East Lancs Weaver Wins New Orders and Funding Boost

Nelson, 21st July 2010 – S. Dawes Weaving Ltd, one of East Lancashire's oldest textile businesses, continues to thrive after winning several new orders and securing a funding boost from RBS Invoice Finance.

The company, which has operated in Nelson under various names for more than 90 years, recently secured additional orders to supply high street giants Laura Ashley and Marks & Spencer.

Both retailers were impressed with the quality of fabric produced by S. Dawes Weaving and placed additional orders rather than source inferior quality material from the Far East. To support its continued business growth, S. Dawes Weaving has secured a £150k working capital facility from RBS Invoice Finance.

From its base at Manor Mill in Nelson, the company specialises in weaving of fabrics used in the furniture, upholstery and clothing markets. The mill was built in 1920 has been manufacturing fabric ever since.

It was originally owned by Schofield and Preston Company Ltd and at its peak housed more than one thousand looms. The business was renamed Dawes and Company (Nelson) in the 1950's, however production declined as the region's textile industry contracted.

Present owner Stephen Shepherd bought the business in 2005 and renamed the company S. Dawes Weaving Ltd. Stephen has presided over a revival in the company's performance, which has resulted in its turnover increasing to £1m and orders from blue chip clients such as Next, Burberry and Rectella.

Stephen Shepherd said:

"We continue to win new orders thanks to the quality of our end product and the dedicated, professional approach of our staff. This helps differentiate us from the large volume producers based in the Far East. As we take on more orders it is important to have sufficient working capital in reserve. The invoice finance facility provides us with that resource."

Colin Andreassen, from RBS Invoice Finance, said:

"The success of S. Dawes Weaving shows there are still good opportunities in the market for UK-based weavers. It is great to see a traditional Lancashire business perform well."

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