SPOONER Industries has been identified as one of the ‘1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain’. Manufacturing process machinery such as industrial ovens, dryers, coolers, provers/proofers, air turns, stabilisers, oxidisers and solvent and energy recovery equipment, the Ilkley company has been a leading innovator in forced convection technology since 1932.

The London Stock Exchange’s annual report is a celebration of some of the fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. Spooner is one of only 75 companies honoured across the Yorkshire and Humber region. It had to demonstrate not only consistent revenue growth over a minimum of three years, but also had to significantly outperform peers in the same sector of manufacturing.

The accolade follows a visit by the Prime Minster, David Cameron, and Chancellor, George Osborne, to the manufacturing and engineering company last month.

Their visit included meeting the directors and a comprehensive tour of the offices and factory floor in the wake of a buoyant order book and continued year-on-year growth.

Mr Cameron said: “Spooner is a great example of the kind of ‘advanced manufacturing’ businesses this Government is trying to get behind.” Strong domestic demand is boosting production levels across a wide range of manufacturing capabilities.

The report goes on to examine in detail the opportunities and challenges facing SMEs and looks at the sectors and trends that will shape the future of the UK economy.

More detail on the methodology can be found in the report online at www.1000companies.com Summing up the mounting accolades for the company so far this year, , managing director Mike Brook said: “We are very proud to be included in ‘1,000 Companies to inspire Britain’ and described as one of the UK’s most vibrant companies.

“This and the recent opportunity to showcase our business to the Prime Minster and Chancellor will resonate within the company for a long time to come, and is testament to the innovation and technology developed here at Spooner.”