The UK’s trade association for the baby products industry has announced the resignation of its managing director, Robert Anslow, and a complete management restructure.
Commenting is Marc Hardenberg, chair of the Baby Products Association. “Robert has been an important figurehead for the Association for many years and has contributed hugely, not just to the organisation, but to the nursery industry as a whole. We are hugely grateful for his valuable input and wish him all the very best for the future.”
Going forward, the Association’s executive committee will have a more hands-on role, creating a management team to assist in its day-to-day running.
Julie Milne, who has worked with the Association for many years, has been appointed to a new position of general manager and will continue to be the first port of call for members and industry partners alike. The Association’s new management team consists of Julie Milne (general manager), Marc Hardenberg (chair), Phil Howe (vice chair), Rachelle Harel (treasurer) and Christine Scippo (membership and marketing).
The Baby Products Association’s current executive committee, meanwhile, consists of: Marc Hardenberg (Majuma); Phil Howe (Peg Perego); Rachelle Harel (RH Sales & Marketing); Luke Burns (Columbus Trading); Andy Crane (BabyStyle); Sonia Kelly (Mamas & Papas); Richard Bamforth (UPPAbaby UK); Grainne Kelly (Bubblebum); Mike Chapman (East Coast); Helen Robinson (Hauck Group), Selina Russell (Cheeky Rascals), and Mitch Levene (Green Sheep Group).
Baby Products Association chair Marc Hardenberg continues. “The restructuring of the Baby Products Association offers the opportunity to revitalise its position in the industry. We remain committed to ensuring the safety of children and will continue to help shape the future of safety standards and lobby for change in support of the industry. However, we also hope to diversify and grow our membership by opening up new avenues to industry partners such as service providers, retailers and agencies. In coming months, we will be formulating new opportunities and welcome input from potential industry partners who would like to get involved.”
The Baby Products Association looks forward to welcoming new members.
Principal benefits of membership include the opportunity to influence the content of British, European and International standards through the Association’s representation on BSI, CEN and ISO committees; participation in the Association’s experts committees and working groups and benefitting from discussions and recommendations; association with publicity initiatives, including joint research projects and lobbying groups; preferential rates for testing, BSI and CEN Standards; access to technical support and product safety information, and a free business support helpline, as well as discounts and preferential rates for various industry services. Please click here to visit the Association’s website, where you can also download the 2024 membership pack.
Robert Anslow will remain actively involved in the nursery industry following his resignation from the Baby Products Association.
Anslow, who received the 2019 Progressive Preschool Outstanding Achievement Award for his contribution to the nursery industry, and was also honoured with the Wolfe Barry Medal at the British Standards Institute (BSI) in 2021 – a lifetime achievement award recognising outstanding and sustained impact in a life-preserving area of standardisation – confirms that whilst he has resigned from the Baby Products Association, he continues his important work in all other areas of the nursery industry and wider afield.
One of the founding members of the European Nursery Products Confederation (ENPC) and previously both president and vice president, he will remain part of this important association that helps shape the nursery industry at a European and worldwide level. He will also continue his work in safety standards as an active member of CEN, BSI and ISO committees and sub-committees.
Anslow, who is also director of two industry trade shows, Harrogate International Nursery Fair and Harrogate Christmas, comments: “Harrogate International Nursery Fair increased to five halls in 2023, with over 200 brands participating from 15 countries. In addition, Harrogate Christmas & Gift, which takes place each January, was fully booked in 2024 with an 11% increase in visitor numbers and has a waiting list of more than 30 companies hoping to participate in 2025.
“Both of these events are all-consuming, and together with my commitment to safety work, it was time for me to streamline my priorities and focus on the areas of work which give the most fulfilment. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Baby Products Association and hope to continue working closely with its members in the future. I wish the new management team every success going forward.”
