Liz Harper believes she has the perfect profession – promoting her favourite product.

Her interest in wool was possibly inherited from her granny, who is still knitting wool rugs at the age of 90.

“She makes fantastic wool rugs and I love wool in all its forms, from carpets to cloth,” says Liz.

Since completing her degree in textile marketing at Huddersfield University, Liz has made a career out of promoting wool.

Her first job was in London with Trevira polyester manufacturers, Hoechst. She then worked for SR Gent in Barnsley, focusing on the fabrics for the garments they manufactured.

Liz spent 13 years working in product development for the Woolmark Co. The job involved seeking new sources of fabric and promoting the fibre to retail buyers.

“That is what I have spent my life doing, and it’s taken me around the world,” she says.

Her promotional trips have taken her all over Europe, she’s worked with spinners and weavers in France and met woollen experts in South Africa.

From Woolmark, Liz went to work for a Huddersfield company developing quality wool fabrics and scarves. Seven years ago she joined H Dawson in Bradford, where she’s still busy promoting wool through the recently-launched online retail site, The Wool Room.

Liz says the idea behind The Wool Room is to convey to the customer how wool can be introduced as a contemporary interior for the home.

“It is selling wool products which are mainly for interiors, to show it as a contemporary fibre, trying to break down the ‘fuddy duddy’ image and promote wool in a modern, contemporary way,” says Liz.

The site showcases how the fibre can brighten living spaces and even help you sleep. She says a woollen duvet is one of their biggest product lines.

“A lot of people don’t know you can buy such a thing,” says Liz. “It is a fantastic fibre to sleep under – sheep have slept under it for thousands of years – and it is perfect for summer and winter.”

The woollen duvet is also washable, durable and you can tumble dry it, albeit on low heat. Baby blankets are another popular product in the wool bedding range.

“It is a wonderful, natural fibre,” says Liz.

Wool cushions and the more unusual wool lampshades and wool jewellery are among the many other products Liz is promoting through the website.

Judging by the feedback, Liz’s enthusiasm for what she calls a “fabulous fibre” is becoming infectious.

“We have some fantastic testimonials from people who have found the wool duvets and are getting a better night’s sleep. They have ‘found’ wool, and that gives me the greatest buzz.”

Knowing the trends and having an eye for what consumers like are the qualities Liz brings to the business, which has given her the opportunity to travel, too, meeting new suppliers.

If you are looking for a career in textiles, Bradford College offers degree courses in contemporary surface design and textiles. For more information telephone (01274) 433333.