Corporate member cements sustainability credentials with new partnership and non-exec director appointment  

Corporate member Harrison Spinks has set out plans to secure its position as industry leader in luxury sustainable comfort with the announcement of a partnership with a sustainability consultancy and the appointment of a non-executive director. 

It follows news earlier this month that the Leeds-based business has become the UK’s largest hemp grower following the acquisition of 80 acres of farmland in North Yorkshire, allowing the company to produce more than 1,000 tonnes of hemp annually.

The 180-year-old family-run business has a track record which includes three Queen’s Awards in sustainability and innovation, an industry first Carbon Neutral Plus accreditation and was the first in the sector to partner with British Wool on its traceable wool scheme.

Harrison Spinks has appointed leading sustainability and social responsibility advisor Dr Louise Ellis – who has more than 25 years’ experience of leading organisations to make a difference and strive for environmental and social equity – as non-executive director. Louise’s experience includes both an academic career and working in commercial and large organisational settings.

The company is also working with management consultancy Project Rome to support in the development of their sustainability roadmap. 

Simon Spinks, group chairman of Harrison Spinks, said: “For many years, Harrison Spinks has worked to create a business where the quality and comfort of our products are underpinned by continuous innovation and a sustainable approach.

“We believe that comfort and sustainability go hand in hand and our goal is to be world leaders in both as we create a circular business that leaves the world in a better place for future generations. 

“We are pleased to make a joint announcement as we welcome Dr Louise Ellis as a non-executive director and Project Rome who will help us redefine our plans to include an emphasis on our people, our community and sustainable, circular manufacture.

“Becoming a circular business – where we strive to use recycled components and where we grow or manufacture as much of our own sustainable materials as possible on our farms and at our headquarters, and where our products are fully circular at the end of their life – will become the focus for our plans going forward.”

Dr Louise Ellis said: “Harrison Spinks has taken great strides to be an industry leader in the realm of sustainability and has been at the vanguard of the circular economy for more than a decade and I’m delighted to be joining the business as a non‐executive director. 

“Working collaboratively, we will develop a roadmap for the future as the business looks to invest and work in new ways to drive forward environmental and social equity; to ensure positive change for the environment, society and the Harrison Spinks community.”