New partnership to propel 170-year furniture business to future growth

Luxury interiors retailer Arighi Bianchi has announced a new partnership with TV presenter Kate Hardcastle MBE to help the family-run business ‘secure its legacy’ as it heads into its 170th year.

Kate – known as The Customer Whisperer – a world-renowned consumer insights and engagement specialist, will collaborate with Arighi Bianchi managing director Sarah Bianchi to create an ambitious growth strategy for the retailer.

Arighi Bianchi has an iconic shopping emporium in Macclesfield, as well as an e-commerce store.

Family values

After vowing that her working chapter in UK interiors was complete, Kate says she was enticed back to the UK-market out of a huge respect for the Arighi Bianchi brand’s bountiful history and integral family values.

With more than 20 years of experience in the retail and consumer space, Kate has consulted for some of the world’s biggest brands to reimagine their customer engagement by providing insights that transform businesses. She will now support Arighi Bianchi on its exciting next phase of growth.

Sarah said: “We are extremely proud to be reaching such a pivotal milestone in our history, as we celebrate our 170th year in 2024. This presented the ideal time for us to not only look back at the elements that have driven our success over the decades, but to take action, and own our future, to secure the brand’s legacy for generations to come.

“We’re not a business that will ever rest on its laurels. While we have strong foundations, an amazing customer base in the region and a brilliant team, we know we must continue to change and adapt to today’s customer’s needs. We’re confident that with Kate’s help we will have stronger strategy that will continue to propel the business into the future, whilst upholding the values that have been embedded in our success for all these years.

“Kate truly is the leader in her field – one of the world’s best business brains. She is the perfect partner to take us on our impending journey. Having most recently worked as a consultant for international businesses in brand, retail and tech across the US, UAE and Australia, it was a real honour that she agreed to turn her attention back to the UK retail space and provide the insights that will really set us apart.”

Kate said: “As the oldest family-run furniture business in the UK – Arighi Bianchi truly is iconic. Having endured wars, recessions and a global pandemic, it was clear to me that its foundations are solid and there is huge potential for it to thrive and prosper as the retail space shifts and evolves.

“The development of this strategy is just the first step on this brand’s journey and I am extremely excited to help the business celebrate its significant milestone whilst setting the wheels in motion to cement its legacy for future generations of the Bianchi family.”

Helen
Helen
I'm the editor here at Business Cheshire and I'd keen to hear what's happening where you live. With more than 18 years' experience in journalism and digital PR, I'm particularly keen to hear from businesses with exciting news.
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