When Freya Simma Talks, People Listen The Business of Antiques

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Continuing with our series of interviews to kick off Season 2, Toma Clark Haines – CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co and founder of the Republic of Toma – sits down with Freya Simms –  CEO of LAPADA, the Association of Art & Antiques Dealers. Also, continue listening for another special of #AsktheShipper with Malcom Disson of The British Shop at the end! Freya has an extensive background in art and antiques. She has worked both in-house and on the agency side for major auction houses such as Christie’s, Bonhams and Sotheby’s. She was the Director for Clarion managing all aspects of the renowned Olympia Art and Antiques Fair, where she was responsible for a combined turnover of £4.2million covering all aspects of delivering the show including: sales, operations, vetting, security, marketing, PR and events. And if you don’t already think Freya is superwoman – she also is the founder of the communications consultancy Muse, which earned the Queen’s Award for Excellence in Enterprise in 2014 for its work on clients including the Burlington Arcade, Frieze Masters and Masterpiece London, and she later co-founded Golden Squared Consulting. Meanwhile, she’s even been involved in helping to launch one of Toma’s favorite websites www.Made.com as well as in cultural events such as London Craft Week and Collect. 
Known by its golden chandelier symbol seen in members' antique shops and at fairs, LAPDA  is the largest organization of art and antiques dealers in the UK. Founded in 1974, it was the first antiques trade association to introduce a Code of Practice, ensuring customers' confidence with purchases. By using the website, members and clients can connect with others, as well as learning about the wealth of services LAPADA offers. Additionally, LAPADA does advocacy and lobbying for antiques dealers to Parliament.
Toma sat down for a chat with Freya to discuss why the UK is THE place to buy antiques, the solutions in place for the global shipping crisis, and the confidence she has in LAPADA. They put care in the standards, down to the last touch guaranteeing the authenticity of each piece.  Toma remarked that clients are often afraid to purchase from vendors they don't have a relationship with – and with LAPADA there is a reassurance not found elsewhere. 
Overall Toma and Freya shared their hope and happiness of returning to sourcing in REAL LIFE even though we are still in the midst of pandemic – an aspect very missed by both Toma and Freya.
In our second segment of #AsktheShipper, Toma talks costs – a topic clients are always curious...