Industry news Find out about all the latest from the fashion accessories industry in our regular news roundup MISS MILLY WINS MICRO BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2025 Supplier of colourful jewellery, scarves and bags, Miss Milly has scooped the gong for Micro Business of the Year at the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Awards. “We have previously been a finalist for Most Promising New Business,” explains a delighted Sarah Watmore, Owner. “And after a strong period of sustained growth it felt like the right time to enter these prestigious, local awards again. I am over the moon that our consistency, passion, evolution and success has been formally recognised.” Judged by representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Luke Elliott from the Worcestershire Growth Hub, Sarah was presented with her award at a sparkling magic-themed evening at the Worcester Arena. The judging summary lauded Miss Milly’s remarkable resilience during the COVID pandemic followed by sustained growth underpinned with a clear business model and a successful marketing strategy. Defined by HMRC as a company that meets two of the following criteria: up to nine employees, a maximum turnover of £632,000 or a balance sheet of £312,000 or less, there are over 43,000 micro businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. And nationally, there are 5.2 million of them contributing 20 percent of overall turnover. If you’ve not yet tried Miss Milly’s jewellery, scarves and bags in your store, the minimum order is only £100 with no Minimum Order Quantities, and the team will happily put together a starter package for you, supplying best-sellers with co-ordinating pieces, and working to any budget. You can register online at www.missmilly.co.uk to access trade prices for the complete range or call +44 (0)1905 622 509 for more information. LIFESTYLE BRAND GANDY’S ACHIEVES B CORP STATUS Gandys, the adventure-inspired lifestyle brand known for combining travel-ready products with social impact, is proud to announce its official certification as a B Corporation. This milestone recognises Gandys’ unwavering commitment to creating a positive impact for people and the planet – while delivering high-quality, purpose-driven products. From day one, Gandys has stood for more than just style and function. Born from a journey of resilience and inspired by global adventure, the brand was founded on the belief that business can and should give back. Gandys donates 10 percent of every sale to support the empowerment of children through education projects. “Becoming a B Corp is more than a badge. It’s a promise to push for better materials, better practices, and better futures,” said Natalie Nelson, Managing Director at Gandys. “We’ve always believed in doing things differently. This certification holds us accountable and propels us forward on our mission to build a business that’s as bold in its ethics as it is in its designs. Together, we’re proving that fashion can truly be a force for good.” Gandys achieved an impressive B Impact Score of 95.5, significantly higher than the median score of 50.9 for businesses that complete the assessment. This rigorous evaluation by B Lab, the nonprofit behind the B Corp movement, measures impact across key categories including governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. At Gandys, responsibility, transparency, and longevity are core to the brand’s ethos. The company produces in small batches and collaborates with trusted factories and design partners who share its values around ethical manufacturing and sustainability. By prioritising responsible materials, low-impact production, and durable design, Gandys creates collections that are made to stand the test of time – not the trends. “We acknowledge the challenges in minimising our environmental impact while supporting communities around the globe,” added Nelson. “But we’re committed to continuous improvement, to building collections that endure, and to using every decision as an opportunity to do better.” As a certified B Corporation in the fashion industry, Gandys joins a growing global community of brands that are reimagining the role of business – working collectively toward a more inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. This achievement was made possible by the hard work and dedication of the entire Gandys team and the expert guidance of B Corp Consultant John Pritchard. www.gandysinternational.com 4
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