By Susannah Schofield OBE
Director General, UK Direct Selling Association
Speaking recently at a major retail conference, I found myself reflecting on something that those of us in direct selling have understood for decades: when the world accelerates, human connection becomes more valuable — not less.
Across the conference presentations, there was much discussion about AI, automation, efficiency, and cost reduction. Retailers are investing heavily in technology to streamline operations, personalise marketing, and optimise supply chains. And rightly so. Innovation drives progress.
But running through every panel discussion and presentation was a quiet, recurring theme: in an increasingly automated marketplace, customers are craving something technology alone cannot provide — genuine human connection.
This is where direct selling stands apart.
For over 60 years in the UK, our channel has been built on relationships. Not transactions. Not algorithms. Not anonymous clicks. Relationships. The consultant who knows your preferences. The person who takes the time to explain, demonstrate, and reassure. The trusted voice who follows up, not because a CRM prompted them to, but because they genuinely care.
At the UK Direct Selling Association, we represent a sector generating around £1 billion in annual retail sales, supported by hundreds of thousands of independent sellers across the country. But beyond
Tag Archive for DSA UK
Hot Business News Today
Amanda Sly Announced As New Chair of the Direct Selling Association
by Press Release • • 0 Comments
The UK trade body for direct-to-consumer (D2C) retail, the Direct Selling Association, has appointed Amanda Sly as the new Chair of its Board.
Amanda, who has served on the Board of the Association since 2023, replaces Ayo Olaseinde, following the conclusion of his two-year term as Chair.
The Direct Selling Association is the recognised trade body for the D2C channel of retail in the UK and counts many of the UK’s major D2C operators amongst its members, including Avon, Usborne Publishing, Amway and Oriflame.
Amanda’s career spans 25 years in retail, including time spent at D2C beauty giant Avon, Superdrug, and Mole Avon Country Stores. Her current role as Director of Operations for natural nutrition and skincare company AquaSource – which operates exclusively via the D2C channel – sees her oversee the UK and European day-to-day operations across the business and follows five years as UK and Europe Country Manager for the brand.
Susannah Schofield OBE, DSA Director General
Susannah Schofield OBE, Director General of the Direct Selling Association, comments:
“Having worked alongside Amanda for the past two years, I am delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate even more closely with her as she takes up the role of Chair. Her drive, passion and commitment to the sector are
Hot Business News Today
Grandma Jackie Wins DSA UK Award
by Ramya Chandrasekaran • • 0 Comments
Jackie Venables, a grandmother from United Kingdom, has been named the 50+ direct seller of the year in the first ever UK Direct Selling Awards, organised by the Direct Selling Association, the trade body for direct selling in the UK.
Mrs Venables who is a distributor with cosmetics firm Oriflame, started direct selling because she wanted to pay for new curtains. Having enjoyed both selling and earning extra money, she decided to stay with the company and is now one of its top sellers.
Lynda Mills, director general of the DSA, said: “Direct selling appeals to so many different types of people and Jackie’s story shows just how easy it can be to start direct selling and make a success of it. These awards are a true reflection of the strength of direct selling
Hot Business News Today
Cambridge Weight Plan Distributor Named Direct Selling Star UK
by Ramya Chandrasekaran • • 0 Comments
Rose Bunce, aged 54 from Dorchester, has been named the Direct Selling Star of the Year at the first ever UK Direct Selling Awards. Hosted by the trade body for direct selling in the UK, the awards recognised eight of the most outstanding direct sellers in the country at a ceremony held at Whittlebury Hall on 6th November.
With more than 400,000 people now working as direct sellers in the UK, the industry is continuing to grow in prominence as a real alternative to traditional employment. More people make money through direct selling than any other type of part time work.
Rose Bunce, a direct seller with Cambridge Weight Plan, was awarded the title after impressing judges with her tireless work to build her business, improve how she works and help and support new
Hot Business News Today
DSA UK launches Awards To Celebrate Stars of Industry
by Ramya Chandrasekaran • • 0 Comments
The UK Direct Selling Association (DSA) has announced the launch of new award scheme to discover, recognise and celebrate the best of the direct selling industry in the UK. The “Stars of Direct Selling” Awards will recognise eight of the most outstanding and inspirational direct sellers in the UK.
With over 400,000 people now working as direct sellers in the UK, the industry is continuing to grow in prominence as a real alternative to traditional employment. More people make money through direct selling than any other type of part time work, and the new direct selling awards will recognise just some of the stars of the industry. The awards will be judged by Saira Khan, runner-up on the The Apprentice, Tricia Philips, the Daily Mirror’s award-winning Small Business Editor, Kalpana Fitzpatrick, financial journalist
Hot Business News Today
34% British Have Bought Through Direct Selling
by Ramya Chandrasekaran • • 0 Comments
New figures have revealed that direct selling is thriving in the UK, with over a third of the UK population (34%) having chosen to buy products through this method, including via parties, catalogues or face-to-face.
The research, from the Direct Selling Association (DSA), the trade body for the industry, and YouGov, also found that 7% of people in the UK have worked as direct sellers. The figures reflect the industry’s growth in popularity in the UK, with DSA figures showing 400,000 people now make money as direct sellers – more than any other type of part time work in the country.
Direct selling includes products bought from a catalogue delivered by direct sellers (such as cosmetics), products bought in a group party environment (like kitchen equipment or jewellery), products demonstrated in a customers’ home
Hot Business News Today
LEO sponsors DSA UK 50th Anniversary Event
by Ramya Chandrasekaran • • 0 Comments
Entrepreneur training specialist company LEO is the Diamond level sponsor of the DSA UK’s 50th Conference event, to be held today at St Johns Hotel – Solihull, UK.
Reflecting on the past 50 years of the direct selling industry, and looking forward to what the next 50 years may bring, the DSA conference also provides an opportunity to share best practice, relevant legislation and future regulations of the Direct Selling industry set by the DSA.
The conference will hear keynote speakers including the Chair of the DSA UK and General Manager of Amway, Andy Smith, and Director General of the DSA UK, Lynda Mills.
Local MP for Northamptonshire, Chris Heaton-Harris, who has been a strong voice in the government for the Direct Selling industry, will also be speaking.The event will also see LEO Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer Atif Kamran present the