Overseeing the best in education for junior staff

Richard Brook, Managing Director at Wooltex UK Ltd is keenly aware of the value of learning with the SDC, having supported three key staff members through our educational programmes. Here he talks about his life in textiles and offers insight on achievement in business.

Hi Richard, thanks for taking part in our Q&A. Tell us about your role. when did you start? What does it involve what do you enjoy about it the most?

I joined Wooltex UK in 2009 initially as technical manager before becoming technical director and more recently managing director. I hold a BSC Hons Textile Technology from the University of Huddersfield, and I am responsible for the smooth running of the business. I implement daily business operations and lead the team to meet and exceed daily objectives and targets. I ensure that the company complies with all aspects of health and safety. Textiles has been my life. I enjoy seeing beautiful fabrics produced – and of course working with our team at Wooltex, and the trade in general. Managers and operatives are the driving force behind any good business, and we are blessed to have a lot of good people. Wooltex is a vertical mill, so every production process has a different challenge, leading me to conclude that no two days are the same.

How important is SDC colour education – in particular the BSc (hons) degree equivalent ASDC – in your workplace? What part does it play?

At Wooltex we like to employ good technical people. It is important that we give our junior staff the very best education, so that they can contribute to the business in years to come. We have some very technical end uses for our fabrics, so it is important people understand these, and can attend meetings with customers, to make sure they get the very best service and quality.

Can you give examples of when SDC education has benefited the organisation’s day-to-day operations?

We have people with the SDC education involved with production planning in our busy dyehouse and liaising with customers to discuss technical specifications for all colour fastness requirements. This links in very nicely with environmental and sustainability topics where we are constantly reviewing and looking for ways to use greener dyes and chemicals.

Who is in SDC education at your workplace, or completed a qualification with the SDC recently, and how is this developing their professional capabilities?

We have three people who have completed SDC qualifications. They are all now a key part of the Wooltex team assisting in many departments in the mill. They are Laura Wood, technical manager; Seth Clay, production manager; and Sarah Price, design and technical assistant.

As someone who helps more junior members of the team develop their skillsets, can you share a piece of advice or insight that you would offer to colleagues?

I was once an apprentice and achieved my qualifications through day release alongside working full time. My advice is if you work hard, listen, take advice, make decisions, and learn from them, but most importantly, treat everyone with respect, then anything can be achieved. Ultimately the individual has to be motivated to further their career.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions!