Yorkshire-based Sutcliffe Play has provided a boost to the UK manufacturing industry by combating the current economic downturn.

Annual turnover of the Upton-based company rose by 24 per cent in 2008, to £7m, and with order books at their highest ever level, the company is predicting similar growth over the next 12 months.

Managing Director Viv Jebson says the company’s strong performance is in part due to the recognition by the government and local authorities of the key role that play has in the health and well-being of children.

Sutcliffe Play’s success has led to 10 new head office and field-based jobs being created in the last 12 months, boosting the company’s workforce to 88. The new posts have been created in the factory and across international and domestic sales, design and marketing.

The company has also invested heavily in its in-house manufacturing capability, with £250,000 being spent on Snug, an innovative range of playground equipment that provides creative playscapes for children to push the boundaries of play.