THE INDUSTRY EXPERTS BEHIND YOUR TRANSFORMATION

Founder of The Dressing Room

Founder of award-winning boutique The Dressing Room, Deryane brings fashion curation, styling and customer connection expertise. She’ll support independent retailers, especially in fashion, by sharing practical, real-world strategies for staying competitive, building loyal communities and navigating evolving retail trends.

Founder of Nest

Samantha offers hands-on insight into running successful lifestyle stores across multiple locations. As an experienced bricks-and-mortar retailer, Samantha brings grounded, practical solutions to the real challenges independent shop owners face daily. From merchandising and stock management to creating engaging in-store experiences, she’ll offer actionable advice to help retailers thrive on the high street.

CEO of Bira

Andrew has been the CEO of Bira since 2018 and is passionate about working with the high street and supporting small businesses. With his knowledge in retail, Andrew has been integral in pushing forward independent retailers and showcasing their importance of them being at the very heart of every good high street throughout the UK and a vital part of life and the economy within local communities.

Head of Retail and Customer Contact at The Natural History Museum

Claire is a specialist in immersive, experience-led retail. With a background in destination retail, customer experience, and museum merchandising, she brings valuable insight into how storytelling and environment can elevate retail spaces. Her expertise will help independent retailers create engaging, memorable experiences that drive both customer loyalty and sales.

Retail Design and Visual Merchandising Expert

John Abbate, with international experience in meanwhile space projects, retail consulting, customer experience, visual merchandising [VM] and retail store design conception, is passionate about using his skills to support the evolution and vibrancy of the UK’s high streets. He is a fellow of the British Display Society and has worked with brands such as Ralph Lauren and Levi’s. 

Director and co-founder of Retail 100 Consulting

With more than 18 years of buying experience, Sara has specialised in brand relationships and growing small emerging brands into market leaders. Sara is also experienced in own label sourcing across multiple categories and countries. Previous to Retail 100 Consulting, Sara worked in buying at John Lewis & Partners. 

Director and co-founder of Retail 100 Consulting

With more than 17 years of Head Office retail experience, Neil has worked with major global brands, helping them deliver lasting results whilst driving category performance. He is skilled in negotiation, planning and supply chain management. Previous to Retail100 Consulting, Neil spent 17 years at John Lewis & Partners, working in merchandising across a multitude of categories. 

COO of Together Futures Ltd

David is COO of Together Futures Limited, the parent company of SaveTheHighStreet.org and Thriver (HelloThriver.com). With a background in strategic consulting and venture development, David has held leadership roles across various sectors, including technology, finance and infrastructure.  For the past 8 years, David has been focused on developing support for high street businesses.   

Founder of Save the Highstreet

Alex is a serial entrepreneur on a mission to change high streets for the better.  He co-founded SaveTheHighStreet.org in August 2016 with a manifesto about the future of high streets and how we achieve it together. In his earlier career Alex built the first Click & Collect marketplace for high street retailers. Alex will be providing hands-on support and mentorship to the competition winners.

PR specialist and owner of Good Results PR

Sharon Good is a communications strategist with extensive expertise in PR, advertising and media. Known for her entrepreneurialism and industry insights, Sharon has helped businesses across fashion, travel and more build standout campaigns that drive results. Sharon will ensure compelling storytelling and strong media impact throughout the campaign, driven by her understanding of market dynamics and ability to deliver high-impact, tailored creative solutions.

Head of Marketing at Autumn Fair

With over 20 years of experience as a dynamic marketing and communications leader, Lauren has delivered strategic, customer-first solutions for some of the world’s most recognisable brands. At Spring and Autumn, she plays a pivotal role in shaping audience-led strategies that drive engagement and growth across the UK’s leading retail events.

Senior Content Manager at Autumn Fair

Felicity is a seasoned content strategist and digital branding expert with a passion for helping retail businesses thrive. With over a decade of experience across content marketing, brand development, and digital communications, Felicity brings a deep understanding of how to connect with modern consumers both online and in-store.