John Cotton Honoured with MBE

Bedding entrepreneur, John Cotton was honoured at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday 26th November 2014 after receiving his MBE award.

Mr Cotton, Chairman of the John Cotton Group, was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list earlier this year for services to business in Yorkshire.

He was joined at the ceremony held at Buckingham Palace by his wife Barbara and sons Nicholas and Mark.

Commenting on his award Mr Cotton said: “I am immensely proud to receive this honour, but am equally proud that the John Cotton Group is, after nearly 100 years, continuing to grow and is still a major part of the local community.”

Mr Cotton joined the John Cotton Group in 1958, and with his leadership over the last 56 years he has expanded the company significantly, to the point where the business is now Europe’s largest filled bedding manufacturer. They also supply non woven products to the bed industry.

Considered by many as the driving force behind the company’s success, John took over the business from his father and since then has increased the company’s annual turnover from £4m to £160m. This growth has been achieved by focusing on their customer needs; delivering great service, consistent product quality and driving innovation.

The family owned business, based in Mirfield, West Yorkshire was originally established in 1916 by the late John Cotton, and in two years will be celebrating its 100 year anniversary.

It was originally formed to recycle waste textiles and underlay, generated by the booming textile industry in Yorkshire.

The company now supplies all UK bed manufacturers and owns a number of leading household bedding brands, including Slumberdown and Snuggledown

The John Cotton Group remains active within the local community and currently employs over 1000 members of staff and works closely with a number of subcontractors and suppliers within the local area.