The launch of the first ever national Wool Week (October 11-17) will see wool make the biggest statement it has ever done bringing together a series of partnerships from manufacturing to retail and wool communities and from the Orkneys through Central London and on to Wales.

“It is a huge promotion of wool and it is wonderful that so many have put their energy and power behind it,” Ian Hartley, CEO at the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB) said.

The catalyst for the week long promotion is the Campaign for Wool (CfW), a five-year cross industry initiative convened by HRH The Prince of Wales in January this year. Now the official Patron of the CfW, the Prince has brought attention to the global issues facing the global wool organisations and the sheep farmer. At the same his support has levied the natural sustainable properties of wool to reposition it within the retail sector and with the consumer.

British Wool, which marketed through auction 29 million kilos last season from 50,000 producers, has seen prices rise over the last ten months and whilst there are other factors which affect the industry Mr Hartley is clear that wool has been given a trend opportunity like no other. “The CfW has repositioned wool within fashion, pushed it up the consumer’s green agenda and firmly advanced its position within interiors. The aim is to give it lifestyle status which prompts greater understanding of its properties and a marked understanding of its value.”

The greening of Savile Row, complete with grazing sheep launches the event and retailers have pledged windows throughout the week including Harvey Nichols, Debenhams, Jigsaw, and Liberty and the launch of an on-line auction of designer wool items will finish it on Sunday 17th.”

“Retailers and manufacturers have been busy with new products and retail events. But there are many participants, both large and small, that have just decided to get on-board and promote wool and this has undoubtedly boosted British Wool’s profile and usage,” Mr Hartley said.