When people outside the industry ask what I do I say….

I say that I help the Davids of this world fight the Goliaths! If people dig deeper, I explain that I run a member’s club for independent businesses, mainly in the home interiors sector. One that isn’t an exclusive club – it’s open to any independent with a showroom – but one that comes with exclusive benefits.

explain that by joining our club, smaller independent retailers become part of a larger community of like-minded businesses, helping to make them feel that they are not alone, even when the going gets tough. 

If I was in charge of this industry I would….

Reduce the commitment strangleholds that some major manufacturers have over independent retailers. I understand incentivisation and the need to generate targets, but, smaller brands need to be able get a look in for everyone’s benefits. This creates healthy competition, and that is a good thing. It’s the David and Goliath thing, again. 

What I love most about my job is…

Working with inspirational business owners, some who have been in our industry for three or four decades, and have remained successful throughout numerous economic crises, the financial implications of Brexit, a pandemic and now, tariffs. Also, working with people who are new to the industry, with fresh ideas, and who want to create positive change.

Many have started out as artisans, or designers, and most are creative thinkers. They live and breathe their business every day, and they don’t just sit in a boardroom making decisions.  

The thing people might not know about me is…

I regularly donate blood every 12 weeks, and I have done since I worked at Hotpoint in the Noughties. I coach kid’s rugby (mostly in the rain), and I secretly want to do an Ironman, for no sensible professional reason other than to challenge myself. 

The work story I always tell to make people laugh is… 

Having spent my early working life in the male-dominated MDA sector (at the time), I decided to change direction in 2000 – to work in fragrance & cosmetics! I was one of only four guys in a huge team of very talented females. I would bounce into work, and at 6’4”, that must have been a sight to behold! That was until the offer of a senior role in the KBB sector beckoned me back…

The industry person I most admire is…

I admire Francis Gistelinck, the chief executive of Novy in Belgium. In 2017, he took a major punt on me to launch a niche appliance brand from scratch in the UK, which I did. Under independent ownership, it became both successful and profitable and loved by the trade, and I am very proud of that. His management style was, and still is, an inspiration to me. 

My biggest professional inspiration is…

Learning about people who have taken a brand and made it famous by understanding their customers better than their competitors. Leonard Lauder, CEO of Estee Lauder did it in the beauty business. A few kitchen giants have done it globally, and we have a few heroes in the UK industry too. They all share one skill: never forgetting that emotion drives margin.

My proudest professional achievement is….

Introducing a luxury appliance brand from scratch, to the UK market. Novy soft launched in 2017 and officially launched 2018 at KBB Birmingham. There was so much goodwill from press, retailers, and even competitors at the time. I am and will always be grateful.

I dance in my kitchen to…

Mostly it’s 1980s electronica. But Russell, who works with me, has just re-invigorated my love of vinyl, so maybe Bowie and Queen’s Under Pressure on a 12”, played loud… it seems fitting!