Fourth generation family firm future proofs its base for another century
A 150-year-old Grade II listed mill in Haworth has had a £200,000 facelift.
Bridgehouse Mill was among the first water powered textile mills on the River Worth.
Now home to Wyedean Weaving’s production of ceremonial military uniform accoutrement for armed and uniformed services, the mill has been future proofed for “the next 100 years”.
Led by managing director Robin Wright, the fourth generation family business has occupied Bridgehouse Mill since 1964.
Ahead of the company’s 60th anniversary, it has invested £160,000 in essential modernisation. Wright said: “This has been a two-year project, supported by £42,000 of grant funding from the Keighley Towns Fund.
“We’ve operated out of Bridgehouse Mill for almost 60 years and are committed to maintaining its important role in this community by continuing its 150-year legacy as a manufacturer and an employer.”
Improvement works include solar panel installation, roof insulation, new lighting, replacing 60% of external windows, double glazing, blast cleaning of stonework, external paintwork and replacement of the original finial at the highest point of the mill.
Wright added: “This is stage one of our two-tier refurbishment plan to give our business more useable space in a historic building, by making it fit for growth and service in the 21st century.
“Our main roof refurbishment and insulation means we now have additional useable space at the very top of our building.
“At the start of 2024 we have plans to revitalise our office area by blending the original pine vaulted ceilings and exposed red brick with modern glass balustrades, internal partitions and by maximising natural light.
“My father rented space within the mill from 1964 when he recognised the potential demand for manufacturing military uniform and narrow fabrics such as medal ribbon, rank braid, stripes and sashes.
“He went onto buy the mill in 1973. Today we continue to realise my father’s vision with long-term Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces contracts and have recently secured several large scale manufacturing contracts including to manufacture the British Armed Forces’ new regimental Colours and squadron Standards following King Charles III’s Coronation.
“This is the first time we have undertaken such extensive improvement works and in doing so, we hope to protect and preserve the building and our industry for the next 100 years.”
Bradford Council portfolio holder for regeneration, transport and planning Alex Ross-Shaw, said: “It’s a huge boost for the future of the local economy as well as our heritage to support the refurbishment of such an important historical building.”
Keighley Towns Fund chairman, Ian Hayfield, added: “Wyedean Weaving is a unique business which is going from strength-to-strength.
“Its work is so specialised and so significant, and investing in this way will ensure it thrives for many more decades to come. We wish them every continued success.”
Wyedean was founded in Haworth in 1964 by David Wright, who ran the business with his father Frank Wright.
It remains chaired by David’s wife Norma (99), with her son and managing director Robin, his wife and sales director Debra and their daughters business development director Rosie and systems project manager Susannah.
