Walpole Brands Of Tomorrow
Formed in 1990 as The Churchill Group by top of the line British companies including British Airways, Coutts & Co and The Financial Times, the aim of the organisation was to promote British excellence. In 1992, The Churchill Group became the not-for-profit organisation Walpole. Walpole is the official sector body for UK luxury. Recognised in both Westminster and Brussels, it counts more than 210 British Brands in its membership. The organisation’s purpose is to promote, protect and develop a sector worth £32.2 billion to the UK economy.
As the voice of British luxury, Walpole refined its mission statement from promoting British excellence, to promoting, protecting and developing British luxury. Through actively seeking out UK international business opportunities, Walpole promotes growth in the industry through a programme of initiatives; including the annual trade mission.
Dedicated to creating a pipeline for Britain’s luxury brands, Walpole also runs the annual mentoring programme Brands of Tomorrow. Walpole launched its flagship Brands of Tomorrow programme in 2007 with the vision to secure the long-term growth of the UK’s luxury sector by building a channel of next-generation brands. Many of the participants brands in the programme over the last 12 years have not only grown significantly but also found international success; Walpole have helped aspiring British luxury brands of the future to fulfil their potential.
Brands of Tomorrow selects 12 brands each year to take part in their 12-month programme of networking and mentorship. To be eligible, companies must have an annual turnover between £200,000 and £5 million, be a UK registered company, no older than 10 years and demonstrate the highest standard of quality. Alumni for the programme include numerous success stories such as shoe makers Charlotte Olympia; British watchmakers Bremont; as well as fashion brands; Emilia Wickstead and Zoe Jordan.
Walpole’s announcement of STOW’s 2019 Brand of Tomorrow status is a huge accolade for the company and a step further towards our mission to become the global brand-of-choice for luxury travel goods.
