Harrison Spinks received its latest King’s Award from The Princess Royal during a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s operations yesterday.
The royal visit at Harrison Spinks’ farm at Bolton Percy, York, and its manufacturing facility in Leeds celebrated the family-run business’ achievements in sustainability and innovation, ending with the presentation of its third King’s Award for Sustainable Development.
The visit began at the bed company’s farm, where The Princess Royal met the Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Jo Ropner, and the Harrison Spinks team including Simon Spinks, chairman. She learnt about Harrison Spinks’ sustainable farming practices, including its award-winning Wensleydale sheep and pioneering use of hemp and flax.
During the visit, the company demonstrated its environmentally friendly processes, including its use of homegrown hemp and responsibly-sourced natural materials such as traceable British wool, its manufacturing practices, as well as its commitment to protecting the local environment and dedication to biodiversity on its farmland.
Afterwards, she was taken on a tour of the Leeds manufacturing site with the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson, where they experienced a demonstration of the traditional hand side-stitching, tape-edging and tufting techniques, which the business has been championing for 180 years.
‘We were deeply honoured and grateful to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to our farm and factory, and thank her for taking the time to learn about our sustainable practices, meeting with our hard-working team, and presenting us with the King’s Award for Sustainable Development, which is an incredible privilege,’ says Spinks.
‘This recognition reflects our team’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation at every stage of production, from our farm to the final product. As a family business, we take so much pride in leading the industry towards a more responsible future, and we remain dedicated to making a positive impact on our local communities and the environment. Sustainability is at the core of everything we do, so The Princess Royal presenting us with this incredible award and taking the time to learn how we’re continuing to push the boundaries of what it means to be a sustainable business, has been a really special day for our entire team.’
