By Emily Gray
The internet is awash with companies purporting to be the ‘best’, the ‘most luxurious’ or the ‘finest’ in their industry. As a result, finding those trusted artisans and brands who can consistently deliver the standards that high and ultra-high-net-worth individuals expect can be time-consuming. Yet all this is changing with the arrival of Listique, a website that is paving the way for a new era of sourcing luxury.
Listique was born after founder Adam Irving spent six years gaining valuable and extensive knowledge of the private household industry during his time as Director and Private Staff Consultant at Irving Scott, the boutique domestic staffing agency he co-founded with his mother, Paloma Irving. Frequently hearing of the challenges faced by private staff and family office managers when it came to finding trusted companies that their influential and discerning principals could rely upon, he saw a gap in the market, not only for a curated directory of reliable companies but also for a forum for private household staff to share their knowledge. ‘We know that these highly organised assistants and household teams not only pay incredible attention to detail but also have a huge influence on the buying decisions of their principals,’ explains Irving.
Speaking about the unveiling of Listique last summer, Irving said, ‘The aim is quite simple, to make their jobs easier by saving them precious time by listing only the finest, most luxurious, tried and tested and vetted products and services available in London.’
And the new business is already forging its own path as London’s leading online directory with its rigorous selection procedure that ensures they only work with those partners who have been carefully chosen and that they know H/UHNWIs in London can trust. Irving and his close-knit team spent two years diligently researching the very best that London has to offer before curating the directory. There are many factors that the team takes into consideration when choosing suppliers to partner with, including whether they hold a Royal Warrant, have positive online reviews, are an important and needed service to H/UHNWI and if they come recommended by reputable sources. On top of that, they look for partners with their own dash of distinctive style and of course, non-negotiable, those that offer impeccable levels of service. Divided into categories that cover everything from dating agencies, travel concierge and private members’ clubs to security firms, wealth management and tutors, Listique caters to all aspects of life and currently works with the likes of The Sun Secret Collection, Oakmount & Partners, POSH Trading Company, Bentley & Skinner and Bespoke Wine Collection.
Beyond the directory, private staff will find the Forum, a communication hub for family office managers and staff who are new to the industry, have relocated to London or just need advice to come together. Through the Forum, Listique seeks to open up an often isolated industry and provide invaluable support and confidence to staff in their search for excellence. It also serves as a unique platform for the brands and businesses to directly access a prime, targeted market giving them the opportunity to expand their reach, market exclusive news and answer any questions from members who have specific requirements. With London being one of the most attractive cities to the ultra-rich, (there are an estimated 89 billionaires either calling it home or with significant assets in the capital) Listique holds the key to many companies finding new wealthy clientele with enormous spending power.
Likewise navigating England’s social scene can be a daunting process to the uninitiated which is why the website’s social calendar highlights important dates across London and the UK (albeit currently more sparsely than usual due to Covid-19) such as The Royal Windsor Horse Show, The Grand Prix Ball, BMW PGA Championship and Serpentine Summer Party. Those wanting to attend certain events can easily find information about how to purchase tickets, respective dress codes and other valuable tips.
For those looking for further information about suppliers and events, Listique’s online magazine routinely publishes intriguing, informative content primarily aimed at assistants and concierges looking to explore the best services available for their employers. Articles taking the form of interviews, guides and long read features delve further into the suppliers, artisans and companies who make up Listique, discovering what makes them the pinnacle of luxury, telling the stories of their rich and chartered histories and detailing how Listique’s clientele can make the most of their services with unique offers.
Looking to the future, Irving is already planning out Listique’s next steps, ‘We’ve got a number of projects that we’re looking to put into place as Listique continues to grow. We would like to expand the Forum to have a job board that lists the top positions for premium private staff and family office managers. As for the directory, we will continue in our quest to showcase the best brands, artisans and businesses with the potential for displaying exclusive properties and residences. We have even discussed branching out into hosting networking events and an annual showcase so that we can unite London’s luxury suppliers more closely with H/UHNW families. I am very excited about the future of Listique and I believe that it will become an invaluable asset to top-level private house staff and family offices.’
To apply to become a Listique member or partner, please email the team at [email protected]
