Award Recipients

Founded in 1840, Harrison Spinks is one of the UK’s most established bedmakers, renowned for its pioneering innovation and commitment to sustainability. In 2013 it made history as the first bed manufacturer to earn a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development. Since then, the company has been awarded a total of eight Queen’s and King’s Awards – more than any other bed or component manufacturer in the industry – currently holding three for Sustainable Development, Innovation and International Trade.

As one of most vertically integrated bedmakers in the world, Harrison Spinks grows its own natural luxury mattress fillings on its Yorkshire farm, setting it apart as the only UK bed manufacturer to do so. It is one of the country’s largest hemp growers, using this durable, environmentally friendly crop for its breathable, temperature-regulating fibres. It also grows flax which is a more responsible alternative to cotton. The business weaves its own wool-rich, naturally fire-retardant, chemical treatment-free mattress fabric in-house – saving 28 tonnes of FR chemicals annually – and was the first to partner with British Wool on its Traceable Wool Scheme, ensuring all its wool is ethically sourced from traceable UK farms.

From farm to factory, the company oversees every stage of production to ensure the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. At its Leeds-based facility, the company designs and manufactures its own unique patented spring technology, pioneering innovations that have transformed the mattress and furniture industry. It currently holds a King’s Award for Innovation, recognising the dedication to developing its own ultra-fine wire and pocket coiling machines that produce springs that redefine comfort, and has recently reached a major milestone by being granted its 100th patent.

In 2023, Harrison Spinks received a King’s Award for International Trade, acknowledging its impressive global growth and British-made responsible innovation.

Protecting the environment remains at the heart of the fifth-generation family business, aiming to become the UK’s most responsible bedmaker with initiatives designed to reduce environmental impact and support local communities, such as the Wild Ingleborough Project which helps restore nature in the Yorkshire countryside.
This dedication was further recognised during an extremely privileged royal visit by Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, who toured the farm and factory – learning how the business grows its own natural materials through to its expertly handcrafted mattress production – before presenting the 2024 King’s Award for Sustainable Development.

Simon Spinks OBE, Chairman of Harrison Spinks, said: “As the first bedmaker to receive a Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development, we’ve continued to lead the way in responsible bedmaking, constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of today’s world.

“Receiving three King’s Awards under King Charles has been a proud milestone in our journey and a testament to our continued leadership in innovation, responsible manufacturing and international trade.

“We’re honoured by the recognition of our most recent award for Sustainable Development and remain committed to building on this legacy and creating further positive change. These prestigious awards have been a great motivator and to be celebrated with a visit from Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal was incredibly special for all of us.”