F.Hinds, a long-standing family-operated jewelry enterprise in the United Kingdom, has recently underscored its unwavering commitment to ethical business operations, local community investment, and strategic expansion within the retail sector. This renewed focus follows a period of exceptional performance in 2025, which highlighted the company's dedication to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles and its continuous pursuit of growth on the high street. As the company approaches its 170th anniversary, its enduring values and forward-thinking strategies continue to shape its trajectory in the competitive retail landscape.
In 2025, F.Hinds, encompassing its primary retail brand and the outlet chain Chapelle, successfully garnered \u00a340,666 for various charitable causes. This achievement stands as a testament to the company's clear and measurable dedication to ESG values and its active involvement in community development, running parallel to its commercial advancements. The year's philanthropic endeavors were largely centered around two significant national charity collaborations, both of which surpassed their initial fundraising targets. The partnership with Dementia UK saw F.Hinds exceeding its \u00a310,000 goal by raising \u00a314,433, directly aiding in the provision of crucial dementia care services. Similarly, the company's ongoing support for BBC Children in Need yielded \u00a312,074, surpassing expectations and contributing significantly to essential programs for children and young individuals throughout the UK.
Beyond these national initiatives, F.Hinds and Chapelle uphold a decentralized, employee-driven approach to local giving. In 2025 alone, 84 local charitable organizations received support, all identified and nominated by store teams to address the specific needs of their respective communities. The beneficiaries spanned a wide array of institutions, including hospices, educational establishments, sports associations, wildlife sanctuaries, and various community-based groups, thereby generating considerable social benefits in every area where the brands operate. Further philanthropic contributions during the year included donations to Save the Children (\u00a3364), Thames Hospice (\u00a34,000), and the Retail Trust (\u00a35,968), reinforcing F.Hinds' commitment to both national causes and the broader retail industry.
Andrew Hinds, Chairman of F.Hinds, expressed immense pride in the teams' accomplishments, emphasizing that community support has always been fundamental to the company's operational philosophy. He noted that the outstanding results of 2025 not only surpassed national fundraising targets but also fostered significant local impact, driven by the choices of their own colleagues. This participatory approach, he believes, strengthens the company's culture, its community ties, and its partnerships, highlighting a holistic vision for business success.
Concurrently with its community-focused efforts, 2025 also marked a period of sustained portfolio enhancement. The latter half of the year witnessed the inauguration of new stores and strategic relocations within the F.Hinds and Chapelle networks. F.Hinds re-established its presence in Aylesbury with a new store in the Friar's Square Shopping Centre and opened its second Scottish outlet in Livingston. In August, the thirteenth Chapelle branch commenced operations at the newly developed Cotswolds Designer Outlet in Tewkesbury. Building on this positive momentum, future plans include the relocation of F.Hinds stores in Bradford and Lakeside, signaling continued confidence in brick-and-mortar retail and a dedication to long-term collaborations with property owners and retail destinations. As F.Hinds commemorates 170 years as a family business in 2026, the focus remains firmly on achieving sustainable growth, practicing responsible retailing, and continuously investing in its stores, its employees, and the communities it serves. The company's rich history provides a long-term perspective, ensuring a steadfast commitment to generating value for its partners, customers, and future generations.