NEWS


December 2025/January 2026 housewareslive.net


What More opens new 80,000 sq ft facility in Altham W


hat More, one of the UK’s leading


manufacturers of housewares, cookware, and storage solutions, has officially completed and opened its brand- new 80,000 sq ft facility at its production site in Altham, Lancashire, a major milestone in the company’s ongoing expansion. With this addition, the company’s total footprint now exceeds 550,000 sq ft.


“This new facility represents another important step forward for


What More UK,” said Bex Holt, Head of Marketing. “It’s more than just additional space, it’s an investment in our people, our technology, and the future of UK manufacturing.” Built to the highest modern standards, the facility incorporates


high bay racking and Toyota automation systems to optimise efficiency and handling capacity. An ultra-flat floor slab, with a tolerance of just ±1mm, allows precision movement of automated systems and advanced material handling equipment. Founded in the UK, What More manufactures a wide range of metal and plastic housewares, including kitchen, garden, garage and office products. A proud member of Made in Britain, the company exports its UK-


branded goods to 75 countries worldwide and supplies every major UK supermarket alongside more than 1,600 independent retailers.


Harrods appoints new Chief Retail Officer H


arrods has appointed Mark Blundell as its new Chief Retail Officer, he has been promoted from Retail Director. Mr Blundell has joined the retailer back in 2018


as its Head of Retail Projects and Retail Services before being promoted to Retail Director in 2022. He has previously worked under various leadership positions across John Lewis Partnership and Waitrose. Harrods Managing Director, Michael Ward, said: “I am pleased


to promote Mark to join the Harrods management executive committee.


“Mark is a dynamic leader with a proven track record in managing teams to deliver outstanding customer experiences and strong commercial results. “His strategic leadership will support the ongoing


development of our high performance culture and continuing evolution of Harrods as the leading luxury authority.”


Lawsons to close after 34 years in Tavistock L


awsons has announced that it will close its store


in Tavistock at the end of February 2026. This difficult decision has come after the business has been on the market for two years. The stores in Ivybridge and Totnes remain open and trading. “I know this will come


as a shock to many people and our loyal customers in Tavistock. This has been an extremely difficult decision and has not been made lightly. Lawsons means a great deal not only to me, my family, the team that works so hard every day and our loyal customers. Over the last 18 months I have had many conversations with potential buyers but I have not found someone suitable to continue the business as a going concern” said Liz Lawson, Managing Director at Lawsons.


4 | Since opening in Tavistock in 1992, Lawsons has been proud to


serve the community with quality products, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Over the decades, the shop has become more than just a business; it has been a gathering place, a trusted resource, and a part of countless local stories and milestones. “It has been an immense privilege to be part of the Tavistock


community for the last 34 years. When I first joined Lawsons I was Branch Manager here and served on the Chamber Of Commerce, so Tavistock has always been special for me. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our loyal customers, we would not have been the success we are without your support, it has meant everything and we will miss you all,” added Ms Lawson. “I could not be more grateful to the Lawsons team both past and


present, they are the beating heart of this shop,” added Ms Lawson. “Their dedication, warmth, and hard work are the reason we’ve had the privilege of staying open for 34 years. I cannot thank them enough for their commitment and passion.” Lawsons Tavistock will continue to trade as normal until the end of


February 2026, the stores in Ivybridge and Totnes remain open and trading.


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