Henries Winners pages 2024 A4 FINAL VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2024 12:00 Page 25
The Honorary Achievement Award Category Sponsor
RECIPIENTS Miles Robinson and Nigel Williamson co-owners of House of Cards
A excerpt of the citation delivered by PG’s Jakki Brown on the night… “There is no scientific formula as to what makes people great, they just have an alchemy all of their own. With this award we not only honour someone who is great at what they do, but has also how they have contributed, having been at the heart of our greeting card family for over three decades. They have led from the front, done things their way, seen the big picture as well as the importance of the finer details, building a rock solid business that truly cares for its team as well as those in the card community at large. Just as Rome was not built in a day, the business they started at the start of the 1990s has grown steadily, but with flair, the firm foundations of relationships, sound commercial sense and product nous being the bedrock of what has become a multi-award winning retailer. But while entrepreneurs through and through, and tough negotiators to boot, their gaze has always been broad, recognising that by joining with others, embracing industry initiatives, making time to support those just beginning their journey, brings benefits to all. They were there at the start of The Ladder Club, have been a judge at every Henries, were early adopters of Festive Friday, Thinking of You Week and steadfast champions of the Cardgains buying group. It has been to our industry’s massive benefit that in a street in Berkshire there was a greengrocers and a newsagents. As one went to the other to buy his apples and pears, the other returned the favour buying his newspapers and chocolate. A friendship was quickly forged between these two young chaps which then developed into them joining forces to tentatively open their first greeting card shop. They need not have worried as it was a resounding success from day one, and the subsequent 34 and a half years has seen this grow into a magnificent seven store group, revered for the quality product offered, retail environment created and high level of service from their very motivated, loyal team, whose contribution they never take for granted. Warren and I have had the good fortune to have known this dynamic duo since the start and have never heard a bad word said about them. Tonight we shine a light on these retailing emperors and the solid house they have built on such firm foundations. It gives me enormous pleasure to announce that The Henries Honorary Achievement Award 2024 goes to Miles Robinson and Nigel Williamson, the co-founders and owners of House of Cards.”
Initial Reaction: “There I was having a lovely evening at The Henries and so happy that Wendy Jones-Blackett had won the Henry Cole Classic award for its Quicksilver range. I turned my chair round to listen carefully to Jakki doing her lovely speech for the Honorary Achievement award… Three decades. Tick 1990. Tick Multi award winning. Tick Judge at every Henries. Wow, I know there is only one team that has done that, so from that point on everything was a bit of a blur and not because of the wine! It felt like so many people were congratulating us as Miles and I made our way to the stage; it was somewhat overwhelming in a nice way. I’m so glad Miles could say a few words on stage, but that’s normal as he can normally talk for England! I’m not sure the smile has left my face since, I’m still in shock to be recognised in this way. Imposter syndrome has kicked in more than a few times. I’m so proud of being a part of this great industry and thank you Jakki and Warren for bringing everyone together with all the amazing work they do in the greeting card world.”
Nigel Williamson, co-founder of House of Cards. Above left: Joanne Davis, director of UK Envelope Centre, sponsor of this special award, presented the trophy to House of Cards’ co-founders (second and third right) Nigel Williamson and Miles Robinson. Inset: Miles Robinson (left) and Nigel Williamson, co-owners of House of Cards letting the news sink in.
Left: Joanne Davis, director of UK Envelope Centre presented the trophy to the dynamic duo. PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE 65