About us

We’re based in the grounds of Forde Abbey, Somerset, in a goat shed and above a forge where it’s not unusual to see a herd of bulls charge by the window or be followed through the office by a pack of dirty spaniels.

We’re still growing and learn new lessons all the time (often the hard way) but it’s our passion for what we do that drives us. We constantly travel in search of fresh ideas and our own jewellery designs are made in Mexico where we also source from other crafts people. Our ethos is see it, like it, buy it and that’s exactly what we do. This makes many designs very limited and some complete one offs. We are special because of this constant introduction of fresh, new product; no visit to one of our shops is the same as the last and you’re not likely to see anyone else with the same as you!

The Team

Andrew

Title: Managing Director

AKA: King of the Castle

Quote: "English, Eclectic, Eccentric"

About me:
I am really a farmer at heart but have always known that I really wanted to have control of my own life and so when offered the chance to set up Hiho with my sister Caroline I jumped in right away. So I can now buy and sell shiny silver jewellery as well as drive tractors and lamb sheep, I promise you I do use these skills more than you can imagine.

Most of the time I am flat out trying to ensure Hiho is going in the right direction but when I am not doing that I am normally to be found on a horse with my wife and kids! We are very lucky to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country and spend as much time as possible enjoying the wonderful countryside from the beaches of Dorset to the rolling hills of Devon.
Beej

Title: Shows Co-ordinator

AKA: The Lady of Leisure

Quote: "...I wish! I think the Queen of Camping may be a more suitable title"

About me:
I spend most of my year at Hiho travelling up and down the UK with our Show unit. We do numerous events from Henely Regatta to Badminton Horse Trials and even Polo on the Beach this year! The Hiho Show unit is made up of a fantastic hard working team which I am proud to be a part of. One day we will be in overalls using drills and driving white vans and the next we are all glammed up selling our stunning silver. When I am not on the road I am based here at Hiho HQ aka. Our head office within the grounds of Forde Abbey. At the end of the season the events calm down and I work with the Marketing team, looking ahead this is where I would like to spend more of my time. Outside of Hiho I ride in the mornings at a local point to point yard, and I always try to squeeze in a weeks skiing during the winter if I can. As my title suggests life at Hiho is quite varied and after all it is not so easy being a Lady of Leisure! I have one man in my life at the moment……Tank, a rather mischievous Bedlington Terrier!
Caroline

Title: Consumer Relations Director

AKA: Queen of Excellence

Quote: "It's not Terry's, it's mine!"

About me:
At Hiho we always try to put our customers first... both internal and external. We therefore identified the importance of a role to champion this cause, and that’s where I come in.

My new role is Consumer Relations Director, trying to keep everyone happy! Its a dirty job but someone has to do it! Not just that, its about fulfilling our potential as individuals and as a company. It’s about listening to and learning from our customers. Creating a fantastic working environment, somewhere where people are happy to be. Somewhere where it is a pleasure to shop.
Drew

Title: Design Manager

AKA: Sir Printalot

Quote: "Witty quip goes here!"

About me:
I'm very lucky to be the person who designs our window concepts, this usually has me spending my evening on ebay or in charity shops and at car boot sales on the weekends looking for unusual props.

To unwind I can usually be found on the beach in Lyme Regis with Austin my naughty Fox Terrier a make shift BBQ and a bottle (or two) of vino. I'm just about to move house where there is an enormous garden - I have a large veg patch and hen coop planned - look out for blogs about my progress!

Likes (in no particular order): Cheap Pinot Grigio, BBQs on the beach, writing in pencil, unusual holiday, disco dancing, snoozing on a Sunday, the idea of reading a book (never seem to have time,) car boot sales, the One Show, proper pasties (from Cornwall not a service station)

Dislikes: ironing, my thinning hair, milk, Big Brother (took a while, but I'm so over that now,) my credit card bill, Coronation Street, cheap sausages.
Emma

Title: Finance Director

AKA: Queen of the Coffers

Quote: "Have we got any biccies?"

