Farewell to a Legacy: Tim Meadows Retires After 26 years at Interweave
After more than 26 productive years with Interweave, our Customer Services Manager, Tim Meadows, is retiring on Friday, 28th March 2025.
A remarkable career in healthcare textiles
Having worked in the healthcare textile industry for over 30 years, Tim was recruited by Interweave precursor Webster Weave in June 1998. He, his wife Manuela, and their two young daughters relocated from the south to “God’s Own County.” The company later became part of the John Horsfall group in October 1999 and was relaunched as Interweave Textiles.
Since then, Tim has been a key senior manager, overseeing office operations and serving as the primary contact for internal sales. His role has evolved significantly. From customer services and supply chain management to contracts, tenders, and later, ISO and LSAS compliance. He has also played a crucial role in sourcing, purchasing, and global product development with Sales Manager, Gavin Scott.
A key figure in Interweave’s growth
As Interweave grew, Tim took on greater leadership responsibilities, working closely with Gavin and the wider team to drive progress. With the support of John Horsfall’s 150 years of industry expertise, this partnership has led to the successful launch of new products and strengthened partnerships with key organisations such as NHS Supply Chain.
When Tim first joined, the company was still manufacturing its own blankets, and the accounts and administration system was entirely paper-based. Every order had to be handwritten, typed in quadruplicate on different shades of paper, and meticulously filed. One of his first major contributions was introducing a logical product coding system and database, laying the foundation for Interweave’s transition to a paperless environment. These systems remain in place today, saving countless hours—and plenty of trees!
He also played a key role in implementing a computerised accounting system, enabling the business to scale from processing 8–10 orders a day to more than 100—all while maintaining the personal contact that has been vital to Interweave’s success.
A mentor and leader
Through mentorship and collaboration, he has built strong relationships within the team, fostering a positive and dynamic work environment. As a result, we are confident that the strengthened support structure will ensure a smooth transition following Tim’s departure.
Lydia Thompson and Luke Warner have been promoted to Customer and Compliance Manager and Customer and Contracts Manager, respectively, while recruitment is underway for two additional team members. Reflecting on his time at Interweave, Tim shares that he has never woken up dreading work, crediting the variety of tasks and the camaraderie within the company for making every day enjoyable.
A new chapter begins
Retirement marks a new beginning for Tim—no more excuses to procrastinate on the endless DIY projects that come with owning a 180-year-old house! He’s already stepping up his exercise routine and looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren. With the freedom to visit friends across the UK, explore his ancestry, and even consider a move to Italy, an exciting new chapter awaits.
He is also looking forward to devoting more time to his role as National Secretary of the Society of Hospital Linen Services and Laundry Managers https://textilemanager.co.uk/
From all areas of the business, we would like to thank Tim for his unwavering commitment and hands-on approach that has left an indelible mark on our operations.
