Member spotlight: Sudbury Silk Mills awarded a King’s Award for Enterprise
06/05/2025
UKFT member Sudbury Silk Mills has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise for sustainable development.
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UKFT member Sudbury Silk Mills is a family-run weaving mill based in Sudbury, Suffolk. The mill has been at the forefront of silk weaving and an integral part of the British textile industry for over 300 years. It weaves exclusively for the brands Stephen Walters, David Walters and Humphries Weaving.
The three companies bring a huge textile heritage and a unique expertise to the mill. Where Stephen Walters specialises in high-quality apparel and bridal fabrics, David Walters focuses on the wholesale market with high end interior fabrics. Humphries Weaving works across bespoke interiors and historical restorations
“Sudbury Silk Mills places great emphasis on its impact on the local community and the environment. The mill focuses on hiring locally from the Sudbury area, ensuring that the skills and economic benefits are retained within the community.”
The company has led the way in responsible manufacturing and is OEKO-TEX STeP® accredited, operating to the highest industry standard. The company credits their highly skilled and passionate staff for this success, by reducing their carbon footprint and environmental impact, sourcing responsibly and eliminating waste; including recycling 100% of alltextile by-products.
The Suffolk-based mill has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed in 2023 to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 59th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country, with successful businesses able to use the esteemed King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years.
Julius Walters, Managing Director, Sudbury Silk Mills:
“It is a great privilege to be recognised with this award, representing excellence and demonstrating the outstanding achievements of our team. Sustainable development helps to future-proof the business. Such practices often lead to greater efficiency and resilience, and drive innovation in products, services, and operations.
Our approach towards environmental and social responsibility is increasingly valued by our clients and wider communities. Such a prestigious honour instils a strong sense of pride and a shared sense of achievement across the organisation. This award acknowledges the hard work and dedication of our team, confirming that their efforts have made a real, tangible, and positive impact. Providing us with motivation for the future, to continue striving for excellence and innovation.”
Ceri Yates, Sales Director, Stephen Walters:
“We are incredibly proud to receive the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise. This recognition is not only a reflection of our achievements, but of the shared belief that as manufacturers of textiles for Fashion and Interiors, we can, and must, be a force for positive change. Together, we’ve shown that progress and responsibility can go hand in hand. As a team, we will look forward to continuing our journey of cultural change to positively impact and protect our industry for future generations”.
Discover Sudbury Silk Mills online:
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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