Yet again for 2025, we’re bringing back our popular festive spotlight — featuring regional businesspeople from across the north. We’ll be quizzing a notable name with 12 quickfire questions. Mark Lewis, CEO of West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services, is next up.

1. What were you hoping to achieve by December when you sat down in January, and did you get there?

At the start of the year, we set out to raise the profile of West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS), to deepen our support for manufacturers, expand our skills programmes, and strengthen partnerships across West Yorkshire. I’m pleased to say we not only met those goals but exceeded them, reaching more businesses and learners than ever before.

We aimed to engage with 100 businesses as WYMS Supporters, and I’m delighted that we have surpassed that target and currently have a Supporter Network of 138 and growing.

2. Tell us about three moments from 2025 that made you proud of your business.
1.The launch of our regional Engineering Skills Academy was a real success. Co-designed with local engineering firm Colchester Machine Tool Solutions to deliver upskilling and re-skilling of engineers.
2.We’ve supported a record number of SMEs through a variety of training and support services. Our work with the valve sector helped raise awareness of ‘Valve Valley’ and, thanks to the involvement of our local MP, it even received Parliamentary coverage. It was fantastic to see, as a subject of a Westminster debate, the significance of the sector and its supply chain to our regional economy.
3.Our National Manufacturing Day event was a genuine calendar highlight. The quality of feedback from the 30 businesses and over 600 young people attending is evidence of the impact we are having. Raising the profile of manufacturing and engineering in the region and enabling young people to see it as a genuine career option.

3. What's been your biggest headache this year – supply chains, recruitment, costs, or something else entirely?

The biggest challenges have been helping SMEs navigate several elements, including the minefield that is the region’s disparate (and somewhat dysfunctional) support eco system. We continue to work with partners to make this easier to navigate and more accessible.

A challenging economic environment was not helped by some ill-advised government policies with a disproportionate impact on SMEs.

And finally, the rapid pace of technological change experienced through our initiatives and events this year has taken real effort to overcome. Many want to adopt automation and digital tools, but confidence and capacity vary widely and securing funding and support to bridge that gap has not been easy.

4. If you had to describe 2025 using a Christmas film title, which would you choose?

The Polar Express - because this year has been about keeping ourselves and the sector moving, staying on track, and ensuring no one gets left behind.

5. What's your number one priority when the office reopens in January?

To reconnect with partners and kick-start our spring programme of employer engagement, ensuring our support aligns with the most pressing needs of manufacturers across the region.

6. Which business in the region has caught your eye this year – for all the right reasons?

The region’s manufacturing sector has so many high-growth and inspiring businesses, it’s very difficult to single out any specific one.
I would however like to highlight four companies who have been exceptionally supportive over the last 12 months. By contributing to our National Manufacturing Day event and our National Engineering Day campaign they have shown their commitment to the sector and inspiring young people. They are textile specialist AW Hainsworth Ltd, Byworth Boilers, air saw suppliers Cengar and educational engineering training solution provider Matrix TSL.

7. Crystal ball time: what does 2026 hold for businesses like yours?

Collaboration continues to be a primary focus. We have had great success in bringing together key delivery partners to support our region’s industry. As technology transforms the sector, charities like ours will become even more vital in connecting employers, education providers, and local communities to ensure the region remains competitive.

The New Year will see the launch of our Young Manufacturers Network and our school for ‘N-GENeers’, we’re keen to continue our work introducing and engaging young people to the sector and the amazing businesses we support.

8. This Christmas, are you a "full production" household or a "feet up and telly" on?

Christmas is always a busy time at home; I love it when the house is full of people and buzzing with conversation and laughter. We have a party for family and friends on Christmas morning and once they leave (which is often much later than anticipated), I’ll be cooking Christmas dinner for circa 12.

It’s usually Twixtmas when family visitors have gone when I will chill out, eat leftovers and catch up on Christmas films in preparation for the year ahead.

9. Crackers, Brussels sprouts, or pudding – which one best describes your year?

Crackers - packed with surprises, a few loud bangs, but ultimately full of things worth celebrating.

10. Which business book, podcast or piece of advice has been your "surprise hit" of the year?

I’m a big fan of Private Eye and have become an avid listener of their podcast, Page 94. It reminds me that there is much more to the world than the soundbites and short-termism that appear to fill our world, and the focus of regional and national government policy. Also, that our legacy of amazing engineering, innovation and technological advancement is built not on quick wins but on a dedication to working things through and speaking the truth (hard though that sometimes seems).

11. As you wind down for the festive break, what are you most looking forward to switching off from?

My inbox, and the constant calendar juggling that comes with this role!

12. In twenty-five words or fewer, what would you say to your customers, teams and stakeholders as we head into 2026?

Thank you for your commitment to our region. Together, we’re strengthening manufacturing, creating opportunities, and shaping a brighter, more resilient future for West Yorkshire.