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April 2010
Harding Bros wins Marine Retailer of the Year 2010
We are delighted to announce that at last night’s DFNI Global Awards for Travel Excellence 2010, Hardings won Marine Retailer of the Year in the face of much competition including Starboard. This award is particularly pleasing as Hardings did not make a submission or nominate itself, it is a recognition from the travel retail industry that when it comes to retailing on any form of sea based vessel, Hardings are the best for innovation, delivery of results and being ahead of the competition.
Neil Harding, CEO commented: “well done to everyone on the team, it has clearly been a difficult time when one considers the number of set ups we have done, the continual push towards a successful implementation of the ERP system and of course the recent travel chaos that put more pressure than ever on the staff schedulers and logistics teams. As always, with a great deal of hard work and ingenuity they have come through very well.”
June 2008
Harding Brothers scores a dazzling coup with
Celebrity Solstice
When the new Celebrity Solstice cruise ship makes her debut on the Caribbean cruise circuit this coming December, she will be the first ship of her kind to be offering guests the chance to buy a cut of Diamond in her name...thanks to onboard retail concessionaire Harding Brothers.
In the first agreement of its kind, Harding Brothers has created a patented cut of diamond named the Solstice Cut which will be exclusively available to guests onboard the ship and all subsequent Solstice Class vessels. The cut – which is exclusive to Harding Brothers - will be available in various sizes and set in different formats, such as pendants, rings and earrings with pieces retailing from approximately $2,000. When the table of each diamond is viewed, the Solstice ‘Star’ can clearly be seen.
‘The Celebrity Solstice is the first addition to the Celebrity Cruises fleet since 2002 and will be a spectacular vessel; the company’s largest liner by far with a passenger capacity of nearly 3,000,’ says Harding Brothers managing director Harold Gittelmon. ‘The design and layout of the ship takes cruising into another dimension with new AquaClass veranda staterooms on the Penthouse Deck, a magnificent spa area, superb retail and dining facilities, and the innovative half acre The Lawn Club, with actual grass, that will feature a putting green, bocce courts, a patio and glassblowing studio.
‘Such innovation in terms of the cruise offer demanded something equally innovative in terms of the onboard retail experience – and the Solstice Diamond is the ultimate in creating a bespoke offer,’ Gittelmon continues. ‘It has taken 30m years to create this cut of Diamond and so guests onboard are being offered something truly very special. We and Celebrity Cruises are very excited about this concept; it’s a first in cruise ship retailing!’
Harding Brothers will be operating 600 sq m of retail space onboard the Celebrity Solstice and many of the offerings will connect to the guests’ experience whilst on-board. The Hot Glass Show, for example, based around the glass blowing on-board studio, has allowed for a stunning Glass Showcase store. This features a wide assortment of glass pieces, including some limited edition artist pieces, sculptures and world renowned Steuben glass.
The Lawn Club Boutique will offer unique assortments of souvenirs and apparel that will capture the experience of real live grass on board Solstice’s top deck, while a dazzling assortment of fine jewellery and watches will be offered via three stores with beautiful creations available for everyone. Additionally, an extensive fine jewellery shop will be adjacent to Boutique C, featuring one of kind “undiscovered” brands.
A new addition from Harding Brothers is the Artisan store, which will allow guests to interact with jewellery designers onboard and be involved in the design process, creating one of kind pieces on-board Solstice.
‘Celebrity Solstice is yet another example of Harding Brothers unique ability to adapt the retail offer to meet the needs of the client and the guests which it serves. It’s a pleasure for us to work with innovative cruise lines such as Celebrity Cruises who have worked alongside us to ensure we had access to all of the necessary elements of the on board offer that we would be able to complement in our retail offering, making it ever more bespoke.’
Press enquiries:
Rowena Holland, Essential Communications. Tel: 01883 622748. Fax: 01883 626219. Email: row@essentialcommunications.org
Harold Gittelmon, Harding Brothers Retail Ltd. Tel : 0117 982 5961. Fax : 0117 982 7276. Email: harold.gittelmon@hardingbros.co.uk
March 2008
Trevor Moore returns to travel retail in top Harding Bros role
 HARDING Brothers is delighted to announce the appointment of Trevor Moore as its Director of Buying, effective April 1st, 2008. Trevor will be familiar to many in the travel retail industry having a distinguished 20 year history with Cunard, Allders International and Nuance from 1978-1998. Since then he has worked in a series of top managerial roles specialising in business development, buying and marketing strategy, with SCI, Istac Ltd and, most recently, SEEDA.
