Innovative Wool Business Set to Gain TV Recognition

On this week’s Dian Skelton blog, I will be discussing the announcement that an Old Blundellian is set to appear on BBC One’s Countryfile programme on Sunday November 2^nd. The programme will reveal the entrepreneurial spirit of Paula Steer and her nineteen year old son Lewis who run the successful Lily Warne Wool as a partnership.

Dian Skelton is Director at ViewPoint Software Services Limited, founder of the MostlyManx artisan shop on the Isle of Man and co-owner of the Laxey Woollen Mills. The Mills specialises in producing Laxey Manx Tartan which is unique to the Isle of Man.

Entrepreneurship and Enterprise

This innovative business was set up at their Dartmoor farm and in 2012 and specialises in producing wool and woollen products made specifically from the fleece of their traditional Greyface Dartmoor Sheep. Lewis was given his first sheep of the Greyface breed after receiving strong GCSE results at Blundell’s.

Naturally, as their flock grew, the Steers saw an opportunity to produce a unique range of products from the Greyface wool. Many of their products, such as brooches and headbands, are now stocked in high street retailer John Lewis, as well as the National Trust and other shops.

The programme will address Lewis’ work on the farm and his contributions to the Dartmoor Sheep Breeders Association (of which he is the youngest ever council member). The programme will also feature two local women who knit and crochet for Lily Warne Wool.

Charity Work

The programme will also focus on the charitable work done by the Steers. £1 of the proceeds made from the sale of the Lily Warne poppy brooches goes to the Royal British Legion. These poppies are also produced in the colours of the Blundell School with the same charitable donations.

Dian Skelton and MostlyManx

The story of Lily Warne Wool is not dissimilar from that of Dian Skelton and MostlyManx. Dian founded MostlyManx under the premise that it would serve to promote the heritage of the Isle of Man as well as the unique artisans on the Isle by providing them with an outlet to display their work. Dian is also familiar with charitable work as MosltyManx occasionally donate hampers at special and charity events.