The story of Hawick Knitwear spans over a century and tells of tradition, resilience, and Scottish craftsmanship. Founded in 1919 by William Wilson Flockhart, the company became a symbol of excellence in knitwear, with garments proudly made in the Borders town of Hawick – long regarded as the home of world-class knitwear. Over the decades, Hawick Knitwear weathered expansions, mergers, closures, and revivals, before ceasing operations in 2019 and being formally dissolved in 2025.

In Spring 2025, entrepreneur Raymond Wood acquired the rights to the name and relaunched the brand – with a renewed commitment to keeping production local, working with Hawick suppliers and craftspeople, and reviving a historic name with authenticity and pride.

Timeline of Key Events

1884
William Wilson Flockhart, founder of Hawick Knitwear, is born in Hawick.

Early 1900s
Flockhart works at A.P. Innes & Co., a local hosiery manufacturer.

1910
He marries Isabella Goodfellow Martin in Aberdeen.

1919
Hawick Knitwear Ltd is founded by Flockhart in a flat at Old Dovemount. Later moves to Ladylaw Place.

1928
Company re-incorporated as Hawick Knitwear Manufacturing Co. Ltd with £8,000 capital. Flockhart files a design patent.

1930s
The Ladylaw factory expands. Staff create a Benevolent Fund and join local cricket leagues.

1944
Dr. John Martin becomes manager and heads the Hawick Hosiery Manufacturers' Association.

1946
A second factory opens in Greenlaw. A smaller site opens in Peebles.

1951
William Flockhart dies, aged 67. First era of Hawick Knitwear ends.

1950s
Factory significantly expanded, including a scouring house, drier, and knitting flats. An ancient well is uncovered during construction.

1961
Company acquired by Thistle Holdings Ltd.

1964
Merges with Dalkeith Knitwear (Alfreton). £17,000 modernisation follows.

1966
Two new buildings constructed; Canadian subsidiary reports $1.5M profit. Layoffs follow due to trading challenges.

1978
Merges with James Renwick & Co., joining the Jaeger Group with over 300 employees.

1980s
Factory closures begin. Flockhart’s Mill is eventually sold/leased to Clan Douglas.

1991
James Renwick & Co. closes; Hawick Knitwear ceases operations and exists only as a brand name.

Early 2000s
- Lyle & Scott bought by Harris Watson. Through acquisitions of Alan Paine and Pennant Clothing, they gain rights to the Hawick Knitwear name
- Harris Watson also acquires Clan Douglas and revives the Hawick Knitwear brand as a standalone name.

2004–2006
- Hawick Knitwear becomes independent from Lyle & Scott after a de-merger.
- Manufacturing continues in Hawick and Dinnington with around 300 employees.
- Focus is on luxury private label production (e.g., Brooks Brothers, Dunhill, Lyle & Scott).

2008–2009
Two waves of job cuts announced.

2010
A management buyout reactivates the Hawick Knitwear brand with a new product range, primarily in lambswool and merino.

2012
Bolton-based Ruia Group purchases a 50% stake in the business.

2013
Company posts a small profit with over £9.3 million in sales.

2014
Lord Digby Jones visits the factory as part of BBC’s New Troubleshooter. The brand is praised for quality and export potential.

2016
Company enters administration. Brand and IP are purchased by Eric Chu (Artwell Holdings). Rebranded under Lyber 2016 Ltd.

2017
Factory relocates from Liddesdale Road to Burnfoot Industrial Estate. Company resumes manufacturing at smaller scale.

2019
Due to rising costs, mild winters, and global market challenges, Hawick Knitwear ceases trading. 20–30 jobs lost.

February 2025
Hawick Knitwear Ltd is officially dissolved and removed from Companies House.

Spring 2025
Raymond Wood purchases the rights to the Hawick Knitwear name and announces a full relaunch.