12/06/2008: BRC Annual Conference 2008: Great leaders, tough times - learn from the best

The 2008 BRC Conference will provide ambitious retail professionals with inspirational insights and practical tips on how to create a better business and make a difference through people development and brand sustainability. Tapping into the wealth of experience of our current retail leaders, the conference will demonstrate how they are motivating and empowering people to grow their brand and produce good results in a competitive market.

In the current economic climate where retail prices are under pressure and consumer spending is down, retailers need to get back to basics and concentrate on what makes them successful and provides that competitive advantage. Many CEOs will say their success is down to having an excellent team, both in head office driving growth and in store offering exceptional customer service. Retail's rising stars should attend the conference and tap into the considerable knowledge to understand how they can make a difference.

Audience:
The event has been specifically produced for the young retail professional and aspiring CEO. What ever part of the business, this event has been created with retail career development in mind.


Programme and Speakers:
08.30
Registration and Coffee

09.15
Chairman's Introduction
Stephen Robertson, Director General, British Retail Consortium

09.25
Growing through turbulant times- Understanding and Riding the Trends
Mark Hudson, UK Retail and Consumer Leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers

9:45
Questions

9:50
Discussion Panel:
Recruiting and Retaining Great People to Grow Your Business
- the retail talent challenge
- green credentials to attract high-calibre candidates
- encouraging loyalty
- empowering people to strengthen your customer service proposition
Mike Davies, Chief Executive, Thorntons
Michael Ward, Managing Director, Harrods
John Watkinson, Chief Executive, Jones Bootmaker

10.30
Coffee & Tea Break

11.10
Inspirational Leadership to Motivate and Empower Your Employees
Phil Broad, Managing Director, UK & Ireland, Starbucks Coffee Company (UK)

11.30
Corporate Culture as a Competative Advantage in a Global Retail Environment
Anders Dalhvig, Chief Executive, IKEA

11.50
Choosing the Right Successor to Continue the Company's Growth
Fran Minogue, Managing Partner, Heidrick & Struggles

12.10
Questions & Discussion

12.30
Buffet Lunch in the Conservatory

13.30
Offering An Exceptional Customer Experience
Bob Willett, Chief Executive, Best Buy International

13.50
Questions

13.55
Transforming the quality of your brand in a weak economic climate
Hugh Harvey, Managing Director, Comet

14.15
Questions

14.20
Discussion Panel:
Developing Strong Retail Brands that Encourage Customer Loyalty
- offering something different
- optimising multiple channels
- ensuring customers keep coming back
- developing Strong Retail Brands
Panellists:
Tim Curtis, Managing Director, Lands' End UK
Angus Thirlwell, Managing Director, Hotel Chocolat
Steve Cotter, Executive Chairman, Faith Footwear

15.00
Coffee & Tea Break

15.30
The Profit Chain: Engagement - Customer Service – Customer Loyalty
Ian Cheshire, Chief Executive, Kingfisher

15.50
Using Research Data and Customer Information Effectively
Alex Gourlay, Managing Director, Boots

16.10
Questions & Discussion

16.30
An Interview with Sir Stuart Rose, Chief Executive, Marks & Spencer
The Secret to Retail Success: The power of Great People and a Strong Brand

17.15
Conference Closes


Venue:
Millennium Gloucester Hotel
4 -18 Harrington Gardens
London, SW7 4LH
click here for directions

Price:
BRC Member: £175 plus VAT (£205.63)
Non-BRC Member: £225 plus VAT (£264.38)

Discount for Group Bookings

For more information, including booking information click here