‘We are very pleased to have enticed Trevor back into the world of travel retail,’ says Harding Brothers Managing Director Harold Gittlemon. ‘He has a wealth of experience to bring us, not just from his Allders and Nuance days, but also from a decade of working in high powered, international retailing and service sector environments where building international relationships, negotiation, leading teams and managing change have all been paramount. It is exactly that breadth and depth of knowledge and experience that we require for what is a very challenging role within Harding Brothers.’
After a two year stint with Cunard, Trevor joined Allders International in 1980 at just 22 years of age. The next 16 years saw him move up the ranks from a trainee wine buyer to global group buying and merchandise manager. In 1996, with the Nuance takeover, he was retained as the sole Allders senior executive, to integrate three acquisitions into a cohesive global travel retailer, becoming vice president on the Holding Management Board, based in London and Zurich. During this time, he managed and controlled the start up of the total retail offering in the then new Hong Kong airport, negotiating with Government Agencies, contractors and suppliers, from inception to opening.
‘I am thrilled to be coming back into the travel retail business and what better way than with a rapidly growing, dynamic, forward thinking company like Harding Brothers,’ he says. ‘Having started my career with Cunard thirty years ago, it seems ironic to have gone full circle and be back in the cruise ship business, but it’s a great feeling! The industry has changed dramatically in the last ten years and I very much look forward to catching up with old friends and familiar faces, as well as meeting the new movers and shakers that have helped make travel retail such an exciting, challenging and vibrant business to be involved with again after all these years.’
‘I am thrilled to be coming back into the travel retail business and what better way than with a rapidly growing, dynamic, forward thinking company like Harding Brothers,’ he says. ‘Having started my career with Cunard thirty years ago, it seems ironic to have gone full circle and be back in the cruise ship business, but it’s a great feeling! The industry has changed dramatically in the last ten years and I very much look forward to catching up with old friends and familiar faces, as well as meeting the new movers and shakers that have helped make travel retail such an exciting, challenging and vibrant business to be involved with again after all these years.’ Trevor replaces Brian Smith who left the company earlier in the year.
Press enquiries:
Rowena Holland, Essential Communications. Tel: 01883 622748. Fax: 01883 626219.
Email: row@essentialcommunications.org
Harold Gittelmon, Harding Brothers Retail Ltd. Tel : 0117 982 5961. Fax : 0117 982 7276. Email: hag@hardingbros.co.uk
March 2008
Harding Bros wins retailer award at DFNI Global Awards
We are delighted to announce that Harding Brothers again won the Cruise/Ferry Travel Retailer of the Year at the 2008 DFNI Global Awards. The award was presented at the annual DFNI Charity Ball held in London on February 29.
DFNI (Duty Free News International) is one of the travel retail industry’s leading trade publications and these annual awards are voted for by industry executives. Harding Brothers were finalists, along with Starboard and P&O Ferries.
Says managing director Harold Gittlemon. ‘This is an award that we didn’t nominate ourselves for and is voted for by the travel retail industry, which makes winning all the more meaningful. Clearly, this is an award that recognises the efforts and abilities of the whole of the Harding’s team across every department. We know the huge efforts they all go to make the business a success and Neil and I are really thrilled that it has been recognised by the entire travel retail industry.’
The award was collected by Neil Harding and his son Seb and will join last year’s award, along with the Frontier Marine Retailer of the Year award which we picked up in 2005.
January 2008
Another Hardings Baby
We are delighted to announce the safe arrival of another Hardings baby. HR officer from The Onboard Spa Company, Nina Leonard has given birth to Sofia, who weighed in at 7.5 pounds.
Congratulations Nina
January 2008
Announcement
Harding Brothers Limited announces that Brian Smith, Head of Buying for the retail division, will be leaving the business with immediate effect as he wishes to relocate back to the south east of England. Brian has been with the company for two years and has made a major contribution to the business during that time. We wish Brian every success for the future.
December 2007
ROYAL ARCADE OFFERS UNPARALLELED RETAIL EXPERIENCE FOR QUEEN VICTORIA PASSENGERS
Harding Brothers is delighted to be operating the retail shops onboard Cunard’s magnificent new cruiseliner, the Queen Victoria. Situated on Deck 3, The Royal Arcade offers an unparalleled onboard shopping experience. Inspired by London's Burlington and Royal Arcades, wood panelling, wrought iron, green marble and white stone combine to stylish effect in some 5,000sq ft of retailing sophistication and excellence.
