Home & Gift Association Launches Industry Champions Programme to Strengthen the Voice of a £58.2 Billion Sector

New initiative brings together leading retailers, suppliers, manufacturers and industry experts to help shape the future of the UK Home & Gift industry.

 

The Home & Gift Association is proud to announce the launch of its new Industry Champions Programme, a strategic initiative designed to give businesses across the Home & Gift sector a stronger collective voice and a greater opportunity to influence the future of the industry. The programme follows the Association's recent rebrand and forms a key part of its commitment to representing, supporting and advocating for a sector that contributes £58.2 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy and supports more than 844,500 jobs nationwide.

 

The Industry Champions Programme brings together a diverse group of respected industry leaders from across retail, wholesale, manufacturing, gifting, homeware and related sectors. Acting as ambassadors, advisors and advocates, the Champions will work alongside the Home & Gift Association to identify industry challenges, highlight emerging opportunities and help shape future initiatives that benefit businesses throughout the sector.

The inaugural Industry Champions are:

Keith Edmondson - Richard Lang & Son Ltd.
Kate Gibson - Gibsons Games
Claire Catlin - Sock Academy
Sophie Edwards - More Than Just a Gift at Narborough Hall
Demi Pendakis - Find Your Glow
Heather Watherston - Wiz Kid Games
Andie Lawson - Evoqua
Sanjay Aggarwal - Spice Kitchen
Jennifer Wallace - Bookspeed
Lucy Talog Hay - Art on Scarves
Tahlia King - Marketing Manager Co.
Clare Harris - Talking Tables
Dan Newton – Sprinkled with Magic

The Champions recently held their first meeting, where discussions focused on many of the key issues currently affecting businesses across the sector, including supporting small and independent businesses, Brexit-related trade barriers, retailer education, sustainability, consumer spending, retail footfall, attracting future talent into the industry and understanding the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence.

Gemma Sault, Managing Director of the Home & Gift Association, said:

"The Home & 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. The programme will also provide valuable insight into the issues affecting businesses on the ground, helping the Association develop practical support, resources and opportunities that deliver real value to members.

 

As the industry continues to navigate economic pressures, changing consumer behaviour, skills shortages and growing international competition, the Home & Gift Association believes collaboration and collective action will play a vital role in securing a strong future for the sector. Through the Industry Champions Programme, the Association aims to ensure the voices of retailers, suppliers, manufacturers and brand owners are heard at the highest levels and that the industry remains resilient, innovative and well-positioned for future growth.

 

The Industry Champions Programme will focus on:

Strengthening industry advocacy and representation
Supporting SMEs and independent businesses
Encouraging innovation and collaboration
Addressing barriers to growth
Attracting and developing future talent
Promoting sustainability and responsible business practices
Building a stronger, more connected and more resilient Home & Gift community

For more information about the Home & Gift Association and its Industry Champions Programme,  contact the team directly.