Our Story

Established in 1876, Richard Haworth has a track record second to none in meeting the needs of restaurants, hotels, event organizers, cruise ships and airlines.

Our vast experience, market knowledge and product diversity, along with our investment in the latest production and communications technology ensures that we can supply a dozen napkins for the local restaurant or luxury linens to international five star chains.

Our market leading products can be found in hotel establishments ranging from prestigious luxury London hotels to small country hotels to the economy sector. All our products are designed, quality assured and cared for by our in-house team.This gives us two significant advantages – the opportunity to impose the highest levels of quality control at all levels of production plus the ability to respond quickly to the needs of our customers.

With over 130 years of providing linens of the highest quality to the hotel and catering trade, meeting the needs of establishments with very particular tastes and requirements, we have learned that attention to detail, whether it’s timely delivery, ease of ordering or specific design features, matters a great deal.

Trusted Industry Wide

A Vision Born from Determination

Richard Haworth Ltd has been at the heart of British textile manufacturing since 1876. Founded by Richard Haworth, a determined and visionary entrepreneur from modest beginnings, the company was born out of both necessity and ambition. After years of working in the mills of Lancashire and saving diligently, Haworth entered the cloth trade, establishing a firm that would grow to become one of the leading names in the UK textile industry.

From Threads to Empire

From its roots as a yarn and cloth commission agency in Manchester, the business expanded rapidly. By the 1860s, Richard Haworth & Co had moved into manufacturing, acquiring and building several mills across the North West of England, including the Egyptian, Tatton, and Ordsall Mills. These facilities enabled the company to scale its operations significantly, and by the turn of the 20th century, Richard Haworth was producing tens of millions of yards of cloth annually, powered by a workforce of over 4,000. The mills, together with a new state-of-the-art warehouse on Dale Street in Manchester, stood as symbols of industrial excellence and innovation.

Guided by Purpose, Driven by Quality

The company’s success was grounded in its relentless pursuit of quality and service, principles that remain central to the business today. By the mid-20th century, Richard Haworth Ltd had diversified its fabric offering to include both cotton and rayon under the Spero brand, serving markets across the UK and internationally. Even as global changes reshaped the textile landscape, the company adapted, maintaining a strong reputation for dependable supply and innovative manufacturing.

Reviving Legacy, Reimagining Potential

In the post-war years, the business underwent structural changes, becoming Richard Haworth (Holdings) Ltd in 1953. It later became part of Vantona Textiles before entering a new phase of growth and revitalisation under the ownership of Ruia Holdings. This transition brought the historic Richard Haworth name back to its industrial roots, with the business proudly operating from the historic Kearsley Mill — itself a beacon of the Lancashire cotton boom — combining traditional values with forward-looking strategies.

Trusted Partner to Global Hospitality

Today, Richard Haworth Ltd stands not just as a manufacturer, but as a trusted partner to the hospitality industry. Supplying high-quality bed, bath and table linen to laundries, hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality properties across the globe, the company continues to set the standard for excellence in textile supply. Its deep experience, refined over 150 years, gives it a unique understanding of customer needs — balancing elegance, durability, and functionality in every product it creates.

Sustainability at the Heart of Progress

Looking ahead, Richard Haworth is equally defined by its commitment to sustainability and responsible business. The company sources 80% of its cotton as Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) – supporting better farming practices that benefit both people and the planet. It is a certified ISO 14001 member, demonstrating robust environmental management practices across its operations. Packaging has been reduced by 68%, and all cardboard is FSC-approved, reinforcing its commitment to ethical and eco-conscious production.

Ethics and Excellence, Seamlessly Aligned

Furthermore, Richard Haworth partners only with suppliers who conduct regular SMETA audits, ensuring that fair labour, health and safety, and environmental standards are upheld throughout its supply chain. These measures are part of a larger vision to deliver not just products — but confidence, integrity, and care with every shipment.

Heritage That Inspires Tomorrow

The story of Richard Haworth Ltd is one of resilience, reinvention, and responsibility. It is a company that honours its legacy while embracing progress — a business where heritage and innovation are woven together to create a future as enduring as the fabrics it produces. With every thread and every product, Richard Haworth continues to deliver on its founding promise: quality without compromise.