Air management expert Mansfield Pollard is celebrating 150 years in business.

To mark the occasion the company held a special event on Sunday 25th September for all of its staff members and their families. Entertainment included a Gordon Ramsey lookalike – who gave his famous feedback to the caterers –, a bouncy castle, bucking bronco, inflatable ‘Wipeout’ game, traditional fun fair stalls, and a DJ and dance troupe.

The company also used the occasion to make as much money as possible for charity. Fundraising ideas included a raffle with prizes donated by some of Mansfield Pollard’s most supportive suppliers, a tombola and some of the senior team agreed to sit in stocks and have wet sponges thrown at them in a ‘splat the boss’ fundraiser.  More than £1,425 was made for the Make a Wish Foundation.

The day of fun was attended by over 250 people who celebrated the firm’s past achievements and plans for the future. As the event came to a close, a specially designed birthday cake – big enough to feed 250 people – was presented to the guests to collectively blow out the candles.

Things have changed significantly since John Mansfield launched a sheet metal business to serve Bradford’s thriving textile and wool mills in 1866. Innovation and a flexible approach to the industry have made sure the company is going from strength to strength 150 years later.

The company is now one of the UK’s leading providers of industrial air management and acoustic control solutions. It has evolved from a manufacturer of equipment to a provider of bespoke design and build solutions for complex and challenging air management applications. The business is proud of its focus on innovation as demonstrated by the evolution of its products and service offerings and its relentless dedication to creating value for its customers.

It also flies the flag for Bradford on a national and worldwide level. The company is proud of its roots and managing director, Joanna Robinson works hard to promote the fact that Bradford is one of the best places to set up, grow, and run a business.

She is also on the board of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and joins other business leaders to sit on its panels to oversee work on skills, business support, innovation and the resource efficiency agenda.

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council said 'The Council's relationship with Mansfield Pollard began approximately 50 years ago when the company repaired and restored the iconic Griffin at the top of Bradford City Hall. Fast forward 50 years and Mansfield Pollard is shaping up to be one of the best employers in Bradford, where new skills and innovation ignite passion amongst its team. They are a forward thinking company, and we appreciate all the support and involvement that they give to make Bradford a great place to live and work.”

Joanna Robinson said: “The 150 year anniversary marks an important milestone for the company as we look back on our incredible heritage of talent and accomplishments. Very few businesses have been around for as long as we have, so it’s a remarkable achievement.

“We are so proud of where we came from, and what we have become. Our employees have been instrumental in our success so it was paramount that we shared and celebrated the birthday with them.”