Walpole announce their 2020 Brands of Tomorrow

Last night, Walpole, the industry body for the UK luxury sector unveiled the 2020 selections for its Brands of Tomorrow programme at Ennismore Sessions House, supported by programme partners Mishcon de Reya and Moneycorp.

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 pipeline of next-generation brands. Now, more than 110 brands have completed the development programme and many that have participated have not only grown significantly, but also found international success – Orlebar Brown, Bremont, Nyetimber, Emilia Wickstead, Miller Harris, Astley Clarke, amongst others.

During the 12-month programme the selected brands attend a series of practical workshops on key business development topics, are paired with a mentor or mentors who are senior leadership figures from across the luxury sector. The brands are also given access to Walpole’s established membership of over 270 of Britain’s most prestigious luxury businesses and cultural institutions. Programme partner Mishcon de Reya also provides each of the brands with a legal mentor.

Walpole is also delighted to announced that it has appointed two new programme chairs to lead Brands of Tomorrow. Balthazar Fabricius, Founder and Chairman of bespoke bookmakers, Fitzdares (Brands of Tomorrow alumni, 2007) joins as Chair and Chris Downham, Advisory Chief Financial Officer and former CEO of BOAT International is joining as Deputy Chair.

Helen Brocklebank, Walpole CEO commented: “British luxury has always been driven by its creative entrepreneurs and founders, and Walpole’s Brands of Tomorrow is designed to help give early stage luxury brands the best chance of success as they build their growth. A very warm welcome to Balthazar and Chris each of whom bring extensive experience and expertise to the programme and huge thanks to Mishcon de Reya for their continued support of Brands of Tomorrow and Moneycorp who have joined us as a new partner.”

Balthazar Fabricius, Chairman, Brands of Tomorrow added: “Starting a business is hard, producing goods and services of quality is even harder. Passion, vision, energy and daring to risk are some of the rare commodities that fuel this epic endeavour. Along with Helen and Deputy Chair, Chris I am incredibly excited to begin the 12-month programme of advice, insights, contacts and unemotional objectivity to give the 2020 brands possible odds for long term success.”

Brands of Tomorrow is one of the most successful early stage business incubator programmes and nearly 95% of the brands who’ve completed the programme since its inception are still trading. Since 2007:

– The combined total revenue of Brands of Tomorrow is around £300 MILLION

– Brands now average 23 employees each with a TOTAL WORKFORCE OF NEARLY 1300

– Brands who have completed the programme have seen a THREE-FOLD INCREASE IN TOTAL REVENUE

This year the fashion brands included in the line-up were: womenswear brand Dai, outerwear brand Shackleton, kidswear business Pepa & Company, luxury textile company Araminta Campbell, ladder-resistant tights brand Hedoïne and knitwear company Country of Origin.

Find out more about the brands here: TheWalpole.co.uk