Glencraft, a social enterprise with 182 years of history, has appointed three new trustee directors to help it continue creating jobs for people who face barriers to work.

Glencraft manufactures luxury mattresses and other soft furnishing products from its facility and showroom in Aberdeen.

The appointments of Rachel Jones, Steven Mearns and Jack Scott, each bringing strong business expertise and entrepreneurial spirit, take the charity’s board to seven members. Their addition supports Glencraft’s wider UK and international growth strategy.

Glencraft supports 21 jobs, with 67% of its workforce visually impaired or facing health or socio-economic challenges. One team member, who plays a key role in manufacturing, has been with the organisation for more than 40 years.

Donald MacKay, chief executive of Glencraft, said: “The extensive business experience of our new directors will strengthen the work under way to position Glencraft as one of Scotland’s leading social enterprises, extend our reach into new markets at home and overseas, and build on our heritage of craftsmanship and social impact.

Their support will help us continue our purpose of creating opportunities through meaningful work and producing exceptional products that improve people’s lives.”

Rachel is an entrepreneur with third-sector experience through Smart Works Scotland and as an associate with Social Investment Scotland. She has founded and grown three companies, including Totseat – the squashable, washable highchair for babies who lunch – and SnapDragon Monitoring, which received the King’s Award for Enterprise for the International Trade. She studied at the University of Aberdeen and lives in Edinburgh.

Steven is a chartered accountant and a director at TaxAssist Accountants, which has offices in Aberdeen, Banchory and Inverurie. He also serves on the board of the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce. Originally from Inverness, he now lives in Aboyne.

Jack brings strong experience to Glencraft having most recently served as investment director at a London-based private equity fund. He offers valuable market access and commercial expertise to Glencraft. Originally from Aberdeen, he is now based in Edinburgh.

Jonathan Smith, chair of Glencraft, said: “Welcoming three new directors is an important step for Glencraft. Their experience will strengthen the work already under way across the organisation. I also want to acknowledge the leadership of our CEO, Donald MacKay, whose focus has driven our recent progress.

The added support of these directors will help Donald and the wider team continue to advance Glencraft’s impact.”

The appointments form part of a planned transition that will see Allan Clow step down from Glencraft’s board in early 2026. The other directors on the board are Jonathan, Ken Robertson and Neil Skene.

Glencraft has supplied products to four generations of the Royal Family and holds a Royal Warrant from His Majesty the King, having previously held one from the late Queen. Glencraft was also awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2021 in the Promoting Opportunity category, recognising its work in social mobility.

Its customers in the North-east of Scotland include The Fife Arms Hotel, Buchan Braes Hotel, Maryculter House Hotel, The Chester Hotel and The Marcliffe. Further afield, clients include The Balmoral in Edinburgh, Brown’s Hotel in London’s Mayfair, and the Caledonian Sleeper Service.

The not-for-profit social enterprise produces deluxe handmade luxury mattresses – some featuring up to 3,000 pocket springs – which have been showcased in Vogue magazine.

Prices for king-size mattresses range from £1,695 for the Executive model, to the Heritage model, which retails at £7,889. Glencraft’s sustainable practices include the use of UK-sourced natural materials such as horsehair, mohair, cashmere, wool and alpaca.

Established in 1843, Glencraft also manufactures a full range of in-house upholstery, including divans, ottomans, headboards, blanket boxes, cushions and soft furnishings. The charity continues to see growing trade at its showroom on Whitemyres Avenue in Mastrick, just off Lang Stracht. All profit generated from sales is reinvested to support Glencraft’s charitable purpose.