Society of Dyers and Colourists Elects Liz Straughan as President for 2026/27

Global textile industry body appoints new President and three trustees following annual general meeting in Bradford, UK

The Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) has appointed Liz Straughan, Managing Director of STP Ltd, as its new President for 2026/27. The appointment was confirmed during the organisation's recent annual general meeting held in Bradford, UK, where the Society also announced the election of three new trustees.

Liz Straughan succeeds Stuart Wilkinson, who completed his term as President after focusing on promoting the Society's historical resources and encouraging younger generations to pursue careers in the textile industry.

Career Across the Global Textile Industry

Liz Straughan has worked across textile dyeing, finishing, machinery sales and textile chemicals throughout her career, gaining experience in both technical and commercial aspects of the global textile industry.

She first became involved with the Society during her early career at Loughborough Dyeworks, where she attended SDC Council meetings as a representative of the Midlands Region.

Her career later expanded into international textile machinery sales across Africa, Central and Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. She subsequently co-founded a UK-based dyestuff and chemical trading company supplying specialist textile products to international markets alongside her late husband, Richard Straughan, who served as President of the Society of Dyers and Colourists from 2013–15.

Liz currently serves as Chair of the SDC Enterprises Group Ltd Board and has previously been a Trustee and Trustee-Director on the board of SDC Enterprises. She was awarded FSDC CCol in 2009 and received the Society's Silver Medal in 2016.

President's Statement

Commenting on her appointment, Liz said:

"It is a tremendous honour to take on the role of President of the Society of Dyers and Colourists. During my presidential year, I want to help broaden the Society’s reach beyond textiles and strengthen engagement with other colour-using industries, while also supporting the exciting future development of both the Society and SDC Enterprises.

"This appointment is also very personal to me. My late husband, Richard Straughan, served as President of the society in 2013/14, and I believe this makes us the only married couple both to have served as Presidents of the Society. To now follow in his footsteps is both a privilege and a proud moment for me personally."

Outgoing President Completes Term

Outgoing President Stuart Wilkinson recently completed his term after promoting the Society's historical resources and supporting initiatives aimed at encouraging young people to consider careers in the textile sector.

Now retired, Stuart has been a member of the Society for 36 years. During his involvement with the organisation, he received the Bronze Medal in 2003 for his contributions to the Huddersfield Region and the Silver Medal in 2009 for his service to the Colour Index™ and the North of England Region.

Chief Executive's Statement

Chief Executive of the SDC, Graham Clayton, concluded:

"Liz brings with her an exceptional breadth of international industry experience and a longstanding commitment to the Society through both governance and leadership roles.

"Her passion for strengthening collaboration across the industry, broadening engagement beyond textiles, and creating further opportunities for education and industry partnership aligns strongly with the Society’s future ambitions.

"I would also like to sincerely thank outgoing President Stuart Wilkinson for his dedication and support over the past year, and for his many years of service to the Society and the wider colour community."