Global Exporting to the Textile Industry The Company
Brooksbank Industries Ltd, Skipton, is a family business founded in 1870. The company initially manufactured top quality leather products for the textile industry but by the 1970's, facing the prospect of a decline in the use of leather in weaving and woolcombing products, it diversified into synthetic materials. Today Brooksbank is the world leader in the manufacture of 'synthetic' woolcombing aprons, for use in textile mills, and spinning aprons for use on cotton ring spinning frames. The products are highly specialised and the company is one of only a handful of manufacturers worldwide. The Company is also a manufacturer and supplier of many other specialised and high quality products for the textile industry.

Exporting Experience
Brooksbank places great emphasis on exporting and has done so for more than a century. The company uses an extensive network of agents and distributors to export approximately 90 per cent of its turnover into over 50 countries. The company also attends several overseas exhibitions. Flexibility, keen pricing and efficient raw materials sourcing have helped the company meet the needs of different international markets.

Managing Director Jenny Haunch says, “We have exported for more than a century but as the industry and the market changes, we are constantly met with new challenges. The success that Brooksbank has had and continues to achieve in exporting is in no small part due to the quality of its agents.” Jenny adds” We take great care in selecting our agents. Their importance cannot be under estimated, as they are the first contact with the customer. Personal relationships between customer, agent and ourselves are also of great importance."

Brooksbank have introduced several product lines, such as textile brushes, manufactured to its own specifications. "This is an area in which established exporters can assist other small UK manufacturers, who either do not export directly, or prefer not to do so for other reasons. Exporting is increasingly important to us, especially with a diminishing UK textile industry.

Exporting Fact File
Among the region's longest established exporters.
Exporting increasingly important as domestic market continues to contract.
Currently exports 98 percent of its turnover.
Uses network of overseas agents but maintains personal customer contact.
Sub contracts manufacture of some products to non exporting companies