Huddersfield Hub is making the headlines itself after being named Eaton Smith Solicitors Business of the Month for June 2026.

Huddersfield Hub was founded in February 2021 by journalists Martin Shaw and Steven Downes and this is its first ever award.

Huddersfield Hub is a positive news website, providing a platform for the whole community to share its news.

Run as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, Huddersfield Hub is all about traditional local journalism, cutting through clickbait content and fake news.

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.”

Huddersfield Hub has been supported by freelance journalist Andy Hirst since it launched in 2021. Andy is a former head of content at the Huddersfield Examiner.

The small team also includes Martin’s partner Sian, website designer Tom Coates and Holme Valley-based landscape and events photographer Sean Doyle.

Martin added: “I’d like to thank our small but perfectly-formed team and also our loyal roster of sponsors. Without the support of our sponsors we simply couldn’t do what we do.”

The award judges highlighted Huddersfield Hub’s strong and engaged local audience and were particularly impressed by its commitment to quality and accessible local journalism.

Ben Jackson, partner at Eaton Smith and chair of the judging panel, said: “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.”

As the Business of the Month for June, Huddersfield Hub will now be considered for Eaton Smith’s prestigious Business of the Year Award 2027, which recognises outstanding organisations across the region.

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

For more information or to apply, please visit www.businessofthemonth.co.uk