Thorite won the Family Business of the Year Award, sponsored by the Nirmal Sekhon Group of Companies 

A company which has been running for more than 170 years has won the Family Business of the Year Award.

Thorite was set up by Thomas Wright in 1850 as a mill furnisher in Bradford.

The company is now the UK’s leading independent supplier of pneumatic components, air compressors, fluid power and process products. It owes its longevity and success to its tradition of adapting and diversifying, and investing in its employees and assets to enhance customer service.

Managing Director Stephen Wright, who is fifth generation in the company, said the award was “fantastic recognition of the business”.

“We’ve been a long established Bradford business for more than 170 years now,” he said. “We try to put a lot into Bradford and we try to invest in our staff.”

He added: “A lot of our current team members came through on our apprenticeship programme which we’ve had in place for 20 years and which has really helped develop the business.” 

This award was presented to the established family businesses which demonstrated sustained success across a broad range of measures, whilst ensuring all family values are followed. The judges looked at the aspirations of the business to demonstrate how both current and future family generations will be involved in its growth.