The story of British luxury interiors brand House of Hackney’s regenerative journey—and what every business and consumer can learn from it. ‘Creativity with purpose, integrity in action, compassion for people and planet means working with Nature as our partner.’ In the Company of Nature is the story of British interiors brand, House of Hackney’s regenerative journey to put Nature and our Future Generations at the heart of their business. Founded by Frieda Gormley, with her husband Javvy M Royle, Nature had always been their design muse but they came to realize that Nature needed to be even more central to their business – and lives. What started as a design brand became the framework for something far greater: a journey into how beauty, creativity and business itself might serve life, with Nature as its core. The purpose of this book is to demonstrate how a SME (small and medium-sized enterprise), which makes up 99.9 per cent of all businesses, can be a catalyst for change and collectively bring about cultural, political and economic transformation. The opportunity for business to help solve some of the greatest crises of our time is immense. Business is one of the most powerful levers we have – to model change, to demonstrate new ways of being and doing that honours all life, and to use the influence of brand to shift the cultural narrative. Underlying this call-to-action is Frieda’s powerful vision for humankind as part of Nature, not separate from it, regenerating, not extracting. ‘Several books argue for making business more sustainable, less destructive of the environment, and many of them tell us how to do so. Much rarer to find a practitioner who recognises that what we call the environment is simply, and gloriously, the life of the planet, of which we’re an integral part. Once you say yes to that instinctive truth, you also realise that the regenerative capacity of natural systems, not mitigation of harm, becomes the precondition of sustainability. Now, this might inspire and comfort those in a classroom setting, but it comes with a dash of terror for those in business who make, transport and sell things in the world as it is. Frieda Gormley, in her wonderfully written new book, In the Company of Nature , never loses sight of the North Star for regenerative practices that also help define and inform her business decisions (Mother Nature has a representative serving on the board). Her story of her own journey of discovery and how it changed her life, her business and her relations with all her stakeholders, from suppliers to employees to investors, provides useful lessons and insights for the similarly inclined.’ Vincent Stanley, director of philosophy, Patagonia; co-author of The Responsible Company ‘Frieda obviously has a deep intuitive love and respect for Nature, and that comes through so strongly in this book. It is written so beautifully that it is extremely hard to put down, but it is also a blueprint for future businesses, ones that repay their debt to Nature and consider their people and purpose to be as important as profit. In the Company of Nature is a fascinating case study of an incredible journey, and Frieda is indomitable in her quest to ensure that Nature is rewarded for Her part in our lives.’ Jane Shepherdson CBE, chair of My Wardrobe HQ ‘A memoir and manifesto of the utmost delicacy – it is an ode to Nature.’ Sir Partha Dasgupta GBE FBA FRS, Frank Ramsey professor emeritus of economics, University of Cambridge ‘This is the story of a modern business rooted in timeless values: compassion, creativity and responsibility to the world around us. Frieda Gormley’s journey reminds us that the most powerful innovation comes when a company sees itself not above society but within it – deeply connected to people, planet and possibility.’ Mary Portas OBE ‘House of Hackney has a marvellous mission: to transform the world of business. To make a shift from seeing Nature simply as a resource for financial growth to seeing Nature as life itself. This inspiring book makes a compelling case to see Nature not as a commodity but as a community, and it tells the heartwarming story of Frieda Gormley’s business. Frieda is not just dreaming about some abstract ideals; she has the courage of her convictions to make her inspiring vision reality – even appointing Nature as a board member! A rare example. Every businessperson should read this book.’ Satish Kumar, founder of Schumacher College ‘At a time when the old order is melting away before our eyes, we must heal ourselves, our communities, our businesses, our politics and, ultimately, Earth itself. I deeply admire what Frieda Gormley and her team are doing at House of Hackney – and highly recommend this account of how it all came together.’ John Elkington, author of Tickling Sharks: How We Sold Business on Sustainability ‘This story of a wonderful company, and the curious minds that built it, doesn’t have to make the case