People & Planet
The People Behind Radley: Celebrating 25 Years
27 October 2023
Gold confetti. The biggest cake most of us have ever seen. And members of Team Radley from across the business. We started our 25th birthday celebrations in style.
Get to know some of our fantastic people, from the things they love about working here, to what they do in their spare time.
Thank you to everyone at Radley London, we couldn’t do what we do without you.
How long have you worked at Radley for?
“I’ve been a part of the Radley London family for 13 years. I’ve made some great friendships over that time.”
Francesca, Distribution Centre Operative
“I’ve worked here for nine years now. But funnily enough I was originally only hired for a couple of weeks to help organise an office move! Now I look after the comfort and safety of our people, the environment we all work in, and everything else from plants to boxes.”
Marie, Office Manager
“I’m proud to say it’s been 24 and a half years for me. There’s always been a new challenge and I have so many great memories going back to our early days.”
Frances, Head of IT
What’s your favourite thing about working at Radley?
“Definitely the culture and the people. I’m lucky to work with so many friendly people. I also love how creative the environment is.”
Alice, Designer
“The people are amazing to work with, and I have a great work-life balance. The flexible working policies really support my home life and I think make us a more productive team overall.”
Nadim, IT Service Desk Manager
What’s your favourite memory from working at Radley?
“I’ve worked here for 12 and a half years so there are many of those. I would have to say it was designing my first ever picture bag, probably over 10 years ago. It was a cute camping scene with our Scottie dog cooking sausages at a campfire. I have such lovely memories of that time.”
Lucy, Designer Manager
“One of my favourite memories is the ways our team found to stay connected when we were all in lockdown. We would all add songs to playlists that we could listen to either when we were working, or maybe having a Friday evening drink on Zoom.”
Meg, Graphic Designer
“No two days are ever the same – every day brings up new challenges, but in the best way. Also our staff discount is amazing. I have a Radley for every occasion and I always win at giving the best presents.”
Hollie, Executive Assistant
MEET OUR CEO
It’s a big year at Radley London, so we couldn’t miss the opportunity to sit down with our CEO, Nick Vance.
A familiar face around the office for 17 years, Nick started his Radley London journey as Marketing Director. Having spent time in between as Commercial Director and our Chief Operating Officer, he had all the skills and experience to take over as CEO just this year.
“Serving our brand as CEO is a privilege and I could not be more honoured to take up my new position in this, the brand’s 25th anniversary year. I understand the heritage of our business and I have great enthusiasm for its future.
“Radley is a national treasure in the UK, loved by hundreds of thousands of people. This is an accolade that comes with responsibility, and we will always take great care of the trust our customers put in us. We also work hard to ensure this legacy grows as we continue to successfully introduce the brand to customers worldwide. Especially in the US where we have established a talented team, all dedicated to getting Radley on the arms of even more women stateside.”
When asked his favourite thing about his time at Radley London, Nick said:
“Radley London has always been about great products and great people. We strive every day to set the standard for beautiful, high quality and affordable handbags, and our colleagues truly have the dedication to bring this passion to life every day. Everything we do is with the focus of bringing our customers the best possible products and shopping experience, ensuring they are made to feel part of the Radley London family.”
“We have the entrepreneurial environment and culture to be world class and strive for continuous improvement. Alongside our passion and dedication, we’re a brand full of exceptional expertise across every department.”
Looking ahead to the next 25 years, Nick is not lacking in ambition for the brand.
“As Radley London completes its first 25 years of history, I look forward to seeing the business continue to thrive as a modern British icon of affordable luxury. We want to keep building on our reputation as a brand respected and admired for our quality, craftsmanship and value to our customers.
“As well as see our business grow at home in the UK and worldwide, we’re working hard to ensure we make a positive impact on society with strong ESG credentials and as an employer of choice for the best retail and brand professionals. With a diverse, family-first culture, we love what we do at Radley, and I am proud that we work hard to make a real difference to our customers and colleagues every day.”
Thank you, Nick. We'll see you cutting the cake at our next celebrations
How would you describe working at Radley in three words?
“I would say fun, challenging, and creative. I love that I’m part of a team responsible for bringing our products to life. And I don’t even mind that my handbag is always full with leather swatches.”
Rebecca, Product Development Manager
“Energetic, classic, and adaptable - because working in a role like mine, every day is different.”
Naomi, People Business Partner
“Joyful, friendly, and varied. I love that there’s different aspects to my role, although having said that I do use Excel non-stop every day. I’m one of those people that actually loves Excel. Strange, I know.”
Chizu, Assistant Merchandiser
What’s your favourite or most used bag?
“I love my tote from the Coronation collection. It reminds me of all the fun we had this summer.”
Georgiana, Distribution Centre Team Leader
“That’s an easy one, Arlington Court was one of the first bags I had a hand in designing when I started here over five years ago. I worked on the embellishment, and I love it so much. It’s so glitzy and I use it non-stop around Christmas and New Year.”
Sophie, Designer
“I used to just chuck everything inside my handbag, until I started working for Radley London and discovered Liverpool Street 2.0. Now I love being really organised. I know where everything is thanks to the compartments.”
Bianca, Regional Manager South
“I love Hillgate Place. It’s a bit smart, a bit casual, that’s the type of person I am.”
Josie, Order Book Administrator
A WORD FROM OUR CHIEF BRAND OFFICER
You may recognise Jackie from our Instagram Live series, Radley in the Showroom. She’s an expert on every detail of our handbags, and excited to celebrate this milestone birthday for Radley London.
“I’m proud to be part of the journey of a brand that is loved by customers and colleagues around the world. I hope that the next 25 years are as successful as the last and that our US fan base continues its amazing growth.”
We're looking forward to your next Instagram Live, Jackie.
What do you love to do outside of work?
“I love being active. Especially dancing, I’ve done ballet and tap dance since I was about two years old. And recently I’ve gotten into running. I’m running a half marathon for Smart Works in October - Radley London are an official Wardrobe Partner for this charity, so wish me luck please.”
Natasha, Brand Marketing Executive
Best of luck, Natasha! And thank you to all our Radley London family for joining us. We’ll be celebrating all month long. Find out more about our 25th birthday, and make sure you’re among the first to see our special edition handbags. We have a very special interview with our Creative Director, Zizi, who is also one of our longest serving team members. And we’ll be bringing you much more on our social media throughout September.
