Just under a third of its sales are from export markets; one of its strongest is Japan, which comprises around 20% of its export business. It’s been a very surreal experience but great fun to have an extended family, all at home. It also has over 100 stockists in Europe, across 13 countries, and is stocked in North America, Japan and Australia. It therefore presented an interesting leadership challenge for Simon Cotton, who joined as chief executive last November from Swiss conglomerate Franke, most recently heading up a group of three of its kitchen-sink manufacturing companies in Scotland. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. “We’d like to grow and add capacity, but we’ve gone through a couple of decades where there wasn’t much pressure on organisations to train. What has the situation taught you about leadership? We believe, more than ever, that this a time for human connections, rather than corporate messages. “I think the new wave of consumer is more intrigued by British manufacturing, but they need to be educated as to what’s out there. Our woven Cashmere and Merino Wool products are designed, crafted, and meticulously finished under one UK roof. Are you sure you want to submit this vote? Its US stockists include Paul Stuart and Bergdorf Goodman in New York and Stanley Korshak in Dallas. As well as growing Johnstons’ manufacturing capacity, Cotton is weighing up opportunities to expand the company’s reach in existing international markets, or move into new territories. As a business, we have overcome adversity in the past and hope to do so again. I have a 12-year-old daughter and an eight-year-old son. Chairman Douglas Kinloch Anderson says he holds the company in “very high regard”. My wife runs a charity working with children affected by the Chernobyl disaster and I never know how many children will be in the house when I come home. This week Simon Cotton, CEO of Johnstons of Elgin – makers of cashmere and fine woollen cloth, knitwear and accessories in Scotland – on ensuring the longevity of the 220-year-old heritage brand, and being inspired by the mills of Elgin and Hawick. Secrets of my success: Steve Cassidy, Hilton's MD for UK and Ireland, Secrets of my success: Marnie Millard, chief executive of Nichols, Secrets of my success: Simon Cotton, chief executive of Johnstons of Elgin, {{#singleComment}}{{value}} Comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{value}} Comments{{/singleComment}}, {{#singleComment}}{{value}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{value}} comments{{/singleComment}}, Show{{#moreThan3}} {{value_total}}{{/moreThan3}} comments, You may not agree with our views, or other users’, but please respond to them respectfully, Swearing, personal abuse, racism, sexism, homophobia and other discriminatory or inciteful language is not acceptable, Do not impersonate other users or reveal private information about third parties, We reserve the right to delete inappropriate posts and ban offending users without notification. Since then, the situation has developed rapidly: it’s clear that things are going to be increasingly tough over the coming months and we are aware every Walpole member will experience significant and unavoidable disruption. It was about securing people’s jobs, in some cases for life,” Cotton explains. He is a powerful voice on sustainability and progressive change in fashion textiles industry and a visiting professor at Robert Gordon University. We would like to see people buying less items, but buying pieces that they will wear season after season, made with natural fibres, and made to be loved for many years. “We would like to get more growth from the US; it has so much potential. “Fully vertical manufacturing brings a lot of activities on its own. How are you – and the wider business – supporting your people? As many as 37 people can be involved in the production of one of our scarves, throws or jumpers. By using our site, you agree to our use of cookies. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. There are lots of different issues for the team at the moment, whether they are furloughed or are part of the skeleton staff which is still working. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. We have offices in London, Tokyo, Düsseldorf, New York and Paris I travel to often. Today, Brown's is renowned for playing host to a multitude of literary stars, political figures, actors, musicians and royalty - that is, until Covid-19 forced the hotel to close its doors for only the second time in its history. Simon Cotton, chief executive of Johnstons of Elgin, talks about the textiles industry, living in Scotland, and manufacturing goods in-house.... We are the largest UK employer in textile manufacturing, with just over 1000 staff. Kilt and Highland dress manufacturer Kinloch Anderson in Edinburgh employs Johnstons to manufacture some of its scarves and travel rugs. James Dracup contributed to further progress.”, “I don’t think many people realise how broad our activities are,” says Cotton. Urquhart married into the Harrison family, which took ownership of the mill from the Johnstons in 1920. “It’s not like when you have private equity owners, where it’s all about the bottom line. With this in mind, we thought it helpful to provide an update on what Walpole is doing and how we are here to support you. Our values of community and trust have been even more evident when times are challenging. The separate components are then delicately linked together. +44 (0)1352 750617 And we’re starting to establish a presence in China - we have agents there [two in Shanghai and Beijing, as well as a long-standing agent in Hong Kong] - and we’re looking for further partnerships. In these challenging times, we are all compelled to pull together. Johnstons’ own brand has 250 stockists in the UK, including Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Harrods. I could be talking to a production manager about an innovation in our two mills in Scotland or planning an e-commerce strategy. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of cookies. Antony Wallis , co-founder of manufacturing showcase Best of Britannia, says businesses like Johnstons should be encouraged and supported to make more of their own brand. We’ve had to introduce more lightweights in the collection, which has helped. I grew up near Edinburgh and studied marketing and business law at the University of Strathclyde. By creating an account with our store, you will be able to move through the checkout process faster, store multiple shipping addresses, view and track your orders in your account and more. There’s the private label work we do for some of the world’s top brands and we’ve got our own brand, which crosses over from knitwear into accessories into cloths, so it’s very broad in that respect. Cotton travelled to China in October to talk to potential new partners. The first thing we have been doing is lots and lots of communication to the whole team. We know that to achieve such fine craftsmanship, you can’t rush the process. Some people are finding being at home difficult, some are home schooling children and others have very serious concerns for themselves or their loved ones. Our unique craftsmanship and commitment to innovation set us apart from other brands, and it all happens here, on British soil.

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