Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - May/June 2020

Industry news Find out about all the latest from the fashion accessories industry in our regular news roundup DPD UK NAMED GOLD WINNER BY THE GREEN ORGANISATION The UK’s domestic parcel carrier DPD UK was named ‘Gold winner’ in the Service Industries category, with judges hailing the company’s achievements in reducing CO2 emissions and its innovative all- electric micro depots in central London. The awards, founded by The Green Organisation to recognise, reward and promote environmental best practice around the world, have been running since 1994 and attract entries from Governments, Ministries and regional authorities as well as companies and organisations right across the private and public sectors. The award is recognition for DPD UK’s efforts to become the most responsible city centre delivery company and the leader in electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK. In October last year, DPD opened the UK’s first all-electric parcel depot in Westminster and plans to have a fleet of 500 electric vehicles by the end of 2020. The firm has also partnered with Oxford-based manufacturer EAV to create a British built e-cargo bike, the P1. The bio-mechanical hybrid electric-assisted pedal bikes have a range of 60 miles and with a 120kg payload can cover 100 parcel stops in a day and then be recharged using a normal 13amp, 240v plug socket. Last month, DPD UK issued a White Paper calling on vehicle manufacturers, energy providers, national and local Government to start working together to tackle the barriers holding back more widespread EV adoption and investment. Dwain McDonald, DPD UK’s CEO, commented; “We’re absolutely delighted with this award. We’ve made a huge commitment as a company to investigate, develop and invest in our own sustainable future. But part of that project is also about leading by example and that means sharing what we’ve learned and showing that there are better ways to deliver parcels and run logistics. “We can’t do everything overnight and we can’t do it all on our own. We’ve shared our frustrations as well as our successes, but we are passionate about this challenge and we know we can make a huge difference. Hopefully, we’ve shown through our all- electric micro depots that it isn’t just about switching to EVs, it’s about designing totally different business models and processes.” WOMEN’S JEWELLERY NETWORK LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE DIGITAL PLATFORM TO ASSIST IN FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 The Women’s Jewellery Network has launched a new online digital platform. This new, interactive space is a place where jewellery professionals can connect, communicate, engage and network – and it’s now free to all WJN Essentials members. The channel provides WJN Essentials members with a space to share images, video and editorial content, connect with people of all genders across the globe through IM, ask questions or launch polls and engage in hot topic debates and online/offline events. Commenting on the latest WJN initiative, Managing Director Victoria McKay said: “When we launched the Essentials package, we announced further packages would be imminent. We’ve been working on this digital community for the past few weeks, with a view to launch as part of our premium offer. “Then the world changed. Covid-19 has had and will continue to impact and change the way we work, rest, play and connect for the next few months, leading to an entirely ‘new normal’. We decided to speed up the delivery deadline and offer free access to the community for all members, for at least the next six months. Now more than ever, we need to connect with our communities and share our thoughts, hopes, dreams and advice.” Members on the free forever Essential tier also receive a monthly news round-up, as well as a commitment to receive WJN news before general release. Victoria added: “We’re really proud to be able to offer this platform to our friends, colleagues and peers across the trade. And it’s their platform, whatever their gender. We want our community to take ownership and to shape its future and evolution.” ANTLER SOLD TO ATR HOLDINGS Antler, Britain’s longest established luggage brand, has been sold by UK based private equity investor Endless LLP, to ATR Holdings Limited, an associated company of Strandbags, Australasia’s leading luggage and accessories retailer. ATR has acquired the entire share capital of Antler, bringing new investment to the business, which employs over 200 staff and is headquartered in London. Endless acquired Antler in 2017, following a period of heavy losses over many years under previous ownership. Under the stewardship of Endless the business was restructured, including the appointment of Mark Hall as Executive Chairman and Ken Pratt as CFO. Antler has seen an improvement in underlying earnings of almost £4 million, introduced new product ranges to widespread acclaim and enhanced its e-Commerce capability following investment in new product development and digital marketing. Felicity McGahan, Managing Director of Strandbags said, “We welcome this association with Antler. We at Strandbags have admired the Antler brand for some time, and we look forward to working with the Antler team to help support their growth ambitions in the UK and international markets.” 74