The Royal Arcade offers passengers a superb range of retail environments, including Art, Fine Jewelry, Fashion Jewelry and Watches, Fragrances & Cosmetics (all 500 sq ft), QV brand formal and daytime women’s and men’s apparel and accessories (650 sq ft), Liquor/Tobacco/Food and Medicines (635.1sq ft), QV low end souvenirs and logo apparel (1,152 sq ft), and a Book/Souvenir store (462.7 sq ft).
Additionally, in a somewhat unique approach to high seas retailing, Harding Brothers and Cunard have worked in partnership to develop the Cunardia room which will showcase some of the finest brands of giftware at sea including Faberge. To compliment this range, Tatiana Faberge will be sailing onboard Queen Victoria during the inaugural season providing enrichment lectures on the history and heritage of the Faberge family.
The following brands will be showcased in the retail shops:
Giftware Harrods Faberge Lalique Wedgwood Lladro Kosta Boda Swarovski
Bags Rodo Brics Guess Radley Tula
Watches Tag Heuer Gucci Baume & Mercier Raymond Weil Dreyfuss Citizen Armani/p>
Costume Jewellery Swarovski Dyberg & Kern Anticca Murrina
Uniquely, Harding Brothers will be offering an exclusive in-cabin order magazine which will enable guest to order logo souvenirs and clothing from their state rooms.
The Guest will be able to look through the magazine, fill out the order form and give it to their cabin steward, who will then process the order. The merchandise will be delivered directly to their on board suites.
Says Neil Harding, Chief Executive Harding Brothers: “The Queen Victoria launch extends a very important business relationship for us. The buzz in the industry surrounding a Cunard launch is something very special. Our offering on the QM2 broke the mould in terms of what could be achieved on board a cruise ship and we believe that Queen Victoria takes this a step further. We look forward to creating a very successful operation on board this iconic vessel.”
November 2007
Life at Sea Begins…..at 50!
In a world where most employers are regularly under fire for discriminating against the older members of their workforce, changing career when you’re over 40 can lead to a real mid-life crisis! Who wants to employ you when you’re getting close to pensionable age and the only acne cream you’re likely to buy is for your grandchildren.
‘We do!’ says Harold Gittlemon, managing director of Bristol based Harding Brothers, which operates shops on the world’s most luxurious cruiseships, including the Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth 2 and brand new Queen Victoria, which sets sail from Southampton on her maiden voyage this coming January.
Retail experience is desirable but, aside from that, enthusiasm, energy, great people skills and a desire for adventure count far more than being wet behind the ears. ‘Harding Brothers has a very clear policy on age…and that is we simply don’t discriminate. Some of our best employees onboard are well into their 50s,’ says Gittlemon. ‘They’ve seen a lot of life, are great at dealing with all kinds of customers, are reliable and committed. Additionally, a lot of guests prefer to be served by more mature staff. A cruise can last three weeks or more and during that time employees can become real friends to guests.’
Cruiseship shops have changed enormously over the past decade and are more akin to mini department stores than corner shops. ‘Finding the right calibre of person to work in our onboard shops can be difficult,’ continues Gittlemon. ‘While we do have outlets selling Kit Kats and bars of soap, we’re really talking about high class jewellers, chic fashion boutiques, and prestigious beauty counters, which demand a certain sophistication in terms of verbal etiquette and sales techniques.’  When Sigrid Preuss applied for a job with Harding Brothers she didn’t expect to hear from them because she was over 60. ‘ I thought that such jobs were reserved for young and beautiful girls who have rich and famous parents,’ she said. ‘I was astonished when I was invited for an interview.’ Sigrid was attracted to the magnitude of ships and dreamt of working in the gift shop of the QM2 as a Retail Sales Associate. Now, on her second contract with the company, she runs the highly exclusive Man Shop on Crystal Serenity.
‘I enjoy the retail business in general and I love our guests on the Serenity,’ she says. ‘ And, without a doubt I enjoy the opportunity to see the world. It is an adventure, one that I will never forget in my life. The job on the ship is very demanding, and labour intensive, but extremely rewarding.’
