Meet The Team- Billy Hewitson

Providing a high level of service to members is at the heart of everything we do at Ulster Wool.  ‘Graze’ caught up with Billy Hewitson to tell us more about his role as Head of Operations:

Tell us about yourself. How long have you been with Ulster Wool?

I have worked for the parent company of Ulster Wool, British Wool for 36 years. I started working with the business as a temporary worker when it was Scottish, English & Welsh Wool Growers at their depot in Paisley.  We then moved to Hillington in Glasgow where I was dealing with wool intake and moved on as a packing operator. I progressed to the role of Apprentice Grader, then when we moved to new premises in Irvine, North Ayrshire, I became the Head Grader, Depot Supervisor and Depot Manager.

I then moved onto the Wool Sales/Quality Control side of the business looking over the wool at our Depots throughout the UK. I have since taken on the role of Head of Operations.

What are your main responsibilities as Head of Operations?

Managing all day to day operations across our Depots, Intermediate Depots, hauliers and Collection network. I also oversee the Quality Control and Health & Safety functions.

Describe a typical working day for you in your role.

My daily work schedule changes constantly, I need to respond and deal with any issues that arise throughout our network. I have weekly Zoom calls with the Depot Managers to review and discuss intake/grading/staff. I travel across the UK and Northern Ireland visiting our sites.

How important is it for sheep farmers to present their wool correctly when delivering into the depot.

It is really important, if the wool is presented correctly this achieves a better return to our members. Well-presented wool highlights the characteristics of the fleece to a grader when the wool is being graded.

Describe to us what you look for when grading a fleece of wool in determining its quality.

This process sets us apart from other organisations throughout the world, by grading, this adds value to our members’ wool. We are looking at the breed/type, colour, staple strength/length, vegetable matter, Hogg/Ewe or matted fibres. This process goes through a Graders mind every time they grade a fleece as every fleece we receive is individually graded.  Typically, the time it takes to grade a fleece is between 4 – 10 seconds.

Have you a funny story from your 36 years in the wool sector?

I have many funny stories throughout my career……..most of them I can’t repeat!!

What are your hobbies outside work?

Mainly running after my 17 year old daughter.

Wool, Football, Boxing…the occasional refreshment.