Story Highlight
– Leaders in Luxury event celebrated Houlden’s 50th anniversary.
– Founded in 1975, Houlden promotes collaboration among jewellers.
– Discussions focused on evolving customer expectations in luxury.
– Houlden Awards recognized outstanding contributions within the community.
– Anniversary commemorated with a book documenting Houlden’s history.
Full Story
The event titled Leaders in Luxury: Fifty Years Forward took place from 16 to 18 September at the Fairmont Windsor Park. This gathering facilitated discussions among Houlden members and supplier partners, alongside networking opportunities and celebratory activities marking the organisation’s milestone anniversary.
Houlden was founded in 1975 by Stuart Laing, with initial involvement from partner Peter Lunn. Established with the belief that independent jewellers could flourish by collaborating while retaining their unique business identities, this ethos continues to underpin the organisation’s philosophy five decades later.
During the three-day event, discussions led by experts centred on shifting consumer expectations and the significance of crafting meaningful luxury experiences. Member-focused sessions enabled participants to engage in peer discussions and shared insights, contributing to communal learning.
A two-day exhibition showcased new collections, fostering connections between members and suppliers while enabling them to explore new business prospects and reinforce existing partnerships.
The anniversary festivities culminated in the prestigious 2026 Houlden Awards, which acknowledged the contributions of various businesses and individuals to the community’s progressive vision. Recognised for their forward-thinking approach, Sarah Layton Jewellers was awarded the title of progressive member, with Bloch & Co receiving the corresponding progressive supplier accolade. Other awards included principled member awarded to Baker Brothers, and principled supplier awarded to Clark Diamonds. Additionally, Dipples earned recognition as the passionate member, while Diamond by Appointment was named the passionate supplier.
The ceremony featured several special awards, including the Collaboration Award, presented to Weston Beamor and Murphy Jewellers for their joint efforts supporting skills development and nurturing emerging talent in the industry. The Future Leader Award went to Hannah Hirst, retail director for Hugh Rice. Lister Horsfall received the Fifty Years Forward Award, while Stuart Laing presented the Founder’s Award to Helen Haddow, acknowledging her significant impact on Houlden’s journey, which she accepted via a pre-recorded video.
In a historical moment, the inaugural Houlden Legacy Award was bestowed upon Laing and Lunn, honouring their vision and partnership that have championed independent jewellers for half a century. The evening also featured a performance by Drums & Roses, showcasing Houlden’s Scottish heritage.
Denise McLaughlin, managing director of Houlden, remarked, “Fifty Years Forward allowed us to celebrate an extraordinary history while also reflecting on the current landscape of Houlden and the future we aspire to shape.” She emphasised the event’s embodiment of Houlden’s founding principles of independence, trust, and collaboration, noting how the robust relationships among members and suppliers foster a culture of shared knowledge and support.
Looking to the future, McLaughlin asserted that the organisation would continue evolving while remaining true to the core tenets that established it.
Stuart Laing shared his thoughts on the founding philosophy of Houlden, stating: “The original idea was straightforward: independent jewellers could grow stronger together while maintaining the distinctive qualities that made each business unique.” He expressed his satisfaction in seeing this belief remain central to Houlden’s mission over the last 50 years. Laing concluded by recognising that despite the industry’s evolution, the values of trust, openness, and collaboration will enduringly constitute its strengths.
To commemorate the anniversary, Houlden released Fifty Years Forward, a publication documenting the founders, member contributions, supplier partners, and key moments that have shaped the organisation throughout its five-decade history. This publication reflects not only on Houlden’s past but also the aspirations for its future, with a commitment to independent retail at its core.
