07 July 2026
A leading independent retailers association has marked the six-month milestone of a new industry partnership set up to support the gift, lifestyle and home sectors.
The Gift & Lifestyle Consortium (G&LC) launched in January by industry leader Sarah Ward in partnership with Bira, has achieved its membership target for the first year within just six months. The association works with over 6,000 independent retailers across the UK.
The G&LC was created to bring retailers, suppliers, wholesalers and sales agents together in one organisation, giving the sector a combined voice that reflects both sides of the trading relationship. Since launch it has focused on building awareness of the group through trade events, alongside a wider push to engage suppliers and retailers directly.
Sarah Ward, Co-Founder of The Gift & Lifestyle Consortium, said: "I am so proud of what we have achieved so far, and of the work that has been going on behind the scenes to build something that genuinely works for this sector. I want to welcome all of our founding members, we are thrilled to have them on board, and the response has shown us there is real appetite for retailers and suppliers to come together in one place. We are in conversation with lots more businesses who are interested in joining us, and this is very much just the beginning for the G&LC."
Sarah added that the Consortium will have a stand at the London Home Fragrance Show on 9 and 10 July at the Business Design Centre in London, the only UK event dedicated entirely to home fragrance, and will also be attending Home & Gift Buyers Festival in Harrogate from 19 to 22 July.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, added: "The progress of the G&LC has made in six months shows the strength of this partnership. Bringing together retailers and suppliers gives the sector a stronger, more unified voice, and we are looking forward to building on this momentum."
The Consortium plans to expand its events programme and grow its membership across both the retailer and supplier side of the sector in the coming months.
Be part of a new collaborative force for a changing industry
The Gift & Lifestyle Consortium is a newly formed partnership created to support, connect, and champion businesses across the gift, lifestyle, and home sectors.
The consortium exists to:
- Champion businesses of all sizes across the gift, lifestyle, and home sectors
- Create meaningful connections between brands, retailers, and partners
- Provide guidance and insight rooted in decades of hands‑on industry experience
- Identify opportunities and address gaps that traditional structures may not reach
- Strengthen the sector through shared knowledge, collaboration, and community
- Representation our advocacy takes our collective voice to Parliament and into discussions with key stakeholders.
Image credit: Rgfx/stock.adobe.com
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