The Winning Strategy: How Tadweld Scoops Manufacturer of the Year Title at Insider’s Made in Yorkshire Awards

Ever wonder who makes all the seriously complex metal bits and pieces that keep massive factories and industries running? It’s not just a case of sticking a few bits of metal together. It’s a proper science. And it turns out, one of the best companies for the job is right on our doorstep here in Yorkshire. The company in question, Tadweld, has just had a brilliant night, walking away with a huge prize at a big awards do. On 09 March 2026, they were officially crowned Manufacturer of the Year in their category at the Insider’s Made in Yorkshire Awards 2026, a pretty massive deal in the world of making things.

A big win in Leeds for Yorkshire's makers

Imagine a room filled with the cleverest people from across the region, all of them responsible for creating amazing things that get sent all over the world. That was the scene at the Royal Armouries Hall in Leeds for the Insider’s Made in Yorkshire Awards. This wasn't just any party; it was a celebration of the county's most innovative and dynamic manufacturers. These are the businesses that are really pushing things forward, showing that Yorkshire is a powerhouse when it comes to creating high-quality products. Standing out in a crowd like that is no mean feat. But Tadweld did just that, nabbing the top spot for ‘Manufacturer of the Year (Under £10m)’.

They were up against some stiff competition, which makes the win even more impressive. The judges, who know a thing or two about what makes a business tick, pointed to Tadweld as a “really positive small business growth story.” It’s one thing to have a good idea, but to turn it into a growing, successful company that’s getting noticed is something else entirely. This award is a massive pat on the back, recognising all the hard work that has gone into making the company a standout example of small business growth in a very competitive field.

So what’s the secret to their success?

So, what does Tadweld actually do? Based in Tadcaster, they specialise in high-specification steelwork and fabrication. Think of it like creating a super-strong, incredibly precise skeleton for big industrial projects. This isn't just about welding; the team delivers expert coded welding solutions. 'Coded welding' is basically the PhD of welding – it has to be absolutely perfect, tested, and certified to meet incredibly strict standards. This is essential for creating compliant steel structures that are safe and built to last. They also create bespoke access solutions, which could be anything from a specialised staircase to a complex walkway inside a factory.

Their work is vital for a whole range of different industrial sectors. The reason they've become so successful is their focus on delivering high-quality results every single time. This dedication paid off big time, as the company saw its revenue grow by a massive 38 per cent. This wasn’t just luck; it was the result of some clever planning and significant capital investment. They've poured money into improving their facilities, their computer systems, and their overall production line to boost their manufacturing capacity. It’s a classic case of spending money to make money, and for Tadweld, it has clearly worked wonders. The fabrication specialist is a leading example of how investment pays off.

Building a team for the future

One of the things that really caught the judges' attention was Tadweld's commitment to its people. They’ve been praised for their focus on developing new talent through apprenticeships. This is brilliant because it means they are not just hiring people who already have the skills, but they're actively training the next generation of engineers and welders. It’s a smart move that guarantees they’ll have a skilled team for years to come, and it also creates fantastic career opportunities for young people in Yorkshire. Investing in apprenticeships shows a company is thinking about the long-term, not just the next project.

The managing director of Tadweld, Chris Houston, had this to say about their incredible achievement:

We’re absolutely delighted to receive this award. Yorkshire is full of outstanding manufacturers, so to be recognised amongst our peers is a huge achievement for the business and everyone who works here. 2025 was a transformative year for Tadweld. We acquired new facilities, invested heavily in digital systems and machinery, and delivered more than 3,000 hours of training across the team. As a result, the business grew by around 40 per cent and we entered 2026 with real momentum.

He continued, highlighting what’s next for the business that provides expert coded welding services:

“This year is shaping up to be another exciting one. After investing in ERP systems and expanding our manufacturing capacity, we’re now focusing again on strengthening the team. We’re currently recruiting across sales, operations and engineering, with several new roles already open and more planned later in the year. It’s a challenging environment for UK manufacturing, but it’s a real credit to our people that customers continue to choose Tadweld as their steelwork solutions partner for major projects. We’re looking forward to building on this progress and continuing our growth through 2026.”

What's next for the manufacturer of the year?

After a landmark year in 2025, it’s clear Tadweld isn't planning on slowing down. The team entered 2026 on a high, and winning the Manufacturer of the Year award has only added to that energy. With a 50-strong team and growing, the company is actively looking for new market opportunities to keep expanding. The big investments are already paying off, especially in things like ERP systems—which are basically clever computer systems that help manage the whole business efficiently, from orders to production. This, combined with their bigger and better facilities, means they are well-placed to have their best year ever in 2026.

And the journey doesn't stop here. As winners of the regional award, Tadweld will now go on to represent our corner of the country at the national Made in the UK Awards 2026 in June. It’s a fantastic opportunity to show the rest of the country what our innovative and dynamic manufacturers can do. It's a testament to their dedication to providing high-quality steelwork and exceptional coded welding solutions, making them a true leader in their field. For Tadweld, this award isn't the finish line; it's the starting gun for the next big race.