Owning it. | Episode-5
Business conversations with Hannah Beaumont-Laurencia of Beaumont Organic | Episode 5.
Owning it.
Business conversations with Hannah Beaumont-Laurencia, of Beaumont Organic Ep.5
About the Series 'Owning it.'
Read on to learn more about our brand new podcast series...
Introduction
The brand new series of business conversations brought to you by Haines Watts aims to uncover the trials and tribulations of being a business owner, from the highs and the lows to everything in between. What keeps a business owner up at night, what lessons have they learned, and what advice have they got to offer other business owners? The raw, honest, and un-sugar coated truth about the pitfalls and triumphs of managing a business.
The series is led by Professor Damian Hughes, an international speaker and bestselling author who combines his practical and academic background within sport, organisational development and change psychology, to help organisations and teams to create a high performing culture.
Damian is the author of eight best-selling business books, and delivers the High Performance Podcast series along with Jake Humphrey. He has vast experience meeting and interviewing remarkable individuals and uses this to gain a real insight into what drives people, but he also brings about a genuine warmth and inquisitive style that makes him so endearing and encourages people to be so open and candid.
Damian is the author of eight best-selling business books, and delivers the High Performance Podcast series with presenter Jake Humphrey.
Being part of the ‘Owning it.' series has offered me the great privilege of being able to ask questions of a wide variety of entrepreneurs, business leaders and clients of Haines Watts and learn their lessons, their stories and their techniques which have enabled them to enjoy great success.
Each one have generously provided these with great wit, warmth and wisdom and I am excited to share them with you.”
Damian Hughes
From this wealth of knowledge and experience, this series can offer untapped insight and exploration of thought into how to run a successful business whilst remaining mentally resilient.
The episodes within this first series see us interview a variety of clients across the country to find out what drives and motivates them in running their own business.
I have a genuine belief that you should ask a question of everyone you meet. Everybody knows something you don’t.”
Damian Hughes
Watch the video: \Consciously Ethical
Please click 'Read on' below to watch episode 5 with Hannah Beaumont-Laurencia of Beaumont Organic.
Click the play button to watch the video.
Listen to the full podcast: Consciously Ethical
Please click 'Read on' below to listen to the full podcast with Hannah Beaumont-Laurencia of Beaumont Organic.
Listen to the full podcast...
The video shows the highlights of the podcast but you can listen to the full interview audio below.
We would love to get your feedback on our fifth episode in the series, if you would kindly complete the poll, this will help steer our future content for Owning it.
Tell us what you liked best about this episode:
- Hearing about how Hannah was so determined to make the business a success.
- The ethical way Hannah is making a positive difference to how we buy and costume clothes.
- The supplementary information provided in this digital guide.
About Hannah Beaumont-Laurencia
CEO | Beaumont Organic
HANNAH BEAUMONT-LAURENCIA
CEO
Hannah is the Founder and CEO of Beaumont Organic, an international ethical women's wear brand that combines classic style with a contemporary twist. This luxury clothing company has a mission to design and create 'Contemporary Conscious Clothing' responsibly using luxury fabrics for the modern woman.
Raised by two ambitious and loving parents, Hannah’s journey as a young adult began with a gap year at the age of 18. Having battled dyslexia throughout school and working hard to secure straight As and A*s in her GCSEs and A-Levels, she needed a break from academia before starting university and her dream was always to travel. So began her biggest adventure to date: a four-month visit to Taveuni, Fiji, where she lived as a local, teaching at a small island school. Leaving her pampered home life to share living quarters with rats, cockroaches and lizards was quite a culture shock! No sign of an en-suite; just an outdoor cold tap for a shower and the washing machine was a bucket! Nothing was going to faze her, though. This was an experience she had dreamt of since her early teens, and despite – or even because of – all the challenges she faced there, Hannah spent a very happy four months on the island.
At school, she learned that you can do anything if you work hard enough. In Fiji Hannah’s values expanded; the trip made her realise that anything can be achieved as long as you believe in what you are doing and are determined. Hannah certainly encountered challenges as an entrepreneur and found that she needed to be resilient, headstrong and focused.
The company started with 8 organic cotton ecru T-shirts and just Hannah, running about designing, selling, buying, marketing… you name it, she did it. The company is now selling in 12 countries, with a team of staff in Manchester, a flagship concept store in Manchester and an online store with a database of over 65,000 customers who resonate with and support their vision.
