UNIFORM and defence clothing specialist Wyedean Weaving Company has clinched a major contract from the Ministry of Defence to supply a range of items to the armed forces.

The Haworth-based family-run business, which was recently visited by Princess Anne, won a bidding process after the MoD decided to consolidate six previous contracts into one.

It will supply ceremonial accoutrements such as ribbons, tassels, belts, shoulder loops and corded epaulettes for the army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force ceremonial uniforms.

Wyedean, which also produces and supplies uniform regalia, insignia and items for working and service dress, employs 20 people.

The business was founded in 1964 as a manufacturer of braid and uniform accoutrement and has built up a product range covering almost every item of accoutrement worn by defence and police forces worldwide.

Wyedean’s products provide rank, designation, distinction and decoration onto what would otherwise be a plain suit or coverall.

The firm caters for both bespoke manufacture, including one-off orders for high ranking officers, as well major contracts for hundreds of thousands of products.

Robin Wright, Wyedean managing director, said: “Winning Government business requires some patience at first, but it thrives on innovation and with our focus on customer service it can lead to a long-term trustworthy trading relationship with assured payment processed in a timely manner.”

An open competition in 2013 split the MoD requirement into four lots – metal, feather and hair, leather and plastic and textile fabric. By winning the auction for all four, Wyedean enabled the MoD clothing division to consolidate the lots into one contract.

In addition to UK forces, Wyedean exports around 30 per cent of its products, mainly to Commonwealth countries, which tend to follow British military traditions when it comes to uniform dress.

While the MoD is Wyedean's main customer, the company also supplies public sector bodies sich as police and fire services as well as new commercial and overseas customers.

In recent years the firm has expanded its product range from being predominantly textile-based insignia, to include regalia manufactured in metal, leather, plastics, resin, even feather and horse hair.

The four-year MoD contracts have enabled Wyedean to better forecast and make investments in staff and resources.

The MoD work has also added to its reputation and enabled the company to expand its overseas business, including recently securing work with the United Nations, as well as taking its products to exhibitions in the Gulf.