Walpole

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 £32.2 billion to the UK economy and the jewel in the crown of UK business. Walpole actively seeks out UK and international business opportunities, promoting growth in the industry through a programme of initiatives, including the annual trade mission and press showcase to the U.S. The UK China Visitor Alliance (UKCVA) has had great success lobbying government to make the visa application system simpler, helping bring more Chinese visitors to the UK. 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. In addition, Walpole hosts at least 36 events each year for its members, bringing the sector together to share ideas, best practice and to make meaningful connections with peers. In the media, it also provides a collective voice for luxury on key topics, commissions industry-leading research and works with government on issues affecting the sector.