And the nominees for British Luxury Brand of the Year 2024 are...

The past year has been a momentous one for Cunard with the launch of Queen Anne, the 249th ship to sail under its flag. Since 1840, the company has occupied a unique position within the luxury market, constantly refining the definitive ocean-going experience. Today its key ambitions remain unchanged: to carry on setting the benchmark for luxury travel; to celebrate and support Great British luxury and culture; and to continue the journey towards sustainable ocean travel.

Supporting the growth of British luxury and culture, Cunard employs almost 2,000 people in Southampton. With the addition of a new ship to its fleet, UK shoreside teams grew by 4.7%. On board, the number of Cunard fleet colleagues grew by more than 35%, recruited from 45 countries around the world.

Overall, 2024 will be remembered as a pivotal year in Cunard’s history, with Queen Anne’s arrival representing a 44% increase in guests. This record-breaking commercial performance has accompanied the continued evolution of the Cunard guest experience and heightened global interest in the brand. In January (the busiest booking period of the year) it booked more guests than in any equivalent period in the past decade – up by 25% against the previous high.

Jo Malone London is a British lifestyle brand known for its unique fragrances and luxury products for the bath, body and home. Rewriting the rules of perfumery by mixing unexpected combinations of ingredients and providing elegant yet playful concepts, the world of Jo Malone London inspires a loyal following.

Jo Malone London’s industry-leading creativity, storytelling and innovation was showcased in its successful Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense campaign. The brand’s ambition was to grow market share in the male category and cut through in men’s fragrances with a new ‘one face, one scent’ approach, launching a high-profile global ambassador, British actor Tom Hardy.

Launched in May of this year, the campaign has seen impressive results for the Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense franchise globally, with triple digit growth in retail sales since launch, with particularly strong performance in target launch markets in North America, the UK & Ireland, EMEA as well as Travel Retail.

Jo Malone London’s collaboration with PaddingtonTM in July and August 2024, featuring limited edition Orange Marmalade Cologne, was another highlight of the year. This fragrance drove strong consumer demand with high double digit sell-through rate, particularly resonating in China and APAC regions as well the brand’s home market, UK.

The brand’s products are available in 82 countries and territories worldwide, with 90% of its products created in the brand’s manufacturing facility in Hampshire, Whitman Laboratories, which runs on 100% renewable energy.

In a city defined by its rich history and vibrant future, The Londoner stands as a symbol of innovation, luxury and sustainability – a living testament to London’s dynamic spirit and enduring appeal. From its groundbreaking architecture and world-class amenities to its deep cultural connections and sustainable practices, The Londoner has redefined what it means to be a modern luxury destination. As it continues to grow, hosting global guests and fostering community through its collaborations, it has not only secured its place in the heart of the city but also in the story of London’s history and evolution.

In just a few short years, The Londoner has welcomed almost 380,000 guests, with visitor numbers jumping 10% in the past year alone. In addition, the average daily rate climbed an impressive 8%. But The Londoner’s triumph isn’t just measured in numbers; it’s woven into a tapestry of prestigious partnerships, global recognition and company ethos.

Nurturing staff, for example, is a key priority. The hotel’s Learning and Development Team is devoted to crafting enriching experiences that not only help employees grow in their roles but inspire them to reach beyond their expectations. This led to the remarkable achievement of one of the hotel’s receptionists, Adrian Perez Barreto, who was a finalist for the prestigious AICR UK Receptionist of the Year 2023 award.

Simpsons’ Wine Estate was established in 2012 by Ruth and Charles Simpson in Barham, Kent, amid the pristine beauty of the Elham Valley – an unspoilt seam in the North Downs where the contours of the land, climate and soil could scarcely be improved upon for viticulture.

Simpsons’ Wine Estate has always had a very international focus, with export markets now established in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Holland, Poland, Germany, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Canada and the USA. Of Simpsons’ total wine production volume, 45% is now exported, making the Estate one of the most exported English wine brands by percentage of production.

The Estate is therefore becoming synonymous with flying the flag for British luxury wines globally. In 2023 and 2024, Chalkands Classic Cuvée NV was poured on board British Airways Club World flights in the first-ever rotation of English sparkling wines for the flagship airline. Simpsons’ wines have also become a staple pour on the luxurious British Pullman, A Belmond Train, and this year the team welcomed British Pullman guests to the Estate as part of its Wine Garden of England tours.