About me:
I’ve been working with the Hiho team for about three years now and I love it!! Where else could I get to mix with fabulous (if slightly mad) people and to wear and choose beautiful jewellery and homewares?? I don’t work with Hiho all the time, as I also have my own business called Portfolio Directors (www.portfoliodirectors.com) – but I’m not sure that they could cope with me all day, every day anyway ;-) My job with Hiho is to help develop the business and look after the financials, but I get involved with all sorts of things including marketing, training and anything else that gets chucked my way really.

I love,love,love being based in the Somerset countryside and I live here with my hubby, two children aged 5 and 7 and a few pigs, sheep and chickens – we’re trying to live a slightly greener life, but I do seem to kill plants on a regular basis, so having a bit of trouble on the green fingers front – any tips??
Gemma

Title: Buyer

AKA: The Baroness of Buying

Quote: ""I'm smoking a fag""

About me:
I live in sunny Sherborne, Dorset, but am Somerset born and bred. I’m a complete chocoholic and must have a bar to get me through the day. I have worked for Hiho since 2004, starting in the Sherborne shop, and eventually ending up in Head Office… I still don’t know how they put up with me!! Never a dull day in the buying department. We are always looking for something new to keep things fresh, so it’s really exciting to open up every box that arrives with new samples.
Heather

Title: Stock Co-ordinator

AKA: Dame of Despatch

Quote: ""Can I go to bed now?""

About me:
I live at Forde Abbey with my husband Chris and our 2 boys Jake and George and have worked for Hiho for the past 3 years in the logistics dept and web shop. I have recently found a hidden talent in cake making and now make cakes to order as well as using my artistic side as a part time children’s face painter. Although I don’t get too much free time I do like to watch a good film. Unfortunately I’m at that age when I do tend to fall asleep in front of the telly so miss most of it! Aah bless!
Mark

Title: Logistics Manager

AKA: Sir Shiftalot

Quote: "Who's round is it?"

About me:
I was in the Army for 22 years in the Royal Logistic Corps and have now worked for Hiho for 2 years. Hiho have made the transition from military to civilian work very easy for me. I am the Logistics Manager for Hiho and find the job enjoyable yet challenging especially with the new array of jewellery and homeware we currently sell.

I was a "Sporting Billy" when younger, playing all sports but my main passion was rugby, playing semi pro for a few seasons. I now coach at my local club and still have the odd run out on a Saturday. I also enjoy fishing and cooking!
I have been married for nearly 16 years to Claire (childhood sweetheart from school) and we have a wonderful daughter, Jemma who is 12.
Michelle

Title: Customer Services Manager

AKA: Countess of Contentment

Quote: ""Feed me chocolate and I am happy as a pig in *@%$""

About me:
I am a Devon lass, 30 something, married to Adam and have a pet rabbit called Ermintrude, who is the most cuddly, fluffy thing and my substitute to a dog at the moment (not allowed one at present!)

I have been at Hiho for 5 years now and just love it, every day is different, fun and challenging. I have various roles within the company but my main and most important job, is to keep everybody content.

I need to try and relax and switch my brain off, as it is constantly whirring, so I like nothing better than a good book and a glass of vino. I get tired really easily and with me tired = grumpy and stroppy, cannot get around this one I am afraid.
Sophie

Title: Management Accountant

AKA: The Duchess of Sterling

Quote: "Money Money Money"

About me:
I’m the newest member of the team having recently joined Hiho just two months ago as their Management Accountant. I’ve worked previously for various industries including defence, mobile communications, luxury brand leather goods as well as property management so now working back in retail which is really interesting plus the added bonus of the products being a lot easier to relate to than sonars and submarines equates to a job I’m loving! It’s a new challenge for me with lots of areas to get involved in and learning to do. Everyone is so helpful as well as the gorgeous products we sell makes it all round a great company to work for. Some of the added bonuses if it could get any better are our Fish & Chip Fridays and Heathers’ cakes - I’m in my element!

Hiho Silver (Jewellery) Ltd
Registered office: Chauffeur’s Cottage
Forde Abbey
Chard
Somerset TA20 4LU

Tel: 01460 221006
Fax: 01460 220007
Email: contact@hihosilver.co.uk
Web: www.hihosilver.co.uk
Company Registration no: 5042138