British Wool AGM celebrates growing brand demand and improved farmer returns

Growing demand for traceable British wool is helping to support stronger wool prices, with leading manufacturers highlighting its commercial value and opportunities for further growth at British Wool’s Annual General Meeting and Conference.

The event, held at Wool House, Bradford, brought together members and customers to hear how British Wool is growing markets for members’ wool, from mattresses sold by major retailers to fabrics used in interiors and clothing in the UK and overseas.

Members and customers gather for British Wool’s Annual General Meeting and Conference at Wool House, Bradford.

placeholder image — Members and customers gather for British Wool’s Annual General Meeting and Conference at Wool House, Bradford.

Just over 25% of the 2026 wool clip has now been sold, British Wool continues to sell at much higher levels than twelve months ago. The average price across the first seven sales of the season is £1.66 per kilo, which is more than 30p per kilo above the 2025 season average. This bodes well for a further increase in member returns.

Andrew Hogley, CEO of British Wool, said:

Industry representatives attend the British Wool conference, where discussions focused on growing demand, traceability and improving returns for sheep farmers.

“The stronger prices achieved so far this season are encouraging for our members. Our auction system brings buyers together to compete for their wool, helping us secure its market value and ensuring members benefit from the strength of demand.

“Maintaining and growing that demand is central to our work. By helping more brands specify British wool and giving their customers confidence in its provenance, we are building markets that can support better returns for our members.”

Leading brands back British wool

Harrison Spinks and Abraham Moon shared their experiences of using traceable British wool and the opportunities they see to increase demand for the fibre.

Harrison Spinks was the first mattress brand to adopt British Wool’s traceability scheme. It recently launched a new range with John Lewis featuring innovative traceable British wool ticking, the fabric covering the mattress, with sales making a very positive start.

Graham Astle, Sales Director at Harrison Spinks, said:

“British wool is at the heart of our mattresses. It’s a natural, homegrown fibre with real provenance, and by using it we’re supporting UK sheep farmers while helping customers appreciate the value of British wool.”

Abraham Moon buys traceable Romney lambswool from British Wool for use in interiors and apparel, with both sales and interest from brands in the UK and overseas growing year on year.

Joe McCann, Brand & Product Director at Abraham Moon, said:

“British wool gives our fabrics a connection to the farms and landscapes it comes from. Being able to trace that wool is increasingly valuable when talking to consumers about the materials they choose.

“We are seeing growing interest at home and abroad, and we want to turn that interest into lasting demand.”

Andrew Hogley added:

“Our members need strong, sustainable markets for their wool. The businesses speaking at our conference demonstrate how British wool can meet real commercial demand.

“Our job is to create more of those opportunities, bring more brands on board and use our collective marketing strength to deliver the best possible value for members.”