Inventors from Bradford
Bradford is the birthplace of a number of inventors and entrepreneurs who made significant contributions to the development of transport in the United Kingdom. Christopher J. Spencer developed a system of tramway gauges, which allowed trams to travel across Yorkshire between Bradford and Leeds.
Jowett Cars, founded by the Jowett brothers in 1909 in Bradford, was one of the founding companies of the British motor industry. The Jowett brothers invented a new engine to be used in automobiles and their goal was to provide a low weight vehicle at an affordable price and with low running costs.
A close friend of the Jowett Brothers, Alfred Scott, went on to develop a parallel twin cylinder two stroke engine. In 1908 Alfred Scott patented his first motorcycle, going on to establish Scott Engineering Co. John E. Wood, another inventor and entrepreneur from Bradford, went on to develop the Jewel motor car.
The Hepolite Company, situated in Bradford at St John's works manufacturing plant, designed and developed internal combustion engines and components. Other significant entrepreneurs in the Bradford area include Albert and John House, a father and son who formed the Northern Aero Syndicate. Albert House is renowned as the driver of Bradford's first motor car.
Today, manufacturing and the textile industry are still major drivers in the economy of Bradford, while the service sector continues to grow rapidly. Financial services, Information Technology, the retail industry and tourism all play important roles with many companies choosing Bradford offices or taking up office space in Halifax nearby.
Jowett Cars, founded by the Jowett brothers in 1909 in Bradford, was one of the founding companies of the British motor industry. The Jowett brothers invented a new engine to be used in automobiles and their goal was to provide a low weight vehicle at an affordable price and with low running costs.
A close friend of the Jowett Brothers, Alfred Scott, went on to develop a parallel twin cylinder two stroke engine. In 1908 Alfred Scott patented his first motorcycle, going on to establish Scott Engineering Co. John E. Wood, another inventor and entrepreneur from Bradford, went on to develop the Jewel motor car.
The Hepolite Company, situated in Bradford at St John's works manufacturing plant, designed and developed internal combustion engines and components. Other significant entrepreneurs in the Bradford area include Albert and John House, a father and son who formed the Northern Aero Syndicate. Albert House is renowned as the driver of Bradford's first motor car.
Today, manufacturing and the textile industry are still major drivers in the economy of Bradford, while the service sector continues to grow rapidly. Financial services, Information Technology, the retail industry and tourism all play important roles with many companies choosing Bradford offices or taking up office space in Halifax nearby.