Leeds Beckett University

05/06/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/06/2026 02:01

New innovation partnership to accelerate growth of Shipley textile manufacturers

Business

New innovation partnership to accelerate growth of Shipley textile manufacturers

06 May 2026
Marketing and business experts at Leeds Beckett University (LBU) are partnering with Shipley-based Specialised Covers to secure the long-term growth and sustainability of the family-owned bespoke protective textile cover manufacturers.

A McLaren race car with a cover by Specialised Covers - copyright United Autosports

The two-year project is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) through Innovate UK, and is led by Dr Catherine Ashworth, Senior Lecturer in Global and Strategic Marketing in Leeds Business School.

Dr Ashworth explained: "Specialised Covers are an ambitious company with a strong reputation in the UK textiles industry, designing and manufacturing British-made protective covers for vehicles, caravans, defence, motorsport and garden equipment.

"The KTP aims to accelerate the company's growth and resilience through introducing strategic marketing and AI-driven tools, expanding into new international markets, diversifying product offerings across market sectors, and creating a culture change across the organisation to encourage sharing of knowledge and expertise between colleagues."

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