Walpole is the official sector body for UK luxury. Founded in 1992 as a not-for-profit organisation, it counts more than 270 British brands in its membership and is recognised in both Westminster and Brussels. As the voice of British luxury, Walpole’s purpose is to promote, protect and develop a sector worth £48 billion to the UK economy.
Walpole actively seeks out UK and international business opportunities, promoting growth in the industry. As founders of the European Cultural and Creative Industries Alliance (ECCIA), Walpole cements and champions relationships with Europe’s luxury and creative sectors, lobbying the EU on key policy issues like selective distribution and IP protection, and supporting pan-European business and cultural connections post-Brexit.
Dedicated to creating a pipeline of growth for Britain’s luxury brands, Walpole also runs the annual mentoring programmes Brands of Tomorrow and the Programme in Luxury Management at London Business School.
Recently a delegation of 18 British luxury brands led by Michael Ward, Chairman of Walpole and MD Harrods, Walpole’s CEO Helen Brocklebank and Director of Corporate Affairs and International, Charlotte Keesing traveled to New York to build long-term relationships that drive export opportunities by engaging with top business leaders, buyers and media. The four-day mission to New York spans a series of events designed to strengthen trade and investment ties between the UK and US by promoting business and media relationships.
“British luxury exports over £9 billion of goods annually to the US and as the UK looks beyond its borders into its future global trading relationships, high-end British brands’ success at doing business overseas will be more important than ever. The US offers a huge growth opportunity for British luxury and the appetite of the US customer for our brands and services grows every year. I’m hugely excited about returning to New York to show the creativity and innovation that typifies luxury in the UK, and to fly the flag for Britain for US visitors thinking of making a trip here.” – Helen Brocklebank, CEO, Walpole