What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Retail Speaker?

Hiring a retail keynote speaker can invigorate your team with cutting-edge industry insights and consumer trends, ultimately driving business growth. In today’s market, customer experience is paramount - 86% of buyers are willing to pay more for a great customer experience, and 72% of customers will share a positive experience with six or more people. A talented retail speaker will highlight such consumer habits, showing how exceptional service and retail awareness can boost brand loyalty and sales. With 38% of UK consumers now prioritising “spending on experiences”, and 43% “living in the moment” rather than planning long-term, retail experts help businesses adapt to these lifestyle shifts. The result is an informed, motivated audience ready to leverage retail insights - from customer behavior to emerging trends - for a positive impact on your organisation.

What Can We Learn From Retail Experts?

Retail experts offer adaptable insights that reach far beyond the shop floor. They teach us how to foster customer-centric cultures, innovate in response to consumer trends, and lead teams through industry changes. From enhancing brand reputation to mastering omnichannel strategies, these speakers draw on real-world success and failures to deliver actionable lessons. Audiences learn the importance of agility – how to pivot when market conditions change and continuously engage the modern consumer. Such expertise is invaluable in today’s fast-paced retail landscape and can be applied across sectors to improve business performance.

Who Are the Best Retail Speakers Trending in the UK?

This official selection of the best retail speakers based in the UK was determined using vetted data collected from 132 business-themed events, including exclusive speaker evaluations and comprehensive audience polls. These retail experts have inspired businesses to innovate, improve customer experiences and achieve retail success:

• Gerald Ratner – Former CEO of the Ratners jewellery chain
• Jo Malone CBE – Founder of luxury fragrance brands Jo Malone London and Jo Loves
• Andrew McMillan – Former Head of Customer Service at John Lewis
• Deborah Meaden – Businesswoman and investor on BBC’s Dragons’ Den
• Sahar Hashemi OBE – Co-founder of Coffee Republic and Skinny Candy
• Jenny Campbell – Former Dragons’ Den investor and ex-banker turned entrepreneur
• Roger Saul – Founder of luxury brand Mulberry
• Brent Hoberman CBE – Co-founder of Lastminute.com and Founders Forum
• Jo Fairley – Co-founder of Green & Black’s Chocolate
• Sir Terry Leahy – Former Tesco CEO who led the supermarket’s rise to the UK’s #1 retailer

Gerald Ratner

Gerald Ratner is a British businessman and retail speaker whose candid business stories captivate audiences. As the former Chief Executive of Ratners Group, he expanded his family jewellery business from 130 stores to 2,500 outlets, achieving £120 million in revenue. Famously, a single offhand remark in a speech nearly toppled his retail empire – an experience that led to one of the UK’s most notorious business lessons. Demonstrating resilience, Gerald rebounded by launching new ventures (including a successful health club and online jewellery brand). Now, as a speaker, he shares how he turned almost certain failure into global success, offering insightful lessons in reputation management and perseverance. Gerald’s humorous honesty about his “rise and fall… and rise again” keeps audiences both entertained and inspired. His story proves that with determination and adaptability, leaders can overcome setbacks – a powerful message for any business audience.

Gerald’s Testimonials:

“Gerald was excellent. We have no hesitation in recommending him.” – Toyota

Jo Malone CBE

Jo Malone CBE is an internationally renowned entrepreneur and keynote speaker, celebrated for her creativity and business acumen in the luxury retail sector. Best known as the visionary founder of Jo Malone London, Jo built her eponymous fragrance line from a small kitchen enterprise into a cult global brand, before selling it to Estée Lauder in 1999. She continued her entrepreneurial journey with the launch of Jo Loves in 2011, a innovative fragrance brand that reflects her integrity and creativity. Honoured with an MBE in 2008 and a CBE in 2018 for services to the beauty industry and British economy, Jo’s inspiring story encompasses triumph over adversity – including overcoming dyslexia and breast cancer. As a speaker, Jo Malone shares heartfelt anecdotes about building an authentic brand and “how she intends to change the way the world wears fragrance”. Audiences are drawn to her warm, down-to-earth style and the entrepreneurial insights of a true “scent maverick” who turned passion into a multi-million-pound enterprise.

Jo’s Testimonials:

“Touching, realistic and full of determination – good insights from an entrepreneur at a late stage.” – Feedback from News International

Andrew McMillan

Andrew McMillan is a sought-after retail and customer experience speaker, famed for shaping the gold standard of customer service at John Lewis. During nearly 30 years with the John Lewis Partnership, Andrew led the customer service culture that helped the department store chain become synonymous with quality service. As Head of Customer Service, he managed over 30,000 staff and proved the direct link between engaged employees and excellent customer experiences. Now the Director of consultancy Engaging Service, Andrew shares strategies to bridge the gap between employee engagement and customer satisfaction. He is no stranger to leadership, having also lectured at top business schools and judged national customer experience awards. Audiences appreciate Andrew’s practical guidance on building customer-centric teams and sustaining service excellence in any organisation. His keynote talks – rich with real examples from the shop floor and boardroom alike – leave listeners with actionable ideas to embed a service-driven culture that sparks growth.

