Heart of the Country


After rising to prominence as the distributor of several US candle brands, Heart of the Country has now launched its fi rst self-created brand. Paul Hughes spoke to director Ben Stubbs


Heart of the matter T


here can be few companies in the gift industry with a name as apt as Heart of the Country. Run by brothers Ben and Toby Stubbs, the company’s offi ces are set in acres of Staffordshire


farmland and its warehouse is a converted barn.


But this rural idyll is barely a stone’s


throw from the midland stretch of the M6. Only 20 minutes from the Birmingham NEC, Spring Fair is an easy commute for Ben and Toby.


Known in the gift industry as one of the leading importers and distributors in


the candle and home fragrance sector, Gifts Today readers will remember Heart of the Country for the scented sachets that have been cover-mounted on our past two September issues.


The company has carved out a niche as distributor of American brands such as Votivo, Greenleaf, Bridgewater and Willowbrook and in 2010 the company took the bold step of launching its own candle brand, Jack Stubbs Fine British Fragrance. “Having worked with the American


manufacturers of our brands for the last 20 years we know what our products are made from and how they are created,” says Ben. “We believe that we have a real understanding of what makes a good product and what customers are looking for. “The quality of our products results from a lengthy and involved process that begins with an initial concept such as an emotion or memory and leads to the creation of a unique and complex fragrance. This is what makes our products market leaders. “Our confi dence in our ability to


recognise a great home fragrance product has led to the development of our own range, Jack Stubbs Fine British Fragrance.” The Jack Stubbs range is the only fragranced rapeseed wax candle on the UK market. “Rapeseed burns cold, similar to soy and olive oil,” says Ben. “Rapeseed


72 gifts today


grows easily in any climate, so by the end of 2011 we’re hoping to source all the candles’ ingredients in the UK - from Staffordshire if possible.”


“The hand poured candles are created using sustainable ingredients and are competitively priced. They hold fragrances beautifully,” says Toby. Heart of the Country’s directors believe


great products must go hand in hand with exceptional customer care. Ben explains: “Heart of the Country’s mission is to provide UK retailers with products of exceptional superior quality at a reasonable price, and to look after and listen to our customers. “We understand that home fragrance


products are an every day essential for many people and are as important to them as household cleaning products and bathroom staples such as soap and bubble bath. With this in mind Heart of the Country ensures that its products are affordable yet of unquestionable quality. “Heart of the Country’s customers


are discerning, sophisticated and well informed about home fragrance, particularly fragranced candles.


“Our customers buy a Bridgewater candle, made from soy blend wax, because they know it burns more cleanly than any other candle. Our customers know that for the money invested in a Greenleaf or


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134