Industry News

Catch up on the latest events news here...

Jo climbs the charts

Jo Hill, owner of Amaranth Wellbeing in Stockport, is a standout name in the Who’s Who In Natural Beauty listing from Natural Products Online, named as The Ethical Educator for her work among staff and customers.

Top spot went to Millie Kendall OBE, CEO of the British Beauty Council, with Weleda MD Jayn Sterland in second place.

Time to slow down says Ray, 91

Ray Hill, patriarch of the independent health store sector, is to retire from the Health Food Institute council in January.

Founder of the Institute in the late Seventies, Ray’s decided that at 91 it’s time to vacate his dual role of Secretary and Treasurer.

His concept of an organisation to which industry professionals could belong came to fruition in 1979 and subsequently took over the running of the Training School from the (then) National Association of Health Stores.

“It’s always difficult to let go, but one cannot go on for ever. Nature sees to that!” says Ray who was HFI Chairman for many years. “I shall continue to participate in the family businesses on a part time basis as long as I am able to make a contribution.”

Ray trained as a Nature Cure Practitioner in the 1950s and has always had a deep interest in promoting an alternative approach to maintaining health and avoiding illness.

“He has unfailingly provided wise counsel and good advice – helping, guiding and supporting all those who have had the pleasure of working with him,” says HFI administrator Alison Collingwood.

HFI Chairman John Frisby paid this tribute: “Ray will certainly be a hard act to follow. His career started at the outset of the current era of the health food industry back in the 1960s. His input and tireless work within the health food and herbal industries has made a huge impact on where we are today.

“Ray has always promoted knowledge and education as these are the backbone of our industry. As a founding member of the Institute, he has been instrumental in ensuring we maintain a positive image to the general public.

“Working with Ray on the Institute council over the years has been a pleasure – his tireless dedication and detailed input to council matters is unmatched. He will be missed and I, along with the council, wish him a very happy retirement.”

The HFI is now looking to recruit new council members. To find out more about what’s involved, contact Alison Collingwood, email [email protected], tel 0115 9234 534 or 07582 134470.

Awards and learning together at Shannon 2025

The Health Stores Ireland family returns to Shannon, County Clare on January 26th for what has now become their annual conference and awards event.

Under the banner of “Putting Our Best Foot Forward”, health store owners, their supplier partners, training and service providers and selected artisans and innovators will gather to discuss trends and possibilities with an eye on the year ahead.

Health Stores Ireland Chair Leroy Smith says, “The event has become a special fixture on the events calendar for natural health sectoral partners. It’s far more than an exhibition and has developed into a unique boutique hybrid event with networking and socialising at the core.”

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Extending influence

The Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA) has extended its Primary Authority Partnership to include the Vale of Glamorgan Council, creating a dedicated partnership for Welsh-devolved matters. HFMA is also in partnership with Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards to enhance regulatory guidance and compliance support across England and Wales.

Health Stores UK aims for business growth

Health Stores UK has welcomed Dave Christie as its new Head of Business Development, a brand new role created by the association to drive future growth and development.

A highly experienced business mentor with a deep knowledge and experience of the independent health food channel, Dave takes on the new role with immediate effect.

Welcoming him to his new role, Health Stores UK chair, Len Glenville, said: "We are delighted that Dave is joining us in this exciting new role. Dave's business Take on Goliath is already a Partner of the Association, and he has made a fantastic contribution over the last 18 months hosting webinars, offering unique 'insider' advice to members and helping us out at key trade shows. As Head of Business Development, I am confident Dave will bring new energy and insight to Health Stores UK, helping us build new partnerships and strengthening our influence with key industry stakeholders."

Commenting on his appointment, Dave said: "For me personally this is a great opportunity as I am so passionate about helping independent businesses. More than anything it's an opportunity to help those businesses rise up, to protect our high streets – both the retailers and the specialist brands who work tirelessly to give this fantastic offering to our customers – and support them more effectively and credibly, so we can grow our businesses together".