One of the most prestigious categories at The Greats is the special Outstanding Achievement Award, which is presented to someone who has contributed greatly to the UK gift industry.
Yesterday (September 23), the Award, sponsored by The Giftware Association, was won, posthumously, by Robert ‘Bob’ Illingworth, founder of family business Widdop & Co.
It was collected by his eldest grandson Stephen Illingworth, Widdop’s creative director, who received a standing ovation from guests as he looked back on his grandpa’s incredible career.
In a moving tribute, Stephen said: “the whole Illingworth family – with three generations represented here at The Greats – are honoured and humbled to collect this first ever Greats award for posthumous outstanding achievement for my grandfather, who passed away, aged 91 on Monday 23rd August 2021. Ironically, as a humble Yorkshireman, I’m certain he would have found it difficult to celebrate himself, and his successes, and accept this Award were he still with us today, as much as we all wish he was.
“Grandpa saw out recessions, wars, crises and the advent of the internet, and he always told me that in tough times, that is when our industry thrived as the creators of affordable gifts that bring happiness. If he were here today, he would be relishing the challenges we all face right now, from shipping to supply chain, Amazon selling to pricing.”
Stephen continued: “One of the greatest joys, and challenges, of a fifth generation family business is our history and its impact on everything we do. Although many of you may not have met my grandfather, especially those of you more recent to the trade, you will likely know something of Widdop, our family business for almost 140 years. Today, while we may pride ourselves on that something to be our customer service, product design, facilities, trade show stands and other innovations that we strive so hard to maintain and lead on everyday, it is our culture, our principles and our integrity that is the reason why Widdop is in the category of only 3% of businesses that survive beyond three generations. The why behind our what and the way we do things, underpins everything, always, and that is rooted in the legacy of our family in Widdop – none more so than Bob, who grew up in this trade and then spent 70 years working in it, latterly as our greatest ambassador, chairman, showroom host and even mail opener and distributor after he turned 60 in 1990. Unlike the famous saying, my grandfather, as the third generation, didn’t break the business, he began our greatest chapter.
“He would quietly be so honoured and thrilled to be acknowledged for his lifetime’s work, and our whole family, especially my granny, who is here today, thank you all so much for this award and the support recently and over so many years from across the trade.”
Top: Stephen Illingworth, on stage with Sarah Ward, chief executive of The Giftware Association, sponsors of the Outstanding Achievement Award. Stephen collected the Award on behalf of his grandpa, Robert ‘Bob’ Illingworth. On the right is Greats compere Stuart Goldsmith.
