A Memento In Time

Memento founder Kats Palmer-Tomkinson.

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Retail therapy is nothing new and the misconceptions about the differences between the sexes when it comes to shopping are way off the mark. Women may have been cast as the eternal shoppers but trust me men are no slouches when it comes to "splashing the cash" or "pressing the plastic!"

There is a definite difference in the way we shop, however.  Men tend to be in and out of stores like commandos on a timed mission, whereas women are more patient bargain hunters, more likely to treat the whole experience as of an event.

One thing is certain. With life so much faster and time a precious commodity, shopping around isn’t that easy.

“That’s where I step in,” says Kats Palmer-Tomkinson. “I like to think that I have a keen eye for quality and also a good imagination and coupled with my experience in advertising it certainly has given me an advantage when it comes to gift giving.”

Confident and charming, this attractive blonde 20-something launched her company Memento over 3 years ago and has not only weathered the withering effects of the recession but has actually seen business rise since the turn of the year.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to see my clientele rise this quarter and I am confident about the future. I believe the worst is behind us as far as the economy is concerned and although general recovery will be slow this should not be a deterrent to anyone looking to start a new business. I did it during what was considered a very bleak time and I think that if you know your market then you are always going to stand a good chance of success.”

For Kats, the possibility of launching her own business started after she spent six months working for “Kids Company”, a charity founded by Camilla Batmanghelidjh providing practical emotional and educational support to vulnerable inner-city children and young people.

“It helped me focus my mind and I realised that I needed to channel my business ideas into a more concentrated pool. I enrolled on a course at the Portabello business centre, which proved the launching pad for my leap into the business world.

“Whilst family and friends can often support and help motivate you, talking to a stranger about your business ideas somehow gives them a greater sense of reality,” explained Kats. “It certainly helped me take Memento to the next level and since I am very hands-on I have given everything a personal and unique touch”.

Working from home has also proved a huge advantage to Kats and Memento, reducing costs and giving greater flexibility.

“Since my husband is also based at home we spend quality time together and he often acts as a great sounding board if I need someone to bounce a few ideas off.

“Memento specialises in sourcing the perfect fit for each client. We don’t have a bespoke business model when it comes to our customers because each person is seen as unique. We aim to treat each one of them as individual. Our inspiration and originality enables us to come up with ideas that are perfectly suited to a particular client’s needs.”

“Our main focus is providing a personal service that has no limits to what we can source, whether on an individual or multiple basis.”

Memento claims to take the hassle of the search for the perfect gift, offering a one-stop bespoke sourcing service. Gifts can range from £500 to £50,000 so the price alone tells you that it isn’t exactly run of the mill but if you are looking for the right present for that special person then Kats is convinced she has the answer for you.

“We have a huge database of suppliers, providing an eclectic variety of items, the majority of which can be customised. We try to use crafts people based in the UK because we have found some incredibly talented companies here and I am a big supporter of British businesses.”

Kats has sourced everything from uniquely designed board games to individual art work for walls.

“Pool tables, jukeboxes, traditional games, which are so timeless – the most popular being the hand made backgammon board, made from beautiful fine leather and the personalised Monopoly board which is always a fun and unique gift. Film memorabilia also has a niche market; items ranging from stage props and costumes to footage from Oscar winning films have all made the list.

“Children’s feet and holding hands cast in bronze have their place in the gift market but we have also had requests for other more personal areas to be cast in bronze! We certainly try our best to work around most requests put forward, no matter how challenging,” she says with a smile.

“Businesses such as private clubs often require bespoke amenity kits, private jets have asked for cashmere sweaters and the corporate side of gift sourcing can be challenging. Companies build a stronger relationship with their employees by giving them an item that is valuable and special. Employees like to feel that the company is taking care of them and a gift is the perfect way to show that.  A personal inscription for example is a nice touch and gives a gift that unique touch.”

So for Kats, the woman who can source anything, what is her best acquisition?

“Without a doubt it’s my husband. He’s one in a million and completely irreplaceable.”

If you would like more information on Kats Palmer-Tomkinson and Memento then visit her website at www.memento.uk.com

Poppy Watt