Eighty years is a long time in healthcare. Over the decades uniforms have transformed, technology has accelerated and patient needs have shifted, yet one thing has remained constant at AWB – a commitment to quality, reliability and service that genuinely supports the people who care for others.
As AWB marks this milestone, it feels like the perfect moment to look back at where we’ve come from and reflect on how we’ve grown alongside the NHS and the wider care sector.
From Hat‑linings to Healthcare – The Early Years
The AWB story began in 1922 when Arthur William Bent founded a hat‑lining business in Luton. It wasn’t long before the company changed direction, and in 1945 Dennis Cook saw potential in the business and shifted production toward institutional garments, including early nursing home uniforms.
When the NHS was established in 1948, AWB began supplying uniforms for nurses. That partnership has continued for more than 80 years, supporting generations of professionals across hospitals, clinics and community services.
Growth, Relocation and a Growing Reputation
By the 1960s AWB had outgrown its original premises and relocated to Cornwall. With more than 50 machinists, the company was manufacturing nurses’ aprons, surgeons’ gowns and scrub suits at scale. In 1971 AWB moved into its current home in Stratton, Bude, a site that remains the centre of operations today.
These years established AWB as a trusted UK manufacturer with deep roots in healthcare apparel. The focus was always the same – durable, functional garments that could withstand the realities of clinical practice.
Modernising for a New Era (1987–2015)
The late 80s and 90s brought major developments. A new factory was opened in 1987, marking the start of AWB’s modern manufacturing era. In 1996, AWB celebrated its 50th anniversary with a visit from Princess Anne, a moment that acknowledged the company’s long-standing role in healthcare supply.
By 1998 AWB launched its first website, embracing the early days of digital ordering long before it became the norm. The introduction of global brands such as Cherokee in 2000 broadened AWB’s offering and strengthened its reputation as a specialist in high‑performance medical uniforms.
In 2011, the company formally adopted the name AWB Textiles while expanding into workwear alongside clinical apparel.
A Family Business Through Three Generations
One thing that hasn’t changed is AWB’s family ownership. After Dennis Cook took over in the 1940s, the business continued through the next generation and today is run by Greg and James Cook, the third generation of the family. Their focus remains true to the company’s origins – innovation, quality and service shaped around the needs of healthcare professionals.
Still Supporting the NHS Eight Decades On
Supplying the NHS has been at the heart of AWB for more than 80 years. That dedication was reaffirmed recently when AWB secured a place on the NHS Supply Chain textiles framework, ensuring hospitals and trusts can continue to access high‑quality scrubs and staff uniforms efficiently and cost‑effectively.
It’s a milestone that reflects both the company’s history and its future, as AWB continues to support the health service with reliable products and service teams who understand the pressures of frontline care.
What Has Endured: Quality, Service and Trust
Healthcare has transformed dramatically since AWB first opened its doors, but the principles behind the business have never wavered. For eight decades AWB has delivered:
- High-quality garments designed for busy clinical environments
- Consistent service that supports customers large and small
- A commitment to healthcare teams that goes beyond simply supplying uniforms
These values remain as relevant now as they were in the 1940s.
Looking Ahead
As fabrics evolve, sustainability becomes more important and healthcare settings become more diverse, AWB will keep adapting. But the heart of the company will stay the same: supporting healthcare professionals with uniforms that help them work confidently, comfortably and safely.
Eighty years on, AWB is proud to stand alongside the NHS and the wider care community. Here’s to the next chapter.
AWB always.wear.better
