A new partnership has launched to support independent businesses across the gift, lifestyle, and home sectors, bringing together industry expertise with one of the UK’s most established retail bodies.
The Gift & Lifestyle Consortium has been formed by Sarah Ward, former CEO of The Giftware Association, in collaboration with the British Independent Retailer Association (Bira). Sarah has 30 years of experience spanning retail, wholesale and trade association leadership within the giftware, lifestyle and fashion industries, while Bira brings a deep understanding of the retail landscape, having supported independent retailers across the UK since 1899.
In a joint statement, the partners said: “The Gift & Lifestyle Consortium has been created in direct response to the gaps and emerging opportunities that businesses tell us they need support with today. Its mission is to offer a fresh, modern, industry-wide hub that empowers companies – regardless of size or category – to navigate challenges, connect with peers and embrace the changing landscape.
“While the Consortium does not seek to replicate existing organisations, it recognises the clear demand for a new kind of partnership model – one that is agile, inclusive and built for the future.”
Sarah commented: “As I enter what is now my fourth decade in this industry, I’m pulling together years of skills, relationships, and knowledge to create something rooted in collaboration and strength. The Consortium exists because we believe that when people and companies work together, the entire industry flourishes.”
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, added: “We’re very excited to be partnering with someone of Sarah’s calibre and experience. We think there is great potential in this market, and this partnership will be the strongest business support proposition for independent businesses in this sector.”
Further details of the Consortium’s programmes, initiatives and membership pathways will be unveiled in the coming months.
