British Wool marks 75 years with depot events and member services

British Wool is marking 75 years of collective fleece marketing in 2025. The organisation has received more than 2.5 billion kilograms of wool through its depot network since 1950 and remains headquartered in Bradford, West Yorkshire.

At its Canal Road site, fleeces arrive in sacks labelled with the supplying farmer’s name. Head of operations Billy Hewitson describes traceability through intake, grading, packing and auction, with an individual grading decision for every fleece.

From fleece to finished material

After sale, buyers send wool for washing at processors including Haworth Scouring in Bradford and Chadwick in Dewsbury. Scoured fibre is subsequently spun and dyed before reaching manufacturers, designers and knitters.

Chief executive Andrew Hogley expects improving demand and tighter international supplies to support better farmer returns.

Member services and grading

The organisation represents more than 30,000 sheep-farmer members. Its 2025 collection network comprises more than 110 drop-off sites and seven grading depots. Membership representation comprises nine farmer-elected board members and eighty county representatives.

Graders complete a three-year training programme and assess style, staple length, crimp, fineness, handle and lustre. Each auction lot is independently tested by the Wool Testing Authority Europe, while bale-core sampling provides measurements used to characterise the material.

Anniversary events and practical support

British Wool plans autumn open days across its depot network to mark the anniversary. Its 2025 programme also includes more than 120 shearing courses, offering two days of instruction for participants with different levels of experience. Courses use a low student-to-instructor ratio and are recognised internationally.

Under the collection arrangements, farmers can combine 100 wool sheets, approximately six tonnes, at one location for free haulage to a grading depot. Members arrange collection with their local depot and provide labelled sheets, paperwork and suitable vehicle access.

• Collection and hand grading.
• Independent testing and auction sales.
• Shearing training and depot events.