Your brand has strong momentum in a category of large, well-established players. What is your unique proposition?
Richard Brendon: We seek to create products that are the best they possibly can be in aesthetics, function and quality. This remains our priority from the beginning to end of the production process, meaning we never cut corners or risk compromising the final result.
This unique purpose all started nine years ago with our founding ‘Reflect’ collection. After consistently noticing orphaned antique saucers on Portobello Road, I created a mirrored teacup that could reflect any pattern, breathing life back into the saucer that had lost its original cup. This really built the foundation of what we continue to do today; creating timeless-but-contemporary collections which nod to the past whilst remaining relevant to today’s consumers, often appealing to a slightly younger demographic than some of the larger brands in our sector.
We’re also hugely committed to regenerating craft industries in order to achieve our goals, with specific focus on Stoke-on-Trent. The heritage pottery industry in Britain is in danger of disappearing, and we consider it one of our priorities to ensure its survival so we don’t lose a vital piece of British history.
What have you learned from the largest companies in your space? What do you differently?
We strive to keep our collections streamlined and concise, creating products with multiple solutions so they’re as functional as possible for our consumers. We also work closely with experts in their field when developing new collections. Whether it’s our exceptional craftspeople, our collaboration with the globally renowned Jancis Robinson [pictured below], or the development of our signature Reflect teacup with the V&A, we believe it’s much more valuable for our consumers if we work with people and brands recognised in their field, creating authentic partnerships where the whole is so much greater than the sum of its parts.
The Jancis Robinson Collection is a particularly prime example; by working alongside the world’s most respected wine expert, we have created beautiful, functionally perfect products. With just four pieces of glassware, we have made it possible to enjoy every single wine at its full potential, which gives a very different message to some of the larger brands operating in this particular space.
How does your company benefit the wider community? How sustainable is your offering?
Everything we create at Richard Brendon has been designed and manufactured to last, encouraging sustainable purchasing with pieces that will stand the test of time. We want every single product we make to be timeless; passed down and admired by the generations to come.
A significant portion of our ambitions in Stoke-on-Trent will be focused on supporting not just the local community, but the country and its heritage as a whole. With time and investment, our goal is to regenerate this heritage industry through educational support, developing pottery skills and revitalising the presence of exceptionally skilled craft in Britain.
Luxury brands tends to think in generations not years. What is your long-term vision and what will be your legacy?
Our aim is to become the most admired, trusted and desirable tableware brand in the world. We will continue to develop tabletop products to fill the needs and desires of food and drink lovers around the globe.
In terms of legacy, I would love to see the bone china industry in Stoke-on-Trent in a much stronger position than it was 10 years ago. I’d like to ensure the future of bone china in Britain is secured for the next generation, reducing the average age in the workforce from around 55 to closer to 40, and revitalise it to once again become a staple, British industry.
