As the crisis caused by COVID-19 deepens for the British luxury sector, impacted by travel restrictions which prevent high-spending international tourists from visiting and low domestic footfall in the UK’s cities, Walpole’s Chief Executive called on the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to put in place urgent measures to attract high-spending international shoppers back to our shores safely.

In today’s 'New Ruels' feature we hear from Alex Tymann, Co-Founder of Hēdoïne, the innovative and edgy seamless tights brand, that also happens to be one of Walpole Brands of Tomorrow Class of 2020. "Customers want to see behind the scenes now more than ever before and they expect brands to participate not only in environmental initiatives, but also politically and socially. They want us to raise a voice and take a stance."

Following over four months of closure during lockdown, Kensington Palace will be reopening its doors once more to welcome visitors from Today. To celebrate the re-opening, the famous ‘Travolta dress’, worn by the late Diana, Princess of Wales, will go on display at the palace for the first time since it was acquired by Historic Royal Palaces at auction in 2019.

After four months of lockdown, five-star hotel The Hari is delighted to reopen its doors on Saturday 1 August 2020 with a contemporary exhibition celebrating the graduating class of 2020, offering a platform to those who sacrificed their essential degree shows due to the lockdown this summer.

Earlier this month, HRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, visited Royal Warrant shirtmaker Turnbull & Asser’s Gloucestershire workrooms, to praise their dedicated team for their contribution in supporting key workers by producing personal protective equipment for the National Health Service, amidst the peak of the Covid-19 crisis.

With the world slowly welcoming back travellers with open arms and ‘quarantine free’ travel to many European countries now a possibility, tour operator Carrier has experienced a significant increase in demand for travel over the past two weeks.

"We have always tried to create a personal connection with our customers, but what we’ve seen during lockdown is that people really value that – they value knowing where and how their jewellery is being made, and by whom." Today we hear from Stephen and Jane, the husband-and-wife team behind jewellery business Stephen Einhorn, on how they have led their family-run business through the crisis, with the support of their very loyal customers.

What do you do when you're running the world's finest bookmaker and the global pandemic cancels all major global sports events one by one? We hear from Fitzdares' CEO Will Woodhams, on how he led the business through the toughest of times with innovative thinking, decisiveness and hard graft.

Cruise line Cunard has made a series of food donations to charity over the past four weeks from two of its ships.

Offering a quintessentially English day out, the Bicester Village reopens with an array of new boutiques pop-ups and artwork celebrating health workers

The Chairman and CEO of Purdey, Dan Jago, is the latest luxury leader to discuss the impact of the lockdown on the 200 year old business – one built on personal service, craftsmanship and sustainability.

"The health and well-being of our guests and staff is our top priority and we’re making every effort to create the safest experience for everyone. This means a few things have changed since March."

"For leaders, this is the defining moment in our careers. This is what we will be remembered for. Did we handle the crisis with a strong moral compass, an agile strategic mind and lots of empathy for what others are going through: our team members, our families, our clients, our communities?" Today Aino-Leena Grapin shares with us how she's navigated yacht design firm Winch through COVID-19, and what she's learnt in the process about leadership and the importance of team spirit.

Cowdray Estate have announced their partnership with Nights on Us, an organisation inspired by lockdown.

As the design community resumes visits to the showrooms at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, Europe’s premier design destination, showcases an uplifting rainbow-themed installation that celebrates the moment when the sun breaks through the clouds.

Three of the UK’s leading luxury events suppliers Wildabout, Snapdragon and By Word of Mouth have collaborated to launch Social and Safe, a socially distanced bespoke home entertaining concept. Curated to offer clients a one-of-a-kind event in their garden, Social and Safe enables friends and family to reconnect safely within government guidelines.

"Maintaining our team was a huge priority at the outset and we have been able to do that.  There has been a lot of one-to-one contact and I have enjoyed getting to know the team really well.  Conversation revolves not just around the business but also around home and family.  I have definitely missed working with the team in the office but I am looking forward to a walk in the countryside with my PA this evening.  It’s always about people." As the second week of reopening draws to a close, we spoke with Louisa Richter von Morgenstern on leading m squared, her prime property project management and maintenance company, through COVID-19.

anatomē introduces a new Defence + Immune Support supplement, using adaptogens, extraordinary powerful herbs that stimulate the immune response to function optimally.

