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Walpole is the official sector body for UK luxury. Founded in 1992 as a not-for-profit organisation, it counts more than 250 British brands in its membership and is recognised in both Westminster and Brussels. As the voice of British luxury, Walpole’s purpose is to promote, protect and develop a sector worth £81 billion to the UK economy and, like every area of business, it is powered by people.
The Walpole Power List features just fifty of those people every year and they represent the cream of the sector. To stand out in a field of outstanding professionals is quite an achievement.
Stephen joined Westley Richards in 2019 and has overseen a near tripling of sales revenue across apparel, accessories and leather goods, despite the ravages of COVID and the volatile economic and political environment that has endured.
Westley Richards's core business of building the finest guns and rifles in the UK is now augmented by the increasingly influential adventure clothing and travel luggage lines, which tie-in with the two centuries old gun-making and outfitting heritage of Westley Richards.
Among Stephen’s winning ideas has been the instigation of The Explora Club for our most valued customers and the introduction of a digital-first, content strategy spearheaded by the expansion of The Explora Blog and social media.
“We’ve had an incredible reaction to The Explora Club since its launch. Our pursuit of ever more sincere and elevated editorial, customer service excellence and personalised member experiences, sees Westley Richards continue to rise above its peers, and long may it continue.”
He also ushered in a tactile way to connect with new and current customers through high calibre brochures. Printed on quality papers with the company branding foiled in gold, the brochures featured new photography by the in-house team of true characters of the outdoors, suitably outfitted with Westley Richards hunting and safari-wear, fine leather goods and bespoke firearms.
We think the recognition is well-deserved and customers of Westley Richards who have seen improvements in presentation, style, service and communication now know who has been steering this progression.
In a list of fashion, textiles, watches, distillery, automotive, health, events and hospitality creatives, Westley Richards is the only gun-maker to feature, which illustrates how well Stephen has done in making a very old and traditional business modern and relevant.
To discover more about Walpole and everything they do for luxury brands like Westley Richards, head to thewalpole.co.uk
The Explora Blog is the world’s premier online journal for field sports enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, conservationists and admirers of bespoke gunmaking, fine leather goods and timeless safari clothes. Each month Westley Richards publishes up to 8 blog posts on a range of topics with an avid readership totalling 500,000+ page views per year.
Blog post topics include: Finished custom rifles and bespoke guns leaving the Westley Richards factory; examples of heritage firearms with unique designs and celebrated owners like James Sutherland and Frederick Courtenay Selous; the latest from the company pre-owned guns and rifles collection; interviews with the makers from the gun and leather factory; new season safari wear and country clothing; recent additions to our luxury travel bags and sporting leather goods range; time well spent out in the field; latest news in the sporting world; and key international conservation stories.
