We here at Irish Linen Properties are ecstatic to announce that we have become a Gold Level Innovator through Innovate NI as a part of their Innovation Accreditation Programme. We are beyond delighted that we have been recognised for demonstrating our ideas and how we use our own innovation to create a variety of sustainable linen home and leisure products for our customers.
Our Chairman, David Neilly, commented:
“Sometimes business innovation comes out of disruption to what has been normal. The innovation does not always have to be the development of something new. It can be an improvement to something you are already doing.”
The Neilly Group’s Managing Director, Judith Neilly, also added:
‘So many people don’t realise the intricacy of fabric design, and how it leads our innovation to create our woven-in-house fabrics and products. Our design team love collaborating with other designers, and it’s amazing to be recognised and awarded as a Gold Level Innovator by Innovate NI.’
About ILP
ILP was started as part of a trial to see how we could best improve our online presence. However, it has grown into a platform for us to sell more modern products (rather than the classic options available on the Fergusonsirishlinen.com site).
With Irish Linen Properties, we aim to provide products that have thought behind them. Tea towels with a modern design made of linen as it is absorbent, quick drying and reduces bacterial growth – but wait, those features work well for a bathroom towel, too. Mix in some cotton so there is a different pattern of shrinkage in the weave that causes a 3d depth to form, and we’ve a unique towel that has proven to be popular (and for good reason!).
We are always happy to talk about our products – feedback is a big part of how we develop them further. Because we do not resell the products we have, and we do not buy them from a third party, we’ve a lot of flexibility on what we make. The fact that we weave all our fabric, means we are in control of quality and design right from the start. From there, we cut everything by hand, then stitch and finish them. (Some of our sewing machines are over 100 years old!)
Thomas Ferguson & Co, Ltd. has been in the weaving business since 1854, and we have established ourselves as one of the highest quality weavers of linen in the world. Our damask and double damask qualities of fabric are world-renowned. Our tea towels have been around so long they have worked their way into ubiquity (no joke, either!). Through the push for cheap and disposable, we’ve stayed focussed on quality and longevity. Now, we’re top of the game when it comes to sustainability.
Irish Linen Properties is a member of the Neilly Group, along with our sister companies Thomas Ferguson & Co, John England and the Ethical Textile Company.
About Innovate NI
Innovate NI is a Department for the Economy initiative, delivered by Invest Northern Ireland, in partnership with local councils and further education colleges. Our goal is to increase the number of Northern Ireland businesses engaged in innovation.
InnovateNI Home | Help for Northern Ireland businesses to innovate
