC, composite and aluminium technology are regularly added to its ranges.

The firm continues to support the Conservatory Outlet Network, which comprises 29 leading regional retailers, which has helped increase turnover by 20% since 2020.