UKFT member Sudbury Silk Mills has been honoured with The King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development. The King’s Award for Enterprise is the country’s most prestigious business award.

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Sudbury Silk Mills is a family-run weaving mill in Sudbury, Suffolk, blending 300 years of heritage with modern innovation. Renowned for exclusive collaborations with Stephen Walters, David Walters, and Humphries Weaving, the mill offers high-quality fabrics for apparel, interiors, and bespoke projects.

It was honoured with The King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development. The King’s Award for Enterprise was the country’s most prestigious business award. The award was formally presented on Friday 21st November 2025 by Clare, Countess of Euston, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, on behalf of His Majesty The King.

The Countess of Euston was accompanied by her Deputy Lieutenants and Secretary, along with representatives from Suffolk, Babergh, and the Town of Sudbury.

Guests were welcomed to the historic mill for a tour showcasing the traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation that defined Sudbury Silk Mills. The formal presentation took place on the weaving floor, with the working looms and warping machines providing a fitting backdrop to celebrate the company’s legacy of excellence. Members of the Sudbury Silk Mills team gathered to witness the occasion and celebrate this proud moment in the company’s history. The Countess delivered a short speech recognising the company’s excellence in sustainable manufacturing, after which Julius Walters, Managing Director of Sudbury Silk Mills, thanked the team and highlighted the significance of the award for the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.

This recognition was further strengthened by a demonstrable commitment to sustainability, marked by the distinction of being the first textile mill in the UK to achieve OEKO-TEX® STeP Level 3 certification.

The ceremony was followed by a reception featuring refreshments and celebratory cake, with group photographs taken to mark the occasion.

Sudbury Silk Mills on becoming a member UKFT:

“Sudbury Silk Mills joined the UKFT because it’s great for connecting with others in the textile industry and getting their interests represented. UKFT works closely with government departments and puts together reports that back up industry data. They make it easy for members to collaborate and stay in touch, helping with networking and making introductions. Plus, they really highlight UK manufacturing at trade shows, giving members a chance to shine.”

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