1903
Elsie Whiteley is born in Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Join our growing community
A modern approach to working, underpinned by traditional values
Our workspaces are flexible, just like your way of work, but everyone needs a little stability. We aim to support your business in any way we can; all the businesses we work with are part of our community. When you grow, we all grow.
We understand everyone’s working week looks a little different. Head to the office day or night thanks to our secure access system; growing a business takes time, regardless of the hour of the day.
A brain for business with community at heart
The Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre is a social enterprise. We’re part of Halifax Opportunities Trust. Every penny we make we feed back into the business and other parts of the Trust, to ensure we continue to innovate and provide the best facilities, service and support, not only to the businesses that live here but the people who live in our community.
We’re united by more than just the bricks and mortar that we share, it’s the foundations we have built to support the community…
A destination that feels like home
Many of our tenants have built their business here and have grown with us over the years. That’s because we understand that businesses need more than just an office.
Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre offers more than a place to work in the vibrant town of Halifax. We care about the people who work here and prioritise your experience. Our friendly front of house reception team is here to give you a warm welcome, while offering dedicated call, post and delivery services.
A commitment to the environment that supports the local economy
We care about the environment and have a continuous commitment to reducing our impact. As a social enterprise, the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre supports a more circular economy, by feeding any surplus we make into community projects.
We live and breathe this ethos, which is why we offer a range of options that support climate friendly working; such as virtual offices and free bike storage.
Doing good is part of our DNA.
About Elsie Whiteley
Our Heritage
1915
A 12-year old Elsie starts work as a machinist in a local mill.
1929
Elsie Whiteley starts her own dressmaking business run from the sitting room of her house.
1930
A year later, she opens her first shop, followed by a second a decade later.
1940’s & 50’s
The meteoric rise of the Elsie Whiteley label saw the brand manufacture from 6 separate mills across Halifax and sell to over 1000 retailers across the UK including John Lewis, Fenwick and Selfridge’s as well as having its own premises on Regent Street, London.
1959
Elsie’s two sons join the company and help the growing business keep up with ever-changing fashion trends and labour markets.
1960’s
The Elsie Whiteley brand continues to grow capitalising on popularity of all things British during the swinging 60’s!
1972
Elsie herself never retired and was still altering garments from home right up until her death in 1972.
1980’s and 90’s
As much of the UK’s manufacturing moved off-shore during this period, the once busy machines at the heart of the mills in the Elsie Whiteley empire fell silent and the buildings fell into decline and disrepair.
2002
The derelict mill once used by Elsie Whiteley is acquired by Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council and Yorkshire Forward with their sights set firmly on regeneration.
2004
Two years after the acquisition of the mill and over £5m worth of investment from various partners, work began to bring the derelict mill back to life.
2007
The Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre opens as a hub for creative, digital and innovative companies marking a shift in the town’s fortunes from weave and weft to wire and tech…
2021
The Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre gets a new look! The COVID pandemic meant that a lower footfall through the communal spaces of the Centre were available for a refresh. The result; a casual working environment, an inviting communal area and modern meeting spaces