Many companies would describe themselves as at the heart of their community, but few can walk the walk like Cross Hills based chemical firm Airedale Chemical.

Through its charitable arm, the Airedale Foundation, it has forged innovative and pioneering links with its local school and raised thousands of pounds for local charities.

And 2019 saw it honoured for the work it has done with an award from the industry’s national body, the Chemical Industry Awards, for the work it has done to enhance not just its own reputation, but also that of the whole chemical industry.

The independent family-run business, which manufactures and distributes chemicals across Europe to markets including manufacturing, detergency and dairy, was formed in 1973 by the late Brian Chadwick, and moved to Cross Hills in 1994.

It remains a family concern, currently employing around 100 people, with managing director Chris Chadwick the third generation of Chadwicks to serve in that role.

And it is determined to continue giving back to the local community – something that commercial director Daniel Marr says is at the heart of the business and that the whole company is passionate about.

Last year saw the company choose local bereavement organisation Sunbeam Support Group, an organisation for bereaved parents and families, to benefit from its fundraising.

As part of that, the firm organised a charity golf day which saw golfers of all abilities take part in a one-day tournament.

Grace Detoeuf, who helped set up the group following the loss of her son Louis, has no doubt of how important work like this is to help community organisations.

“This incredibly generous partnership between ourselves and Airedale Chemical has a huge impact on our families and is really appreciated,” she said.

“The funds raised will be life-changing for families who need access to bereavement support and it’s invaluable to us to be able to help them at a difficult time. We are delighted they have raised such a significant amount and we look forward to the partnership continuing to blossom.”

Another part of the Foundation’s programme is its partnership with Sutton-in-Craven Community Primary School and throughout the year has arranged visits to encourage year four pupils’ interest in STEM subjects.

This included a visit to the school from laboratory technician, Madeleine Lofthouse, who answered questions about working in a STEM career and inviting pupils for a day on site conducting experiments and understanding the world of chemistry.

Work with the school started in 2017, and since then the company says it has had fantastic feedback from the school itself and from its pupils.

For the school, it is a real opportunity for pupils to become engaged in scientific work.

Year four teacher at Sutton-in-Craven Community Primary School, Julia Forster, said: “Madeleine does a great job getting the children excited about the many interesting jobs available in chemistry and science.  She leaves them feeling intrigued and eager about visiting her in her workplace.”

Managing director Chris Chadwick, has no doubt about the importance of the link for both parties, particularly the personal contact.

“We engage with the school regularly but actually meeting the pupils is by far our favourite activity,” he said.

“It feels great to give something back to the community we’ve been part of for 25 years. We have a lot of experience to share and we really feed off the energy and enthusiasm of the kids.”

That ongoing partnership played a large part in Airedale Chemical winning the ‘reputation’ category award in the 2019 Chemical Industry Awards (CIAs) for its work in building and enhancing its own reputation as well as that of the industry.

It was shortlisted for establishing long-term partnerships and commitment to inciting an interest in STEM subjects in young children.

The awards in July last year saw the cream of the chemical industry nationally gather at St George’s Hall in Liverpool to see the 12 awards handed out.

The reputation award was given to Airedale Chemical in recognition of an organisation which could demonstrate excellence and innovation in the building and enhancing of its reputation and that of the chemical industry, and the company was proud to win it.

“Community is at the heart of our business and it’s important to all the team to make a difference.”

Daniel Marr

Daniel Marr says: “Giving back to the community is something that we’re incredibly passionate about. Developing relationships is one of our core values and we’re constantly striving to build and strengthen these connections.

He said of the award: “Being recognised amongst national peers for our hard work is phenomenal. This award acknowledges the dedication our staff have shown to establishing long-term partnerships and the commitment to sparking young children’s interest in STEM subjects.

“As a company, we’re thrilled to be seen as an industry leader for contributions to the community and receiving the award has been incredibly rewarding for the entire team.

“Since obtaining the award, there has been an immense sense of pride across the business.  Everyone in the team has been working towards the shared goal of creating a positive impact in the community, so achieving this has been transformational.

“We’re delighted to have improved the reputation of the whole chemical industry and as a result, hope other companies are encouraged to contribute towards their local communities.”

Airedale Chemical plan to continue their efforts in the community in the coming year. The chemical manufacturer is hoping to partner with a local secondary school to collaborate on science projects and offer work experience.

The company has also completed a pledge to roll out three defibrillators in the local community and plans to install additional defibrillators in 2020.

The firm will also focus on providing apprenticeships for local students through their new Airedale Academy initiative.

With 100 people currently in the business, it will be looking to recruit apprentices across departments including chemistry and health and safety.

It has already welcomed Josh Thorburn to the team as an apprentice maintenance engineer as he begins his career in the chemical manufacturing industry.

Josh joined the business from Appris, the charity organisation working with businesses in the region to supply engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships.

Josh, who lives in Haworth, says: “I attended an apprenticeship open evening held by Appris where I learned more about careers in engineering and manufacturing. As a result, I was introduced to the team at Airedale Chemical and after an interview process was offered the position.

“One of the best things about the scheme is that I can now use the theory I cover at college in my work at Airedale Chemical and experience how my studies apply in a working environment.”

Dan Fox, operations director at Airedale Chemical, adds: “Josh has made an impressive start at the company and has already been involved in major projects such as the installation of a new reactor vessel on site.

“We’re looking forward to see him develop and progress and hope that this will be the beginning of a long-term position for Josh.”