Harts of Stur’s retiring md Philip Hart was presented with the Honorary Achievement Award at The Excellence in Housewares Awards on Wednesday (October 2). Accepting the Award, Philip acknowledged that this is “a very special year for our family,” with Harts celebrating its centenary.
Philip noted that: ” There is something very special about working for a family business,” and thanked his sons Johnathan and Graham [Hart], in addition to Hart’s David Conduit, regarded as an “adopted son.” Having spent 40 years in the housewares industry, Philip highlighted the “great support of our suppliers who have also become very good friends.”
Before Philip’s name was announced by awards sponsor, Lifetime Brands’ Darren Nickolls, 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.”
Top: Philip Hart receives the Honorary Achievement trophy from Lifetime Brand’s Darren Nickolls.
