A Remarkable Milestone For SIL Holdings Ltd
CEO Andrew Seal Celebrates his 50th year at SIL Holdings.
This July marks a remarkable milestone for SIL Holdings as Chief Executive Officer Andrew Seal celebrates 50 years in the family-owned textile business, the past 30 years as MD/CEO helping transform a traditional Yorkshire enterprise, into an internationally respected textile group with customers and suppliers in more than 50 countries.
Together, the group operates a vertical textile supply chain, from natural fibre sourcing and yarn trading, through to luxury fabrics, dyeing and finishing. Today, SIL Holdings supplies premium cashmere, camelhair, mohair, worsted and fine woollen fabrics to some of the world’s leading luxury fashion houses, building an international reputation for quality, craftsmanship and innovation.
In this Q&A, Andrew reflects on the people who have influenced him, the decisions that have shaped the business, the lessons learned over 50 years, and why he remains as passionate about the future of textiles as ever.
Q&A with Andrew Seal CEO of SIL Holdings
The Person Behind SIL Holdings
What first attracted you to the industry 50 years ago.
I never really planned to enter the textile industry. In fact, my father tried to put me off. But I enjoyed buying and selling, and with my father, Raymond Seal, building a successful business, it felt like a natural step.
When I joined, we were based on Paradise Street in Bradford. In 1977, we bought the Ladywell Mills warehouse, which remains the home of SIL Holdings today.
What do you remember from the early days.
I started at the bottom, learning the trade alongside my father, particularly in mohair. While the 1970s were difficult for UK manufacturing, they were a period of strong growth for us, especially through trade with Eastern Europe. As markets changed in the 1980s, we expanded our focus internationally.
Business was very different then, no internet or mobile phones. One of our best decisions was trading in US dollars, which protected us from currency fluctuations and gave the business greater stability.
Seeing the changes?
There are far more rules and regulations today. Some have improved the industry, while others have made doing business more difficult.
I’ve learned that business is cyclical. During stronger years you invest; during quieter periods you manage costs carefully. Sustainability is another major challenge, and we’re still finding the right balance between what’s important and what’s achievable.
Who’s had the biggest influence on your career.
With out a doubt, my father.
Who do you feel has helped shape your career.
I’ve been very fortunate to work with good people and colleagues over the years, but I feel there are probably three who stand out: our Chairman, Lucci Dammone, whose legal expertise was invaluable; Pierre Richterich, a trusted adviser and friend of my father; and Kenny McKay at Interpath, whose guidance has helped develop the Group.
When you reflect on the journey so far what makes you most proud.
Building a vertically integrated business that can compete with the world’s leading brands. We’ve developed strong businesses, invested in great products and, above all, built resilience.
Key decisions, such as sourcing dehaired cashmere and camel hair at origin and moving to dollar-based accounting, helped strengthen the business for the long term
Would you say your leadership style has changed over the years.
Yes. I’ve become less assertive and more focused on empowering others to lead. I still hope to remain involved for as long as I can, sharing my experience with the next generation.
How’s the Culture in the group changed?
We’re still guided by the same family values—honesty, hard work, integrity, leadership and a determination to be the best.
We care about our people, and I hope future leaders preserve those values while continuing to modernise the business.
What achievement makes you smile and means the most to you personally.
Seeing the SIL group of businesses become recognised among the best in the industry. From modest beginnings, we’ve built and invested in businesses that supply the world’s finest cashmere, camelhair and mohair to leading luxury fashion houses.
What excites you the most about the textile industry going forward?
I’d like to see the group continue into a new and exciting period. Even at 50 years old, I still think the business is the “new kid on the block” in the textile world.
Despite the hard work of those in the industry, textiles still has a poor image as a career for young people. Those in a position to do so need to continue changing that perception by showcasing a more modern view of the industry and the opportunities it offers from state-of-the-art production and global travel, to working with world-renowned fashion houses.
It is about seeing our designs and qualities worn by stars of stage and screen, as well as sports personalities who are increasingly choosing the very best.
What are you most grateful for as you look back over the last 50 years?
Being given the opportunity by my father.
Would you do it all again?
Absolutely. I’ve been privileged to work alongside my brother Jeremy since 1982. We’ve always supported each other, and I trust him completely.
I just wish I was 28 again!
