From everyday management and business administration to those complex projects that require a helping hand, Lifestyle Manager and BBB Member Phoebe Maddrell is well-versed in delivering unparalleled results to UHNW clients.
We recently sat down with Phoebe to discuss work life balance, neurodivergent minds and how she is poised and ready to help clients lighten their load…
Let’s start a little before the beginning if you don’t mind. How did you come to realise that the meticulous planning and organisation of other people’s lives would be something that you would excel in?
I fell into the organisation side – I had worked in corporate businesses for over 8 years before deciding to work onboard yachts in my late twenties. From yachts, I evolved into the role of a Lifestyle Manager which meant I oversaw the clients personal lives, business affairs and multiple properties. With my first land-based position I was lucky enough to work for two talented architects, so there were elements of project management and interior design involved too. I loved the problem solving and strategy required to deal with lots of assets and personalities.
Could you describe your job role to us and the services that you offer to your clients?
I help UHNW clients and their teams accomplish streamlined communication, asset management and an improved work/life balance. So that staff have reduced burn out and the client experiences curated luxury. Without the chaos of lost information, misunderstood requests and frequent staff turnovers. There are also long standing clients who I have previously worked with who ask me to manage individual projects, like a house move or launching an art inventory.
What is it about your role that you enjoy so much?
I’ve always loved the diversity of conundrums to solve and people to work with. I love being engaged to work with an estate or business team and seeing the transformation from disorder to calm, which improves the lives of the clients and employees. I meet a lot of people who feel like an island working in this industry but there’s actually a lot of repeated patterns and problems which can be solved by external oversight. I feel very lucky that I am able to get insight into the inner workings of so many clients’ lives.
Why do you believe that a client should opt for your services over that of a competitor?
I haven’t found any competitors offering what I do, specifically. I feel it’s more common that they do ‘off the shelf’ solutions on how to instate systems which are software based. My offer is more diverse and bespoke. I work with employees or vendors directly via mentorship. I often work with clients directly for full lifestyle audits and implementation – this usually means ensuring all assets and associated admin is accounted for, estates are run efficiently and lifestyles run smoothly. I support all parts of the process and evaluate how we can make things better. The only thing I need is a client who is ready to embrace change.
How do you distinguish a healthy work life balance and what tips do you have for people perhaps struggling to achieve that?
I truly think it is the biggest issue facing our industry as a whole and many talented people are leaving because they are struggling to achieve a balance and feeling very burnt out after the pandemic.
The most important thing is to instate boundaries, especially around your time and availability. A simple tip I regularly recommend is to take a step back and ask, “Is this a me problem, or a them problem?”. This industry has a knack of making us feel that when something goes wrong or becomes difficult it’s a “you” problem, when it may not be. Learning to understand that difference can be vital in maintaining balance and experiencing less stress.
You’re also a proud supporter of neurodivergent minds. Would you mind telling us a little bit more about why this cause is so close to your heart?
Broadly speaking, I think neurodiversity is in its infancy in terms of how we understand what that terminology means. At its heart I think that we are moving towards a more inclusive world, where we recognise that not everyone thinks the same and not everyone learns the same. This really ties into the heart of my business and ethos: when we build systems and hierarchy we need to play to people’s strengths and understand that it is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach. That’s how you get the best out of everyone and make the magic happen.
And finally, what goals are you still looking to achieve in your career?
I am really passionate about growing my own empire in this industry by creating a positive change for staff and a meaningful difference within this sector. I want to empower women to negotiate higher salaries and feel valued. To help staff avoid burnout and recognise when jobs are damaging their mental health. And finally, to make my mark on even more estates to create a legacy of knowledge to help them run smoothly for years to come, regardless of what unforeseen circumstances may occur!
