The BRC Retail Symposium 2016
17th May 2016 • CLAIRE HARPER
I was delighted to be invited by the British Retail Consortium to be a keynote speaker and a member of a leading panel discussion at The Retail Symposium at The Brewery in London on the 11 May 2016. This event is firmly established within the retail calendar as the place to hear from retail's leading names sharing expertise and invaluable advice. There was a powerful programme of inspirational speakers who really made you feel energised to explore the future shape of our dynamic and exciting retail industry. The retail landscape is constantly changing. Recent research from KPMG and Nunwood suggests we are in a new era of experience branding and competing in tomorrow's world means embracing best practices today. My own keynote focused on change management and leadership. I am very passionate to articulate why leading from the front, embracing change, developing talent and empowering colleagues is a good and proven recipe for achieving success with a highly motivated, positive and energetic team. I always draw on my own skills and personal experiences running a business but also in my former roles for Mamas & Papas, Sainsburys, Ocado and Argos. After my keynote speech I was delighted to be joined by Fiona Lambert, Former Vice President - Brand Design and Development, ASDA and Hash Ladha, Chief Operating Officer, OASIS & WAREHOUSE. The panel was chaired by Eric Musgrave, Fashion Industry Consultant. We spoke openly and honestly about developing tomorrow's retail leaders and developing the skillsets for future retail employment. The debate and conversation was engaging, positive and generated some great Q&A's from the audience. A hugely valuable day of learning and listening and spending time with dynamic and inspirational retail leaders.