HGA Team

We’re not just here to help, we’re part of your team, every step of the way.

An extension of your team, powered by experience and built for your growth.

Gemma Sault<br>Managing Director

Gemma Sault
Managing Director

Gemma Sault, the Managing Director of the Home & Gift Association, is dedicated to unlocking the full potential of its members.

With a proven track record of driving growth and innovation in the retail industry. Gemma is passionate about empowering businesses to thrive.

Her 15+ years of experience with top brands such as Ryman, Poundland, Sainsbury's, and Next have equipped her with expertise in product sourcing, merchandise planning, supply chain management, international trading, imports and exports, customs and ecommerce. As a champion of the giftware and lifestyle industry, Gemma is committed to delivering tailored support, valuable insights, and meaningful connections to help members achieve their goals and succeed.

Sequoia Horton, Membership Engaement Manager

Sequoia Horton, Membership Engaement Manager

Sequoia Horton, Membership Engagement Manager at the Home & Gift Association, is passionate about helping businesses grow and get the most from their membership.

With experience across retail, wholesale, and membership organisations within the luxury goods sector, Sequoia has built her career around supporting businesses with B2B and B2C growth, relationship management, and commercial development.

Having also worked within the jewellery industry, she brings a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing product-based businesses. Sequoia is committed to creating meaningful opportunities, building strong relationships, and providing members with valuable connections, support, and insight to help them achieve their goals and thrive within the giftware industry.

Chris Workman, Head of Operations & Events

Chris Workman, Head of Operations & Events

Chris Workman heads up all the marketing activity as well leading on the Gift of the Year initiative. His role involves taking care of our members’ needs through Social, Blogs website support and more.

Coming from a financial background in marketing, and understanding the red tape and compliance involved in promotions, Chris then worked in the events industry, gaining experience in promoting and understanding trade shows in more depth.

Chris is skilled across the whole marketing mix and can pass this knowledge, as well as share the HGA's achievements on to our members.

Greta Baker, PR & Marketing Manager

Greta Baker, PR & Marketing Manager

Greta Baker is the PR & Marketing Manager for the Home & Gift Association, where she plays a key role in championing the UK home, gift and lifestyle industry through strategic communications, marketing campaigns and member engagement initiatives.

Known for her creativity, energy and collaborative approach, Greta is committed to delivering impactful marketing and communications that support the Home & Gift Association's mission of helping businesses save time, save money, make money and build valuable industry connections.

International Support from a team that knows the landscape.

Help with growing your business at international trade shows to Import and Export advice. 

Taran Sahota, International Services Manager

Taran Sahota, International Services Manager

Taran is the International Services Manager, overseeing all aspects of international trade related activities for our sector. Having 20 plus years of experience, she is well versed in supporting companies and providing advice and guidance on entering and growing in international markets. In addition, Taran has built a strong relationship with relevant trade bodies including the Department for Business and Trade and is currently recognised as the Trade Challenge Partner for our sector. During her time with the company, Taran has organised UK group pavilions at over 200 trade exhibitions, enabling 1000’s of UK brands to excel overseas.

Contact - GA-International@ga-uk.org

 

Laura Banner, International Events Officer

Laura Banner, International Events Officer

Laura joined the department in 2020 as an International Events Officer, providing assistance to members to help grow their business globally. She brings with her over 18 years of experience in organising a multitude of events within the Giftware and Jewellery industry. Laura has developed a strong relationship with her members, working very closely with them individually to recognise and support their international trading requirements and activities.

 Contact - GA-International@ga-uk.org

 

OUR NATIONAL COMMITTEE

Leading with insight, supporting with expertise, and shaping the future of our association.

National Committee

Our National Committee consists of a dynamic group of industry experts all of whom, as members of The HGA themselves, are committed to supporting The HGA and its membership with business success and growth

Stephen Illingworth,  Chair - Widdop Bingham

Stephen Illingworth, Chair - Widdop Bingham

Globally experienced CEO and Owner of Widdop Bingham with a demonstrated history of creating and managing innovative and profitable consumer brands and products from a global supply chain in the consumer goods industry.

A strong, commercial professional, skilled in creative leadership, Ideation, Project and Programme Management, Licensing, Trend Analysis, Negotiation, Business Strategy, Sales, and Management.

Mark Jones, Deputy Chair, Gisela Graham

Mark Jones, Deputy Chair, Gisela Graham

Mark is the commercial director as Gisela Graham, a homewares brand that has been around since 1983 and is sold across all 5 continents. Mark has been a member of the National Committee for a number of years offering his expertise across digital marketing, websites, and import and export as well as the benefit of his knowledge of Trade Shows both in the UK and overseas.

Demi Pendakis - Deputy Chair

Demi Pendakis - Deputy Chair

Demi Pendakis is the Founder of F.Y.G Home, an award-winning home fragrance brand, and an accomplished business and sourcing consultant with over 20 years' experience in product development, manufacturing and retail. A passionate entrepreneur and industry advocate, Demi brings extensive commercial expertise and a proven track record in building brands, developing products and driving business growth.

Sangat Chandook, Newcom Distributors

Sangat Chandook, Newcom Distributors

Sangat is Managing Director of Newcom Distributors Ltd and brings extensive experience from the jewellery sector. Representing the Jewellery Distributors Association on The Giftware Association National Committee, he offers valuable industry insight and a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing jewellery businesses and the wider gift industry.

Keith Edmondson, Managing Director Richard Land & Son Ltd.

Keith Edmondson, Managing Director Richard Land & Son Ltd.

