Gift Focus - Jul/Aug 2018 (Issue 108)

When did Lesser & Pavey start up? What was the reason for setting up this business? Established in 1971, Lesser & Pavey has grown to become one of the UK’s leading supplier in the giftware and homewares markets. We pride ourselves on offering high-quality and beautifully gift-boxed products at affordable prices. How has the company developed over time? The well-known brand The Leonardo Collection has become renowned worldwide. The Leonardo Collection is established as an international brand name to be recognised and trusted, supplying the retail sector with quality, hand-sculptured figurines as part of the collectable ranges offered. The lady figures were especially popular alongside animal studies of wild birds, field mice, dogs and cats. The brand name is still very much at the forefront of ranges, as it’s known for its quality collections that have diversified since its original concept. We were importers of European glassware and ceramics and one of the first to work directly with Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and China. Having outgrown the premises in Hatton Garden in London more than 35 years ago, the business moved to new premesis close by still in Dartford, where we stayed for another 10 years. With the significant growth of the business in the ’90s, new 15,000 sq ft offices and a showroom were purpose-built to match the growing needs of the business. Leonardo House gives us the space and facilities to expand extensively and remains the home of the business, which boasts a range of 5,000- plus products. Tell us about your product offering. The majority of the product range is made up of exclusive products designed by the hugely talented in-house design team. The design team works closely with the buying team in identifying and developing the latest trends and translating these into highly saleable products. In addition to this, we work with a number of artists who are briefed and commissioned to produce original artwork for exclusive new products. The other important As Lesser & Pavey approaches its 50 th birthday, managing director Julian Hunt says the company is relishing the challenges of the future changing with the times 46 giftfocus