RAW and GAIL’s are honoured to have been visited by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh on Wednesday 26th November, at RAW’s Oxfordshire manufacturing base. The visit was held to celebrate and showcase the ongoing achievements of RAW – Europe’s largest social enterprise manufacturer of commercial furniture. Based in Oxford, 75% of RAW’s workforce have fought life-challenges such as addiction and mental health issues.
During the visit, The Duchess of Edinburgh met with Rick Mower, managing director of RAW, with The Duchess embarking on a guided tour of the company to see the manufacturing and design process, and talking to RAW employees about their experience.
In addition to their business arm, RAW also reinvest 100% of their profits into their youth charity RAW Potential, a provision helping young people thrive in an alternative educational environment and forge their own career opportunities and skills. The Duchess was introduced to their Head of Youth Services, Sophie King, as well as speaking with current students involved in the scheme.
Joining the RAW team at the event was Michelle Pollard-Smith, head of property for GAIL’s, who has partnered with RAW for over four years now. Their socially made joinery has been included across wider GAIL’s estate including refreshes, refurbishments and new bakeries. Together, they have developed and refined the GAIL’s Hub, which forms a key part of the wider RAW Harvesting programme. This initiative recovers materials, equipment, and furniture from hospitality businesses across the UK, ensuring they are recycled or upcycled into new products. By diverting valuable resources from landfill and reducing environmental impact, it represents the circular economy at its best.
Rick Mower, managing director of RAW Workshop, said: “We believe in equipping people with the skills they need to succeed – without them being judged by their past. It’s a privilege to run a business where people can genuinely thrive without prejudice, and the visit from Her Royal Highness was a fantastic acknowledgement of all their hard work.”
Michelle Pollard-Smith, head of property at GAIL’s, added: “RAW creates beautiful, commercial, and sustainable joinery and furniture, crafted by a team whose potential extends far beyond their pasts. We are incredibly proud and humbled by this partnership. It represents more than a business relationship, it’s a shared commitment to minimising waste, regenerating resources, and creating meaningful impact for both people and the planet.”
