Why innovation is woven into Yorkshire's DNA: Dr Greg Ward
When people think about Yorkshire, they often think first about its history. The mills, the steelworks, the railways and the industries that helped shape modern Britain.
I believe they should also think about its future.
Innovation has always been Yorkshire's greatest strength. It is woven into the county's DNA. The industries may have changed, but the mindset has not. Across Yorkshire today, businesses are developing new technologies, improving infrastructure, creating skilled jobs and exporting expertise across the globe.
Innovation no longer belongs solely to laboratories or manufacturing plants. It is found in digital technology, engineering, construction, healthcare, infrastructure and the specialist services that quietly keep our economy functioning every day.
Perhaps more importantly, innovation is no longer just about inventing something new. It is about continually finding better ways to solve problems, improve productivity and deliver greater value for customers.
That philosophy has helped make Yorkshire one of the UK's most dynamic regional economies. Businesses of every size are proving that world-class organisations do not have to be headquartered in London or overseas. They can be built here, employing local people, investing in local communities and competing successfully on an international stage.
At PTSG, we see that every day. Founded in Yorkshire and still headquartered in Castleford, we have grown into one of Europe's leading specialist compliance businesses.
Our work may not always attract headlines, but it underpins hospitals, schools, transport networks, commercial buildings and many of the places we all rely on every day.
Our success has not been built simply through growth. It has come from continually investing in people, technology and specialist expertise, while never losing sight of the importance of quality, trust and long-term customer relationships.
Those principles extend well beyond our own business. Across Yorkshire, employers are recognising that innovation begins with people. The organisations that will thrive over the next decade will be those willing to invest in skills, embrace new technology and create environments where talented individuals can develop throughout their careers.
That is why we recently opened a new Centre of Excellence, bringing together practical training, technical development and innovation under one roof. It reflects a belief that sustainable growth depends not just on recruiting talented people, but on continually helping them become even better.
For me, this is what Yorkshire has always represented. A county built on craftsmanship, determination and the confidence to keep improving. The next generation of Yorkshire success stories will look different from those that came before them. But they will be driven by the same values that have always defined this county: hard work, ingenuity and an ambition that extends far beyond our borders. That is something every Yorkshire business can be proud of.
Dr Greg Ward, Chief Executive Officer, Premier Technical Services Group (PTSG)