The Company’s Silver Medal is awarded in recognition of an individual’s contribution to the UK weaving industry in the field of technology, management, education or the craft of weaving. The winner of the Silver Medal in 2025 was Lance Mitchell for his contribution to the Weaving Industry.
Lance Mitchell studied Engineering at Portsmouth before being commissioned from Sandhurst into the Royal Corps of Signals. He was posted to 14 Signal Regiment, where he commanded the Electronic Warfare troops during the First Gulf War. Despite his strong foundation in the military and engineering, Lance’s path took an unexpected turn when he was offered the opportunity to join his family’s weaving business in Lancashire. This marked a significant pivot from his initial career trajectory, but Lance embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, resigning his commission to join his brother in the family-owned Mitchell Interflex at County Brook Mill on the Lancashire/Yorkshire border, thus continuing the proud legacy of the fourth generation of weavers.
Over the past 30 years, Lance has remained steadfast at Mitchell Interflex, navigating the unpredictable cycles of the UK textile industry with resilience and leadership. Throughout this time, he has become an influential figure in the sector, serving on the committees of the Lancashire Textile Manufacturers Association (LTMA), where he ultimately became Chairman. His leadership has been instrumental in promoting the interests of the textile manufacturing community, especially during periods of economic turbulence.
Additionally, Lance’s contributions extended beyond the LTMA as he was seconded to the committee of The Weaving Group. This organisation has, for over 50 years, organised an annual conference and dinner to bring together stakeholders from the UK weaving industry. When the Textile Institute withdrew its support for the event, Lance stepped in to ensure its continuity. With admirable dedication, he personally took on the financial responsibility for organising the conference, ensuring that weaving companies from all over the UK continued to have a forum to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
Lance Mitchell’s tireless advocacy for the woven textile industry, his leadership, and his unwavering dedication to preserving and advancing the legacy of UK weaving make him a most deserving recipient of The Silver Medal. His work has had a lasting impact on the industry, and his contributions will continue to resonate for generations to come.
