RETAILERS from across the UK are being invited to a special event in memory of the late Oxfordshire entrepreneur Alison Richards, pictured.

A Christmas cocktail party is being staged to celebrate the life of Ms Richards, founder of furnishings company The Pier, which has its head office at Milton Park, near Didcot.

Ms Richards died from cancer last December at the age of 53, just days after discovering she would receive an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List.

The Alison Richards Tribute Party is being organised by friends and former colleagues to raise money for UNICEF, Ms Richards’ favourite charity.

Committee chairman Katie Spriggs said: "Alison loved people and parties, so we decide to fill a gap in the events calendar with a slightly more informal event to raise more than £20,000.

“If this is a success, we hope it will become regular fixture in the retail events calendar along with the Retail Week Awards."

Nigel Fisher, director of trading at UNICEF UK, added: "Alison's personal contributions to UNICEF through the years were extensive — including both her fundraising efforts as well as her field visits to Angola. We are delighted this event will be a fitting tribute to Alison in aid of UNICEF."

The event will take place at The Conservatory & Garden Room at The Barbican, London, on December 2 from 6.30-9.30pm. A website is being established at www.alisonrichardstribute.co.uk