Meet the Team...
Stuart Laing
Stuart is a founding director of the company and CEO of The Houlden Group.
He is also the owner of Laings of Glasgow and has an unrivalled track record in the jewellery business, with a particular specialism in fine jewellery and watches.
Stuart is a passionate believer in the importance of buying jewellery at the right price, as well as training and marketing, and instilling best practise principles across the industry, a key factor which led him to establish The Houlden Group.
His enthusiasm, drive and commitment to the jewellery sector are evident in the successful growth of both award winning businesses and he is a respected mentor within the trade. This is reflected in his involvement on the Advisory Board of the IJL and past directorship of the AIHH.
As CEO, Stuart is responsible for spearheading the strategy planning of the organisation and developing supplier partnerships and potential members.
Outside the industry, Stuart is a supporter of a number of charities and is an ambassador to the Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow. An enthusiastic golfer, he is a member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.
Helen Haddow
A qualified CA, Helen is the Finance and Administrative Director and Company Secretary . She is responsible for directing the daily operations of the Houlden team as well as being involved in the strategic planning of the organisation; and reports to Stuart Laing and the Board of Directors on a regular basis.
Formerly senior audit manager with Ernst & Young, Helen’s talent and expertise is key to the company’s financial and administrative functions and provides an invaluable resource for members seeking financial advice.
A former world Highland dance champion, Helen’s leisure time is dedicated to passing on her knowledge and expertise as a teacher and judge internationally, in Canada, USA and South Africa, as well a throughout Scotland.
Founding Directors
Stuart founded the initial company in 1975, having traded on his own and experimented with the idea of a wholesale buying group. A limited company was established in 1976 with Peter Lunn, owner of John H Lunn (Jewellers) based in Belfast and Londonderry. Both were later joined by Tony Rudell of JJ Rudell & Co Ltd, based in Birmingham and Wolverhampton. Sadly Tony Rudell passed away in May of 2011, and Peter Lunn retired as Houlden Director in June 2011.
Current Board of Directors
Stuart Laing, the remaining founding director, is joined by a further four directors who are appointed on a three year tenure. They include Michael Hyman (appointed June 2007) of Hyman Group Ltd, Eleanor Pyke (appointed June 2009) of Wm Pyke & Son, Christopher M Carry (appointed June 2011) of Jamieson & Carry and Keith Gill (appointed June 2011) of Robert Gatward Jewellers.
