Spring Fair has announced the first group of speakers for the Heart of Retail Stage at its 2027 edition, scheduled to take place at NEC Birmingham from 7 to 10 February. The show is intended to bring retail leaders and entrepreneurs together for discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
The initial line-up includes Dan Finley, chief executive of Debenhams Group; Alan Roper, chief executive of Blue Diamond Garden Centres; Emma Jones CBE, Small Business Commissioner; Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium; and retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis.
Sessions will explore topics including Debenhams’ digital transformation, independent retail, leadership, customer experience and the future of the high street. Paphitis is due to give the closing conversation, titled “A Love Letter to Retail,” on 10 February.
The wider programme is structured around 10 themes. These include sustainability, emerging brands, customer loyalty, AI and technology, business growth and championing independent retailers.
Fay Tranter, event director at Spring Fair, said the programme aims to bring together voices that can challenge thinking, share experience and offer retailers practical ideas to take away.
Further speakers and programme details are expected to be announced in the coming months. Registration is free for retail buyers and industry professionals, according to the event organiser.