Celebrating an Outstanding First Half of 2026
2nd July 2026
Innovation. Heritage. Sustainability. Community.
As we reach the halfway point of 2026, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what has been an exceptional six months for everyone at AW Hainsworth. From prestigious awards and industry recognition to product launches, international exhibitions and meaningful community initiatives, the first half of the year has demonstrated the breadth of our business and the passion of our people.
As one of Britain’s oldest textile manufacturers, we’re proud to continue evolving while staying true to the values that have guided us since 1783. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights that have made the first half of 2026 so memorable.
Innovation and Recognition
This year has been one of significant achievement for AW Hainsworth and our specialist divisions.
One of our proudest moments came in May, when Hainsworth Protective Fabrics was honoured with the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for our pioneering Eco-Dry wildland firefighting fabric. The award recognises years of research, development and collaboration to create lighter, more comfortable PPE that offers exceptional protection for firefighters operating in demanding environments.
Our commitment to sustainability has also been recognised throughout the year. We achieved ISO 14001 accreditation for our environmental management systems and were successfully recertified by Planet Mark, reaffirming our ongoing commitment to reducing our environmental impact and continually improving our environmental performance.
Recognition extended beyond our products too. Managing Director Amanda McLaren was named CEO of the Year at the Yorkshire Business of the Year Awards, while AW Hainsworth was shortlisted in three categories at the Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards, proudly taking home the title of Large Employer of the Year.
These achievements are a testament to the dedication, expertise and innovation of every member of the Hainsworth team.
Taking British Textiles to the World
Throughout the first half of the year, our teams have represented AW Hainsworth across the globe, showcasing British textile manufacturing on some of the industry’s biggest stages.
Our Cue Sports division exhibited at both the EAG International Expo in London and, for the very first time, the BCA Expo in Las Vegas, strengthening relationships with distributors and customers while showcasing our world-renowned snooker and pool cloths.
Meanwhile, Replin by Hainsworth attended the Aircraft Interiors Expo, unveiling the latest design collections alongside exciting sustainable fabric concepts for the aviation sector.
Our Protective Fabrics team also exhibited at Interschutz, one of the world’s leading trade fairs for fire and rescue services, while sponsoring the National Fire Chiefs Council PPE Conference, reinforcing our commitment to supporting the emergency services with innovative protective textile solutions.
Showcasing British Craftsmanship
Our fabrics continue to appear in inspiring places and collaborations around the world.
January saw singer Teyana Taylor wearing a striking Maximilian Raynor creation featuring Hainsworth fabric during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Later, fashion designer Joshua Kane showcased Hainsworth Doeskin on the BRIT Awards red carpet, highlighting the enduring appeal of wool in contemporary fashion.
We were also delighted to create a bespoke woven tapestry celebrating Born in Bradford’s 18th birthday, demonstrating the versatility of our weaving expertise and our strong connection to Yorkshire’s textile heritage.
In another proud milestone, AW Hainsworth featured in Tatler Magazine’s Royal Warrant Directory alongside some of Britain’s most prestigious brands, recognising our longstanding reputation for quality and craftsmanship.
Investing in New Products and Markets
Innovation continues to drive our product development.
This spring, Hainsworth Cue Sports launched the vibrant new Match Teal cloth, expanding our colour range while maintaining the exceptional playing performance our customers expect.
We also became an official member of the National Bed Federation, strengthening our presence within the interiors and bedding sectors as we continue developing premium woven fabrics for a wide range of applications.
Supporting Our Communities
While business achievements are important, giving back to our community remains central to who we are.
This year our colleagues came together to support Children’s Heart Surgery Fund’s Wear It Red Day and Mental Health Awareness Week’s Wear It Green campaign, raising awareness for causes that matter deeply to our teams.
At Easter, we donated an incredible 885 Easter eggs to Barnardo’s, helping bring smiles to children across Yorkshire. We also visited Good Grief Guiseley, donating John Atkinson blankets and fabric offcuts to support arts, crafts and wellbeing activities within the community, as well as Leeds Baby Bank where we donated 100 baby blankets to help support families experiencing poverty.
These initiatives reflect the values that have always been at the heart of AW Hainsworth: supporting the people and communities around us.
Celebrating Our People
Behind every achievement is a talented team.
Throughout the year we’ve celebrated International Women’s Day, recognising the invaluable contribution women make across every area of our business. We also welcomed members of the Textile Centre of Excellence (TCoE) back to our historic Yorkshire mill, sharing our manufacturing expertise and inspiring future generations about careers in textiles.
Receiving the Large Employer of the Year award was particularly meaningful because it recognised not just what we produce, but the culture we’ve built together.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the first half of 2026, it’s clear that our success has been built on collaboration, innovation and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Whether developing award-winning protective fabrics, showcasing British craftsmanship on international stages, supporting local charities or investing in sustainable manufacturing, every milestone reinforces our purpose as a British textile manufacturer with over 240 years of heritage.
A huge thank you goes to our colleagues, customers, suppliers and partners for being part of our journey so far this year.
We’re excited for what the second half of 2026 has in store and look forward to sharing many more achievements in the months ahead. Here’s to building on an incredible start to the year.
