news Obituary: Philip Hart 1958-2022
It is with great sadness that the family of Philip Hart, retired managing director of Harts of Stur, announced his passing after a short illness, on Saturday 9 April, peacefully and with his family at his side.
When Philip, a fresh-faced Tesco management trainee, joined the family business in 1979 it was a successful agricultural steel fabrication and hardware business. He soon set to work steering this well-established business in a new direction, turning it into a thriving country department store. Taking over directorship from his father Eddie in the early 90s, and never one to stand still, Philip grew the business steadily over the years, exploring new possibilities, recognising what was successful and adapting the business accordingly. Throughout Philip’s tenure as MD of Harts he turned the company into one of the most
forward-thinking and innovative businesses in the industry. One notable success was his recognition at an early stage of the importance of the internet, and all the opportunities it provided. A pioneering and visionary businessman, he consistently raised the bar to new heights, setting the benchmark for others to follow. Family was another very important part of Philip’s life. His two sons, Johnathan and Graham, joined the business after attending university and he treated his employees as extended family, forging strong loyalties. His larger than life personality, wicked sense of humour and infectious laugh never failed to put a smile on your face, but he was also a much respected pillar of the local community, providing much needed employment to a rural area, initiating and contributing to local events and supporting local charities with vigour and passion. Philip relinquished his custodianship of the business in 2019, the same year that Harts celebrated their centenary, handing the reins to his two sons, Johnathan and Graham along with David and Kirsty, two long-serving members of staff. Philip still played an active role in the company, overseeing an ambitious expansion plan which included a new garden department and Coffee Loft, where he could regularly be found enjoying a coffee. Philip will be greatly missed by all who knew him - from friends and
family, his extended work family, customers, fellow retailers and industry colleagues.
National minimum wage rises from 1 April 2022
The National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates increased from 1 April 2022. Employers are obligated to update payroll to ensure employees get paid what they are legally entitled to. The National Living and Minimum Wage rates are as follows:
Before April 2022 From April 2022
Increase Percentage
23 and over £8.91 £9.50 6.6%
21 to 22 £8.36 £9.18 9.8%
18 to 20 £6.56 £6.83 4.1%
Under 18 £4.62 £4.81 4.1%
Apprentice £4.30 £4.81 11.9%
Employees are being urged to check if they’re being paid correctly through the Check Your Pay campaign, which also provides advice to employers to ensure they understand what they need to do to pay their employees correctly.
Industry association Bira has produced a free Employment Facts & Figures guide including the guide on the National Minimum Wage, compensation limits, statutory sick pay, minimum notice periods and more – take a look at:
uwww.bira.co.uk/Bira-Legal-Employment-Facts-Figures-Reference-Guide New Euro hub, new directors for Lifetime brands
A brand new Euro Hub in the Netherlands is set to transform the Lifetime Brands Europe service mode, according to the company. “We are continually committed to working with and for our partners. Whether that’s inspiration, trend driven brands, product choice or serviceability, our aim is to provide a full service that allows our partners to deliver a seamless and rewarding experience,” said Lifetime Brands Europe Managing Director Matthew Canwell. “This end-to-end solution is a turning point for our business in Europe,
providing fast and reliable distribution and quality service throughout Europe, bringing us closer to our customers and making our award
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HousewaresLive.net
winning products and brands more accessible.” In other news, Lifetime Brands Europe’s board recently announced new
director appointments, promoting key members of the executive team to support the delivery of the company’s ambitious growth plans. David Titterington has been promoted to the position of UK sales
director, and Sharon Harris to the position of EMEA sales director. Gary Porter has been appointed as business development director. Jonathan Forrester-Cliffe has moved into the role of ecommerce director. Haylea Smith joins the business as merchandising director, and David O’Conner moves into the role of product director for Customer Own Brand.
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twitter.com/Housewaresnews May 2022
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