228-year old UK textile firm wins innovation award

Yorkshire company Hainsworth, which was founded in 1783, has been presented with the Family Business Place Red Ribbon Award for Innovation.

Anita Brightley-Hodges, Managing Director of the Family Business Place, said: “We are delighted to present this award to Hainsworth because during its 228-year history this prestigious seventh generation family business has quietly got on with developing innovative and protective fabrics for the emergency services, military uniforms, pool and snooker tables, as well as fabrics for some of the most exclusive homes and palaces around the world.

“By harnessing the best of their heritage with the best of modern manufacturing, technology, sales and marketing, their first consumer brand Scarlet & Argent is the perfect platform to target consumers directly and showcase their passion for British quality.”

Luxury lifestyle brand Scarlet & Argent was launched in January this year and consists of beautifully made woollen blankets and throws. Already the range has been taken up by leading stores John Lewis and Liberty as well as selling through its own ecommerce site. The Red Ribbon Awards 2012 ceremony was held at the Pullman Hotel in London and brought together the best in British family businesses.

Tom Hainsworth, Managing Director of Pudsey-based Hainsworth, said: “This award is fantastic recognition for all the hard work being done by the Hainsworth team to build on our heritage and use it to create an exciting and successful future for the business.

“We have been delighted with the reception Scarlet & Argent has received from retailers this year and will be rolling out new products during 2013.”

Hainsworth, which holds a Royal Warrant, employs 190 people at its 250,000 sq ft mill.

Hainsworth