About us…

British Wool is owned by approximately 30,000 sheep farmer members and operates under cooperative principles. As well as providing training for 1,000 shearers annually. We collect and grade wool from all farmers regardless of type, location, and quantity.

We then market the wool collectively in a managed way throughout the year to maximise value. Alongside this, we work continuously to drive demand for British wool from consumers, manufacturers, and retailers through our licensing and traceability schemes and promotional campaigns. We now have more than 170 brand partners, and demand continues to grow for our traceability scheme.

Our Board

By joining our board, you’re not just taking on a role; you’re becoming a key player in shaping the future of the wool industry. The board is responsible for the success of British Wool. Providing strategic direction to the executive team that manages the business, and reviews business performance, major business initiatives, and investments.

2026 Elections

Civica Election Services (CES) is administering the voting process for the Board Member Elections in 2026 on behalf of ourselves. Voting in this election will either be online or a hard copy voting paper. Should you require any assistance regarding the voting process, contact CES by emailing: [email protected] or calling: 0208 889 9203.

Voting details will be sent to all registered members in the region on Thursday 22^nd January 2026 – all votes must be placed by 6pm on Thursday, 12^th February 2026. For those receiving voting papers in the post, these must also be received by this deadline.

The geographical counties remain the same as they were before the Local Government Act 1972 for the purpose of this election.

The term of office for each Board Member is three years, commencing 1 April 2026.

Welsh Northern Voting

Voting is now open

Huw Alun Evans

It’s a privilege to put myself forward again as a candidate in British Wool’s Welsh Northern election.
I’m the third generation to farm Hengwrt, Rhyd-y-main, where I’ve been farming since leaving Bangor University with an Honours degree in Agriculture in 1978. I consider myself a fully committed sheep farmer.

After nine years representing Meirionnydd at regional level, I was elected as a representative on the Board in 2017.

I take pride in having attended every Board meeting since then and in having given prompt attention to every enquiry I received from members.

Recently, the following have been achieved:

Comparable wool sells as well as, if not better than, New Zealand wool
Over half of the wool is now sold through the Licensing Scheme
700 tons of wool are sold as traceable wool
In October 2024, the ‘Gwlân o Gymru’ logo was launched and is now used alongside the British Wool logo
In 2024, the number of collection centres in North East Wales increased from one to three
More buyers purchase at wool sales
British Wool Shearing Training is going from strength to strength

I have a strong interest in shearing competitions and BISCA work. We should be proud that the current and former World Champion Shearer farm here in North Wales.

Welsh Statement

Huw Alun Evans’ Candidate Video – English & Welsh

Sian Evans

I am standing for election as a member-elected board member and respectfully ask for your support.

Over the past six years representing Anglesey, the wool sector has experienced challenging times, with yearly frustration when the cost of shearing is far greater than the return for our wool.

Despite these difficulties, British Wool has remained committed to its producer members, launching initiatives like traceability scheme and building brand partnerships, promoting and marketing our outstanding, sustainable wool. The demand for wool has started to recover following a prolonged global slump, with an increase of 20% in auction prices during 2025.

We continue to face many challenges, contraction of the national flock and rising costs currently causing concern at a national level. We, as producers, must continue to champion wool as much as we champion our world-class shearers and handlers, always in unison even when returns are lower than we wish.

Board members are vital to British Wool’s success, serving as the link between members and the executive team, steering direction, and analysing performance. Welsh Northern now has the chance to elect a fresh, constructive, and, when needed, critical voice.

I run a 300-ewe flock with my husband and work as a veterinary consultant for various businesses, bringing agricultural experience and veterinary knowledge to business and market development, education, and research.

I am committed to representing your interests and helping drive British Wool forward.

Sian Evans’ Candidate Video – English & Welsh

Wyn Williams

I farm at Penllwyn, Llanfair Caereinion on a 280-acre holding running 560 ewes and 150 ewe lambs. Established in 1986, I’ve always sold my wool to British Wool via the Newtown Depot.

I am currently Chair of Montgomeryshire FUW, sit as a Farmer Director on the FUW Board, and Director of Welsh Lamb & Beef Producers Ltd and Pontbren Ltd. I spent nine years as a Director on the HCC/MPW Board. My commercial background includes 20 years as a sheep buyer, holding senior management roles with Dunbia and ABP, giving me strong insight into markets, supply chains and producer representation.

I believe the future success of British Wool depends on a clear, farmer-focused and commercially driven strategy, including:

Continuing to collect, grade, market and promote fleece wool effectively.
Providing training for new shearers and wool handlers, alongside accessible refresher courses.
Ensuring collection centres and pick-up points remain convenient and accessible across the region.
Promoting greater use of social media and digital platforms, supported by an up-to-date website with clear messaging.
Actively promoting wool as a green and environmentally sustainable product.
Encouraging commercial partners to incorporate wool into new product development and retail ranges.
Maintaining a strong presence across media outlets and key agricultural and commercial shows.
Engaging proactively politically to support trade opportunities and influence policy.

If honoured with your vote, I would use my background, commercial experience and industry knowledge to help secure a positive, sustainable future for British Wool.