Jan Duckworth, Managing Director at Cox & Cox, shares an insight into her new role after joining the business back in March this year, future plans and why new neutrals are a big story with current trends.
Let’s start with you. Can you share a bit about yourself and your background?
Have you got all day? In a nutshell my background is heavily focused in all things marketing and product. I started my career in Interiors pre-websites at brands such as Dorma, who were probably the biggest interiors brand in the UK at that time, and then flipped to agency work, started my own business, and then went to the wonderful Henri Lloyd marine tech and premium lifestyle brand, which I will always be grateful for as it jettisoned me into a whole new world of career and life experiences. I have also worked at JD Sports with the youth! Great job. Then bounced back into Interiors again as part of an amazing team, crafting the growth of the Sofology brand and business. I live an outdoorsy type of life on the Pennines in the North West of England with my three wonderful children and three dogs – say no more.
What is your current job role and key responsibilities?
Well, I’m not one for titles, but as you’ve asked – Managing Director at Cox & Cox, which for me is such a dream. I am excited to be leading a very talented team to significantly grow a brand that I have always admired, and bring it back to glory, where it deserves to be. It’s only week 10 in the job, so watch this space!
What do you love about your job?
Oh, well that’s easy – the brand and the team that are curating it… oh and my goodness, the products that our buying, merch and sourcing team are developing!!! Love, love, love… if I wasn’t doing a restyle at home – I am now!
What time is your alarm clock set for and do you have a morning routine?
I work away from home and try to be in the Frome office as much as I can – so I’m holed up close by which is great. It’s a 06:45am get up, coffee with a recheck of what’s on for the day, then a short walk and at my desk for about 08:30am ready to rock n roll.
Why did you choose to work in the furnishing industry?
I discovered early in my career that I had an affinity for products and truly understood and appreciated colour and design. It was a second language I never knew about – I guess I have a creative bias. I love the impact that furnishings and interiors can have on homes and how it makes people feel. It’s an emotive product. There are some great people in this industry!
Who do you most admire in the industry and why?
Marianne Cotterill. She’s an amazing stylist with such wonderful creative vision, and also very lovely – I did actually tell her at a press event that I’d love to be just like her – much to the embarrassment of my colleagues! Awestruck.
Have there been any special moments during your career?
I’m very fortunate to say this, but way too many! If I had to pick one though I’d say, working with our Italian distributors at Henri Lloyd to relaunch the brand Internationally. This culminated in an enormous fashion show at the oldest rowing club in Europe, on the banks of the Ponte Vecchio; it was televised by Sky TV and we had union jack minis darting about Florence, with the HL logo lighting up the skies, and a fantastic party with everyone who was anyone…so amazing! I still have the CD.
What is your favourite item of furniture you own and why?
A sideboard that I found in a 2nd hand shop years ago that has perfectly formed shelves and is an absolute, simplistic beauty for hiding rubbish! I will never part with that.
What do you think is trending within the industry at present?
New neutrals is a big story with earthier tones, natural textures and organic shapes – I guess it’s always there to some degree – but this season it fits hand in glove with the Pantone colour of the year Mocha Mousse, and it’s so easy to live with. But also, we see English rustic as offering a bit more drama with eclectic mixes of wild florals, filigree, aged wickers and weathered finishes – there’s no right or wrong with this one, a juxtaposition of everything you love.
What would you change in the industry?
More women working in it for one, and also making this industry a number one destination for the next wave of talent… let’s usurp fashion!
Can you share an insight into your future plans?
Cox & Cox is an amazing brand that has been through a period of uncertainty, but now, backed by owners Giomani Designs, we are all determined to bring the brand back to its former glory and then some. It literally is a hidden gem with real brand fans that we want to delight. I will be focused on the customer, gaining a deep understanding of them and building a joyful experience – be that quality products to fall in love with, a website that’s easy and inspiring – all supported by a really great service. We have a way to go, and things to fix, but we are united and excited about our vision, and that’s half the battle when you’re facing a pretty big task list!
What do you enjoy most outside of work / free time?
My family is central to my being, and my dogs! So, hanging out with them, punctuated with long dog walks is my priority. Plus, a cheeky pack of Revels… and a bit of knitting!
What might someone not know about you?
I am a cancer survivor, 6 years post-surgery. It’s not something I dwell on or chat about as it doesn’t define me in any way.
If you had a different career, what would it be?
A farmer. Yeah, I know there’s no time off, like ever, and it’s extremely hard work, but it’s about the allure of the lifestyle and the family unity. I could be in la-la land here.
Finally, if you were an item of furniture, what would it be and why?
A bookshelf, I think. I hold a lot of eclectic knowledge, most of which is useless by the way, but I also think most people would describe me as solid, and someone you could easily go to for whatever.
Five Fun Qs:
1) If you could hack into any one computer, whose computer would you choose and why?
Elon Musk – I mean that would be crazy content right there!
2) What fact amazes you every time you think of it?
Wearing a tie can reduce blood flow to the brain by 7.5% – all hail the casual dressing! And I think about that every time I see one being worn.
3) What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
I am totally not spontaneous – so I asked my daughter and she said, going to the cinema on a weekday! So, I definitely need to work on that!
4) What is the most important object you own and why?
My grandma’s wedding ring, made of Welsh gold – permanently worn and truly loved.
5) What did you think was cool when you were young but isn’t cool now?
Traffic light platform shoes! I was never allowed any, too young to be fair… but all the cool girls wore them (they actually could come back though, so I might get to wear some!).
