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BHETA’s Housewares Committee held its latest quarterly meeting on Thursday 16th July at the Rochdale headquarters of Minky Homecare, bringing together senior industry figures for a wide-ranging discussion on current market conditions, future opportunities and the evolving needs of the housewares sector.
The meeting combined strategic industry discussions with a behind-the-scenes tour of Minky’s UK manufacturing facilities, providing committee members with a valuable opportunity to see one of the UK's most established homecare brands in operation.
BHETA’s voluntary committees play an important role in ensuring the association remains closely aligned with the priorities and challenges facing its members. Drawing on extensive industry experience, committee members provide insight into trading conditions, emerging trends and key areas where businesses require support, helping to shape BHETA’s events, services, communications and advocacy work.
During the meeting, members exchanged views on current UK trading conditions, developments in Far East sourcing and manufacturing, and the continuing impact of rising costs across goods and business services. The committee also reviewed the success of the 2026 Exclusively Show and discussed future plans for the event, alongside BHETA’s wider programme of retail engagement, member events and export support initiatives.
A Closer Look at British Manufacturing
BHETA extended its thanks to the Minky team for hosting the meeting and providing committee members with an insightful tour of the company’s manufacturing operations.
Founded in Rochdale in 1941, Minky has grown from a local textile manufacturer into one of the UK’s best-known homecare brands. Today, more than 80 per cent of its product range is manufactured in factories in and around Rochdale, demonstrating the company’s continued commitment to UK production.
During the visit, committee members were able to see the scale of Minky’s manufacturing capabilities first-hand, including automated production processes and the expertise involved in producing ironing boards, ironing board covers, cleaning products and durable household items.
The visit also highlighted Minky’s status as a Royal Warrant holder, appointed by HM The King as a manufacturer and supplier of cleaning and laundry products. The company has held Royal Warrants for more than 30 years, reflecting its longstanding reputation for quality, innovation and service.
Shaping BHETA’s Support Through Member Insight
The meeting reinforced the value of bringing industry leaders together in an environment where they can openly share experiences, discuss challenges and help guide BHETA’s future priorities.
BHETA General Manager Stephen Richardson, who acted as stand-in Chair for the meeting, said:
"The knowledge and experience around the Housewares Committee table are enormously valuable to BHETA. The members give their time voluntarily and provide honest, practical feedback on what is happening across the market.
"These discussions help us understand where trading pressures are developing, where new opportunities are emerging and how BHETA can best support members through its events, services, communications and lobbying activity.
"I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the meeting and Minky for being such generous hosts. Seeing the company’s impressive UK manufacturing operations provided a powerful reminder of the innovation, investment and expertise that exist within our industry."
Thanks to Seema and Welcome to Claire
The meeting also provided an opportunity to thank outgoing BHETA Sector Manager Seema Grantham for her dedicated support of the Housewares Committee.
Seema has organised and supported the committee throughout her seven years with BHETA, drawing not only on her association experience but also on her previous involvement as a committee member representing the industry.
Her knowledge of the sector, extensive relationships and commitment to supporting committee members have made an important contribution to the group’s work.
BHETA also welcomed Claire Smith, who has succeeded Seema as Sector Manager for Housewares and Small Domestic Electricals and as Director of Sales for Exclusively.
Claire brings more than 20 years of retail buying experience across housewares and small electricals, having held senior roles with retailers including Next, Dobbies, Blue Diamond, Beales, TJX and Voisins. The committee looks forward to working with her as BHETA continues to develop its support for the sector.
There was also an honorary mention for Richard Walker, Managing Director of Eddingtons, who attended the meeting following his recent appointment as BHETA President.
We would like to congratulate Richard Walker, Managing Director of Eddingtons, on his recent appointment as BHETA President, and thank you to all our committee members for their continued support: Jane Mason, Rob Jones, Richard Walker, Steve Foley, Dan Roberts, Paul Shelley, Kate O'Neil, Tanith Sellicks, Nitin Goyal, Michael Holmes, Brian Walmsley, Claire Whalley-Livesey and Laura Starkie, who attended the latest meeting on behalf of Claire.