Here we share official guidance surrounding the financial support available for British luxury businesses from the UK government and also and wider guidance on topics and issues relevant to the Coronavirus outbreak. Today, following the announcement that non-essential shops in England can open from Monday, we look at the government safety guidelines.

Fitzdares, the premium bookmaker, has teamed up with other British luxury brands to create the most amazing experience for those watching the (behind closed doors) racing from Royal Ascot.

"We felt that it was important to support the creative community in any way we could, so our sales and marketing team carried on keeping in touch and checking in with all our customers and sales partners in the UK and abroad. Sometimes it is not only about the sales, but that genuine gesture of wanting to know how you are." In today’s ‘Lockdown Leader’ profile, we meet Clare & Chris Turner, Founders of CTO Lighting, a luxury contemporary lighting company whose designs grace the interiors of iconic buildings all over the world.

With hygiene front-of-mind for government, business leaders and the public alike, James Cropper’s papers with PaperGard antimicrobial technology have been tested against Feline Coronavirus – a member of the Coronaviridae – with favourable results. Recent studies show Coronaviruses can remain viable on metal, glass, wood, textiles, plastic and paper surfaces from several hours to a...

While The Ned’s been closed, over the past few weeks they have teamed up with The Bike Shed Motorcycle Club and youth homelessness charity Centrepoint to provide meals for homeless young people.

The ‘Nights On Us’ initiative offers ICU nurses two night breaks in some of the UK’s most loved hotels once lock down procedures are relaxed.

The Halfpenny design team have created a gorgeous colouring book during lockdown and are running a print design competition where the winner of the most creative print will receive new Sister Bridesmaid pieces.

Here we share official guidance surrounding the financial support available for British luxury businesses from the UK government and also and wider guidance on topics and issues relevant to the Coronavirus outbreak. Today, we share details of the extended Job Retention Scheme and flexible furlough.

It should come as no surprise to hear that as usual Henry Poole is sartorially way ahead of the game. 

Henry Poole now has five members of staff making hospital gowns and scrubs with another two starting this week.

The owner and director of Unique Homestays, Sarah Stanley, talks to us about leading her business through lockdown and how, despite the travel restrictions they are still receiving a high level of enquiries for future holidays, as well new members wanting to join their collection of homeowners.

Dai, the innovative and sustainability focused womenswear brand, and a Walpole Brand of Tomorrow 2020, launches Masks for Heroes with four core styles of face masks and pledges mask donations and a portion of net proceeds to the NHS and other charities in need.

Helen Brocklebank writes: The Royal Court is known for its commissioning of bold, thought-provoking new writing, and its support of emerging dramatists. John Osbourne’s Look Back in Anger, which is seen as the play that marks the beginning of modern British drama, opened at the Royal Court in 1956.

Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour is launching a series of ‘Design Date’ webinars, taking online its ability to match acclaimed designers and industry insiders for insightful and creative conversations.

As if a knock on the front door wasn’t excitement enough yesterday, there, waiting for me on the step was a box bursting with the most glorious early summer produce: comice pears, grapefruit, watercress, lovage, and armfuls of wild garlic which scented the air with the evocative smell of bosky walks in the woods near my mother’s.

With many World Whisky Day gatherings on hold, this Saturday, master distillers from around the globe will come together for a free online experience celebrating the diversity of whiskymaking.

Tuesday marked the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale and as part of the bicentenary year, a lot of work was being done to run a number of celebrations of this throughout the year as well as raise awareness of the foundation and raise funds.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses are dealing with uncertainty about how to reach and serve their customers in authentic ways that provide value and reassurance.

Bentley Motors has this week resumed production at the company’s headquarters in Crewe, with over 1,700 colleagues following the 250 comprehensive and wide-ranging hygiene and social distancing guidelines implemented to enable a safe return. This represents the next stage in Bentley’s ‘Come Back Stronger’ programme, a phased production ramp up following the biggest changes to daily working life in the company’s 100-year history. 

London may be almost 600 miles from Elgin in the far north of Scotland, but distance proved no barrier to Walpole logistics partner Freight Brokers moving for free scrubs made by luxury cashmere manufacturer Johnstons of Elgin to assist local medical and care staff. The Johnstons mill in Elgin is world-renowned for its high-quality weaving,...

Garrard recognises the sacrifices and efforts that Britain’s key workers are making during this time of adversity through a gifting initiative.

