Thorite wins Family Business of the Year Award

Compressed air and fluid power specialist Thorite has been named Family Business of the Year in the prestigious Yorkshire Business Masters Awards. The accolade comes as the fifth generation Bradford-based company celebrates 172 years of unbroken operations and the centenary of its incorporation.

At the award ceremony in Leeds, Yorkshire editor for award organisers TheBusinessDesk, Andrew Staples, said: “The judges faced tough choices, not only to pick the winners, but even to pick the shortlist. Anyone can lead a business in good times; what matters is how you lead in challenging times. Every firm shortlisted demonstrated fortitude and adaptability.”

Stephen Wright, managing director of Thorite, said: “As a business, this is a great recognition of what we have achieved over many years and, more recently, to cement our position as a leading national company. A lot of hard work has gone into making the business what it is today and I’m grateful to Thorite colleagues across the country who have contributed to our success.”

Thorite started life in 1850 as Thomas Wright, Mill Furnishers in Bower Street, Bradford, supplying textile accessories to the city’s roving and spinning mills. The company credits its longevity to its willingness to adapt to changing markets and customer requirements.

In addition to offering a stock of 70,000 products from 100+ brands, it offers pneumatic system design and installation, aftermarket services and support, and industry accredited training.

Thorite reported record results for 2021-2022 following a period of investment which has seen it move into purpose-built new headquarters and refurbish all 10 regional branches.