The Home & Gift Association has launched its new Industry Champions Programme, an initiative designed to give businesses across the home and gift sector a stronger collective voice and a greater opportunity to influence the future of the industry.
The Programme brings together a diverse group of industry leaders from across the retail, wholesale, manufacturing, gifting and homeware sectors. Acting as ambassadors, advisors and advocates, the Champions will work alongside the Association to identify industry challenges, highlight emerging opportunities, and help shape future initiatives that benefit businesses throughout the sector.
The Industry Champions are:
● Keith Edmondson of Langs
● Kate Gibson of Gibsons Games
● Claire Catlin of Sock Academy
● Sophie Edwards of More Than Just a Gift at Narborough Hall
● Demi Pendakis of Find Your Glow
● Heather Watherston of Wiz Kid Games
● Andie Lawson of Evoqua
● Sanjay Aggarwal of Spice Kitchen
● Jennifer Wallace of Bookspeed
● Lucy Talog Hay of Art on Scarves
● Tahlia King of Marketing Manager Co.
● Clare Harris of Talking Tables
● Dan Newton of Sprinkled with Magic
The Champions recently held their first meeting, where discussions focused on issues including supporting small and independent businesses, Brexit-related trade barriers, retailer education, sustainability, consumer spending, retail footfall, attracting future talent to the industry, and understanding the opportunities and challenges presented by AI.
Gemma Sault, managing director of the Home & Gift Association, said: “The home and gift industry is one of the UK’s most important yet often overlooked economic sectors. Behind every gift, celebration, milestone and retail experience are thousands of businesses employing hundreds of thousands of people across the country.
“Our Industry Champions Programme has been created to ensure that those businesses have a stronger voice. By bringing together experienced and passionate leaders from across the industry, we can better understand the challenges businesses face, advocate more effectively on their behalf, and work collectively to create opportunities for growth, innovation, and long-term success.
“This is not about creating another committee. It is about creating meaningful change and ensuring that the future of our industry is shaped by the people working within it every day.”
The Industry Champions Programme will support the Association’s ongoing advocacy work, including engagement with policymakers, collaboration with industry partners, and participation in initiatives such as The Genesis Initiative, which campaigns on behalf of UK SMEs and entrepreneurs.
