Diane Simpson
Sales Director A W Hainsworth & Sons
We are seen as enhancer to promote quality
Hainsworth has been responsible for weaving the look of Iconic England ever since the company was established in 1783. Diane Simpson, Sales Director, A W Hainsworth & Sons ltd, talks about the rich heritage of the company, its key strengths and changes as observed in the woolen fabrics market through the years.
What is the market size of woollen fabrics in UK? How does it compare to rest of the world market?
As you know, we are in many different market segments so the answer to this question could be quite large, but if we are focusing on fashion specifically, we know as a business that our market is not going to be considerably in volume because we are very much a high end luxury brand with a high price point. We work through smaller fashion designers within the UK who have origination and something which is a little bit different to offer than mass market. So, our business can be smaller couture but on the other hand, we do attract larger brand labels for the history and provenance we bring to the product. We are seen as an enhancer to promote quality.
What are your sustainability goals for the next few years? Kindly share what is the focus on this at Hainsworth?
We pride ourselves on being one of the first to launch our sustainability commitment to the market. We have an obligation to continue to strive to improve in order to maintain and keep our royal warrant status, so this isn't something that is new to us and it is always in our consideration strategically when creating our business plans. We see this as not only environmentally sustainable but sustaining our working practices for the benefits of our employees, the local community and our supply partners and customers. We view this holistically as well as taking care of the details through projects that involve every employee. We would recommend you view our sustainability brochure 2020 to see some of the work we are particularly proud of and our projects for 2021.
What is the new business of Replin Fabrics that you purchased and incorporated in your mill all about?
This has helped us to move more into the interior market where we feel we can make a difference. It is only natural that our knowledge will help develop products for the future that also offer the benefits and comfort of wool.
Being in the woollen fabrics business for more than 230 years is quite a feat. What are your strengths that have kept you going so far?
We have adapted to the changing markets. We very much fit into a niche bracket whereby we use our technical knowledge and expertise to make products that are innovative and offer a differentiation. We benefit from being totally vertical. This allows us to control the process and innovation throughout.
What changes have you observed in the woollen fabrics niche through the years? What according to you are the key trends of current times?
We have observed an increasing high level of standards, the benchmarks forever changing to meet the criteria that other mass market suppliers cannot provide easily or consistently. We are also adapting to be more sustainable for the future, future proofing product and processes.
You are doing a collaborative project funded by Future Fashion Factory. Please elaborate on that.
From my perspective, this opens opportunity to work with designers to create smaller runs, more sustainable but offering something unique. We endorse the slow fashion concept of buying carefully and lasting more and all our products are designed with this in mind.
You have covered the royal weddings in the past. Any one interesting anecdote that stands out in your mind? What new interesting projects are you associated with at the moment?
Receiving such a lovely humbling letter following our support for the 1953 coronation springs to mind. Each time we have engaged with a royal contract, we have only had fond memories. It is lovely to be treated with genuine respect and be appreciated for what you do. Ofcourse we enjoyed working on the projects to restore Windsor Castle also.
Who are your biggest competitors in the woollen fabrics market? What differentiates your products from the others?
We are always mindful of the Asian markets, but to be honest, we are number one in our field. To have the right product and lead the market, is always our preferred position.
Which are your major markets? What percentage of your revenue comes from exports?
60 per cent of our turnover comes from overseas. Our largest markets are China, Canada, Europe and the US.
Is there any impact of Brexit or the global economic slowdown on your business?
Naturally we are expecting some changes, some may not be as favourable as others but if we continue to produce products that are desirable and required, we should still have a good trading relationship. Obviously, we are not sure what effect this will have for the more contract-based areas such as protectives and Airline fabrics.
What are your top 5 goals for the next 5 years?
We will continue with our sustainable mission to remain an important employer for the surrounding area, to ensure the family commitment follows on into the future Hainsworth generations, and to continue to be profitable offering products that are revolutionary to the markets we work in. (PC)
Which are your best-selling products?
I am pleased to say this varies from year to year. All our markets have an uncanny knack of complimenting each other, some years we have a boost in protective clothing due to cycle of contracts; other years, ceremonial and some years a boost in fashion. We have markets that are steady and consistent throughout the year that tend to be easier to plan and produce for and therefore we don't tend to have lulls in our production.
Within your own market, what is the offtake of fabrics? Has it been on the upswing?
Markets of potential growth are interiors, fashion and protective clothing.
Is the fabric from Hainsworth also retailed through shops online? Please share details and the growth story.
We don't tend to sell online specifically, only the blankets. But we don't intend to compete with our retail partners, i.e only confirm a price point and have a presence.
Published on: 05/03/2020
DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.
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