Regent’s is London’s only independent, not-for-profit university, with a highly cosmopolitan community, based in royal Regent’s Park and Marylebone.

Molton Brown, London’s fragrance experts, stimulate your senses with a power-player new addition to their Eau de Parfum scentscape – Vetiver & Grapefruit.

Bentley Motors has extended its ‘Be Safe’ health and safety programme to look after the local community in Cheshire, as well as Bentley colleagues during the coronavirus crisis.

It’s over 10 years since the first Bremont Martin-Baker (MB) watch was released; a design born of the challenge to create a unique piece for pilots that had ejected using Martin-Baker ejection seats.

STOW is donating 10% of all online sales to The Samaritans and running a weekly prize draw for a doorstep STOW surprise, in aid of mental health awareness.

Let the sunshine in with Mulberry’s series of evening sessions showcasing live performances.

Purdey, manufacturers of the finest shotguns and rifles since 1814 and high-quality clothing and accessories since 1974, have now launched an exclusive limited-edition collection of four iconic statement sunglasses.

This burst of rainbow coloured British flowers has been lovingly created by The Real Flower Company to celebrate our NHS.

Inspired by The Lakes Gin’s signature serve, The Lakes Distillery has unveiled the newest member in its spirits family; The Lakes Pink Grapefruit Gin. Inspired by The Lakes Distillery's favourite garnish, this gin is so packed full of flavour it can be served without one.

Miller Harris breathe colour and life into the classic perfumer’s art, creating striking urban stories for the Modern Bohemian. As the UK faces an unprecedented health crisis in wake of COVID-19, Miller Harris have launched three new online initiatives for customers to experience fragrance from the comfort and safety of their own home. Launching at the start of April, each initiative will allow customers to experience the world of Miller Harris in their own homes, exploring fragrances and the finest customer service seen within their five London stores through the digital world.

With regular travel off the cards during these unprecedented times, Carrier will be bringing you thoughtful, clever videos, articles and more from their partners around the globe that invite you to stay curious.

Last week Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky business of Pernod Ricard, began the transportation of two tankers of Strathclyde grain spirit as part of an initial donation of 100,000 litres of pure alcohol to manufacturing partners who will use it to produce 120,000 litres of much-needed hand sanitiser gel for frontline NHS staff battling the COVID-19 pandemic across Scotland, England and Wales.

Novels have always been a way to travel in someone else’s imagination, a magical portal into a world outside our own.

As part if their '(Digital) Life in the Time of Coronavirus' mini-series, Wearisma's Research & Insights team have investigated trending topics in the USA, UK, France and Italy to uncover 'What we talk about during a pandemic'.

Over the past few weeks, it has become abundantly clear that the future of human prosperity sits firmly with our frontline workers.

Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour is offering a complimentary Designer Sourcing Service to help design professionals who are working remotely with all their sourcing needs.

Paramedics and other front line staff are playing a brave role in COVID-19 outbreak. Many are living away from family to reduce risk to their loved ones. Coupled with this, they are staying in accommodation with few homely belongings, with very little time after arduous shifts to look after themselves and even to do their personal laundry.

New Walpole star columnist Peter Howarth, editor, content expert and CEO of luxury creative agency, Show Media, talks to luxury’s leaders about their approach to the crisis, and shares his insights into these extraordinary times.

Lisa Redman's eponymous brand offers a contemporary re-imagining of heritage haute couture. Her exquisite pieces are the modern definition of “high dressmaking” - exclusive, opulent clothing made specially for you.

Since opening their doors back in 2017 The Ned has supported the Mayor's Fund For London programme, Kitchen Social. Now more than ever they need help supporting families struggling to feed their children whilst schools are shut.

Having somewhere luxurious to escape to is not quite so easy when one’s world is reduced to four walls - one has to get creative.

Our ability to see the world may have been put on pause, but, yes, we will travel again says Tom Marchant, founder of Black Tomato – a man who has travelled the world and helped thousands of others do it too.

Walpole hosted the first of its new Business Guidance for Luxury Brands webinar series just before Easter, and although I’ve had a huge amount of practice in introducing Walpole events during my time as CEO, and I’m happy to hop on a stage and say a few words at the drop of a hat, I found the digital version strangely nerve-wracking.

