Hawes Named ‘New Capital of Industry’

Hawes’s contribution to England’s economic growth is recognised today with the town named a ‘New Capital of Industry’ for its dominance in the food and drink industry.
 
The Wensleydale creamery, based in the Yorkshire Dales market town, is set for growth after investing in new machinery to produce cheese with a pineapple twist. The new flavour forms part of the ‘Real Wensleydale’ cheese range, the only variety to feature a stamp of authenticity.
 
Indeed the entire local area is becoming a gourmand’s paradise, with nearby Darlington College investing in kitchen facilities to rival the best eating establishments in the world and providing the skills to make the area the culinary capital of the UK.
 
Carolyn Williams, Assistant Director of Hospitality and Catering at Darlington College, says: “Our culinary courses are always extremely competitive – from induction hobs to water-efficient steamers, we provide familiarity with the cutting-edge equipment that students will need to be familiar with if they go to work in the industry. We are now looking forward to developing close links with the Wensleydale Creamy for any training that they might need in the future.”
 
Julie Hutton, Assistant Director of the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Development Agency, says: “Wensleydale cheese has been made in the Yorkshire and Humber region since 1150 and it is my firm belief that only the best quality comes from the area. Thanks to considerable investment Hawes has the talent and technology necessary to remain at the heart of innovations in the food and drink sector.”
 
The ‘New Capitals of Industry’ list was produced by the Association of Colleges (AoC) ahead of Colleges Week (9-15 November), a national celebration of the role colleges play in providing opportunities for communities, businesses and individuals.
 
Hawes joins towns and areas up and down the country, including Brighton, Leamington Spa and Cumbria, that have demonstrated considerable growth over the last few years and are examples of the development of new industries and skills which will keep the UK competitive.
 
Aimee Gibson, studied an NVQ Level 3 Professional Cookery (Patisserie and Confectionary) at Darlington College and now works locally at Robineau Patisserie. She says: “During my time at Darlington College I was introduced to the technology and concepts which have proved vital in securing a career in the food industry. And gaining real-world experience meant that I was prepared for the challenges I would face in the workplace.”
 
Peter Westwood, Proprietor, Stonehouse Hotel, Hawes, says: “The food sector is growing rapidly – we need employees with high-level skills to work in the industry. Darlington College provides its students with the experience and ability to slot easily into our business and drive growth.”
 
Colleges Week is coordinated and organised by the Association of Colleges and the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS).