UKFT member G.H. Hurt & Son is a Nottingham-based knitted lace manufacturer. The family run business has been supplying, designing and manufacturing high-quality products since 1912. Using both its hand frame knitting heritage and new knitting technology, it produces premium adult and baby shawls and lace knitwear.

Close-up picture of a hand frame knitting machine

The knitted lace manufacturer is one of the 205 organisations being honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise. As the country’s most prestigious business award, it recognises G.H. Hurt & Son’s excellence in international trade and growth in overseas sales over the last three years.

Beyond selling their products to Asia, Europe and North America, they also create pieces for the Royal Family. In fact, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were introduced to the world as newborns by the Royal couple, each wrapped in a G.H. Hurt & Son shawl.

G.H. Hurt & Son’s Factory

G.H. Hurt & Son director Gillian Taylor said:

“It’s a real privilege to receive this recognition. The Queen’s Awards are seen as one of the most prestigious UK business awards, so we are extremely proud. It is a brilliant reward for the staff, as without their hard work, the business would not have achieved this”.

 

(Left to Right) Lieutenant Sir John Peace, G.H. Hurt & Son Director Gillian Taylor and UKFT Chairman Nigel Lugg OBE

On the occasion of the formal presentation of the award, G.H. Hurt & Son organised a visit of their factory. Gillian Taylor received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise from Lieutenant Sir John Peace. She explained:

“In the past few years, the whole team has worked really hard with new international stockists as well as our existing retail and distribution partners to grow the international side of our business. We have also strived to build our online branded presence globally.

Most importantly, our great design and production staff have worked consistently, making our lacy shawls and scarves to the high standard we set for ourselves. Without everyone’s efforts, we would not have achieved this award”.

 

G.H. Hurt & Son’s Factory

Nigel Lugg OBE Chairman of UKFT was pleased to attend the visit. After showing him around the Shawl Factory, the G.H. Hurt & Son team also demonstrated how to use their knitting equipment.

Visit the G.H. Hurt & Son Website

G.H. Hurt & Son is a UKFT member. Interested in UKFT membership? Find out more here.