Did you know that GLTC is made up of just 11 people? Our small but mighty team includes four in marketing, four in buying & merchandising, one product designer, one wholesale manager and our Managing Director.
Every single order really does make a difference to us. We’re passionate about keeping specialist brands alive and creating quality children’s products that genuinely earn their place in family homes. It’s something we all care deeply about.
In this series, we’ll be introducing you to the people behind the scenes, the team who help make Great Little Trading Co. what it is today.
First up is Lisa, our Head of Marketing, who has been with GLTC for an impressive 14 years. During that time, she’s seen the range evolve, the marketing direction shift, and the business grow. She’s been through two store openings, four office moves, five house moves — and welcomed her son into the world.
One thing, however, has always stayed the same: Lisa’s passion for talking to customers on their own terms and creating marketing that genuinely resonates with parents, grandparents and caregivers.
Name: Lisa Reed
Role: Head of Marketing
What do you love most about your job?
I love working for a small company, it means you get to do a bit of everything. Every single person at GLTC matters, everyone’s opinion is listened to, and we all play an important role in the day-to-day life of the business. It’s lovely starting work in the morning knowing we all share the same passion and enthusiasm for what we do.
My role is incredibly varied, you never quite know what the day will bring. One day I might be planning ways to improve the website experience, the next I’ll be working on an upcoming marketing campaign or catching up with our brilliant testing team. I get to dip into technical, strategic, creative and relationship-building work, and I love that mix. I never get bored!
I feel incredibly lucky to work for a family brand that genuinely values and supports working parents. I’ve been fortunate to adjust my hours and work part-time around pre-school, and I’ve always felt fully supported as a working mother. It truly reflects GLTC’s values, supporting families and helping to create happy homes.
What is your favourite GLTC product that you couldn’t be without?
The Greenaway Bookcase has been a staple of our bedtime routine for years. We always read three stories before bed, and my son loves choosing which books we’ll read. I rotate the books regularly so different ones are always on display, and it’s become a real feature in his bedroom.
It’s moved house with us three times now and has been the one constant in his room each time. We’ve personalised it with space-themed fairy lights and a few stuffed animals, and switching the twinkly lights on and off has become part of our bedtime and morning routine. I never thought I could be emotionally attached to a bookcase, but it turns out, you absolutely can be!
What is the most played-with toy in your home?
As the mum of a very energetic 3.5-year-old boy, I’m extremely lucky to work for a children’s brand, it’s safe to say he’s tested quite a few toys! Our all-time favourite has to be the Lolly & Scoop Ice Cream Shop.
He’s high energy, and getting him to play with a toy for any length of time (or sit down for arts and crafts) can be a challenge. But he’s a huge ice cream fan, so this one really captures his attention. He loves using the magnetic scoop and practising his coordination as he stacks ice cream onto cones and tubs.
I’m a big believer in play-based learning, and this toy has helped him learn colours, numbers and develop hand-eye coordination, all through role play. Hearing him plan an ice cream party for his teddy bunnies, asking whether they want a cone or a wafer and which flavour they’d like, is just adorable. When he adds imaginary chocolate or strawberry sauce, extra flakes and sprinkles, it’s pure magic.
Do you have a favourite Real Homes photo from 2025?
This is such a hard question — we’ve had so many amazing photos this year. But one that really stands out is from @adnewyddu2awefryn.
I love how this play area has been set up to truly inspire play, with toys kept accessible for a toddler. The use of baskets is brilliant, they make tidying up quicker and easier (and anyone with a toddler knows what a lifesaver that is!). Keeping baskets at toddler height also encourages children to get involved in tidying, especially as they love putting things inside other things. Turning it into a game makes such a difference.
The neutral colour palette works beautifully in a shared family space too. It feels calm, subtle and clutter-free, which really helps create a peaceful environment.
What makes a happy home for you?
Noise! I grew up in a house that was always full of laughter, conversation and general busyness, so for me, a noisy home is a happy home.
Hearing my son chatting to his toys, laughing, or pretending to be a dinosaur or a cat is just magical. We don’t have a playroom and live in an open-plan house, so we’re always on top of each other, and I actually love that. I can play with him while cooking dinner, and we’re always close.
That said, good storage has been essential for me. It helps encourage play while stopping me from feeling overwhelmed. That way, I can enjoy the noise and energy around the house without feeling like I’m living in total chaos! I recommend Porter Crate Storage with Aykasa Crates, it’s ideal for storing the hundreds of toy vehicles and Lego pieces you accumulate. Or if you don’t have space a simple Rope Basket also does the job.
