Wool Innovation Prize
The Wool Innovation Prize is to be offered annually to any individual who shows the most innovative use of wool in any commercially viable application. A prize of up to £10,000 will be awarded together with a merit certificate to the winner, which will be presented at a City livery dinner.
The prize will be promoted through a number of magazines, agricultural shows, Textile Societies and research organisations. Applicants should apply on line through the Campaign for Wool. The winner will be announced at the end of September every year.
The prize is being awarded by the Worshipful Company of Woolmen and the Company of the Merchants of the Staple of England Charitable Trust.
Background
The Worshipful Company of Woolmen, one of the oldest livery companies in the City, and The Company of the Merchants of the Staple of England, a national livery company based in York believe that they should do more for the industry from whence they came, namely the Wool Industry. Both have very long pedigrees going back to 1180 for the Woolmen and 1283 for the Staple.
The Industry has suffered long term decline in the UK over many years. There are now some signs that the industry is beginning to show an upturn and both Companies wish to recognise this and make a contribution to supporting innovation in the use and application of wool.
The Prize
The prize will be awarded annually to any individual who shows the most innovative use of wool in any application that is considered commercially viable and subject to the project being of sufficient originality and quality. Open to individuals using wool in apparel, non-apparel, agricultural, horticultural, medical, and industrial applications.
The winner will need to be able to show that the innovation will be developed from the United Kingdom, although the nationality of the individual is irrelevant. Continue reading →
