Great British Brands

In the final episode of series 2 of Great British Brands, Michael is joined by Deborah Pocock, CEO of the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, the foundation supporting the training and education of talented and aspiring craftspeople, through traditional college courses, vocational training, apprenticeships and one-to-one training.

Helping to support Britain’s cultural heritage and sustain vital skills in traditional and contemporary crafts, over the last 30 years QEST has awarded £5million to over 600 individuals in 130 different craft disciplines.

Michael is joined by Lady Deirdre Dyson, the designer and curator of the eponymous Deirdre Dyson carpet collections.

Described as a “fascinating blend of art and process, of ancient skill and new technology”, Lady Dyson’s concepts are crafted from what has been called a “gift”: her instinct for colour, brought to life by the finest Tibetan materials.

Her latest collection, All at Sea, is inspired by a unique experience of the pandemic that kept her out on stranger tides for three months while sailing the Guadeloupe islands.

Joining Michael Hayman today is Anabela Chan, described as “the jewellery designer you need to know now.” Recognised as one of the 50 most influential people in British luxury and a “pioneer” for her use of lab-grown diamonds and synthesised gemstones, Anabela is blazing a trail for a more ethical jewellery industry, and has global superstars such as Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Taylor Swift following in her wake.

Joining Michael Hayman today in this second episode of Series 2 of Great British Brands, is Alexandra Llewelyn, the award-winning designer of luxury games. From her famed backgammon boards and poker sets to exquisite games tables and card boxes, Alexandra is inspired by the universal language of board games, which transcend culture and generations – leading to the launch of her eponymous brand in 2010. With designs owned by clients such as Sir Richard Branson, Elle Macpherson and even Royalty, this is the story of a Great British brand with a global flavour.

The first conversation in a new Great British Brands X Change Makers series, a collection of conversations that look at the secrets of some of our most iconic businesses and the art of their craft.

Michael Hayman is joined by James Fox, Head of Marketing, Crockett & Jones, the legendary British shoemaking brand some five generations in the making. It boasts a who's who of have fans from around the world, and perhaps non more famous than 007 himself, Daniel Craig. But unlike Bond this is a brand that has not just shaken but also stirred the retail world. Listen to hear its story.

In the latest episode of Great British Brands X Change Makers, you can hear from Marie Guerlain, founder of Ondine. With the goal to eliminate toxins from the home, whilst looking stylish in the process, Ondine continues to spread knowledge and positivity surrounding nutrition and health. With a focus on creating products that last a lifetime, Ondine aims to make cookware a family heirloom.

In the latest episode of Great British Brands X Change Makers, you can hear from Musto’s Head of Marketing, Nick Houchin, and Head of Product, Chris Holliman. Launched by British Olympic sailor, Keith Musto in 1964, Musto is a brand that continues to uphold the ethos of its founder by providing durable and effective performance clothing to their customers. With designs driven by science, innovation and technology, Musto is the world’s leading sailing brand and the British leader in shooting and equestrian sportswear. The brand’s unique connection with nature and commitment to safeguarding the environment upholds their values of integrity, sustainability and quality.

Michael is joined by Emma Rice, head winemaker at Hattingley Valley, the luxury English sparkling wine brand. Described as best in class and the winner of more than 79 medals and 13 trophies, Hampshire-housed Hattingley Valley is recognised for its innovative, dynamic and eco-friendly approach to winemaking, exporting its product to 16 countries around the world. When discussing her favourite Great British Brands, Emma says she dreams of owning a Mini Cooper – but this is no Italian Job, this is the story of a true British brand putting a quintessentially English product to the market. Emma has been with the company from the beginning, joining founder and owner Simon Robinson in fulfilling his lifelong dream of winemaking back in 2008. As head winemaker, she oversees the development of Hattingley Valleys vineyards and growing team, as it looks to continue to put English sparkling wine on the international map.

Michael's guest today has been described as “truly captivating and an impressive step ahead of industry peers”. Whether it’s with her furniture range FBC London, or her eponymous interior design business, Fiona Barratt-Campbell has built a reputation as an extraordinary and innovative designer. She says her best tip for life is to “Keep it real, keep it simple”, and that is a motto she lives by. FBC London’s pieces are renowned for their simplistic elegance, luxurious detailing and richly textured finishes. And while London may be in the name – this is a truly British brand, with most pieces handcrafted in the North-East, taking Fiona back to her Northumberland roots.

Today we welcome Archie Hewlett, CEO and founder of the London footwear label, Duke + Dexter. Launched in 2014, aged just 19, Duke + Dexter has since become the brand of choice for the great and good of global showbusiness – including Ryan Reynolds, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg and David Beckham – after Eddie Redmayne sported his own pair when collecting his Academy Award for Best Actor in 2015. Designed in London and handmade in Sheffield, this is a story of Great British design, innovation and entrepreneurship. And with an ethical ethos powered by sustainability, it is one that is only set to grow in a more purpose-driven global economy.