Of course it’s not just older folk that Hardings employs. A good mix of age – and type - is necessary to meet all the different styles of cruising – from cross Channel to round the world.But for Gittlemon, Hardings would be lost without their ‘Shirley Valentines’ - older women whose kids have grown up and whose husbands/partners are, for whatever reason, no longer around. ‘Suddenly they are faced with no responsibilities and a desire to see the world and have an adventure,’ he says ‘A lot of women in this position might think they’re too old for working in a cruiseship retail shop, but we really have no upper age limit, although of course fitness is a factor!’
 At 44, Lynette Gittins (shop manager on the Silverseas Silver Cloud) is a typical ‘Shirley Valentine’. Still relatively young in the Hardings employee profile, she plans to stay with the company well into her 50s! ‘I wanted to have a complete change in life and to see the world - one life and all that - and I thought this would be a good way to do it. I found the Hardings’ site on the internet. I had no previous ship experience nor had I worked in a boutique or shop before – but I had sales and marketing experience and a lot of customer services experience’.
Now into her second year with the company, Lynette says her days are never the same – and never dull. ‘My day would involve checking emails, preparing reports, training my assistant, stock rotation, stock control, display merchandising and dealing with our guests. We have a lot of free time when we are in port as we are not allowed to open due to customs regulations - so I also volunteer to escort our guests on tours. This gives me a great opportunity to visit many of the beautiful and interesting places that we go to around the world. I love waking up in a new port every day - sometimes a new country and having the time to explore and see some of the places is one of the true perks of the job! Ship life can be so much fun - you meet new people all the time and face new challenges regularly.’
Clearly, this is not a 9-5 job we’re talking about. On sea days the shops can be open for 12 hours or more – and that’s a long working day. But on the plus side, when the ships are at port, the shops are closed and mostly that means employees can go exploring. What’s more, while you’re onboard all your living costs are pretty much covered, so all the money you’re making is disposable income. You’ve obviously got to be good at living in close contact with people and, in most cases, at working in a team, but the social side can be great.
Lynette sums up: ‘I love this lifestyle and I have no doubt that this is better than any tonic for keeping your youth!!’
If a life at sea appeals to you, find out more by visiting www.hardingretail.co.uk or www.cruiseshiprecruitment.co.uk
June 2007
Three new Retail Contracts
We are delighted to announce some significant developments.
After many months of negotiations and reciprocal visits, with Royal Caribbean Cruises we have been awarded three new retail contracts.
The first is for two ships under a new brand, Azamara Cruises, that was launched May 4 by Celebrity Cruises. The Azamara Journey entered service May 5, and Amazara Quest will enter service in October. Both ships fall into the "deluxe" category of cruising, with Azamara’s distinguishing factors including butler service and concierge-style amenities in every stateroom and suite, personalized service, a dining experience rivalling the best on land, and truly exotic destinations that only smaller ships like these can reach.
The second and main contract, which has been the subject of the bulk of the work since July last year, is the new Solstice-class ships being built for Celebrity. These three ships are large and accommodate 2,850 guests each, the first of which will enter service in October 2008. The Solstice-class ships are the first new builds for the Celebrity brand since 2002, so will go a long way in further expanding the brand. The onboard shopping facilities are a real departure from the typical cruise ship design, so Celebrity was looking for an operator that genuinely recognises the difference in cruise brands and is flexible enough to work up an exciting and unique retail offering.
We have also been awarded the retail contract for Royal Caribbean International’s third Freedom-class ship, Independence of the Seas, which will accommodate approximately 3,630 guests, double occupancy. Independence will start operation in May 2008 out of Southampton and share the title of the world’s largest cruise ship with sister ships Freedom of the Seas and recently-launched Liberty of the Seas. Royal Caribbean’s Freedom-class cruise ships are renowned for offering guests some of the world’s most innovative onboard amenities, such as the FlowRider surf simulator, the H20 Zone water park, boxing ring, and more. Many of you will have seen the publicity for Liberty of the Seas when she was unveiled in Southampton this past April.
Neil Harding emphasised that “These breakthroughs are obviously extremely important for us, but clearly our commitment to all of our existing customers is unchanged and we have a lot of hard work that lies ahead to execute on all of the business that has come our way.”
Harold Gittlemon added “With this business added to our Oceania Cruises three ship contract that starts in July Harding Brothers will double in size over the next three years. We will have to invest in people, systems and premises. We are also looking at the possibility of having some US based employees too.”