Keith Edmondson is Joint Managing Director of Richard Lang & Son Ltd (Langs), bringing over 20 years of experience in the giftware, home décor and greetings industry. Having progressed through the business, he combines commercial expertise with a passion for independent retail, product innovation and industry collaboration, supporting retailers through strong partnerships and practical business solutions.

Daniel Fagan, Talking Tables

Daniel Fagan, Talking Tables

Daniel is Director of Supply Chain at Talking Tables, bringing extensive experience in sourcing, logistics, warehousing and supply chain management. He also leads the company's sustainability strategy, including its B Corp accreditation and net zero ambitions. Daniel combines operational expertise with a passion for building resilient, sustainable supply chains that support long-term business growth.

Meg Hawkins, Meg Hawkins Ltd

Meg Hawkins, Meg Hawkins Ltd

Meg Hawkins is an award-winning British watercolour artist and founder of Meg Hawkins Ltd. Since launching the business in 2014, she has built an internationally recognised home and lifestyle brand, known for its nature-inspired designs. Passionate about British design and independent retail, Meg combines creativity with commercial expertise to support growth across the home and gift industry.

Laura Matheson, St Peters Garden Centre

Laura Matheson, St Peters Garden Centre

Laura Matheson is Head of Retail at St Peters Garden Centre and brings over 18 years of experience in the garden centre industry. Passionate about retail and customer experience, she has seen the sector evolve first-hand and is committed to supporting its continued growth. Laura brings valuable commercial insight and a strong understanding of the home and gift market to The Home & Gift Associations National Committee.

Simon Pyrce, Skylight Media Ltd

Simon Pyrce, Skylight Media Ltd

Simon Pryce is Managing Director of Skylight Media, bringing over 20 years of experience helping wholesalers, manufacturers and distributors embrace digital transformation. Specialising in e-commerce and systems integration, he is passionate about delivering practical, customer-focused solutions that drive efficiency, support business growth and help businesses navigate an increasingly digital marketplace.

Therese Oertenblad, Small Business Collaborative

Therese Oertenblad, Small Business Collaborative

Therese Oertenblad has over 12 years of experience in the home and gift industry, working with both independent retailers and national high street accounts. Through business mentoring and training, she helps product-based businesses grow with confidence. Passionate about supporting entrepreneurs, she encourages business owners to think bigger and achieve sustainable, long-term growth.

Stephen Spencer, Stephen Spencer + Associates

Stephen Spencer, Stephen Spencer + Associates

Stephen Spencer FRSA FTS is Founder of Stephen Spencer + Associates and a respected customer experience strategist, speaker and consultant. With extensive experience across retail, tourism and heritage, he helps organisations create meaningful customer experiences that drive commercial growth, encourage innovation and deliver long-term success through people-focused strategies.

Holly Stafford Smith, G.H.Smith & Son Ltd.

Holly Stafford Smith, G.H.Smith & Son Ltd.

Holly Stafford-Smith is a fourth-generation leader at G H Stafford & Son Ltd, bringing nearly 20 years of experience across buying, sourcing, operations and commercial strategy. Passionate about balancing heritage with innovation, she is committed to strengthening customer relationships, driving sustainable business growth and supporting the future of the retail and wholesale sectors.

Jackson Szabo, Hyve

Jackson Szabo, Hyve

Jackson Szabo is Portfolio Director, Retail at Hyve Group, with extensive experience across retail, technology and business events. Passionate about connecting brands, retailers and industry leaders, he champions innovation, collaboration and commercial growth through leading trade exhibitions and content platforms, helping businesses discover new opportunities and stay ahead of emerging market trends.

Past Chairs

The Past Chairs of The Giftware Association have been at the helm of change, and have guided the association through some tough waters. The experience from our Chairs within the industry have helped shaped us to who we are today.

(Fancy Goods Association)

  • 1948-54 E Simons
  • 1954-55 J Hunt
  • 1955-56 B Vangelder
  • 1956-57 F A Grant
  • 1957-58 R A Wolstenholme
  • 1958-59 H Lohnberg
  • 1959-60 L J Hare
  • 1960-61 R E White
  • 1961-62 J L Ouston
  • 1962-63 A Kennedy Wilson
  • 1964-65 R Kaufman

(Gifts And Fancy Goods Association)

  • 1965-66 J G Derricourt
  • 1966-67 L J Benfield
  • 1967-68 S L Davis
  • 1968-70 F M Ball

(The Giftware Association)

  • 1970-72 C H Wilkins
  • 1972-74 L Saunders
  • 1974-76 A J Murrison
  • 1976-78 K M Pearson
  • 1978-80 M Janis
  • 1980-82 R Tresias
  • 1982-84 M V Godfrey
  • 1984-86 S Halstead
  • 1986-88 D J M Simons
  • 1988-90 S J Derricourt
  • 1990-92 A N Leach
  • 1992-94 B V Deacon
  • 1994-96 R Jordan
  • 1996-97 C Chislett
  • 1997-98 D Metcalfe
  • 1998 -00 A P Spiller
  • 2000-02 P Allen
  • 2002 -04 K Entwistle
  • 2004-06 Kate Owen
  • 2006-08 Michael B Grant
  • 2008-10 Michael B Burgess
  • 2010 -12 Michael Sweeney
  • 2012-14 Andrew Illingworth
  • 2014-16 Michael Pape
  • 2016-18 Henri Davis
  • 2018-20 Jeremy Corner
  • 2020-22 – Gert Schyberg
  • 2022 - 24 -  Louise Welsby
  • 2024 - 26 - Mark Jones

(Home & Gift Association)

  • 2026 - Current - Stephen Illingworth