About Us

Formed in 1992 by top tier British companies, including British Airways, Chewton Glen, Coutts & Co, DAKS Simpson, the Financial Times, The Savoy Group and William Grant & Sons, the membership provides a community for the exchange of best practice ideas to drive business development in both the UK and export markets. For the first time, British excellence was given a collective voice in the increasingly competitive global market: through Walpole these companies aimed to promote, recognise and maintain the highest standards of British commerce and industry. In 2005, Walpole made a strategic decision to refine its mission statement from promoting British excellence to promoting British luxury. 

Walpole takes its name from the great statesman Sir Robert Walpole (1676-1745). A highly regarded commercial minister famous for his energetic promotion of overseas trade, he laid the foundations for an era of prosperity and peace in Britain. A great patron of the arts and architecture, he also contributed to a golden age of craftsmanship and manufacturing. Continuing this tradition, the organisation with Walpole's name increases awareness of its members' products and services, targets new customers in overseas markets and enhances Britain's global reputation as a vibrant and dynamic commercial and cultural nation.

• To collectively and individually promote British Luxury and member brands.
• To foster a community in which members exchange best practice ideas,share experiences and explore joint opportunities.
• To facilitate business development for members in the UK and overseas.
• To represent members in Westminster and Brussels.
• To provide thought leadership for the luxury industry.
• To foster the development of the luxury brands of tomorrow.