Step into the world of LLUK, as we sit down for an insightful conversation with Rachel Walker (Founder & CEO), about her journey, challenges, and aspirations that have shaped LLUK into a pioneering force in the textile manufacturing industry.
Q: Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to establish LLUK?
I grew up in the hospitality industry where my Dad owned his own pub group. I worked from a very young age and he taught me a lot about how to run a business and the work ethic needed to succeed.
In my early twenties I was introduced to the industry by chance through a friend, who became my business partner and mentor for six years. As I didn’t go to University, I definitely view this as my ‘uni days’! Despite parting ways and vowing to never touch manufacturing with a bargepole again, another opportunity came my way shortly after, leading to the birth of Luxury Lockstitch UK (LLUK as named by our clients!).
Q: What challenges have you encountered as a woman in a leadership role within a traditionally male-dominated industry?
Well, for me, it wasn’t just about being a woman; it was also about being a young woman. I started my business at 24 and wasn’t taken seriously, which I completely understand as I was obviously naive at certain times and had a lot to learn. Being the relentless person I am however, I just kept going and persisted in proving that things can be done differently with integrity at the core, every step of the way. I’m still very much on that journey so just keep watching this space as we’re here to make big changes. Patience really is a virtue not many possess.
Q: What are the core values and principles that guide your leadership?
Integrity, transparency and caring is at the core of how I operate end to end. It’s that simple.
Q: Can you share some accomplishments and milestones that you treasure as a CEO?
I’m still relatively new to the CEO role, after wearing multiple ‘hats’ along the way from the ground-up - this is the realistic journey of starting and growing your own business. I have much still to accomplish, both in business and in personal-growth. A recent milestone is assembling and building a senior team to drive the business forward which includes an industry-leading Operations Director and Commercial Non-executive Director. I’m very excited for what the future has in store, and I’m looking forward to the successes and the inevitable challenges.
Q: How are you changing the whole perception about the textile manufacturing industry?
I am on an unrelenting pursuit to demonstrate to the industry that success and value can be achieved by conducting business outside of the ‘norm’. I feel a lot of changes are needed to bring the industry in-line with standard practices across other sectors. Supply chain legislation and regulated purchasing practices are most certainly needed, there to protect all parts of the supply chain and of course the client.
I also think the textiles industry as a whole needs a PR job doing on it, especially for younger people to join, alongside still advancing our longer standing workforce - and thats what we’re going to do.
Q: What excites you the most about the future of our textile manufacturing company and the textile industry as a whole?
The changes that will inevitably happen, and with it, LLUK will address and relieve the impending industry wide skills-shortage within the UK textile manufacturing sector - this is what excites me.
Q: What is your vision for the company’s future?
My vision is to cultivate the highest level of quality, service and growth, not simply to maintain it year after year, but also to elevate it as we continually set even higher standards in everything that we do.
Q: What strategies do you employ to ensure the company's growth and profitability?
We must be the change we seek in the world. This means constant learning, continuous improvement and resilience. Most importantly, conducting business with integrity, valuing people and the planet and the profit will come.
Q: What do you believe sets LLUK apart from other competitors in the textile manufacturing?
Our perspective on how to solve problems and find solutions - that is what LLUK is built on and we couldn’t do this without our people. I consider myself very lucky to lead such an exceptional team. We’ve shared countless memorable moments so far, that will remain with me for life. I love creating the ‘remember whens’ with people and it’s by far the best part of the job for me.
Q: What is a piece of advice you would give to future aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs in the textile field?
You need to care about what you’re doing and why. It’s not solely about the product but also the entire journey of how it comes to be, which ultimately depends on the people who create it.
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