Yorkshire’s Fastest 50 on How Innovation is Fuelling Growth

Whether it’s new product development, sustainable design or digital transformation, businesses are embedding fresh thinking into their day-to-day operations to stay competitive and deliver long-term impact.

We asked several 2025 Ward Hadaway Fastest 50 businesses about how innovation is shaping the way they operate and where they believe the biggest opportunities for growth are. Emma Digby, Executive Partner in Ward Hadaway’s Leeds office also shares her thoughts on how legal advisors can support companies as they innovate.

Q: What does innovation look like in your business today?

At Leeds-based North Property Group, a fast-growing residential lettings and property investment company, innovation is focused on improving the customer experience. Founder Oli Banks says: “We’re developing a bespoke asset management app to help property investors digitise and manage their portfolios. It’ll offer real-time insights, financial data and investment tracking which is making property investment smarter and more accessible.”

Harrogate-based Vida Healthcare, which runs dementia care homes across the region, is integrating innovation into the design of its buildings. Managing Director James Ryecroft says: “For me, the development of our care homes has been the most exciting innovation. Each home is purpose-built for people living with dementia with carefully considered interior and architectural design that has a direct and positive impact on residents’ wellbeing.”

Flair Furniture, an online retailer based in West Yorkshire, has focused its recent innovation efforts on logistics. Managing Director, Ashley Hainsworth, says: “Opening our new warehouse has allowed us to scale up operations, speed up deliveries and create new jobs locally. It’s been a big step forward for the business and for our impact in the region.”

At Winder Power in Leeds, innovation is supporting the UK’s power infrastructure. Operations Director, Mark Henson, explains: “We’ve upgraded our factory and invested in energy-efficient test equipment. This is helping us meet demand while creating 60 new jobs on top of the 50 we’ve already added in the past 18 months. It’s a real step up for us and for Yorkshire’s power engineering sector.”

Operating in the security and facilities management sector, First Response Group is bringing innovation into both technology and training. Managing Director, Barry Dawson, says: “We’ve invested in AI-powered surveillance and smart access systems and we’re expanding our specialist training to equip people with the skills needed for careers in this space. Tech is just part of innovation – the real change comes from how we use it to support people and improve services.”

Q: How is innovation helping businesses grow and contribute to the region?

Many of this year’s Fastest 50 highlighted the practical impact of innovation. At North Property Group, Oli Banks sees it as a way to keep investors engaged and informed. “Digital tools like our new platform can transform how investors interact with their portfolios. And with regeneration projects like South Bank Leeds gathering pace, the region is well placed to attract more inward investment.”

Ben Norman at John Good Group says aligning innovation with sustainability delivers broader regional benefits. “Our investments are creating jobs and reducing emissions. If more businesses take this approach, it will make Yorkshire a leading region for sustainable growth.”

Winder Power’s Mark Henson sees innovation as essential to national infrastructure. “Power, transport and green energy projects all rely on forward-thinking engineering. The more we innovate locally, the stronger our contribution to the UK’s infrastructure becomes.”

Flair Furniture and First Response Group both pointed to innovation as a way of creating quality job opportunities. Ashley Wainsworth explains: “Our growth is enabling us to offer more apprenticeships and careers to people in our community.” Barry Dawson adds: “As we bring in new tech, we’re developing local skills at the same time – that’s how it makes a real difference.”

Q: What do businesses need in place to innovate with confidence?

Emma Digby, Executive Partner at Ward Hadaway, says that while innovation can take many forms, what matters most is how it’s structured and protected. “When a business starts doing something differently, whether that’s launching a new platform, working with a new partner or entering a new market, it’s important that the innovation is backed by the right commercial and legal foundations.”

She adds that legal advisors play a key role in making innovation stick. “We’re often helping clients put frameworks in place that allow them to scale their innovation confidently which could be around IP, contracts, supply chains or regulatory compliance. The support we give means they can move fast but with control.”

Emma also emphasises that innovation isn’t always about big leaps. “It’s often small, consistent improvements that create the most meaningful change and those need just as much support. The businesses in this year’s Fastest 50 are showing how practical, focused innovation can drive both commercial success and regional impact.”

To speak to Emma Digby about how legal advice can support your innovation plans, contact: emma.digby@wardhadaway.com