S2 Ep3: Anabela Chan

In the final episode of series 2 of Great British Brands, Michael is joined by Deborah Pocock, CEO of the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, the foundation supporting the training and education of talented and aspiring craftspeople, through traditional college courses, vocational training, apprenticeships and one-to-one training.

Helping to support Britain’s cultural heritage and sustain vital skills in traditional and contemporary crafts, over the last 30 years QEST has awarded £5million to over 600 individuals in 130 different craft disciplines.

Michael is joined by Lady Deirdre Dyson, the designer and curator of the eponymous Deirdre Dyson carpet collections.

Described as a “fascinating blend of art and process, of ancient skill and new technology”, Lady Dyson’s concepts are crafted from what has been called a “gift”: her instinct for colour, brought to life by the finest Tibetan materials.

Her latest collection, All at Sea, is inspired by a unique experience of the pandemic that kept her out on stranger tides for three months while sailing the Guadeloupe islands.

Joining Michael Hayman today is Anabela Chan, described as “the jewellery designer you need to know now.” Recognised as one of the 50 most influential people in British luxury and a “pioneer” for her use of lab-grown diamonds and synthesised gemstones, Anabela is blazing a trail for a more ethical jewellery industry, and has global superstars such as Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Taylor Swift following in her wake.

Joining Michael Hayman today in this second episode of Series 2 of Great British Brands, is Alexandra Llewelyn, the award-winning designer of luxury games. From her famed backgammon boards and poker sets to exquisite games tables and card boxes, Alexandra is inspired by the universal language of board games, which transcend culture and generations – leading to the launch of her eponymous brand in 2010. With designs owned by clients such as Sir Richard Branson, Elle Macpherson and even Royalty, this is the story of a Great British brand with a global flavour.

The first conversation in a new Great British Brands X Change Makers series, a collection of conversations that look at the secrets of some of our most iconic businesses and the art of their craft.

Michael Hayman is joined by James Fox, Head of Marketing, Crockett & Jones, the legendary British shoemaking brand some five generations in the making. It boasts a who's who of have fans from around the world, and perhaps non more famous than 007 himself, Daniel Craig. But unlike Bond this is a brand that has not just shaken but also stirred the retail world. Listen to hear its story.