Think your company is the next big thing in British luxury? Applications for our flagship mentoring programme, Brands of Tomorrow, have now opened - and we're on the hunt for the emerging brands to join the class of 2023. But hurry: applications close on Sunday 30th October 2022.
Founded in 2007, the Walpole Brands of Tomorrow programme has supported and nurtured over 140 emerging luxury brands through a year-long programme of networking, mentorship and workshops, and proudly seen them become leaders in their respective field. Many graduates of the programme have gone on to achieve increased revenue and international success – alumni include Orlebar Brown, Bremont, Nyetimber, Emilia Wickstead, Miller Harris, and Astley Clarke.
Some of the key advantages of the Walpole Brands of Tomorrow programme for emerging British luxury companies are:
A Year of Superb Workshops
There are seven in-person workshops that form the core of the programme, with themes such as
PR & Marketing, Online & Digital, Distribution, and Finance. The workshops feature a line-up
of expert speakers, past alumni – this year, speakers included Cubitts Founder Tom Broughton, Professor of Marketing at London Business School Nader Tavassoli, and Commercial Director of Mulberry England Ian Earnshaw.
A Year of Exceptional Mentoring
Each brand is paired with a mentor for the duration of the programme. The mentors are leading lights from the Walpole Membership and the wider luxury industry, able to offer guidance to the brands, share experience and act as a sounding board. This year, mentors included Fortnum & Mason Chief Executive Officer Tom Athron, Harrods Managing Director Michael Ward, and Manolo Blahnik Global Communications Director Carla Filmer. You can see all of this year's Brands of Tomorrow mentors here.
Legal Mentorship
Brands are also provided a legal mentor from Mishcon de Reya. The legal mentor is there to
offer general advice and guidance on legal matters, or to signpost further assistance from
within the firm. If there is a requirement for substantive legal work extending beyond general
guidance, then Mishcon de Reya offer reduced rates for such work.
Walpole Membership
Each brand becomes a Member of Walpole for the duration of the programme. Brands are
able to request introductions to other Walpole Member brands through the programme and
encouraged to join member events to connect with fellow brands. Brands are invited to the majority of Walpole member-only events, including the Walpole British Luxury Awards and monthly Member Socials. All brands will also be invited to feature on the Walpole website and other content and social channels.
Launch Event
Walpole organises a launch event for the Brands of Tomorrow Programme in February each
year (see the pictures from the Brands of Tomorrow 2022 launch event at The Ned here). Walpole members and selected press are invited to the event. It is an opportunity to meet your fellow brands and Walpole members, and an opportunity to show off your products.
As you can imagine with benefits like those above (and no fee for participating or applying), competition for one of the 12 available places on the programme is fierce. What makes a winner? We are looking for entrepreneurial drive, a learning mentality, creative spirit, and an openness to making the most of the support the programme offers. If that sounds like your brand, we'd love to hear from you. Be sure to send us your application form by Sunday 30th October 2022.
Please visit our dedicated Brands of Tomorrow application page for full eligability criteria and to download the application form.
