Anya Hindmarch – Growing a Successful Global Brand
03-09-2015
Anya Hindmarch has been invited to speak at The IoD Annual Convention on 6th October. The Convention invites entrepreneurs and directors at all levels to network and debate. It also provides the chance to hear inspirational talks from world leaders, opinion formers and global business figures.
One of the UK’s most eminent fashion accessory designers Anya Hindmarch opened her first shop in London at the tender age of 19. Today there are now over 50 Anya Hindmarch stores in 9 countries, including flagships in London, Tokyo and New York.
Despite this global success, Anya Hindmarch still retains the appeal and uniqueness of a niche brand. From designing her very first bag to critically-acclaimed London Fashion Week shows, Anya has approached every project with the creativity and humour that has become synonymous with the brand.
In an interview with ‘Director’ Anya talks about women in business, stepping down as Chief Executive and her latest role as UKTI business ambassador.
How does she feel about women in the workplace, can they truly be equal to men when balancing family life?
Anya (pictured right): “I am all for involving women in the workplace, but I am completely aware as a mum of five that women have children and they don’t always want to work full time like men – it should be their choice. If a man is better, then he should be chosen.
“Do I believe balance is good? Yes, because the world is a balanced place and that is a reflection of your customers. Do I think that women add something? Yes, because they have different skills to men.
“If you have examples of successful female executives then women are able to visualise themselves at the top and think ‘I could do that.’ But women also have to be respectful. Being too flexible is unfair on a business – companies have needs too and I think that has to come first. Personally, I think women are much stronger than men and I think they’ll rule the world one day, but let it happen by itself.”
How did Anya feel about stepping down as chief executive in 2011 and bringing in outside management:
Anya:“We had seen exponential growth, and it was at the point where it was going to damage the business. I was trying to remain on the creative side, while still doing all the partnerships, management and wholesale aspects. I was working all weekend, every weekend, and would panic that if I didn’t start working on a Sunday morning then I wouldn’t begin the next week on top of everything.
“I had to change my role for the good of the business and for me … I decided to become chief creative officer and remain company chair, and then bring in someone fresh as chief executive.”
And her views on her current position as a UKTI business ambassador:
Anya: “I thought the role would mostly be persuading other countries to buy British goods, but it’s actually about urging people in the UK to sell abroad. I am always amazed how scared people are of exporting. I’ve always thought, ‘I’ve got the whole world to export to, so let’s go!’
“The UK is lucky because we have a respected legal system, we’re financially stable and English is the international language. There’s a fascination with this country and London, in particular, is becoming a centre for excellence for financial services and for creativity.”
With the UK’s creative industries at a record high, traditional business industry can learn from an entrepreneur such as Anya Hindmarch to ensure quality and creativity remain at the heart of a brand.
Anya Hindmarch will be speaking at this year’s IoD Annual Convention on 6th October 2015. For details, visit iod.com.