Want to know more about how Phoebe could help you? Reach out to her directly by heading on over to Phoe.co.uk or you can also stay up to date by following her on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Protecting Family Heirlooms for Future Generations
By Anya Cooklin-Lofting
In a world subject to such constant change, family heirlooms can be seen as symbols of heritage, culture, tradition and memory. They are cherished artefacts that hold genuine meaning for families across the world. No matter if the object in question is of astronomical or negligible financial value, these tokens, be they Old Master paintings or gems inherited over generations, heirlooms not only give us a sense of history but also a feeling of deep connection to our lineage. This month, I spoke to three experts in the business of caring for inherited heirlooms to get a sense of what goes into protecting and preserving paintings, antiques, jewellery and more.
Gander & White: Custodians of The Irreplaceable
Gander & White, renowned for its expertise in fine art transportation and logistics, holds a Royal Warrant and has transported stored collections from some of the most notable galleries and families globally. When it comes to private families and family offices in particular, Alexander Bradford, the company’s Business Development Manager, believes that it’s all about offering clients a bespoke service that caters to each distinct requirement.
When working with Gander & White to transport heirlooms to another property, for example, or put them into storage during a renovation, the process often begins with a consultation. This involves a dedicated project manager assigned to each client. Gander & White also conducts site visits to ensure accurate estimates and the identification of potential challenges. For international moves where a piece of art must be shipped from one residence to another, Gander & White draws on its extensive global knowledge of export regulations and customs formalities. Boasting an unrivalled white glove service, Gander & White ensures the safe passage of these cherished items, often collaborating with partner ICEFAT agents when needed. All members of ICEFAT, an organisation representing over 70 of the finest independent art transportation firms from 34 countries including Gander & White, are subject to rigorous auditing against a series of Standards laid out by EY, meaning clients can rest assured that their heirlooms will be cared for during complex international journeys.
Bradford and his international team at Gander & White understand the emotional weight his clients attach to family heirlooms and resonate with the idea that they act as bridges between generations. “By working with us and our team of fine art technicians,” he says, “clients are ensuring that their precious objects and collections are treated with the utmost care and attention to ensure that they are preserved in pristine quality for generations to come.”
Doerr Dallas: Preparation Is Key
Doerr Dallas, an independent valuations firm, recognises the importance of understanding the true value of family heirlooms. Rachel Doerr, the company’s founder, has valuable insights into the circumstances that prompt families to seek her expertise. Valuations serve not only as a means to assess financial worth but also as a way to ensure a smooth transition of assets across generations. “Generally, it’s much better for the current owners of the family heirlooms to decide who gets what when the time comes,” she says. “It’s a much cleaner way of working than suggesting that the family or beneficiaries of the will decide between themselves. We very much try to encourage clients to think about what would happen in the worst-case scenario.”
Doerr advocates for informed decisions through valuations. An up-to-date valuation is indispensable, offering reassurance and the ability to make accurate insurance claims in the face of unforeseen events. “Very little will be worth the same amount five years from now – all general items appreciate,” she says. “In the event of a fire, for example, you need to be able to claim back the current value of any objects that were damaged,” she explains, adding that, “without an up-to-date valuation, this won’t be possible.”
Aston Lark: Reassurance Above All
Aston Lark, an insurance company, understands that protecting family heirlooms goes beyond securing financial assets – it’s also about managing the personal connections people have to their belongings. Joshua Meadowcroft, the firm’s Business Development Manager, understands the emotion attached to these treasures where his private clients are concerned. “The key to working with our private clients is primarily about understanding their needs to make sure that we source the correct cover,” says Meadowcroft. “Then we can build trust by offering the best advice to protect their prized assets,” he continues. For Meadowcroft, this differs to commercial insurance as there is a lot more of an emotive side to private clients’ decision-making.
Meadowcroft also makes a point of advising his private clients to give them the same level of reassurance that Aston Clark’s institutional or commercial clients enjoy. “Where a business may have different employees providing different advice on aspects of the company, private clients they may not have this breadth of expertise available to them,” he says. “We feel an obligation to provide this level of guidance, which can include conducting surveys, obtaining values and recommending security companies.”