“We believe above all else in teamwork and therefore don’t like to single out individuals. However, the three team leaders Mark, Darren and Brian worked extremely hard in putting together a series of winning proposals and we both congratulate them on a superbly done job.”
March 2007
Celebrity Cruise Line
We are very happy to announce that Harding Brothers has been awarded the retail contract for two luxury vessels within the Celebrity Cruise Line fleet. The first vessel “Journey” will initially operate between New York and the Bahamas and will commence in May 2007. The second vessel will start operating later in the year.
Neil Harding, CEO, said:
“We are delighted that Celebrity Cruise Line has chosen to award this contract to Harding Brothers and we look forward to developing the retail offering with Celebrity”.
February 2007
Ocean Village
We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded the Retail and Beauty Spa Contract for Ocean Village’s new flagship “Ocean Village Two”. The 1700 passenger ship will enter service in May 2007 and will operate from Palma, Majorca during the summer.
Neil Harding, CEO said:
I am delighted that Ocean Village has decided to further extend our partnership on-board Ocean Village Two and we look forward to further developing the Retail and Spa offeringon-board this unique and highly successful cruise line. Both the Retail and Spa areas on-board Ocean Village two are spectacular. The Spa is located on two decks and all treatment room overlook the sea with a forward view. The Spa will offer an Arabian Hamman Aromasoul Massage Ritual and will premier new treatments, classes and products such as the celebrity endorsed OXYJet Star Facial System, the latest Latino Aerobic programme-Zumba and the Biolage hair and colour range from Matrix.
February 2007
Majestic Cruises
We are very happy to announce we have been awarded the retail contract for Majestic Cruises new vessel Ocean Countess that will operate 7 day cruises from Piraeus, Greece. The operation will commence in April and will further strengthen our presence in Greece.
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March 2006
Hardings Wins Cruise / Ferry Travel Retailer of the Year
Harding Retail Division are proud to be voted the "Cruise
/ Ferry Travel Retailer of the Year" at the Raven Fox
Global Travel Retail Awards for Travel Retail Excellence.
This follows our "Marine Retailer of the Year" win
at the Frontier Awards in Cannes in the first week of November
2005.
Commenting on the award, Neil Harding, Managing
Director said,
"After winning our first award in Cannes,
it is very pleasing to have a second prestigious award following
on so close behind. What is especially pleasing about this
is that the votes are cast by the industry and the recognition
of our peers and supplier base is a vote of support for all
of the Hardings staff both on land and at sea who work so
hard in the cause of developing Hardings."
January 2006
Hardings Announces Another Key Management Appointment
We are delighted to confirm the appointment of a new Head of Buying, following Alyson Reilly's retirement earlier this year. The post has been taken by Brian Smith who most recently has been Head of Sales and Merchandising at OKA Direct, a domestic retailer of homewares and furnishings. Prior to that, he has had extensive buying, retail and general management experience, including stints at both Harrods and ASDA, and running the duty-free shops in Dubai ports, selling a wide product range very closely-allied to our own, including perfume, liquor and luxury gifts and jewellery.
Neil Harding commented:
"Alyson, with Dave, did a fantastic job of re-organising the buying function and we are very confident that Brian will build on this success. His appointment marks a further step forward in our development as a professional and forward-looking business, and we all wish him every success"
Brian Smith commented:
"I am hugely excited about this opportunity. I was impressed by Neil's management team and about the growth opportunities that clearly lie ahead for the company. It dominates its domestic niche and has a growing reputation worldwide. I felt it was an excellent match for both my skill set and aspirations."
November 2005
Marine Retailer of the Year
The Company is delighted to announce that it has been awarded Marine Retailer of the Year in the prestigious Frontier Awards in Cannes in the first week of November 2005.
The Frontier Awards have, for two decades, saluted the best that travel retail has to offer. They are the only truly global competition recognising best practice and are judged by an independent panel of leading industry executives.
Commenting on the award, Neil Harding, Managing Director said,
"I am absolutely thrilled to be recognised by the trade in this way, which was awarded largely for the success that we have enjoyed on board QM2. I don't like to identify individuals, given the team ethos that governs everything that we do at Hardings, but I am particularly thrilled that the four people who lead our efforts aboard QM2, Michelle Burns, Darren Powell, Dave Whitmey and Paul Woodehouse, are probably my four longest serving employees who have been with the business since the times when we operated on just a few ships.
