Founded in 1876, Leeds-based LBBC has been under the stewardship of the Pickard family since 1892. Originally established to manufacture boilers, it moved into the design and manufacture of industrial autoclaves — chambers for processes requiring high temperature and pressure — in the 1930s. The group now comprises four divisions, including Baskerville, which provides laboratory autoclaves, and Resomation, a water cremation concept devised as a more environmentally friendly alternative to flame cremations. Exports hit £9m last year under the leadership of fifth generation Howard Pickard, 53.