Huddersfield Hub:

Eaton Smith LLP is delighted to announce that Huddersfield Hub has been named the latest winner of the Business of the Month Award.

Based in Huddersfield, Huddersfield Hub is a community news website operating as a Community Interest Company. Launched in February 2021, the platform was created by experienced journalist Martin Shaw, who set out to provide trusted, high-quality local journalism at a time when traditional local news outlets were in decline.

Drawing on more than four decades of experience in the industry, Martin established Huddersfield Hub with a clear vision to move away from clickbait content and instead deliver meaningful, community-focused reporting. The website covers a wide range of topics including local news, charities, grassroots sport, arts, business and what’s on, providing a valuable platform for stories that might otherwise go unheard.

Huddersfield Hub has built a strong and engaged local audience, publishing multiple stories each day and maintaining a consistent presence across social media. The judges were particularly impressed by its commitment to accessible journalism, operating without a paywall while offering voluntary subscription through its Patron scheme, alongside sponsorship and advertising support.

Huddersfield Hub has also played an active role in promoting cultural and community initiatives, working with contributors and local voices including historians, journalists and community leaders. Its coverage has helped generate tangible outcomes, from increased charitable donations to greater engagement with local events and initiatives.

The business is led by Martin Shaw, supported by freelance journalist Andy Hirst and a small network of contributors and volunteers. Despite operating with a lean structure, the organisation delivers a high volume of content and continues to grow its reach and influence across the region.

Ben Jackson, Partner at Eaton Smith and Chair of the judging panel, commented:

“Huddersfield Hub is a fantastic example of how local journalism can evolve while remaining true to its core purpose. The impact it has had on the community, particularly in supporting local organisations and telling positive stories, is outstanding. It is a very deserving winner of this award.”

Huddersfield Hub co-founder, editor and managing director Martin Shaw said: “This is Huddersfield Hub’s first award and it’s great to be recognised.

“The Eaton Smith Business Awards have been going for 30 years now and it’s humbling for Huddersfield Hub to be mentioned in the same breath as some of the incredible businesses who have won this award over the last three decades.

“I have to say it feels a bit strange that instead of writing the headlines, we’re making the headlines and the fact it’s a long-established local award too which makes it all the more special.”

Martin added: “Huddersfield Hub’s readership and reach, both online and on social media, has grown hugely and we’re making a real impact.

“Local journalism has been in decline for many years with falling newspaper sales and a loss of advertising revenue.

“The challenge for Huddersfield Hub was to find a way to fund local journalism that wasn’t all about clickbait headlines and distracting pop-up website adverts that make stories impossible to read.

“Huddersfield Hub’s business model is based on sponsorship, advertising and our Patrons scheme, a £4.99 a month voluntary subscription, and we’d love for more people to support us and help us continue to thrive and grow.

“I’d also like to thank our small team, who punch above their weight every day of the week, and also our loyal roster of sponsors without whom we wouldn’t be here to do what we do fighting the corner for Huddersfield and its community.”

Martin was joined at a presentation of the award at the Eaton Smith offices by freelance journalists Andy Hirst and David Bentley. Andy has supported the Hub since its launch in February 2021.

As the Business of the Month winner, Huddersfield Hub will now be considered for Eaton Smith’s prestigious Business of the Year Award, which recognises outstanding organisations across the region.

Ben Jackson (Eaton Smith Solicitors) was joined on the judging panel by Emma Sinfield (Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce) and Annie Bradley (Department for Business and Trade).

About the Business of the Month Award

Eaton Smith’s Business of the Month Award celebrates outstanding businesses across Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield. Each month, a panel of judges selects a business that demonstrates excellence in areas such as innovation, community impact and overall business success. Monthly winners are automatically shortlisted for the annual Business of the Year Award.

Website: huddersfieldhub.co.uk