Coupled with the recent announcement on the award of Crystal cruise lines, this is a great time for the Company as we continue to strengthen the infrastructure of the business and forge ahead with additional growth opportunities provided by the growth in the fleet of our core customers."
September 2005
Crystal Cruise Line
We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded the on board duty free retail concession aboard Crystal Cruise Line, one of the most prestigious brands serving the luxury end of the US cruise market. The operation has been run in-house until now and the success that we have enjoyed in developing relationships with luxury brands and our expanding US vendor programme were key factors in our being awarded the contract.
Neil Harding, Managing Director, said:
"This is a vital business win for us and continues the huge momentum we have built up over the past few years. It also consolidates our pre eminent position in the US luxury marketplace and enables us to further develop our exciting US vendor programme. I am certain that we have the right expertise in place to deliver very strong results aboard the Crystal fleet."
September, 2005
New Branch
The Harding Bros Group are proud to announce the opening of their newest
branch in their overseas Ship Supply Division .....
Harding Marine Services (Rotterdam) Ltd
From our new premises in Rotterdam we are now able to supply to all
Dutch, European and world-wide ports. The team at Harding Marine
Services (Rotterdam) Ltd all have varied experiences and proven track
records within the ship supply, spare parts and logistics sectors, which
spans many years.
Read more...
February, 2005
New Finance Director Appointed
We are delighted to announce the appointment of a new Finance Director, Penny Kinnear. Having qualified with KPMG Penny has much high level experience as a Finance Director most recently in a subsidiary of Trelleborg, the Swedish industrial business.
Neil Harding commented on the appointment: "Penny's appointment represents another major step forward in building a strong management team capable of delivering well controlled growth. Her international experience will also I am sure prove invaluable as we continue to grow the business and take advantage of the many opportunities we have in overseas markets."
Penny Kinnear said, "Joining Hardings is a great opportunity to join a highly entrepreneurial and privately owned business that has been through significant change and growth of late and I am looking forward to playing a key role in developing the business further over the coming years"
January, 2005
Harding Brothers Wins Tender for Silverseas Cruises
Harding Brothers is delighted to announce that it has won the retail
contract in a competitive tender for Silverseas Cruises. This is one of the
most prestigious cruise lines in the world and attracts a mix of very high
end US and European passengers. Announcing the win, Neil Harding, Managing
Director, said:
"Our success aboard the QM2 is beginning to bear fruit elsewhere. The
expertise we have forged in working together with brands to ensure that all
parties understand the operational issues and marketing benefits of on board
exposure has enabled us to grow our high end US niche with the successful
tender for Silverseas cruises. I am certain that we will be able to do an
excellent job for Silverseas over the next few years and I am very much
looking forward to seeing the business grow still further in 2005."
December, 2004
Latest Salon/Spa News
New Recruits
Denise Williams has just joined as Operations Supervisor.
Recruitment Partnership
Harding's Spa & Salon division are going into 'recruitmanship' with Havering College in Romford. They are providing us with outstanding, qualified staff for our Cruise liners, whom we then train in all our products, equipment and way of working.
August, 2004
Harding Brothers is delighted to announce the opening of its new spa and retail training academy in Canute Road, Southampton. The academy, which has the facility to train staff on all of the services provided by the Spa and Retail Division, is fully operational and training began in earnest during the third week of August.
As a part of this development, the Company has appointed two training managers, Jonathan Adonis for the Spa division and Nathalie Belunza for the Retail Division.
Neil Harding, Managing Director commented:
"The Spa Division has grown to the point where it can no longer rely on the training facilities of its supplier base, as it has until now. This represents a major investment for the Company, but I am confident that we will see immediate benefits in the consistency with which our staff are trained before they embark a ship. In addition, the facility will enable us to further develop the training that we are able to give our retail division staff."
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July, 2004
Harding Brothers is delighted to announce that it has concluded negotiations for Alyson Reilly to join the Company as Director of Buying in mid-July.
Alyson is a hugely-experienced buying professional with a wide network at the highest levels in duty-free retail. Her former positions have included Global Perfumes Buyer at Allders International (now Nuance), and Director of Buying at World Duty Free. Most recently, she was Director of Product Development & Strategy at WDF. Whilst at WDF she worked closely with Barry Gibson, our Chairman.
