We proudly hosted our Golden Jubilee & Awards Ceremony last Friday, bringing together learners, apprentices, employers and industry partners for an evening dedicated to celebrating achievement, dedication and progression across the textile and manufacturing sector.
Marking 50 years of skills development and industry support, the event recognised individuals and organisations who continue to drive standards forward and invest in the future of the sector.
Celebrating Learner Success
A key highlight of the evening was the recognition of outstanding learners who have demonstrated commitment, skill and progression throughout their qualifications.
Textile Learner of the Year
- Winner: Desmond Norris – Abraham Moon & Sons Ltd (L2 Textile Manufacturing Operative)
- Runner Up: William Plant – Camira (L2 Textile Manufacturing Operative)
- Highly Commended: Johnny Spencer – Sam Weller (L2 Textile Manufacturing Operative)
Clothing Learner of the Year
- Winner: Sadie Berthiaume – J & C Joel (L2 Sewing Machinist)
- Runner Up: Hayley Oakley -JDD Furniture (L2 Sewing Machinist)
- Highly Commended: Hannah Mullineux – N Brown (L4 Fashion & Textile Product Technologist)
Learner of the Year (Sponsored by CapitB)
These awards reflect the depth of talent developing across the sector and the importance of continued investment in skills and training.
- Winner: Dean Sharrock – Milliken (L4 Textile Technical Specialist)
- Runner Up: Jackie Knapton – Park Valley Dyers (L3 Lab Technician)
- Highly Commended: Eleanor Ford – Arville Textiles (L3 Team Leader/Supervisor)
Chris Antich Inspiration Award
This award highlighted individuals who demonstrate passion, commitment and influence within their workplace and beyond.
- Winner: Rhys Hughes – Standard Wool (L2 Textile Manufacturing Operative)
- Runner Up: John Furnell – EGL Homecare (L2 Textile Manufacturing Operative)
- Highly Commended: Daniel Holt – Antich & Sons (L2 Textile Manufacturing Operative)
Lord Barnby Award
This award celebrated outstanding progression and achievement:
- 2024 Recipient: Dylan Branter – Avena Carpets (L2 Textile Manufacturing Operative)
- 2025 Recipient: Charlie Crossfield – Abraham Moon & Sons Ltd (L4 Textile Technical Specialist)
Apprenticeship Mentor of the Year
- Winner: Simon Hartley – Arville Textiles
- Runner Up: Pete Everest – WooltexUK
- Highly Commended: Paul Blomfield – Milliken
Apprenticeship Training Company of the Year
These awards reflect the strength of employer engagement and the ongoing commitment to developing future talent.
- Joint Winners: Arville Textiles / Abraham Moon & Sons Ltd
- Highly Commended: WooltexUK
Commercial Training Company of the Year
The Commercial Training Company of the Year category recognised organisations demonstrating exceptional commitment to workforce development:
- Winner: Thornton & Ross
- Runner Up: AW Hainsworth
- Highly Commended: Amann Threads
Special Recognition Awards
The evening also featured a series of special recognition awards, celebrating outstanding contribution, leadership and long-standing support across the sector.
- Outstanding Supporter Award – Nadine Littlewood
- Industry Impact Award – Kirsty Woollaston
- Director’s Award – Martin Jenkins
- Director’s Award – Andrea Philipson
- Chair’s Award – Bentley Motors
- Managing Director’s Award – Jennie Holdstock
- Distinguished Service Award – Jocelyn Stuart-Grumbar
These awards highlight individuals and organisations whose commitment and influence continue to make a meaningful difference to the industry.
A Celebration of 50 Years
The Golden Jubilee and Awards Ceremony marked not only a celebration of individual and organisational achievement, but also a reflection of five decades of collaboration, skills development and industry progress.
We extend our sincere congratulations to all winners, runners-up and highly commended recipients. We also thank all employers, learners and partners for their continued support in strengthening the sector and shaping its future.
