Lauren Tidball

I am an experienced and innovative textile design professional,

specialising in product design and development, with 19 years in technical textiles industry. My expertise spans textile construction, applications and machinery, with particular focus on woven design. I am a proactive and creative thinker,

contributing to the development of several successful and patented textile products for the implantable medical market,

featuring advanced and complex woven, knitted and embroidered structures. Passionate about pushing the boundaries of textile innovation, I thrive on new challenges. I am also known for my approachable and supportive nature, and I take pride in encouraging and celebrating the success of others.

2023 – Present Textile Research and Design Manager, Xiros Ltd

• Lead all aspects of textile research and design, applying deep technical expertise in medical textiles.
• Define clear design direction while identifying emerging technologies and strategic opportunities.
• Plan, manage, and deliver high-level textile-based projects research and development projects.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and support to the Textile Manufacturing and Development Team.
• Act as a champion for continuous improvement across systems and processes.
• 2016 – 2023 Principal Textile Designer, Xiros Ltd
• Managed the textile design team and ensured seamless transition from development to production.
• Collaborated closely with Technical Operations, QA, Regulatory, Production and Sales Departments.
• Maintained compliance with standards and regulatory requirements, while driving improvements in performance, systems and efficiency.
• Expanded capabilities by sourcing and qualifying new textile machinery.
• Set and monitored SMART goals aligned with strategic business objectives.
• 2009-2016 Textile Development and Textile Manufacturing, Xiros Ltd
• Led the design, development and production of functional yet aesthetically driven medical textile products.
• Delivered key projects including Pitch-Patch, JewelACL, Leeds Kuff Patch, and RotaLok.
• Oversaw multiple projects, balancing textile innovation and scalable manufacturing.
• Collaborated with the Business Development Group to address company-wide challenges.
• Advised the Development Manager on project direction, priorities, and innovation strategies.
• 2006-2009 Textile Designer and Manufacturing Operator, Xiros Ltd
• Created innovative textile samples exceeding technical and aesthetic expectations.
• Modernised the company’s textile product range with strong visual cohesion.
• Collaborated with engineers and project managers to develop and execute project plans.
• Operated and maintained yarn preparation and production equipment, and increased production efficiency.
• Attended national and international trade shows to broaden market insights and competitive awareness widening market awareness.

First Class BA Hons Structured Textile Design (Specialism - Woven): University of Leeds, 06/2006

Recent Further Training

• West Yorkshire Business Boost: Leadership; Organizational culture; Growth and Innovation; Developing and Leading High Performance Teams: Leeds Beckett 09/2024
• ILM Level 3: Leadership and Management: Leeds Beckett / Edge

Hill University 06/2022