In this episode, hosts Katharine Spence and Ian King sit down with Helen Brocklebank, Chief Executive of Walpole, the official body for British luxury. Helen shares how this sector, worth an astonishing £81 billion to the UK economy, is not only a major growth engine but also a powerful source of UK soft power.
Discover why British luxury is thriving despite global challenges, what makes its unique model a “superpower,” and how heritage craftsmanship and family businesses set it apart from European conglomerates. Helen also explores the rise of Gen Z’s passion for timeless, authentic products, the sector’s role in sustaining nearly half a million jobs, and why accessibility and aspiration matter in luxury today.
Plus, Helen opens up about her personal journey from publishing to leading Walpole and reveals an unexpected metaphor for resilience.
Tune in for insights on leadership, innovation, and the grit behind Britain’s most resilient industry.
Guest: Helen Brocklebank
Hosts: Katharine Spence & Ian King
Get in touch: behindthenarrative@h-advisors.global
A production by H/Advisors, the global strategic communications group: www.h-advisors.global
In this episode of Behind the Narrative, hosts Katharine Spence and Ian King are joined by Sir Nigel Knowles, one of the most influential figures in the global legal industry, for a candid conversation about leadership, transformation, and the future of law.
As the architect behind DLA Piper’s rise to become the world’s largest law firm in 2011, and former Chair and CEO of DWF Group, Nigel’s career, including taking a firm public to subsequently delisting it, offers a masterclass in strategic reinvention.
In this wide-ranging discussion, Nigel shares his perspective on the legal sector being ripe for consolidation, the cultural foundations of successful mergers, the pros and cons of public vs. private ownership, and what DWF’s journey reveals about both, and how AI is reshaping the legal profession, from recruitment to pricing.
Whether you're in law, leadership, or simply curious about how industries evolve, this episode offers rare insight from someone who’s helped shape the modern legal landscape.
Guest: Sir Nigel Knowles
Hosts: Katharine Spence & Ian King
Get in touch: behindthenarrative@h-advisors.global
A production by H/Advisors, the global strategic communications group: www.h-
advisors.global
Website:
www.h-advisors.global
Social Links:
www.linkedin.com/company/h-advisors
Behind The Narrative with Katharine Spence and Ian King
What happens behind the headlines when business leaders face their biggest moments? This groundbreaking podcast series uncovers the real stories behind corporate narratives. Hosted by renowned UK business journalist Ian King alongside H/Advisors Partner and former Sky News correspondent Katharine Spence, Behind the Narrative takes you inside the minds of international business leaders during their most defining moments.
In this inaugural episode of Behind the Narrative, hosts Katharine Spence and Ian King sit down with Stu Jackson, Amazon’s International Stores & Corporate Communications Director, for a compelling conversation about the complexities of managing communications across one of the world's largest global enterprises.
From Amazon's Seattle headquarters to operations spanning continents, Stu shares insider insights into how the tech giant has evolved its communications strategy to meet the demands of an increasingly interconnected world.
Stu brings a refreshingly candid perspective to the often opaque world of corporate communications. Whether you're leading a multinational team or simply curious about how global giants operate behind the scenes, this conversation offers rare insights into the machinery that keeps Amazon's message consistent across borders.
Website:
www.h-advisors.global
Social Links:
www.linkedin.com/company/h-advisors
A production by H/Advisors, global strategic communications experts: www.h-advisors.global