From fine art to cherished possessions like jewellery or furniture, heirlooms carry stories, values beyond the financial, and memories that transcend time and generations. By taking meticulous care of these relics from our familial pasts, we honour our lineage and leave behind a legacy for future generations.
London Events Florists To Know
By Amira Hashish
Sourcing the perfect florist is an integral part of making an event pop. From tablescape arrangements to displays that double as works of art, this selection of London-based floral design studios will help elevate your special occasion…
Embrace the Space
This floral design studio is the creative vision of Krystal Mead who has a knack for making her botanical arrangements look like sculptural works of art. Embrace the Space works with private clients, brands, and events with statement centerpieces, full tablescapes and everything in between.
Visit: embracethespace.net
SAGE Flowers
Inspired by all aspects of design, from textiles to architecture, SAGE brings a contemporary approach to its creations. The freshest flowers, sourced from Britain whenever possible, are used to build arrangements that feel truly unique. Press days, runway shows, dinners, brand activations and weddings are all within SAGE’s remit.
Visit: sageflowers.co.uk
Ronny Colbie
Having started his career as the Lead Floral Designer for the Soho House Group. Ronny Colbie and his expert team of talented florists now create their imaginative yet timeless floral displays for corporate events and weddings. Featuring the finest seasonal blooms, they understand that it’s the small details that make their surroundings extra special. Register for BBB Membership today to receive 15% off orders!
Visit: ronnycolbie.com
Wild at Heart
Founder Nikki Tibbles is something of a doyenne of luxury floristry. Gracing the entrance to Liberty and Westbourne Grove’s Turquoise Island, her Wild at Heart brand has been paving the way for fabulous florals for 25 years. With an A-List following that counts celebrity weddings and five-star hotels amongst its client base, you know you are in sumptuous hands.
Visit: wildatheart.com
Grace & Thorn
East End rule breakers Grace & Thorn have garnered a reputation for off-beat floral and plant styling. The flagship store in Hackney is full of wonderful fresh and dried flowers, houseplants, and pots. It is a great starting point for exploring what scheme may suit your event. Both small and large scale events services are offered.
Visit: graceandthorn.com
Scarlet & Violet
This Kensal Rise institution was founded by Vic Brotherson, the woman behind Kate Moss’s wedding bouquet. It sources suppliers from New Covent Garden Market throughout the year whilst independent growers and farmers are championed. Individual requests are happily catered for and there is a personal approach so pop in or give the shop a buzz to talk through what you have in mind.
Visit: scarletandviolet.com
McQueens Flowers
Another London floral icon, McQueens has been doing its thing for 30 years with clients including Claridge’s and the Berkeley. It even runs its own flower school with courses such as installation design and ikebana in the calendar, as well as a four-week vocational course. A timeless choice.
Visit: mcqueensflowers.com
The Allotment Florist
Helena Willcocks grows her own wildflowers in a North London allotment. Flying the flag for sustainability, she picks and arranges her stems into rustic bunches to create a plucked straight-from-the-garden look. As well as drumming up quite the following for her workshops and letterbox deliveries she takes on big projects including weddings.
Visit: theallotmentflorist.co.uk
Rebel Rebel
Mairead Curtin and Athena Duncan left a career in television to pursue their botanical dreams in 2000 and have never looked back. Their shop in Mare Street Market is open seven days a week whilst events let their creative streak run wild. With clients ranging from the BAFTAs to Sketch, they are seasoned curators of large scale floral displays.
Visit: rebelrebel.co.uk
Bramble & Moss
With the shop front of dreams in Richmond, Bramble & Moss is a feast of inspiration. British favourites such as roses, peonies and hydrangeas are always in the mix alongside some more unusual finds.
Visit: brambleandmoss.co.uk
JamJar Flowers
This floral design studio is based in a Dickensian Yard in Kennington. Fabulous displays are made for events, weddings and creative projects. It is also a treat to pop into the studio and pick from an eclectic collection of bottles, jars and charming flea market finds.
Visit: jamjarflowers.co.uk