This ad will be closed automatically in X seconds.

An Invitation To Meet The King

Martin Coles-Evans, managing director of family run department store Hargreaves & Sons in Buxton, Derbyshire, rubbed shoulders with King Charles, as well a retail expert Mary Portas and ‘Dragon’ Peter Jones, at a small business reception held at Buckingham Palace last week (16 November).

Martin received a gilt edged invitation to attend the event, to ‘recognise the contribution small businesses make to the society of Great Britain’. Accompanying the King and other royals at the reception were over 300 small business leaders from many industries.

As well as King Charles, Martin also met the Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, who showed an interest in the family business.  Also in attendance were the Duke of Kent and the Duke of Gloucester.

Above: Smiling proudly, Martin Hargreaves is shown at the small business reception held at Buckingham Palace last week.
Above: Smiling proudly, Martin Hargreaves is shown at the small business reception held at Buckingham Palace last week.

“Shocked wasn’t the word, and I’m not ashamed to admit I felt quite emotional,” said Martin, explaining his surprise at receiving an invitation. “To be recognised in such a way by the very top, the pinnacle of society, felt overwhelming at first. In a year in which both the King and myself lost a much beloved parent – the late Queen and my own father – it felt very poignant.”

He continued: “When I learned that the reception was the first of its kind since the pandemic, and one of the first of the King’s new reign, I felt what an honour I had been given. I didn’t expect to actually meet him, but I was lucky enough to say we shook hands.

“I wished him a belated happy birthday, and he said ‘Oh, that was a very small affair, unlike this one’. He also asked me ‘how do you think we’ll get through this dreadful situation?’, referring to the current economic woes.”

Martin concluded: “Our family has never received such an honour before, and we are truly humbled and grateful, and will endeavour to champion the high street, independent retailers, and Buxton itself, even more.”

Hargreaves & Sons is Buxton’s premier giftware, homewares and kitchenware store.

Top: Martin Hargreaves, managing director of Hargreaves & Sons, was thrilled to receive an invitation to meet the King at Buckingham Palace.

MORE NEWS
MerryXmas
 
We take a look back over the year with a round up of some of the highlights...
2025.
 
GiftsandHome.net asked gift companies to share their thoughts on the industry’s challenges and opportunities in 2025...
Look_out
 
Start Licensing’s Ian Downes says that specialist mail order companies are filling the void left on the high street in terms of more specialist retailers...
HighSt
 
However, while challenges remain, independent retailers who stay adaptable and resilient will find opportunities in the year ahead, says the Association...
Rainbow
 
The new range will include eight iconic characters across a range of cushions, collectable soft toys and plush keychains...
PG+H
 
With self-care taking centre stage, our fabulous January issue puts a focus on bath, body and wellness, along with the latest plush launches for Spring/Summer 2025. You’ll also find predictions from leading suppliers on the challenges and opportunities for the industry going into a new year, as well as the most up to the minute industry news and views, plus much, much more besides!...
Get the latest news sent to your inbox
Subscribe to our daily newsletter

The list doesn't exist! Make sure you have imported the list on the 'Manage List Forms' page.