Factory Tour: AW Hainsworth, West Yorkshire

Where: AW Hainsworth, Spring Valley Mills, Stanningley, Pudsey LS28 6DW
When: 9:00am - 12:20pm

Overview

Step into the world of AW Hainsworth, a premium textile manufacturer renowned for its unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. As one of the UK’s last fully integrated woollen mills, AW Hainsworth seamlessly blends heritage with modern innovation, setting the standard for excellence in textile craftsmanship and sustainable practices. For over 240 years, this 8th-generation, family-owned business has been at the forefront of the premium textile market, crafting products that are synonymous with luxury, durability, and precision.

AW Hainsworth proudly holds the prestigious Royal Warrant, a mark of recognition for its exceptional products and services. This incredible achievement, recently renewed, places the company among an elite group of businesses celebrated for their outstanding commitment to quality.

Led by Amanda McLaren, AW Hainsworth has undergone transformative changes, including creating a sustainable workplace culture, prioritising employee wellbeing, and establishing a state-of-the-art engineering department to drive innovation, talent development and self-sufficiency. This factory tour offers an exclusive opportunity to explore the intricate processes behind their world-class textiles, from the weaving shed to the advanced laboratory, and to learn how AW Hainsworth continues to lead the way in the premium manufacturing space while preserving Yorkshire’s textile heritage.

Following the tour, for those who are able to stick around, they will have the opportunity to participate in a thought-provoking roundtable discussion and networking session, where industry leaders will share insights and explore solutions to shared challenges over a light lunch.

Agenda

• 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM: Registration, breakfast, and networking

• 9:45 AM – 10:15 AM: Welcome and introductory talks

  • An overview of AW Hainsworth's heritage, along with insights into the company's 'Three P's' Sustainability strategy, its investment approach, and the benefits gained from recent restructuring efforts.

• 10:25 AM – 11:25 AM: Guided factory tour in groups

• 11:30 AM – 12:20 PM: Relaxed networking roundtable discussion on 3 key topics (including light lunch provided by host):

  • The Path to Royal Warrant Status – Challenges, opportunities, and lessons from AW Hainsworth’s successful renewal.

  • Succession Planning in Privately Owned / Family Businesses – Insights into transitioning leadership.

  • Building a Sustainable Culture – Balancing people, planet, and profit in the manufacturing sector.

Members who attend will gain:

• A deeper understanding of Yorkshire’s textile heritage and AW Hainsworth’s role in preserving and innovating within this space.

• Insights into successful sustainability initiative implementation, strategic leadership transitions, and effective investment planning.

• Networking opportunities with industry peers in an engaging and collaborative environment.