The coveted Outstanding Achievement Award was last week presented at the Excellence in Housewares awards, to Progressive Housewares and Housewaresnews.net’s longstanding editor, as she steps down from her role after an incredible 22 years at the helm.
When Jo Howard took over the editorship of Progressive Housewares, the magazine was a relatively small brand. Under her guidance and hard work, the title is now admired worldwide and had become the hub of the industry’s news and views. Jo is also the co-founder of the Excellence in Housewares awards, which have become the Oscars of the housewares industry over the years.
In her acceptance speech, a shocked Jo, who had been kept in the dark about the recipient of this year’s award, paid tribute to the team at Max Publishing, as well as her husband and children, who have helped along the way in various roles of product testers, photographers, sub editors and more.
Jo said: “After over 22 years, I am moving on from the role of editor and joining my husband’s small business The Heritage Fruit Tree Company, working on orchard projects and promoting biodiversity and sustainability. I am extremely proud to have been part of the Max Publishing team, building its new title PH into the industry’s ‘must read’ magazine, helping the EIH Awards grow in stature from their very first year, and seeing HousewaresNews.net become the central hub for industry news. I will miss everyone in the housewares industry but will definitely keep in touch. Besides, I don’t think I can manage without knowing what the next essential kitchen gadget is.
“Having a fractured vertebrae has meant being out of action for a while recently, but one positive is that many people already know PH and HousewaresNews.net’s brilliant incoming editor Katie, who stepped with news writing and has been busy with PH features. I’m very happy to know that the magazine and news site are in very safe hands, with the multiple talents of both Katie and Max Publishing’s fabulous group editor Sam.”
The award was presented by joint managing director of Max Publishing, Jakki Brown. Jakki said: “The recipient of this very prestigious award really is a true one off who has given several decades of their life wholeheartedly to the UK housewares industry.
“There has not been a day gone past when a major issue was not been considered by them from every possible angle, be it from a retailer or supplier perspective.
“Through hard work, dedication and commitment they have taken what was a relatively small brand to one that is now admired not just in the UK, but throughout the world.
“There is not a supplier they haven’t forged an amazing relationship with, a retailer they haven’t interviewed, or a relevant trade show they haven’t trudged the aisles of, all around the world. They really have ‘done it all’ when it comes to the housewares sector. They’ve been a friend to everyone and a guiding light not just to their clients, but to their team and all who lean on them for their wisdom, history, knowledge and expertise.
“Indeed, they have played a key role, in the development of these Excellence in Housewares Awards and the Global gia awards in Chicago, a true conduit for all things housewares.
“Famed for their integrity and their belief in fair play, they have also been at the forefront of spearheading and supporting the industry’s sustainable drive as well as its altruistic side, steadfast in their mission that excess product samples need to reach the hands of the needy.
“While always to be trusted with a confidence, this individual has not been afraid to speak out, galvanising support from all quarters with their honest integrity and a way with words.
“Even though they have experienced some extremely challenging health issues over the years, nothing has changed this person’s cheery demeanour, positive outlook or commitment to our sector.
“After nearly 25 years in the role, this very special person is now looking forward to a well-earned step change, joining her husband in the family business although I am sure they will still be taking a keen interest in all the housewares industry’s happenings.
“I have had the good fortune to know our award recipient for over half her life and feel privileged to call her both a dear friend and a colleague.
“Thanks to her hard work, talent and gorgeous personality she leaves a legacy of what has become an industry’s bible and a prestigious awards programme, but more than that she also leaves a huge treasure trove of industry admirers who will miss her as much as I will being part of our industry in the years to come.”
Messages of congratulations and best wishes for the future have been pouring in from the industry since last week’s event.
