A husband and wife team from Westbury – Becky and Jay Elloway – have been named ‘Direct Selling Partnership of the Year’ at the UK’s annual Direct Selling Awards.

Hosted by the Direct Selling Association (DSA), the UK trade body for direct-to-consumer retail, the Direct Selling Awards recognise the best individuals in the UK’s £1 billion direct selling industry, which has become one of retail’s biggest success stories during the pandemic.

The ‘Direct Selling Partnership of the Year’ Award celebrates the most inspiring direct selling partnership and was presented at a ceremony on Friday 25th March.

Becky, 47, and Jay, 49, set up their direct selling business with Avon two years ago in order to spend more time with their two daughters, Katie, 20, and Sophie, 12.

When the pandemic struck in 2020, Becky and Jay quickly embraced Avon’s digital tools to continue running their businesses when people were unable to connect in person. In the face of adversity.

Becky and Jay’s agility enabled them to take their business to new heights, leaving their full-time work to commit fully to their independent Avon business, which earns the pair over £4,500 per month.

“We are absolutely honoured to have been selected to receive this award just as we are honoured to be able to work with a team of amazing representatives from all over the country.

“Our job is to help change people's lives as it has ours. We don't see it as work but as a true privilege and the fact that we can do this as a partnership is the cherry on the cake,” says Becky.

Avon UK’s Head of Sales, Tracey Powers, said: “The secret to every successful partnership is rooted in trust and respect for one another; both Becky and Jay display exactly that. They trust one another, they share the same passion and vision, and complement each other really well.

“They are true inspirational leaders, who lead by example and in the last two years have built up quite the empire and this accolade is fully deserved.”

Susannah Schofield, Director General of the Direct Selling Association, said: “The judges were impressed with Becky and Jay’s shared passion and vision for their business.

"It is clear that their strong partnership is a key factor in their success and I’m delighted to offer my congratulations.”

The award judges included Jerry McDonald, former UK President of AVON, and Paul Dobson, a member of the Ethics Committees of both Seldia (the European Federation of Direct Selling Associations) and WFDSA (the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations).