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Rule Britannia!
Listed under: Interviews
Published: Thursday, August 26, 2010
With British Wool Week fast approaching, Emma Wood, consumer development manager at Rowan, tells CB what the company has planned for the seven-day extravaganza
Have you noticed an increase in the amount of people wanting to learn more about British wool?
Consumers are always keen to learn about where their products have come from and how they have been made, and this couldn’t be more apparent than when it comes to our British Sheep breeds yarns. Being a sustainable material, which supports UK hill farmers, is an important message to endorse and one of the reasons we have developed this item further with new shades and weights. Of course, it is also a very beautiful type of yarn and an absolute joy to work with!
Why is it so vital for the industry to highlight the importance of buying these items from the UK?
Not only is it important to support local industries and products grown on home soil, but it is also crucial that we shout about the use of natural fibres as much as we can, and this includes all 100% wool products.
What will the company be doing to express its passion for the cause?
Rowan is extremely excited to be involved in the Campaign for Wool and Wool Week. In support of the initiative, and with our own British Sheep Breeds yarns taking centre stage, we will be holding a series of celebratory events and workshops throughout the UK in conjunction with our retailers.
We will also be demonstrating our commitment to the project by offering exclusive designs, which will be made available for consumers to download for free from our website. These beautiful pieces include a stunning homewares collection from the Rowan team and a perfectly on-trend Union Jack tunic designed by Martin Storey.
What does the project hope to achieve?
The ultimate aim of the campaign will be to raise the profile of the wool industry, encourage the use of natural and sustainable products, and educate younger consumers about the history and importance of purchasing 100% wool products.
Do you think the financial downturn has affected the demand for products made in the UK?
The current climate has most likely resulted in a reassessment by the consumer of their daily outgoings and one could suggest that people have turned towards ethical, and therefore feel-good, products as a remedy for the economic gloom.
How can independent shop owners get involved?
Get in touch! We would love to hear from businesses who are planning their own campaigns to support wool week this October and will be promoting our retailers' activities through our websites and newsletters.
What advice would you give to independent retailers who want to encourage their customers to buy more of these goods?
The key is to have relevant information on hand so you can educate the consumer with facts. To choose British wool is to make a decision to buy a socially responsible product, whilst not compromising on absolute quality.
Are there any other things the company will be doing to promote British wool over the next year?
Rowan will be continuing its ongoing support of the UK wool industry in the form of its British Sheep Breeds yarn range, which has recently been increased from two to three, with the introduction of the new British Sheep Breeds Bouclé yarn.
For more information, please visit http://www.knitrowan.com
Consumers are always keen to learn about where their products have come from and how they have been made, and this couldn’t be more apparent than when it comes to our British Sheep breeds yarns. Being a sustainable material, which supports UK hill farmers, is an important message to endorse and one of the reasons we have developed this item further with new shades and weights. Of course, it is also a very beautiful type of yarn and an absolute joy to work with!
Why is it so vital for the industry to highlight the importance of buying these items from the UK?
Not only is it important to support local industries and products grown on home soil, but it is also crucial that we shout about the use of natural fibres as much as we can, and this includes all 100% wool products.
What will the company be doing to express its passion for the cause?
Rowan is extremely excited to be involved in the Campaign for Wool and Wool Week. In support of the initiative, and with our own British Sheep Breeds yarns taking centre stage, we will be holding a series of celebratory events and workshops throughout the UK in conjunction with our retailers.
We will also be demonstrating our commitment to the project by offering exclusive designs, which will be made available for consumers to download for free from our website. These beautiful pieces include a stunning homewares collection from the Rowan team and a perfectly on-trend Union Jack tunic designed by Martin Storey.
What does the project hope to achieve?
The ultimate aim of the campaign will be to raise the profile of the wool industry, encourage the use of natural and sustainable products, and educate younger consumers about the history and importance of purchasing 100% wool products.
Do you think the financial downturn has affected the demand for products made in the UK?
The current climate has most likely resulted in a reassessment by the consumer of their daily outgoings and one could suggest that people have turned towards ethical, and therefore feel-good, products as a remedy for the economic gloom.
How can independent shop owners get involved?
Get in touch! We would love to hear from businesses who are planning their own campaigns to support wool week this October and will be promoting our retailers' activities through our websites and newsletters.
What advice would you give to independent retailers who want to encourage their customers to buy more of these goods?
The key is to have relevant information on hand so you can educate the consumer with facts. To choose British wool is to make a decision to buy a socially responsible product, whilst not compromising on absolute quality.
Are there any other things the company will be doing to promote British wool over the next year?
Rowan will be continuing its ongoing support of the UK wool industry in the form of its British Sheep Breeds yarn range, which has recently been increased from two to three, with the introduction of the new British Sheep Breeds Bouclé yarn.
For more information, please visit http://www.knitrowan.com
