Textiles

Textiles are in West Yorkshire’s blood. The region has been developing new materials and processes for centuries. Today, local companies are still at the forefront of making the fabrics of the future.

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Heritage and innovation are interwoven, historic mills and factories have been joined by cutting-edge facilities supplying advanced textiles to the world.

Our world-leading companies are at the forefront of everything from sustainable fashion to innovative fabrics and finished garments. The sector employs more than 10,000 people across the region, making it the UK’s largest textiles sector.

Local businesses have innovated new manufacturing and processing technologies including 3D weaving, anti-counterfeit DNA fabric marking and finishing treatments that can withstand extreme environments.

Big names in the textiles sector call West Yorkshire home including AW Hainsworth, Abraham Moons, Camira and CJ Antich and Sons. Companies in our region also supply the world’s most iconic luxury fashion brands, creating fabrics for companies such as Burberry, Chanel, Prada, Alexander McQueen, Paul Smith and Savile Row tailors.

Find out more about our strengths and some of the businesses already here.

Woven into West Yorkshire. The textile industry has been a core part of the West Yorkshire economy since the Industrial Revolution.

10,000

Textiles workers in the region

£32b

Contribution to the UK economy

90%

Of some textile goods go to export

250

Years of textiles businesses

10,000

Textiles workers in the region

£32b

Contribution to the UK economy

90%

Of some textile goods go to export

250

Years of textiles businesses

A man working an innovative textiles machine

Textiles innovation

West Yorkshire is home to innovative businesses that continue to search for new solutions to industry challenges and identify ways to evolve and improve product and process.

Our businesses frequently work together with our universities on research and development. They are supported by organisations like the Future Fashion Factory, which co-funds grants to support collaborative projects.

Meet our innovative textile businesses

Advanced Dyeing Solutions

A W Hainsworth

Nonwovens Innovation and Research Institute

Sam Weller and SDC Enterprises

Arville Group

Fashion textiles

West Yorkshire supplies premium textiles to some of the most famous fashion brands in the world. The region is an integral part of the global fashion supply chain and is a benchmark for quality and consistency.

Meet our fashion textile businesses

Burberry

Joshua Ellis

Abraham Moon

How we can help you

With access to hard economic facts, case studies from leading companies and information on available business support, we can help you make the case for investing in West Yorkshire. Contact our experts for more information. All of our services are complementary, confidential and tailored to your needs.

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