Innovation honoured by the The Parliamentary Review
Thursday, 24 October 2019
The prestigious Parliamentary Review, published annually, has chosen this year to honour a Hebden Bridge business at the 2019/20 publication launch in the Houses of Parliament next Wednesday 30th October.
Innovation at Hebden Bridge Mill is celebrated in the Trade and Commerce edition of the Review which, from defense to dentistry and healthcare to hospitality, features “organisations whose expertise across a range of sectors and industries has proven them exemplary in their field”.
The Review includes a commentary from broadcaster Andrew Neil and a forward from the Rt Hon. Michael Gove MP, who comments that “this year’s review comes at a momentous time for Parliament”.
“You can say that again” joked Innovation’s David Fletcher. “If the pro and anti-Brexit crowds are still besieging Westminster, we might not even get through the door”.
David Fletcher originally borrowed the money to save the derelict 1314 former Manorial Mill from demolition in 1972 and has been working on it ever since. It now stands proud, dominating the town’s Square, housing the Innovation shop and café in addition to a fine Italian restaurant and 10 other small businesses … in total over 50 precious local jobs.
“We’re honoured that this story of conservation, persistence and economic community well-being has attracted the attention of the Parliamentary Review editorial team”, continued David, “as has our eco-initiative to return the Hebden Bridge Mill to its original hydropower”.
“In fact, Hebden Bridge Mill, one of the oldest Manorial Mills in Yorkshire is also one of the very few businesses to have already achieved Zero-Carbon status, 35 years ahead of the current nation target. The 14 ft. waterwheel is now fully restored and together with a five metre Archimedes Screw on the 1314 weir, generates all our electricity which, in turn, also powers twin heat pumps which provide all the hot water and central heating for the entire building!”
“So, it really does not cost the earth to browse, eat drink or shop at Hebden Bridge Mill,” added David Fletcher