On 29th and 30th June, Walpole travelled to Germany to support an ECCIA-backed European Excellence Summit in Berlin. The purpose of the summit, attended by approximately 80 people, was to bring together leaders of Europe's luxury businesses to meet with policy makers to reiterate the value and unique nature of our business model, our economic contribution, and to highlight the key areas of policy to ensure long-term growth. Importantly, it was also an important opportunity for relationship building and networking. Guest of honour speakers were Commissioner Beinkowska (Industry, Internal Market, Entrepreneurship & SMEs) and Dr Christian Elher, Co-Chair of the Inter Parliamentary Group on the Cultural & Creative Industries.
In light of Brexit we are redoubling our efforts with our European partners and took a delegation of senior members to join the Summit. Guests in the Walpole delegation were:
Michael Ward, Harrods Stephen Etheridge, Church’s Caroline Welch-Ballentine, Richemont Paul Dimond, DAKS Simon Cotton, Johnston’s of Elgin Vartkess Knadjian, Backes & Strauss Ulrike Due Garde, Fiskars Lifestyle (Wedgwood, Waterford, Royal Doulton, Royal Albert) Mark Harvey, Chapel Down Wines Richard Brendon
Our delegation also played a key role in the content with Michael Ward and Stephen Etheridge both speaking in the section which covered the business model: Michael Ward on the importance of Selective Distribution and Stephen Etheridge on export-orientation. Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank spoke about Walpole’s expertise and success with our three mentorship programmes, and the importance of securing the pipeline for growth and the next generation of talent.
For more information on Walpole's Public Affairs and International Work, please contact [email protected].
