‘ BRAND BRITAIN’ IS COMING UP ROSES
THE chief executive of homeware company Cath Kidston says it is essential for “brand Britain” to cash in on its success worldwide, while continuing to have access to strategic key markets following Brexit.
Kenny Wilson told reporters that the “strength of brand Britain” is tied up in a view of the country as “open- minded”.
He said: “The strength of brand Britain is really important to us and I would like to see access to countries from a trading perspective, whether that’s the EU or otherwise.”
Mr Wilson added that Cath Kidston’s popularity in Asia, and brand Britain generally, is thanks to the worldwide perception of core British values.
“The reason Cath Kidston has been successful is because of Britishness. People have a view of Britain as an open- minded country, as a creative country, where there’s good education.”
Mr Wilson said the chain has seen a steep rise in tourist spending since the Brexit vote, boosting overseas purchasing power. Following its expansion in Asia, Mr Wilson said that the next stop for the chain – which has 77 stores in Britain – is Latin America, with a launch pencilled in for later this year.