Linens firm Richard Haworth looks to aviation for growth

RICHARD Haworth, the Bolton-based table linens, bedding and bathroom
supplier is targeting the aviation sector for further growth.

The £15m turnover company, founded in 1876, and based at Kearsley Mill
near Bolton, is in talks with a major airline about supplying linens for their first and business class cabins.

Managing director Raj Ruia told TheBusinessDesk.com: “It could be an exciting growth area for us, we’re talking to airlines in the Middle East at the moment. We already have some exposure to aviation, supplying towels to Virgin’s Upper Class lounges.”

Part of the Ruia Group – which also comprises bedding supplier Belledorm, golf clothing brand Glenmuir and SockShop –  Richard Haworth has broadened its product range in recent years.

Product innovation and premium customer service are the pillars on which it is built, Mr Ruia said.

Previously just a supplier to the NHS and MoD over the last 15 years its has successfully targeted the hotels and hospitality sectors.

Mr Ruia says: “We supply hotels from the budget chains, right up to the most luxurious five-star properties, plus also health club chains and high-end gyms. 

“We have led the way on innovation. Prima is one example, where we blended cotton with man-made fibres to strengthen linens to make a long-lasting bedding product which can survive the wear and tear of commercial laundries.

“We also devised the Optima range, which helps to stop creasing, so the bedding doesn’t have to be ironed many times. We also have a towel that dries faster but retains its softness, allowing customers to reduce their energy costs.”

Another growth area is retail – Richard Haworth has already launched its owns e-commerce site for its Boutique range of high-end bed linens and sees this as another opportunity.

“We see the web as a great area for growth, particularly with customers looking to buy luxury hotel linens, we’re probably the only company offering exactly the same product we are selling to luxury hotels,” he added.

The entrepreneur, who trained as a barrister and worked as an international tax adviser for Arthur Andersen and PwC before joining the family business, also owns the small North West coffee bar chain Rhode Island Coffee.

Rhode Island, which two years ago was named UK Coffee Bar Chain of the Year, is also looking to grow.

It has branches in Warrington, Stockport, Oldham, Burnley and Bolton, as as well as a site at Kearsley Mill.

Mr Ruia said: “My original plan, about a decade ago, was to have a chain of Indian restaurants, but that didn’t work out as I couldn’t find the right sites.

“I decided then to set up Rhode Island, which is all about providing local communities with friendly coffee shops. We are doing well and looking at sites in Manchester city centre and re-opening in Altrincham.”