Valve Valley: A regional strength recognised on a national stage.
In September, WYMS hosted a landmark round-table event as part of its National Manufacturing Day celebrations. The conversations that day - centred on skills, apprenticeships, sector visibility, and access to defence and infrastructure supply chains - proved to be a powerful catalyst.
In September, WYMS hosted a landmark round-table event as part of its National Manufacturing Day celebrations, bringing together MP Josh Fenton-Glynn and senior leaders from the Calder Valley’s valve industry. Held at our Brighouse training centre, the discussion highlighted the extraordinary depth of engineering capability within what is increasingly known as “Valve Valley” - a cluster of more than 20 specialist firms whose valves support critical infrastructure, energy systems and industrial processes worldwide.
The conversations that day - centred on skills, apprenticeships, sector visibility, and access to defence and infrastructure supply chains - proved to be a powerful catalyst.
Energised by what he heard, Josh took these issues directly to Westminster, championing Valve Valley in Parliamentary questions to the Ministry of Defence and in a subsequent Westminster Hall Debate. His advocacy has brought national attention to a sector that, while not filled with household names, represents some of the UK’s most advanced and globally competitive manufacturing capability.
During the Westminster Hall Debate, the MP emphasised Valve Valley’s strategic role and the need to invest in skills, apprenticeships and advanced engineering - arguing that manufacturing and engineering offer some of the most meaningful, future-driven career pathways for young people.
He also highlighted that while technology and future-focused training are vital, the UK must continue to back what it already excels in. His message was clear: “If we’re expecting other countries to use our British-made valves and manufacturing, then our country needs to lead by example.”
Critically, Josh used his platform to challenge the government on:
- Ensuring training reflects real skills shortages (e.g., welding, advanced engineering)
- Ensuring apprenticeship support reaches SMEs in smaller towns like Brighouse
- Using defence procurement as a driver of regional growth
- Increasing UK-sourced valves for major national infrastructure projects
Josh added: “Valve manufacturing is a reminder that regional economies thrive when we back specialist sectors; it’s not about chasing the latest fad – but about recognising the strengths we have and building on them. In Calder Valley, that means supporting our manufacturers with the skills pipeline, the apprenticeships and the investment they need to grow.”
Valve Valley, a sector of global reach and local pride
Valve Valley is a remarkable example of local capability with global impact. Its workforce consistently demonstrates world-class skill, dedication and pride - as Josh noted: “Highly skilled workers who are proud of the worldwide reach of their products.”
Manufacturing continues to be a vital part of the UK’s economy, contributing £217 billion of output last year and supporting 2.6 million jobs - yet the manufacturing workforce is declining.
In this context, the Calder Valley valve cluster represents exactly the kind of strategic capability the UK cannot afford to lose.
WYMS supporting the region’s future
WYMS is committed to strengthening Valve Valley by connecting skills, industry and opportunity.
Our CEO Mark Lewis reflects:
“Valve Valley represents the very best of British advanced manufacturing - skill, innovation and a quiet determination to deliver world-class products. Our National Manufacturing Day roundtable with Josh and industry leaders showed just how much potential exists here. At WYMS, our mission is to help these companies access new supply chains, attract young talent and secure the investment they need to grow. This region has the capability - it just needs the backing.”
Conclusion
What began at WYMS during National Manufacturing Day has grown into a meaningful national conversation about talent, procurement and industrial strategy.
Valve Valley is a national asset - built on heritage, sustained by skill and essential to the UK’s future. With continued collaboration between industry, policymakers and organisations like WYMS, the sector is well-positioned to thrive for generations to come.
