GLENCROFT

When the Sexton family want to source the raw materials for their quality fashion products, produ they only have to look out of the window. w Because the wool that goes to make their gorgeous jumpers, jackets, hats, scarves and gloves is walking around a just a few feet away on the beautiful b Yorkshire Dales. Established in 1987, Glencroft is a small, sm second- generation family business, b run from the village of Clapham, C by Edward Sexton and his father fa Richard, who is now 77 but still works w in the business he founded. “We use 100 per cent British wool – one on of very few places that do – from sheep sh living in the fields around us,” says say Edward, 38. “The wool is shorn, treated, spun and knitted kn all in the UK. Every jumper purchased pu helps the local economy and keeps kee people in jobs right on your doorstep. doo We often hear from customers who’ve wh had our jumpers or tweed flat caps cap for over 20 years.” They T also give valued custom to a factory fact in Manchester. For Fo a year the company originally traded trad under the name Select Products, until Edward’s mother, a nurse, pointed out that maybe that was a little bit snobby for a supplier of down- to- earth casual and countrywear. And so Glencroft was born – Glen for the family’s Scottish heritage and Dales for the place they had made their home. Dad Richard still hand- trims over 100 sheepskins a week in Glencroft’s 200- yearold converted cow barn warehouse. “He’s a real character who built it all up,” says Edward. “His expertise is in sales. Pre- Covid, he visited the smaller shops we supply and sold them our latest designs. Mum’s trying to convince him to slow down a bit.” With business gradually returning to normal after a shaky few months, Edward hopes people will consider one of Glencroft’s chunky jumpers for the winter months. “If everyone demands wool clothing then more people will make it,” he says. ● glencroftcountrywear. co. uk – use code EXPRESS2020 for a 10 per cent discount