Runner-Up for Heritage Manufacturer Award

Carl Stuart Tailors Ltd has been tailoring in Ossett since 1929 and that fact was recognised recently by Made in Britain's Impact Awards committee. We are grateful for the honour and proud to continue carrying the tailoring torch for Yorkshire.

Our story began in 1929, in this small West Yorkshire village, where the business was originally established as a tailoring company under the guidance of Master Tailor Harold Leighton. In 1963, Walter Grimes, who had been working alongside Harold, took over the running of the company.

Not one to seek the spotlight, Walter chose the name Carl Stuart for the newly rebranded business—named after a friend and simply because he liked the sound of it. Under his leadership, Walter emerged as one of the most influential and skilled Master Tailors in Yorkshire, earning widespread respect across the UK tailoring community.

Recognising the shift in workplace fashion and daily attire following the Second World War, Walter saw a growing demand for more accessible and personalised clothing. He pioneered what would become the UK’s Made to Measure suiting industry—giving rise to Carl Stuart Tailors as it is known today.

https://www.madeinbritain.org/news/impact-awards-2025-winners-nov-25