Walpole

At an Industry and Parliament Trust dinner last week, Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank was joined by Rob Colmer, Head of Government Affairs and Sustainability for Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd and the Rt Hon Lord Young of Old Windsor to discuss the power of 'Brand Britain'. With 52% of UK exporters indicating that Britain's brand helps to boost sales, according to British Chambers of Commerce, strengthening this identity is essential to expanding trade into new markets and sustaining economic growth. How do you think Britain can more effectively promote its domestic brands on a global platform? Pictured below: Helen Brocklebank (left), Rt Hon Lord Young of Old Windsor (middle) and Rob Colmer (right).

After an extensive refurbishment programme, One Aldwych is welcoming in guests to explore its reimagined Lobby Bar, Indigo restaurant and Signature Suites. Created with London-based designers FABLED STUDIO, these refreshed spaces maintain the hotel’s independent status and spirit while heralding a glamorous and distinctly future-facing new era. Discover the details: https://lnkd.in/eJSWBTBa

“The EU’s announcement this morning of countermeasures in response to US tariffs has escalated the risk of a full-blown transatlantic trade war with luxury goods the collateral damage. It’s essential for the UK to avoid being caught in the middle: a tit for tat retaliatory tariff scheme would be damaging not only to British luxury businesses but also to US consumers who would bear the brunt of price increases. I continue to welcome reassurances that tariffs are not part of the UK’s current trade strategy, but urge policymakers to continue to avoid escalation, and particularly to avoid putting UK luxury brands in the crosshairs of any trade dispute if we’re to safeguard manufacturing hubs across the country and ensure stability in strategic export markets.” – Helen Brocklebank, CEO, Walpole

As the South Asian customer and the Indian market become increasingly important for luxury brands, we are pleased to announce that Divia Thani , Global Editorial Director of Condé Nast Traveller , will be in conversation with couturier Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Founder of Sabyasachi. Together, they will consider what makes the Indian luxury ecosystem tick and what India can teach the world about luxury. Buy your ticket before Friday 11th April to secure our early bird rate: https://lnkd.in/eYMRXHb3 Walpole member must contact rsvp@thewalpole.co.uk to access their exclusive discount.

Yesterday, Walpole hosted its first event in our new Inclusive Luxury Programme – a series of seminars dedicated to exploring diversity, equity and inclusion in the luxury ecosystem. The session was led by brand and marketing specialist Daniel Peters, founder of Walpole partner organisation Minority Report Group. Throughout the morning, Peters focused on how careers are often influenced by the environment and how people from minority backgrounds struggle to gain access, let alone to have opportunities to transition into senior positions of influence. With expert leadership from Peters, attendees explored some of the challenges that diverse talent face when navigating career progression, and encouraging guests to explore and discuss how their professional experiences, roles, and networks have shaped their career opportunities and perspectives. View the gallery: https://lnkd.in/eV8wVRnW

Women represent 41% of the workforce. So why are only 32% of senior leaders female? In our latest article, Melissa Reed breaks down research conducted by Walpole partner H.I. Executive Consulting (H.I.E.C) into the challenges that prevent or stall recruitment of experienced women. Here are some of the key considerations businesses need to know when recruiting female leaders: • Women remain underrepresented in leadership positions due to reduced visibility and less extensive professional networks compared to male peers. • Female executives typically conduct more thorough research into an organisation's values, prioritising alignment between personal and professional principles. • Successful female recruitment requires additional time to understand personal motivations and values thoroughly. • Female candidates generally undertake more comprehensive evaluations of growth opportunities. Want to learn what organisations can do to acknowledge the gendered differences in their recruitment processes? Read the full article below.

We are so pleased and proud to share that two outstanding members of the Walpole team have been recognised in the Trade Association Forum (TAF) has announced its Women in Trade Associations Powerlist and 30 Under 30 list. For the third consecutive year, Walpole’s Chief Executive, Helen Brocklebank, has been named on the TAF Powerlist, a testament to her unwavering leadership and dedication to elevating the British luxury sector at home and on the global stage.   Meanwhile, Events and Marketing Manager, Bethanie Summerfield, has earned her well-deserved place on the 30 Under 30 list, celebrating her exceptional creativity and commitment to delivering industry-leading luxury events.   A huge congratulations to Helen and Bethanie – two inspiring women shaping the future of British luxury. Walpole is committed to supporting female career development across our sector. Next week, we launch our reimagined Women in Luxury series with a workshop designed to address confidence challenges senior leaders face. Find out more about the event here: https://lnkd.in/ecKkpAap  

Welcome to Walpole, MOKE International! "The magic of a MOKE is that it transforms every journey into an adventure, every errand into an occasion," explains Nick English, Executive Chairman of the automotive brand blending retro charm with modern sustainability. Learn a little more about our latest Walpole member here: https://lnkd.in/e4dStq8N

Over the last year, Walpole's HQ has undergone rennovations to transform a once-whitewashed townhouse into an embassy of British luxury. With a maximalist brief, Walpole's Anna Maude worked closely with the award-winning interior design studio A.LONDON to create a showcase for the Walpole membership. From bespoke Cole & Son (Wallpapers) Limited wallpaper that greets guests in the foyer to the upcyled furniture reupholsered in Sanderson Design Group plc. fabrics that imbues the member lounge with an engaging, inspiring atmosphere, this space reflects the excellence of homegrown craftsmanship. Read more about the inspiration behind and the details of the Townhouse's design here: https://lnkd.in/eV4xeRGZ Photography by Tom Allport.

One of the key themes at the Walpole British Luxury Summit 2025 will be the increasing importance of the South Asian customer and the Indian market for luxury brands. That's why on Thursday 15th May, we will be speaking to Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Founder of Sabyasachi, to discover both what makes the Indian luxury ecosystem tick and what India can teach the world about luxury. Purchase your ticket here: https://lnkd.in/eYMRXHb3 Our early bird rate ends on Friday 11th April. Prices will increase after this date.