Simon Spinks, Chairman of Leeds-based luxury mattress and bed manufacturer Harrison Spinks has been awarded an OBE in this year’s list in recognition of his contribution to the mattress and bed industry, dedicating a 35+ year career to creating sustainable, quality sleep for all.
20 years ago, concerned with the environmental impact of mattress manufacturing, Simon focussed on ways to replace glues and foams that make mattresses almost impossible to recycle, meaning millions end in landfill each year. He created the finest wire gauge pocket springs available globally, reducing steel mass by up to 80% compared to traditional springs.
To date Simon holds 100 patents globally relating mainly to innovations in pocket spring and equipment design, delivering material and energy efficiencies of ~60% compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
Simon also invented the Microcoil, using his fine wire to create a small, glue-free pocket spring that sits at the top of the mattress. His innovative thinking has enabled other manufacturers to copy his ideas, again reducing reliance on foams globally, creating a new category within the mattress market.
In 2008, Simon acquired a farm to grow his own natural, sustainable and biodegradable mattress fillings.
Harrison Spinks is now one of the UK’s largest growers of industrial hemp, which is carbon negative with zero waste. It also offsets company Scope 1 & 2 emissions. As well as other responsibly sourced materials such as recycled cashmere, wool from his mattresses feature Traceable British Wool which was another industry first.
The company also weaves its own luxury mattress tick which, due to its high wool content, is naturally fire retardant, meaning no FR chemical treatments are used in their mattress production.
His personal drive and vision deliver real growth within a socio-economically diverse area of West Yorkshire, growing the family business from c50 employees to over 650, across three businesses.
Simon said: “To receive the award was a total surprise and an absolute honour."
"I have been very fortunate to have a career in an industry that I truly love and where I have been able to combine a number of passions including, luxury sustainable sleep and innovation in engineering."
"It could not have been possible without the support and contributions of my family, colleagues and peers past and present. I am thrilled and delighted."
Simon was twice National Bed Federation President and is current Chair of their Sustainability Forum and under his guidance, the business has been awarded 8 Queen’s/King’s Awards for Enterprise, currently holding awards in Innovation, Sustainability and International Trade.