Hannah had a love of fashion from an early age and, by her early teens, had also developed an entrepreneurial flair by making handbags for a local boutique. As her confidence as a seamstress grew, she went on to create many outfits and designed and produced a very special creation for her own 21st birthday party.
Hannah says, “Fashion is a way for me to release my creativity freely. My choices may not always appeal to the masses but that’s what style is all about – creating your own unique identity that is recognisable. For me, clothes need to look effortless and, most importantly, make you feel good wearing them.
In 2008, Beaumont Organic was born from her love of fashion and a lack of organic and ethical contemporary clothing in the market. Hannah knew from a young age that she had her own voice and that she wanted it to be heard in the wider world. Beaumont Organic became that voice; it allowed her to combine her creativity and business sense in an authentic way, because I created a product I believed in, that I knew inside out and was passionate about.”
Hannah approaches living in a much more conscious way by choosing to shop locally for groceries, ethically for clothes, organically for skincare, and, when in doubt about a product, she asks questions.
Beaumont Organic
Foundation
Book/Audio inspiration:
I am hugely inspired by self-development books/audios. I'm a big believer in the book The Secret (I love that book) and many of Gabrielle Bernstein's books. I also love Jen Sincero and Oprah Winfrey.
If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again."
Hannah's go to quote
We are inspired by making changes and paving a way for fashion to have a more sustainable future.
We do this by asking questions around our process, producing ethically, reducing wastage where we can and constantly finding ways to be more transparent.”
Hannah Beaumont-Laurencia, CEO
Beaumont Organic is an international ethical women's wear brand that combines classic style with a contemporary twist. Teaming unique silhouettes with contrasting luxury and eco fabrics, a collection of transitional pieces will see you through each season, and from day to night.
Beaumont Organic introduces two collections a year along with a collection of accessories that encompass the brands clean look and contemporary styling.
The company’s vision is to be seen as a pioneering design driven, well-respected, established, international organic and ethical brand. A brand people are proud to be wearing and be associated with, producing clothing that people respect and care for, encapsulating an emotional bond with our customers and creating a loyal following around the world.
On being responsible, Hannah says, “We are inspired by making changes and paving a way for fashion to have a more sustainable future. We do this by asking questions around our process, producing ethically, reducing wastage where we can and constantly finding ways to be more transparent.”
Organic Cotton remains at the heart of their collection, but they continue to explore new areas of sustainability by introducing new fibres and yarns. For the first time, this autumn sees the introduction of Oeko-Tex certified winter weight linen, and they have continued their use of recycled cotton yarns in their knitwear.
As a sustainable brand, they work with only a small number of carefully selected factories and suppliers. Low miles equals low impact. This is why 87% of their garments are spun, woven, dyed, sewn and finished using suppliers within a 300 mile radius of Braga, Portugal, minimising carbon emissions.
For AW21 they also moved to using a Portuguese warehouse, further reducing the footprint of their operations. They are also pleased to offer free repairs on Beaumont Organic garments in an effort to extend their lifespan and reduce textile waste.
Terry Cheesman
R&D Tax Specialst | Haines Watts
Terry is a progressive, North West based, chartered accountant and owner of Haines Watts R&D (North West). He is a tax specialist and business owner with a passion for helping companies of all sizes. Terry successfully delivers this by sharing his extensive knowledge of R&D Tax Relief, combined with thought leadership, strategic business and tax planning to assist business owners retain wealth and effect exponential growth.
Terry leads two specialist teams based in Altrincham and Liverpool: together they have achieved tax savings of £64.3 million in the last 65 months, helping companies to dream big, innovate, grow and succeed.
On working with Hannah, Terry says,
I was introduced to Hannah by a leading North West based HR consultant, Jill Bottomley and as a result Hannah became an R&D client of ours, her dad Nick acts as both company secretary and business advisor to Beaumont Organic and Hannah’s drive and determination as an entrepreneur is very inspiring; both Hannah and Nick are a pleasure to work with.
I enjoy being a problem solver for established and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. Building enduring business relationships based on trust. Leading and developing teams by example and with passion and purpose.”
