Bradford-based Society of Dyers and Colourists strengthens team

The Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) has announced a duo of appointments as it builds on the momentum of its newly launched digital textile collection.

The appointments follow the retirement of long-serving membership manager Clare Moore, who steps down after 37 years with the Society.

Regiane Brown has been appointed membership and insight officer, bringing valuable continuity having worked within the SDC over the past year in a fixed-term role. In her new position, she will focus on member engagement while driving a greater emphasis on insight and helping the Society better understand the needs of both members and non-members.

Joining alongside her is Bethany Lunt as marketing and operations officer. Beth brings six years of agency-side marketing experience, including work across the textiles sector, and has previously supported the SDC in an external capacity.

Dr Graham Clayton, CEO of the SDC, said: “Clare’s contribution over nearly four decades has been outstanding, and she leaves with our sincere thanks and best wishes.

“The importance of attracting members to the Society and the launch of the textile collection has also been a significant step forward for the SDC, and the appointments of Regiane and Beth ensure we have the right structure in place to build on that momentum and continue supporting the global coloration community.”

Commenting on her new role, Regiane said: “I’m delighted to step into this role and build on the strong foundations already in place. Having worked closely with Clare, I’ve seen first-hand the importance of understanding our members, and I’m looking forward to strengthening those connections while gaining deeper insight into how we can continue to evolve and improve.”

Beth added: “I’m excited to be joining the SDC at such a pivotal time. Having worked with the Society previously, it’s great to now be part of the team, and with new projects on the horizon to support future talent, there’s a real opportunity to further strengthen the society’s engagement across the industry.”

The hires follow the successful launch of the SDC’s digital textile collection, a major milestone in improving access to its extensive historical archive, as well as the completion of the first year of a 3-year Strategic Plan for the Society which includes an emphasis on membership numbers and engagement growth.

Led by Shelley Hollingdrake, the textile collection brings together more than 50,000 artefacts, journals and books spanning centuries of textile dyeing and printing history. Now accessible online, it opens up the Society’s archive to researchers, professionals and enthusiasts worldwide. Shelley is also increasing her working hours and about to start our volunteer programme for the textile collection.

The changes in these three roles ensure the SDC is equipped for the future and the hours worked for the SDC remain constant despite member of staff changes across these three roles.