Management buyout at Keighley Laboratories

to developing further the range of the services we offer. We have in place a growth strategy for the business and several strategic partnerships, which will help progress the business and bring greater opportunities.

“We have recently gained Boeing D1-4426 status, marking us a quality supplier and has been a significant achievement in our strategic plan of maintaining and extending the scope of aerospace approvals”.

Debbie has served on the Bradford Chamber of Commerce Leadership Group for the last nine years and has recently joined the West Yorkshire Manufacturing Advisory Board, a manufacturing task force initiative set up by the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin.

The executive management team at Keighley Laboratories Limited has completed its acquisition of the company from the existing shareholders.

Managed by Debbie and Matthew Mellor, the management buyout (MBO) means that the husband and wife team takes ownership of the business outright.

Founded in 1920, Keighley Laboratories provides advanced metallurgy testing, consultancy and chemical analytical solutions to sectors including aerospace, marine, defence, nuclear, energy and rail. The company provides services to local, national and global markets, and is one of the longest standing independent UKAS 17025 laboratories.

The MBO was led by the company’s existing managing director Debbie and technical services director Matthew and was supported by a new debt facility from NatWest, facilitated by Sanjoy Kundu, senior relationship manager.

Commenting on the company’s growth plans, Matthew said: “We believe that the future is extremely positive for the company, and we look forward

Keighley Labs is also a long time supporter of Bradford Manufacturing Weeks, and member of the Bradford and Airedale Manufacturing Alliance, with Debbie being vice-chair of the alliance.

Commenting on the MBO, Debbie said: “Myself and Matthew are passionate about the company. We have both worked in the business for over 30 years. Being managing director since 2007, this was the natural progression that was facilitated by the existing shareholders exiting the business.

“We are keen to drive the business forward – providing quality technical metallurgical services from our team of experts whilst also ensuring continuity of service throughout the MBO”

A North Yorkshire businessman has been announced as 2023’s Green Tech Entrepreneur of the Year at a prestigious national awards ceremony billed the ‘Oscars of the technology industry.’

Mike Woodhall, CEO of Harrogatebased Chameleon Technology, picked up the award after being nominated at the Enterprise Awards 2023 in the Green Tech Entrepreneur category. The annual Enterprise Awards, organised by ScaleUp Group in association with the WCIT (The Worshipful

Company of Information Technologists) celebrate the best of the UK’s technology entrepreneurial talent.

Now in its 11th year, the awards bring together and honour leading exponents from the UK’s technology sector including entrepreneurs, investors and advisors. The Green Tech Entrepreneur award recognises the achievements of entrepreneurs whose business uses technology to reduce human impacts on the natural environment.

As a pioneer of smart energy technology, Chameleon's mission is to make it easy for everyone to reduce their climate impact by developing connected, clean and cost-effective home energy solutions. As the market leader in energy display technology – a Chameleon display is already in 1 in every 3 UK homes – Chameleon is helping to make low carbon, energy efficiency choices easy for everyone.

The company has been entrusted with over £3million of innovation funding from the government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to build the ‘proof of concept’ of a decarbonised energy system. It is building an integrated home energy management ecosystem, supporting the Smart Meter rollout with over 10 million high-quality in-home display (IHD) devices so far, while also delivering solutions directly to consumers through its consumer brand ivie.

Launched in 2022, ivie helps people to make smarter energy decisions on using their heating and home appliances, reducing their energy consumption and costs at home, via cutting-edge smart technology and apps. Chameleon’s growing range of apps and products – including the ivie energy saving app, the ivie Bud in-home display, and ivie Charge app for EV drivers – are already used by tens of thousands of people to help them save energy and carbon and reduce their bills.

Commented Mike Woodhall: “I’m delighted to have been nominated and won this award but what it truly reflects is the drive and commitment of the team of people at Chameleon Technology.”