Speaking of her appointment, Alyson, who will have overall responsibility for the management and strategy of the Buying function, said:
"I have watched with great interest as Hardings has carved out a leading niche position in the duty-free arena. My key task is to enable the Buying function to become a proactive leader of the business with the introduction of innovative product and trading strategies, whilst maintaining the flexibility and dynamism that has worked well, and been a key strength, to date. I have been greatly impressed by the professionalism of everyone I have met at the Company and am very much looking forward to working with such a committed team."
Neil Harding, Managing Director, said:
"Alyson's deep knowledge and understanding of the sector, combined with her proven trading skills, will undoubtedly enable us to build upon the success we have enjoyed to date. I, and the rest of the Board, welcome her appointment and are all excited at the prospect of working alongside her."
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May, 2004
Harding Brothers is delighted to announce
the appointment of Barry Gibson as Chairman of its board
of directors. 
Gibson, 52, has an unrivalled reputation
in the duty free retail world, having served as Retail
Director of BAA plc from the time of its floatation.
During his 9 years at BAA he oversaw the dramatic growth
of the group's retail profits and the massive expansion
of retail space, international retail development and
the introduction of BAA's own retail operator World
Duty Free. After leaving BAA in 1997 Gibson became Group
Chief Executive of Littlewoods, the family-owned, retail,
catalogue and pools business. Having successfully executed
the shareholder's value crystallisation strategy Gibson
became a non-executive Director of National Express
Group plc William Hill plc and chairman of Genesis Distribution
Limited all of which he continues to serve.
Speaking of the appointment Neil Harding,
Managing Director, said:
"It is of huge significance to me that we have been
able to attract someone of Barry Gibson's calibre and
experience in the duty-free environment as our new Chairman.
I think it speaks volumes for how far the Company has
come in the last couple of years, and for how much further
growth remains open to us if we plan and execute it
properly. Barry has already added huge value to us with
his wealth of experience and contacts and this contribution
I know will grow substantially over the forthcoming
years. This is a vital piece in the Hardings' jigsaw
- and we are all delighted with the appointment."
Barry Gibson commented:
"This is a very exciting time in the development of
the Company. The initial success of the QM2 retail contract,
added to the 28 other ships that we operate, has given
a substantial lift to the profile and commercial success
of the Hardings business. I am impressed by the energy
and ambition of Neil and his team, and am looking forward
to playing a central role as they develop the business
further. They have tremendous focus on, and understanding
of, the cruise-based environment and plenty of growth
opportunities for the business to go after. This will,
I am certain, be a very exciting journey."
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January, 2004
Succesful start to QM2 contract
Harding Brothers is delighted to announce
an extremely successful start to its retail contract
aboard the much heralded QM2. The ship enjoyed the highest
profile launch of a cruise ship for many years and the
scale of the publicity gave prominent exposure to many
of the brands represented on board including Hermes,
Chopard, H Stern, Gant and Escada. The substantial number
of visitors and shake down cruise passengers were very
attracted to the QM2 branded merchandise which was very
well received. A temporary retail unit, set up in the
QE2 terminal, had long queues for most of the days on
which it was open.
Neil Harding said, "this set up has been
an enormous amount of effort for my team and I am sure
it will prove an important watershed in the development
of the business, giving us more exposure to the US passenger
market. We have overseen the refit of two units in record
time and the initial reactions of passengers and visitors,
as well as the owners of the ship, has been very favourable.
I believe that over time QM2 will become the most valuable
cruise ship brand in the world".
November, 2003
Harding Brothers announce Hermès QM2 store
Harding Brothers is delighted to announce
that, for the first time in a cruise ship environment,
Hermès will be represented on QM2 with a stand-alone
store. The unit will be fully fitted out in the Hermes
style and will carry a comprehensive range of articles.
Neil Harding said, "We are delighted
to be able to display Hermès products in their own dedicated
area on QM2 alongside other major luxury brands. High
profile passengers are attracted by this unique ship
and we feel sure that these fine products will be of
great interest to them".
Hermès joins Dunhill, Chopard, Gant,
Escada, Gucci and H Stern, among others, whose merchandise
will also be available on QM2.
Left: Florian Craen and Neil Harding
(seated) and Richard Goldstein sign the Hermes contract
in the newly opened Hermes store on the QM2.
