Walpole

"There is now an opportunity for the incoming Prime Minister to bring fresh eyes to some of the issues that the outgoing Government were unable to solve." – Helen Brocklebank Following the UK General Election yesterday, Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank sends her congratulations to the new Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and outlines what Walpole member businesses need from the incoming Government. Discover which policies the incoming Government should priorities below.

On the eve of the UK's General Election, we launch the Walpole British luxury Manifesto 2024 that outlines the policy changes our sector needs so that it can continue to thrive. Some of our key priorities for policymakers are to: • Expand geographical indicators to include craft products • Reform the Apprenticeship Levy • Reduce trade barriers with the EU • Reform working visas to address the hospitality workforce shortage • Create a sustainability and ESG policy that recognises the importance of high regulatory standards to international consumers Read the Walpole British Luxury Manifesto 2024 below to learn more about our calls to the incoming Government.

A collaboration between three companies that share in the importance of innovation, bravery to create new blueprints, and a maverick spirit. In the latest of The Grand Tour series, we speak to Simon Mitchell, Co-Founder of Sybarite, about the recently-opened xydrobe Cinema in Harrods – a futuristic, totally immersive retail experience that's set to change the face of global luxury. Read the interview below.

In our latest Out of Office interview, Hurtwood Books's Francis Atterbury shares his secrets to escaping work. Recently, his escape has been to a tiny USSR town through the pages of A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles and cycling with his sons in the Black Forest. Discover further downtime wisdoms in our interview below.

"It's great to be part of a company that knows its audience and its industry so well as it means the team are the best at what they do," says Madeline Somers Eve, Walpole's Head of Strategic Partnerships. Meet the latest addition to Walpole's team in the most recent of our office-based interview series below.

A Harvard Business Review article states that only 1% of businesses last 100 years. Standfast and Barracks, the textile manufacturing branch of Walpole member Sanderson Design Group plc., celebrates its centenary this year. Its secret? "The real dedication of the people and the community,” said Lisa Montague, CEO of Sanderson. Learn more about Standfast & Barracks, alongside its centenary celebrations in our article below.

Joining as our latest member is Cromlix, a country house hotel where "guests can kick back and relax as if they were in a home rather than a house," explains Co-Owner Kim Sears. In the same year Andy Murray won Wimbledon, he and his wife Kim took on ownership of Cromlix. Ten years on and the couple has introduced an undone elegance and a naturally inspired feel to the historic Victorian mansion. Learn a little more about our latest Walpole member in our interview below.

"Our competitors set the benchmark for how not to top the market. Whatever they do, we do the opposite." – William Woodhams, CEO of Fitzdares Learn more about how a customer service focus has defined Fitzdares as world-leading bookmaker in the laters of The Disruptors interview series below.

In our Out of Office interview with Venetia Archer, Founder & CEO of Ruuby, she explained that she takes inspiration from other entrepreneurs, listening to their stories through podcast as she goes about her daily life. Her top three podcasts? • How I Built This with Guy Raz • Masters of Scale, by Reid Hoffman • The Glossy Podcast Learn more about how Archer lives her life away from her desk in the interview below.

Sybarite worked with xydrobe as their architectural partners to realise the first multi-person VR experience for luxury retail in the iconic Harrods department store in collaboration with Vacheron Constantin, brought to life via xydrobe’s state-of-the-art 4D storytelling technology. ‘The Exceptional Voyage’ is a ground-breaking immersive experience created to explore the recognisable Harrods DNA through the lens of luxury Swiss watchmaker, Vacheron Constantin. This collaboration is the first in a curated line up of branded experiences xydrobe will host at Harrods, poised to redefine immersive experiences within luxury retail as we know it. Custom-produced by xydrobe the experience is a playful nod to this ethos, the multisensory experience takes each guest on a dream-like adventure. Book your complimentary tickets here: www.xydrobe.com Video courtesy of xydrobe.