Rishi met a couple helping to keep alive the traditional craft of ropemaking in North Yorkshire.
Rishi visited Andrew and Heather Cumpstone at their Kefi Ropemakers business to hear about their ambitious plans to supply North Yorkshire rope across the UK.
Kefi Ropemakers was set up in Melsonby, near Richmond following the closure of Outhwaites Ropemakers in Hawes in the autumn of 2022 after the retirement of owner Ruth Annison.
Mr Cumpstone, who worked at Outhwaites for eight years, launched Kefi Ropemakers with his wife, Heather, after purchasing machinery from Outhwaites and relocating it to their site in Melsonby.
The couple, who have supplied rope to Harrods and spliced ropes for the flags outside the Houses of Parliament spoke to Rishi about the challenges of owning a traditional ropemaking business, but also the rewards of keeping the art alive.
Kefi Rope-makers manages the whole process, from yarn through to rope and then to the finished product.
Looking ahead, Kefi Ropemakers plans to grow its presence in the luxury market, supplying high-end venues across the UK, while also developing an exclusive wool rope collection and its online business.
During the visit, Rishi crafted a dog collar using traditional knotting techniques under Andrew's guidance.
Speaking about the visit Rishi said: "I’d like to congratulate Mr and Mrs Cumpstone on their dedication to keeping North Yorkshire’s long tradition of rope-making alive. This craft has been part of the region’s history for generations, supporting local industries and communities.”
He continued: “It’s fantastic to see these skills being preserved, ensuring that this important heritage continues for years to come."
Mrs Cumpstone said: “It was great to welcome Rishi to Kefi Ropemakers. Taking on the baton from Outhwaites when they closed in 2022 was a big responsibility – we aim to keep rope manufacturing going in North Yorkshire for as long as we can.”
