This evening in Ned's Club at The Ned in the City of London, we unveiled the emerging British luxury companies chosen to participate in the Walpole Brands of Tomorrow programme for 2026. Brands of Tomorrow, in association with Mishcon de Reya, is our flagship incubator programme, guiding a selection of brands through a year-long programme of workshops and mentorship. Participants are supported by some of the UK’s most experienced luxury executives and founders, who share their knowledge and expertise to help brands accelerate growth, scale operations and refine their business strategy.
Now in its 19th year, the programme continues to support the growth of the British luxury sector by passing on practical skills and fostering meaningful relationships between established and emerging luxury businesses. This year’s cohort demonstrates notable growth, with a number of brands achieving annual revenues of £1mn or more, underscoring the value of mentoring for scale-ups.
"Walpole’s mission to develop the British luxury sector is exemplified by its Brands of Tomorrow programme," said Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole. "Over the past 19 years, our exceptional mentors, sponsors and community have supported 177 emerging luxury brands on their path to growth. This year’s selected brands celebrate extraordinary natural materials, first-rate craftsmanship and outstanding storytelling.”
This year’s brands are characterised by strong regional representation, with brands based across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Suffolk, Leicester, Norfolk and London. Together, they showcase the breadth of creative and entrepreneurial talent shaping the future of British luxury, with each brand combining sustainability, authenticity and craftsmanship to create lasting products and experiences.
Craftsmanship and material integrity are central to many of this year’s brands. HERD and Kindred of Ireland celebrate heritage textiles and regenerative supply chains, producing luxurious wool, tweed and linen while respecting both environment and provenance. Artelium brings precision and artistry to English winemaking, combining regenerative farming and extended ageing to create elegant sparkling and still wines. BINIBAMBA fuses fashion and functionality with sustainable merino sheepskin for babywear and buggy essentials designed to be reused and handed down. OTZI produces heirloom-quality furniture and interiors pieces from responsibly sourced British leathers and hardwoods, exemplifying timeless design, skilful craftsmanship, and longevity.
Design innovation and contemporary interpretation of heritage is a strong theme throughout this year’s cohort, with clothsurgeon redefining bespoke menswear by blending streetwear and Savile Row tailoring, while Hyde & Hare brings natural fibres into homewares and lifestyle products that promote intentional, slower living. Uniform Standard applies minimalist design and premium materials to luxury sneakers, prioritising durability, versatility and thoughtful production.
The 2026 programme also highlights brands innovating within experiences and lifestyle. RESTARIES offers nature-led, restorative hospitality that blends slow living, thoughtful design and meaningful connection to place. Sister by Studio Ashby combines curated vintage treasures, bespoke furniture and contemporary art, showcasing craft-led design in a London retail destination. Kingdom Scotland creates fine, genderless fragrances inspired by Scotland’s landscapes, marrying storytelling with precision and artisanal expertise. Elsewhere Coffee elevates everyday rituals, producing direct-trade, specialty coffee and providing education to help consumers engage with their craft.
The Brands of Tomorrow programme is chaired by Balthazar Fabricius, founder of Fitzdares – a brand that was part of the debut Brands of Tomorrow intake of 2007.
Many thanks to Mishcon de Reya for its continued support, to The Ned for hosting, and to The Dalmore and Artelium for generously supplying beverages for our launch event.