#033: Philippa Wright always brings on new perspectives to be successful in wool

Philippa Wright, Founder and Managing Director at Wright Wool, talks about running a wool broker business in New Zealand. Being one of the few women in a leading position within the industry she brings fresh perspectives and approaches to the business. Philippa talks about motivating young people to join the industry and how she uses social media platforms such as Facebook to connect with the younger generations of farmers as well as a wider international audience.

Philippa Wright is the Founder and Managing Director of Wright Wool.  Philippa founded Wright Wool 15 years ago, becoming New Zealand’s first and only female owner/operator Wool Broker.Philippa was introduced to the wool industry through her father Bryan, who was a Private Wool Buyer and Fine Wool Classer in the South Island. Her father of 86 years now assists Philippa with wool sale preparation and the auctions. Her life partner Dean Freeman, who is an independent Stock Agent, is the auctioneer for Country Auctions.

Wright Wool is a privately owned Woolbroker with two subsidiary companies, Country Auctions Ltd and Dag Processors Ltd. The head office and wool store business is in Waipukurau, Central Hawkes Baysubsidiarywe service all of the Hawkes Bay and wider areas. Wright Wool employs 9 experienced, highly qualified staff.

Philippa is an executive member of the NZ Woolbrokers Association, she is an active member of the National Council of NZ Wool Interests and sits on several working groups of the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO).

Philippa was one of the original flag bearers for the Campaign For Wool, an initiative started by HRH Prince of Wales, aimed at rejuvenating the global industry. She is now a Trustee of CFW NZ and was the first chair of the Trust.  Philippa represents NZ on the executive of Global CFW.

Wright Wool has recently developed a Quality Assurance Programme (WWQAP) to ensure best practice is adhered to from farm to yarn and to demonstrate the importance of delivering wool sustainability.

Link to the Wright Wool website

Link to the Wright Wool Facebook page

This is the Father Christmas figure Philippa mentioned in the episode. He does have a really nice New Zealand merino wool beard!

Source: Alison’s Aquisitions Ltd (www.alisonsacquisitions.com)