Story Highlight
– Houlden welcomes two luxury jewellers on 50th anniversary.
– Martin & Co established in 1806 with strong heritage.
– Charles Fox, founded in 1876, recognized for client service.
– Both companies emphasize collaboration and relationship-building.
– Houlden’s growth reflects commitment to independent retail values.
Full Story
Houlden has welcomed two prestigious independent luxury jewellers to its ranks during its significant 50th anniversary year.
Martin & Co, established in 1806, is celebrated for its rich history, exceptional client service, and esteemed position in the fine jewellery and luxury watch market. As a family-owned enterprise, the brand has carved its niche through generations of craftsmanship, fostering trusted relationships and delivering a personal luxury retail experience while maintaining its connection to Cheltenham’s heritage and luxury environment.
The initiative to join Houlden comes from Jonathan and Alex Dimmer, who had previously attended Houlden’s Leaders in Luxury events. Their commitment reflects a mutual belief in progress and collaboration among independent retailers.
Founded in 1876, Charles Fox has similarly established a strong reputation for its client service, alongside expertise in fine jewellery and luxury watches. Located in Bournemouth, this family-run business enjoys a loyal clientele spanning generations, further enhancing its solid retail experience.
Jonathan Dimmer of Martin & Co expressed enthusiasm about their new membership, stating: “We are absolutely delighted to be joining Houlden. Having attended previous Leaders in Luxury events, we were able to see first-hand the openness, collaboration and strength of relationships within the group. It was clear to us that Houlden is much more than a buying group – it is a trusted community of forward-thinking independent jewellers who genuinely support one another. We are excited to become part of that network and look forward to contributing to the continued success of the group.”
Simultaneously, Simon Snell from Charles Fox remarked, “Houlden has long stood out to us as a group that genuinely represents the values and standards of independent luxury retailing. The strength of the peer network, openness between Members and collaborative approach made it a very compelling proposition for us. Having attended Leaders in Luxury previously as guests, Hannah and I were able to experience the culture of the group first-hand and see the genuine value of the relationships within the network. We are delighted to be joining at such an exciting time for the organisation and look forward to building strong relationships within the Membership.”
Denise McLaughlin, Managing Director of Houlden, conveyed the importance of these new additions: “To welcome both Martin & Co and Charles Fox into the Houlden community during our 50th anniversary year is incredibly significant for the group. These are two businesses we have admired for a long time – each with exceptional reputations, strong values and a clear commitment to quality within independent luxury retail. Their decision to join Houlden reflects the continued strength of our collaborative model and the value of bringing together progressive, like-minded independent retailers who want to share insight, support one another and collectively strengthen the future of the sector. As we continue to evolve Houlden for the next generation, attracting businesses of this calibre is a real endorsement of the direction of the organisation and the strength of the community we are continuing to build.”
