Surge in demand for Harris Tweed 6/1/14
Harris Tweed Hebrides, the leading producers of the iconic fabric, ended the year with orders up by 25 per cent over the previous 12 months, creating “a very strong platform for 2014”.
The Shawbost-based company, which was named UK Textile Company of the Year in 2013 as well as Scotland’s Fashion Ambassador of the Year, accounts for around 90%cent of Harris Tweed production.
Chief executive Ian Angus MacKenzie, said: “We saw a big surge in orders late in the year which means that we now have a very strong platform for 2014 . We start from a better position than last year, which was itself pretty good.
“In the past, the ordering season did not really begin until into the New Year but we have managed to get the message across that ordering early is the best way of ensuring that demand can be met.
“It is good news for the weavers as we are now able to provide them with year-round work.
“You never know what lies ahead, of course, but the current order book means that the early months of 2014 are going to be extremely busy.”
Meanwhile the company will continue its international marketing campaign with a presence at two major events later this month.