GBB January 24

Ellie Smith
January 15, 2024

Dear Reader,

I’m delighted to tell you that Great British Brands 2024 has landed, and with it the announcement of our award winners. The edition – entitled ‘Are We Human?’ – explores the most challenging phenomenon of our age: AI and the irreversible and alarmingly swift march of technology. We’ve gathered a host of brilliant thought leaders to write about what it means to be human in an age when so many of our livelihoods and ways of life seem to be made uncertain by technology. Alongside these essays, our brands have given us fascinating, important insights into their approach to AI and tech. What emerges is the triumph of human endeavour over machines, resulting in dazzling creativity, consistent excellence, superb craftsmanship and soaring imagination. As 2024 begins, our brands have never looked so strong.

See you next month!

WHAT’S EXCITING ME THIS MONTH

Great British Brands 2024

What does it mean to be human in the age of artificial intelligence? We explore this question and how homegrown businesses are responding to technological advancements in the 2024 issue of Great British Brands. Buy your copy today

Over 100 Brilliant British Brands

Discover our class of 2024: incredible British brands from all industries, from sword-makers to interior designers

Shudu, created by The Diigitals

Behind the Cover

Lucy Cleland meets to creator of Shudu, the AI supermodel who graces the GBB24 cover alongside her human counterpart, to discuss why now, more than ever, it’s imperative for us all to educate ourselves on AI

Illustration by Daniel Long

Here Come the ‘Bots

While we reckon with what it means to be human in a world of advanced artificial intelligence, how can luxury British brands respond to the challenge? asks Josh Glancy

Image: Shutterstock

Is the Pen Mightier Than AI?

Irenosen Okojie explores AI’s repercussions for writers and their artistic practices in a rapidly changing landscape

Great British Brands Awards 2024, Sponsored by Rathbones

Discover the brands that are going above and beyond to support both people and planet, in what was an outstanding year of entries

ON OUR RADAR

Brilliant British brands we're loving this month

Thomas Lyte: The world’s leading designers of bespoke silverware and iconic sporting trophies

Pooley Swords: Cutlers of the finest military and presentation swords

Farrar & Tanner: Quality, personalised gifts that will be treasured for years to come

Randle Siddeley: Landscape architects creating the gardens of the future

Paul Stockton, Chief Executive Officer of Rathbones

Favourite British brand? Tunnock’s – a beloved Scottish company with a family ethos, a long history of philanthropy and truly excellent caramel logs.
Hero? Dame Joanna Lumley for her successful campaign to win Gurkhas settlement rights in Britain.
Weekend? Wimbledon finals weekend is always thrilling, especially on the occasions that we have a British player competing.
Meal? You can’t beat a traditional Sunday roast.
Shop? Any of Britain’s 1,000 or so wonderful independent bookshops.
Undiscovered gem? Sir John Soane’s museum in Holborn, London, is a treasure trove of antiquities, architectural models and works of art. It’s free to enter and is well worth a visit.
Idiosyncrasy? The British sense of humour, and our national love of a cup of tea in almost any situation.
Band? It has to be the Beatles.
Car? The Aston Martin DB5, featured in no fewer than eight Bond films.
Book? A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle. Still a page-turner more than a century after it was first published.

Discover more about Rathbones at rathbones.com/GBBA

ALSO IN THE NEWS…

India Hicks for Heirlooms Linens. Photo by Brittan Goetz

Pink diamonds, activewear made from natural fibres, and luxurious Bahamas-inspired bed linens for spring

Win An Incredible Bundle Of Products From Our Good Brands Directory, worth over £3,000

We’re kicking off the New Year with the ultimate competition, giving you the chance to win an incredible bundle of prizes from our Good Brands Directory. One lucky reader will get their hands on everything from jewellery and skincare to food, drinks, flower bouquets, household products and even an eco-friendly kitchen makeover.

GBB January 24