Miles Robinson and Nigel Williamson receive Honorary Achievement Award at The Henries
The irrepressible Miles Robinson, co-owner of House of Cards, isn’t often speechless but the Honorary Achievement Award at last night’s The Henries for him and longtime business partner Nigel Williamson took his breath away.
When they finally got to the stage having negotiated all the pats on the back and congratulations on the way through the audience at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel, it was Miles who stepped up to the microphone to admit: “I’m not often lost for words – but I’m lost for words now!”
Having collected the award from Joanne Davis, MD of category sponsor UK Envelope, Centre the clearly-emotional duo who set up their retail business at the start of the 1990s and have built it to a solid seven shops across the Home Counties, reverted to type with Nigel proudly holding the trophy while Miles recovered to thank their team, tell everyone to sell greeting cards and added: “We’re not ready to quit yet!”
Jakki Brown, MD of awards organiser Max Publishing, had introduced the Honorary Achievement Award, the final one of the evening yesterday, 3 October, saying: “There is no scientific formula as to what makes people great, they just have an alchemy all of their own. With this award we not only honour someone who is great at what they do but has also how they have contributed, having been at the heart of our greeting card family for over three decades.
“They have led from the front, done things their way, seen the big picture as well as the importance of the finer details, building a rock-solid business that truly cares for its team as well as those in the card community at large.
“Just as Rome was not built in a day, the business they started at the start of the 1990s has grown steadily but with flair, the firm foundations of relationships, sound commercial sense and product nous being the bedrock of what has become a multi-award-winning retailer.
“But while entrepreneurs through and through, and tough negotiators to boot, their gaze has always been broad, recognising that by joining with others, embracing industry initiatives, making time to support those just beginning their journey, brings benefits to all.
“They were there at the start of The Ladder Club, have been a judge at every Henries, were early adopters of Festive Friday and Thinking Of You Week, and steadfast champions of the Cardgains buying group.
“It has been to our industry’s massive benefit that in a street in Berkshire there was a greengrocers and a newsagents. As one went to the other to buy his apples and pears, the other returned the favour buying his newspapers and chocolate. A friendship was quickly forged between these two young chaps which then developed into them joining forces to tentatively open their first greeting card shop.
“They need not have worried as it was a resounding success from day one, and the subsequent 34½ years have seen this grow into a magnificent seven store group, revered for the quality product offered, retail environment created and high level of service from their very motivated, loyal team, whose contribution they never take for granted.
“Warren and I have had the good fortune to have known this dynamic duo since the start and have never heard a bad word said about them.”
The full list of The Henries Awards 2024 winners can be found here, and there will be more coverage on upcoming editions of PG Buzz and in the November issue of Progressive Greetings magazine, with a link to all the photos from the night to follow shortly.
