The opening statement from Bira CEO, Andrew Goodacre, will cover where we are today and Bira’s strategy for the future. Andrew will share details on membership, Bira’s advocacy and introduce Bira's new president, John Jones from Phillip Morris.
Speakers:
- Andrew Goodacre, Bira CEO
- John Jones, Phillip Morris and Bira President
Wayne Hemingway MBE is a British Designer, co-Founder of Hemingway Design a studio of multi‑disciplinary designers focused on place, people and positive social impact. In his early career he co-founded the iconic brand Red or Dead.
In this session Wayne will talk about how his latest initiative Charity Super.Mkt is offering customers a shopping experience that goes beyond consumerism. He’ll explain why capitalising on societal shifts, social and environmental values and elevating the retail experience should be at the forefront of independent retailers’ growth ambitions. Wayne will highlight case studies and share valuable insights and resources that you can use in your own business. There will be an opportunity for Q&A's at the end of this session
Speaker: Wayne Hemingway MBE
This interactive session will lead with an overview of Bira’s policy work and a discussion with retailers to discuss hopes and expectations from the budget and the new government. The session will conclude with questions created to ask Gareth Thomas, DBT Minister, in the session after lunch.
Interactive session with independent retailers
In this session we’ll hear from Gareth Thomas, DBT Minister. A Bira members panel will follow to discuss what independent retailers need to prosper. The discussion will include a look at business rates, concerns about the new deal for employees, the growing costs burden being placed on retailers and how to generate growth on the high street. The session promises to be a lively and very important discussion!
Speaker: Gareth Thomas, DBT Minister
Ojay McDonald, CEO of ATCM (Association of Town & City Management) will share key insights into the impact of good management on high streets and what independent retailers can do to help their local area to help create a thriving community. Moderated by Andrew Goodacre, the session will also include insights from from Gary Fannin, Founder of Wandsworth Bridge Road Association and Natalie Lindsay, Travel Environmental campaigner of Wandsworth Bridge Road Association.
Speakers:
- Ojay McDonald, CEO of ATCM (Association of Town & City Management)
- Gary Fannin, Founder, Wandsworth Bridge Road Association.
- Natalie Lindsay, Travel Environmental campaigner, Wandsworth Bridge Road Association
Retailing is a dynamic sector, especially when it comes to using technology. From EPOS systems and bar coding, all the way through to internet sales, omni-channel and now AI. We have seen the use of technology increase and change the way people think about shopping. The focus is often on what the big retailers are doing, which is understandable as they will spend millions developing their systems. However, technology is also a great opportunity for the smaller indie retailer and something that should be embraced.
Moderated by Bira’s Commercial Director Jeff Moody, Jonathan Sunburk from Google will de-mystify the role of technology and show how it can help the smaller retailer to save money, work smarter, engage customers and grow sales, and Tomas Wood, Head of Partnerships from Global Payments will share insights into the changing landscape of retail payments and how tech will play into it.
Speakers:
- Jonathan Sunburk, Key Account Director, Google
- Tomas Wood, Head of Partnerships, Global Payments
- Jeff Moody, Commercial Director, Bira
We all understand the need to protect our environment. Recent research says 76% of consumers are trying to play their part and expect brands to do the same, 57% of consumers say they are influenced by businesses showing strong sustainability credentials, 30% would consider changing brands, while only 8% are willing to pay more!
Victoria Robertshaw, Owner of Green Street will talk through ways for businesses to connect with consumers with a focus on the circular economy. We will hear about a great initiative that brings together businesses with a common aim to operate in a more sustainable way without necessarily increasing prices to show you that sustainability is an opportunity, not a cost for your business.
Victoria will then join Keith Hunt of Our Precious Earth on a panel moderated by PR Director, Katie Sogorski.
Speakers:
- Victoria Robertshaw, Owner of Green Street
- Keith Hunt, SBO, Our Precious Earth
- Katie Sogorski, Director, Bound to Prosper PR
Conference close and thank you to Past Presidents.
Networking, drinks and refreshments until 5pm
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The conference will feature an array of insightful sessions, inspiring keynote speakers, and opportunities for networking. Don't miss out, book today!