PHA Winners 2019 NEW_MUK.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2019 17:28 Page 35
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HONORARY ACHIEVEMENT Criteria: This very special award was presented to an individual who has contributed greatly to the UK housewares industry. Nominations are invited from across the industry.
Winner
Philip Hart, managing director, Harts of Stur Before Philip’s name was announced, PH editor Jo Howard made this Honorary Achievement Award speech:
”The recipient of tonight’s award is never one to stand still - being open to new ideas and embracing the journey of steering a well-established business in a new direction. This person has been a visionary – exploring new possibilities, recognising what is successful, listening to customer needs and adapting the business model. This individual recognises the strength of family not only in encouraging the skills of family members but treating employees as extended family, forging strong loyalties. As a result, some members of staff have been with the company for decades. Tonight’s Honorary Achiever respects the importance of communities – communities of employees, supplier partnership, consumers, and, of course, the local area – initiating and contributing to local events and supporting local charities with vigour and passion. This person has created a forward thinking, customer focused business, embracing innovative practises, new initiatives and championing customer service. In fact this individual personally reviews all customer feedback in order to keep improving. Renowned for a larger than life personality, this person is credited with a wicked sense of humour and an infectious laugh. A pioneer in moving the family business into retail, our Honorary Achiever recognised the potential for a housewares business supported by mail order, which was followed by one of the first transactional websites – highlighted at the time in an article by a national newspaper. From placing the first pots and pans order from a nagging rep to building up one of the UK’s largest instore and online housewares retailers, this person’s long career has seen a constant ‘raising of the bar’. Despite handing over the reins to the next generation recently, our Honorary Achievement winner isn’t retiring until he has overseen an ambitious expansion plan that will bring more benefits for customers. Tonight we would like to recognise an individual’s hard work and dedication in taking an independent family business into its 100th year.”
Initial Reaction: “As soon as Jo started describing the receipient of this award it soon came apparent why my sons were very keen for me to attend. There are not words to describe this wonderful honour especially following in the foot steps of my good friends, Jeremy Horwood and Richard Plant. It is especially rewarding in our centenary year and would like to thank every one for their support and kind words on the night.” Philip Hart, managing director, Harts of Stur
Top: Darren Nickolls, sales director, Lifetime Brands presents the Honorary Achievement Award to Harts of Stur’s managing director, Philip Hart . Above: Philip says a few words at the lectern. Right: A very proud Philip cherishes his trophy and smiles with the final award’ of the night.
*On collecting the Award, Philip stated: ”There is something very special about working for a family business,” and thanked his sons Johnathan and Graham, in addition to Hart’s David Conduit, who is regarded as an “adopted son.” Having spent 40 years in the housewares industry, Philip also highlighted the “great support of our suppliers who have also become very good friends.”
PROGRESSIVE
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HOUSEWARES