Terry Cheesman | R&D Tax Specialist
Industry Insight: Clothing Retailing in the UK
INDUSTRY INSIGHT PROVIDED BY IBIS WORLD
Clothing Retailing in the UK
Over the five years through 2021-22, IBISWorld expects industry revenue to decrease at a compound annual rate of 4.1%. Growth rates have been constrained by challenging operating conditions, particularly from external competition from online only retailers such as Net-a-Porter, Asos and Boohoo, which has only been exacerbated by the pandemic. In addition to changing consumer trends, strong external competition, rising overheads and intense downward pricing pressures have weighed on revenue performance. Industry operators have also contended with supply chain pressures and modern slavery allegations.
Over 2020-21, industry revenue plummeted due to travel restrictions, store closures and social distancing measures following the outbreak of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. In addition to the pandemic, operators also continued to navigate a complex with the end of the UK-EU transition period and logistical obstacles. Nonetheless, the outlook for the current year remains somewhat brighter. Over 2021-22, revenue is expected to rise 34.3% to £36.5 billion driven by revenge spending and the reopening of hospitality.
Over the five years through 2026-27, the Clothing Retailing industry's revenue is forecast to increase at a compound annual rate of 3.3% to reach £43 billion. The industry is expected to continue to face numerous challenges including excessive inventory wastage, the end of rent protection mechanisms in March 2022 as well as a hastened shift online. Competition from department stores, supermarkets and online retailers is also expected to remain strong. However, this is anticipated to encourage industry operators to adapt their operating models to give online portals a more central role in their business and to redouble marketing efforts to connect with customers. One of the most pertinent concerns facing the industry are calls for more stringent regulation over products and supply chains. At the same time, ethical consumerism and sustainable clothing represent a significant opportunity for growth.
Clothing Retailing at a Glance
Industry overview provided by IBISWorld.
IBISWorld provides trusted industry research on thousands of industries worldwide. Their in-house analysts leverage economic, demographic and market data, then add analytical and forward-looking insight, to help organisations of all types make better business decisions.
Visit the Ibis website here
About the venue
Stock Exchange Hotel
ABOUT THE VENUE
Stock Exchange Hotel
Meticulous. Heritage. Trust
The building originally opened in 1906 as the Manchester Stock Exchange, before becoming the Northern Stock Exchange in the 1970s and trading as such until 1979 when it was amalgamated into the London Stock Exchange. In 2014 the building was purchased by Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs and opened its doors as a hotel in 2019.
Co-owned by Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and hotelier Winston Zahra, the boutique property is made up of a collection of 40 rooms, including two signature suites and a stunning 3,500 square foot penthouse residence, operated by Manchester based GG Hospitality. Stock Exchange Hotel is also part of 520 of the world’s most premium hotels that make up the Small Luxury Hotel group.
Design
The hotel’s interiors have been designed by internationally renowned design studio Autoban. Their bespoke design – a subtle arrangement of a light palette of colours, combined with luxurious materials, original marble, brass, glass and woodwork - ensures guests will experience spaces deeply rooted in the history and heart of the city, crafted around the remarkable stories of the building.
Food & Beverage
The heart and soul of the hotel is The Bull & Bear by Chef Tom Kerridge, housed under the magnificent dome which for decades was the trading floor of the Stock Exchange. The space has been designed to be a social space where people can enjoy quality food in a casual and relaxed atmosphere.
The Bank offers private dining experiences for up to 14 people in an intimate environment with area for a private chef to cook in front of guests. Click here for more information.
Heritage
The Manchester Stock Exchange was built between 1904 and 1906, on a design by “Bradshaw, John Gass and Arthur Hope” and was opened ceremoniously on the 13th December 1906. The exquisite example of Edwardian Baroque architecture was purpose built as a symbol of confidence in the future of a growing Manchester, which at the time was the 9th most populous city in the world. Stock Exchange Hotel pays homage to the rich history of the Grade II listed building, both in style and spirit.
Friends of Haines Watts
The Stock Exchange is offering 12% off their best available rate for bedrooms, just quote Haines Watts and code ZHWT when booking.
Final Thoughts...
Before we let her escape we asked Hannah a few fun questions about herself...
Next episode...
Coming up in the next episode Damian interviews Mark Sapsford and Douglas Edmunds from Capeq - stay tuned for the release date!