Asprey, established in London since 1781, has always supported Britain during the most difficult and critical times, from crafting army supplies in WW1&2 in its own workshops to the production of commemorative gifts given to soldiers that served during this time. Asprey today, is still committed to helping those battling on the frontline sacrificing their own health to treat and care for others in the most challenging times.

Walpole Brand of Tomorrow alumnus Trunk is a menswear store – with outposts in London and Zürich – underpinned by a belief in the art of dressing well. Use your lockdown lunch break to peruse trunkclothiers.com and upgrade your wardrobe, whilst supporting the emerging and established brands stocked by Trunk.

YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP’s donation of its Premier Delivery Service fleet to serve as Volunteered Vehicles for local charities has been extended to both Italy and Hong Kong.

Although they have closed their Mayfair store, William & Son are still taking orders online for their carefully curated collection of jewellery and timepieces, leather goods and homeware, clothing and accessories for the field. Shop their collection of handcrafted leather games to drastically upgrade your Easter weekend entertainment offering.

The Lakes Distillery has been making award-winning spirits in Cumbria since 2014, why not #buybritish and sample the signature whisky, vodka or gin (or indeed all three) for yourself this Easter weekend. The Lakes Distillery are also doing their part in the fight against coronavirus, read on to find our more.

Established in 1887 on London's New Bond Street, Smythson has since become synonymous with beautiful, functional and timeless pieces. From handcrafted notebooks, diaries and stationery to inspire your plans, plots and projects, to leather-bound pieces for the home, bags and accessories, every Smythson piece embodies meticulous craft and an unmistakable sense of British sophistication.

According to the experts at JING Tea, if you choose carefully, tea and chocolate can taste wonderful together - and we believe it! What better combination could there be to soothe your soul at this trying time? JING Tea have partnered with fellow Walpole member The Highland Chocolatier to produce some exquisite tea and chocolate pairings, and they're also running a competition so you could win a bundle of both!

Taylor Howes has always been known for championing Great British craft. Now, more than ever, they want to profile some of the small in size but not in talent, artisans, craftspeople and suppliers, who with little spotlight and small followings face the potential to slip away during this time.

Molton Brown believe that as a community, everyone must do their best to contain and delay the spread of COVID-19; as a brand, the health and wellbeing of their customers and teams is an absolute priority. As such, they’ve worked swiftly and decisively to introduce several ways to help people in any way possible.

With the entire world ramping up efforts to control the Covid-19 pandemic, the toll on people’s lives is tragic and wide-ranging, but there is also huge economic uncertainty for both individuals and businesses. Here, Walpole partner moneycorp share insights on how you can use monetary measures to help your company during this difficult time.

Scent has long been known to help in boosting calm, promoting serenity and evoking a sense of wellness. Equally, self-care, by way of relaxed days at home, luxurious baths and showers, respect for one’s own body and being, has been at the forefront of awareness for quite some time. Wellbeing is no longer the province of spa breaks and retreats, but more the domain of day to day practice – and never more so than when public settings, gyms, pools, treatment areas and spas are being avoided and more people are forced to stay at home.

Simpsons' Wine Estate, one of Walpole's Brands of Tomorrow 2020, are delighted to offer free delivery to customers until the end of April. Stock up your wine rack with British bottles, and as Simpson's advise, keep your glass half full! Read the full statement from Charles and Ruth Simpson here.

With social distancing the new norm, the Walpole team has found that keeping in touch with loved ones the old-fashioned way is a welcome break from the endless video conferences and online chats (we currently use no less than five different digital platforms to communicate). So putting pen to paper, and taking our daily stroll to the postbox has become one of the highlights of our day - and we particularly love this selection of cards from Hallmark x James Cropper's 100% recyclable CupCycling collection – all made from recycled coffee cups.

The challenge of working from home is that there’s no natural demarcation line between the end of the working week and the start of the weekend, so perhaps a new, and ideally chic, ritual is required to give us all permission to down tools and relax.

Chapel Down have some special offers for Walpole Daily Digest readers and their friends and family, and they all include free delivery - vital in the current climate. Chapel Down's CEO Frazer Thompson shares the offers with you in a letter...

John Bell & Croyden are reassuring its customers and partners that they are open as usual and will be continuing to offer a primary care service during these challenging times. Based within Harley Street Medical Area, London’s luxury pharmacy has been serving London for over 220 years without having to shut its doors.