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October, 2003
Harding Brothers Announces The Appointment of a new
General Manager for its Spa Division
Harding Brothers announces that it has
appointed Rod Smallwood as the new general manager for
its spa division. Rod has extensive spa experience both
at sea and on land. Having originally trained as a stylist
and beauty therapist Rod held many senior positions
in a sea based spa operation rising to Spa Director
during his thirteen years with them. Most recently Rod
launched the Molton Brown day spa at the Bluewater retail
centre in Kent.
Speaking of the appointment Neil Harding,
Managing Director, said
"Once again I am delighted with the
quality of individual that we have been able to attract
to Hardings. Rod is extremely well known and respected
in the spa world and he shares our commitment to build
the spa business from its dominant uk market share to
a business that has the quality to compete on the world
stage. Rod is key appointment for us and I am very excited
about what he will bring to us. He has the right Hardings
mix of entrenpreneurial flair, hard work and professionalism".
Rod Smallwood said,
"Much as I really enjoyed the Molton
Brown launch, I had itchy feet and a passion for the
sea based spa industry. I have been given a unique opportunity
at Hardings to build off a sound base a world class
spa operation. I am very excited about what the future
holds in store for me here".
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October, 2003
Harding Brothers announces partnership with Mariner
Duty Free
Harding Brothers is pleased to announce
a new partnership with Mariner Duty Free Ltd, who will
be running a trunk show programme for a number of our
ships over the next few months.
Mariner directors Gerrard Spray and Chris
Burgess have over 20 years experience in duty free cruise
ship retail, serving as onboard shop managers and operations
managers before launching Mariner in 2003.
Mariner's expertise is primarily in jewellery
and gemstones, with which they will be travelling from
ship to ship throughout the year. Both directors are
graduate gemmologists and will promote each trunk show
with a series of lectures, presentations and workshops.
The Mariner retail strategy is to target geographically-specific
merchandise for the ships, such as opals for Australia,
tanzanite for African cruising, pearls for Japan and
emeralds for Colombia.
Additionally, Mariner will be the preferred
supplier of Russian merchandise for the Baltic cruising
ships, supplementing standard souvenir merchandise with
higher value pieces on a trunk show basis.
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August, 2003
Queen Mary II Project
- The Queen Mary II project is taking shape. Negotiations
are ongoing with several world leading brands, many
of whom are to experience the cruise ship retail environment
for the first time. The final line up of brands will
be announced over the next two months.
----------------------------------------
July, 2003
Latest Recruitment
- Harding Brothers has completed a substantial round
of recruiting to complete the first phase of its development
after the January equity raising exercise. Mark Birnie,
who has spent many years in a ship based retail environment
joins as an Area Manager and will initially support
the P&O fleet.
- Mark's appointment comes soon after those of Louise
Smith and Bernadette Vucinic in our Human Resource
Department. Louise has many years' professional HR
experience and Bernadette worked for many years for
another ship-based retail operator and brings to her
role hands-on personal experience of the issues facing
our shop managers.
- In addition to these appointments, the buying team's
capability has been significantly extended with the
addition of Karen Abriel and Victoria Livings.
- Commenting on this round of appointments, Neil Harding
said:
"I am delighted with the calibre of individual
that we have been able to attract to the business,
which I believe underpins the confidence that we have
in our future success. All of these individuals have
much to bring to us and will be a critical part of
our future development. They are all most welcome
to our growing team".
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April, 2003
Ocean Village Launch
- Harding Brothers announces that, among other new
supplier relationships, it has arranged its first
listing with The Discovery Store as it refines its
offering for the launch of Ocean Village, the newly
launched P&O brand aimed at younger holiday makers
who have never previously cruised.
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January, 2003
Three New Executives Welcomed
- Harding Brothers is delighted to announce that it
has raised significant expansion capital to fund the
significant growth that it has enjoyed in its retail
division. As a part of the deal it also welcomes three
new executive directors on board. Two of them, Richard
Goldstein and Harold Gittelmon have until now been
running Eclipse Investment Partners, a venture capital
business based in London and were the lead investors
in the capital raising. The third director, Jeffrey
Kinn, who takes up the role as Finance Director held
similar roles previously with Prontaprint Group plc
and far Blue plc.
- Neil Harding, Managing Director, commented on the
deal:
"I believe that this significant addition to the
financial and board resources of the business gives
us a firm platform on which we can build, and am confident
that the experience of the three new directors will
undoubtedly help us to grow further in the future.
I am delighted to have concluded this transaction
and am very confident of the future success which
the business will enjoy".
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