NEWS


April/May 2026 housewareslive.net Harts of Stur team takes on 20-mile coastal charity challenge


preparing to take on a demanding 20-mile coastal walk in support of two charities close to their hearts. Following the success of last year’s 26-mile fundraising challenge, 10 members of the Harts of Stur


A team will once again lace up their walking boots for a new route


team of volunteers from Harts of Stur is


through Dorset’s coastline, raising money for Julia’s House Children’s Hospice and Dementia UK. The challenge will begin near Corfe Castle before heading out


towards the coast and following the shoreline to Swanage, eventually looping back inland to complete the route. While shorter than last year’s event, the retailer said the walk will


still prove physically demanding, with steep climbs, long inclines and hundreds of steps along the way. The team said it is looking forward to the challenge, describing it


as both “challenging but incredibly rewarding”, knowing the effort will help support people and families in need. Harts of Stur added that every donation, no matter the size, will


help raise both funds and awareness for the two charities, which provide vital care and support services across the UK.


Ultimate Products appoints Simon Harrison as new CEO U


ltimate Products has appointed Simon Harrison as its new


Chief Executive Officer as the homewares group prepares for its next phase of growth.


Mr Harrison, currently CEO of Princes Group PLC, will join the business as CEO designate on September 5 before officially taking over on October 26 2026. He succeeds Andrew Gossage, who is stepping down after more than 20 years in executive leadership roles with the company.


Ultimate Products, owner of heritage brands Salter and Beldray, said Mr Harrison brings more than 25 years’ FMCG experience across sales, operations and marketing. Before joining Princes Group, he spent nearly two decades at Coca-Cola European Partners in senior commercial roles.


The leadership changes also see founder Simon Showman


move into a non-executive role while continuing as President and Founder.


Chair Christine Adshead said Mr Harrison has the “leadership qualities, operating discipline and commercial experience” to lead the business forward, while paying tribute to outgoing CEO Andrew Gossage for helping transform Ultimate Products into a multi-brand homewares group with a significantly expanded online business.


Mr Harrison said he looks forward to leading the company into its next stage of growth.


Morleys confirms March 2027 reopening for historic Jolly’s Bath store M


orleys Stores has confirmed that historic Bath department store Jolly’s Bath will reopen in March


2027 following a major restoration and redevelopment project. The landmark building, parts of which date


back more than 250 years, has undergone extensive conservation and modernisation works designed to create a contemporary department store while preserving its historic character. Morleys said the redevelopment has involved


close collaboration with Bath & North East Somerset Council, heritage specialists and local stakeholders to manage the complexities of restoring a building of significant historic importance. CEO Ray Clacher described the project as


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“inspiring and incredibly complex”, adding that the company’s ambition is not simply to reopen the store, but to create “a vibrant, welcoming destination” for both residents and visitors. Councillor Mark Elliott, cabinet member for


Resources at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said the investment represented “a strong vote of confidence in Bath’s economy”. The renewed store will combine restored


heritage features with modern retail spaces and lifestyle offerings in the centre of Bath. Morleys also reaffirmed its commitment


to supporting local suppliers and community partnerships as part of the store’s long-term future. The reopening marks a significant investment


in Bath city centre and a new chapter for one of the UK’s oldest department stores.


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