THREE new directors have been appointed to the board of Standard Wool, the Bradford -based wool trading and processing group.

Paul Hughes Jr has been promoted to group trading director and Mark Andrews to production director. Ian Marwood joins the board as non-executive director.

Standard Wool Group, which has a turnover of more than £50 million, is privately owned by the Hughes family following a management buyout in 2005. The group also has operations in Chile, New Zealand and China.

Over recent years, the business has achieved strong growth in revenues, secured major financing packages from PNC Business Credit and HSBC, and this year acquired the freehold of its main production site in Dewsbury.

Paul Hughes Sr, group managing director, said “Standard Wool has a strong reputation around the world as an independently owned and run business, with unrivalled expertise in the sourcing, processing and blending of high quality wools.

“We are proud of our customer service ethos throughout the business and these appointments reflect the development of our team.

“Our new board structure is part of our plans to develop the business, including investment in our processing facilities and new technology, while retaining our independent status.

“Paul and Mark have made significant contributions to the business and their promotions are well deserved. Ian Marwood’s assistance to the wider board will be invaluable.”

Existing group finance director, Nicholas Maddams, completes the board line-up.