Andrew’s Testimonials:

“Andrew’s session was a great success… extremely engaging and he generated many ideas for our business. The feedback was very positive.” – FCO Services

Andrew’s Speaking Topics:

• Retail and Business
• Consumer Behaviour
• Customer Service and Experience
• Business Strategy
• Business Competitiveness
• Event and Conference Host

Deborah Meaden

Deborah Meaden is a high-profile businesswoman and retail speaker who brings a wealth of real-world experience to her talks. Best known as a longstanding investor on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, Deborah built her own success through several ventures – most notably turning a small family holiday park business into a leisure empire. As Managing Director of Weststar Holidays, she transformed the company’s fortunes and sold a major stake for £33 million, later selling her remaining shares for £83 million. This £116 million achievement cemented her reputation as a formidable entrepreneur. Beyond travel and leisure, Deborah’s investment portfolio spans retail products, fashion and technology, giving her unique insights into consumer spending and retail trends across sectors. On stage, Deborah Meaden is renowned for her sharp business insight and straight-talking style. She shares lessons on sustainable growth, leadership and resilience, often encouraging audiences to embrace innovation and ethical business practices. With her relatable anecdotes (and a touch of Dragons’ Den humour), Deborah inspires corporate audiences to pursue success with vision and integrity.

Deborah’s Testimonials:

“Her rich content engaged even the most senior members of the audience.” – Chartered Management Institute

Sahar Hashemi OBE

Sahar Hashemi OBE is a dynamic keynote speaker on entrepreneurship, famed for energising audiences with her “anyone can do it” approach to business. She first made waves as co-founder of Coffee Republic, the UK’s first American-style coffee bar chain, which grew to over 110 stores with a £30 million turnover. A former solicitor-turned-entrepreneur, Sahar went on to found the confectionery brand Skinny Candy and author bestselling books (Anyone Can Do It and Start Up Forever). In 2012 she was awarded an OBE for services to the UK economy and charity. Sahar’s speeches spark innovation in even the most traditional workplaces – she is commended for building creative, customer-centric and resilient workplace cultures where a “can do” spirit is paramount. Drawing on her journey from kitchen-table startup to global business, she outlines habits that make organisations more agile, entrepreneurial and customer-focused. With warmth and enthusiasm, Sahar Hashemi inspires leaders to “ignite the entrepreneurial energy” within their teams and embrace change outside their comfort zones.

Sahar’s Testimonials:

“Sahar Hashemi has a gift for storytelling… Inspiring, human, humble. Just like the author.” – Carl, Jacobs Douwe Egberts

Sahar’s Speaking Topics:

• Igniting Creativity & Innovation
• Entrepreneurial Leadership – Encouraging Entrepreneurial Behaviour in a Corporate Environment
• Customer Service – Stepping into the Customer’s Shoes
• Embracing Change – Working Outside Your Comfort Zone
• Persistence & Resilience

Jenny Campbell

Jenny Campbell is an inspiring retail and business speaker whose journey from bank cashier to boardroom powerhouse captivates audiences. After a 30-year career in banking, Jenny made her name by turning around a failing cash machine business – she led a management buyout of Hanco ATM Systems from RBS in 2006 and rebranded it as “YourCash,” growing it into a market-leading European ATM provider. This achievement earned her the title of Businesswoman of the Year in 2014 and Turnaround Entrepreneur of the Year in 2013. Jenny further became a household name as an investor on Dragons’ Den, where her no-nonsense business insight and passion for supporting startups shone through. On stage, Jenny Campbell connects with audiences through frank, down-to-earth stories of resilience, risk-taking and reinvention. She offers practical advice on leadership, financial management and succeeding in a competitive market – especially relevant for entrepreneurs and executives navigating change. Jenny’s engaging style and real-world credibility make her an ideal speaker to motivate any team to “go all in” on their entrepreneurial ambitions.

Jenny’s Testimonials:

“Down to earth, real, and open… The audience were riveted throughout, and the feedback has been fantastic.” – Alec, The Great British Expos

Jenny’s Speaking Topics:

• Buying a business and raising finance through a recession
• Turning around a failing business, applying skills built in a corporate world and adapting them for a highly entrepreneurial and competitive market
• Scaling the business into new territories (Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland) and overcoming cultural and language barriers
• Managing boardroom battles
• Identifying and delivering an exit plan
• Insights into the world of Dragons’ Den – becoming a producer’s delight, investing in and scaling diverse businesses

Roger Saul

Roger Saul is a legendary figure in British retail, best known as the founder of Mulberry – the luxury fashion brand he started in 1971 with just a £500 loan from his parents. Under Roger’s 30-year leadership, Mulberry became synonymous with English style and craftsmanship, expanding internationally and even earning the Queen’s Award for Export for its success in global markets. After floating the company on the stock exchange and later stepping down, Roger reinvented himself as a champion of sustainable business. In 2004, he established Sharpham Park, a 1,000-acre organic farm in Somerset, and launched the Kilver Court designer retail outlet – ventures that marry entrepreneurial spirit with environmental values. As a keynote speaker, Roger Saul draws on his remarkable journey in fashion retail, hospitality (he opened the Michelin-starred Charlton House Hotel) and organic food to deliver rich insights on branding, innovation and adaptability. He shares lessons on building an exclusive brand, maintaining customer appeal, and evolving with the times. Renowned for his engaging storytelling, Roger inspires both established business leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue vision and versatility in their own ventures.

Roger’s Testimonials:

“Amazing, what an entertaining, inspirational speaker – well worth getting up for on my day off!” – Heather, Brilliant Red

Roger’s Speaking Topics:

• Retail Speaker
• Business Speaker
• Fashion Speaker
• Consumer Behaviour
• Luxury Brands

Brent Hoberman CBE

Brent Hoberman CBE is a visionary tech entrepreneur and influential voice in the retail and e-commerce space. He made his mark in the dot-com boom as co-founder of Lastminute.com in 1998, revolutionising online travel booking. As CEO, Brent guided Lastminute.com through rapid growth and famously sold the company in 2005 for $1.1 billion – a milestone for European e-commerce. He has since co-founded a string of successful ventures, from furniture retailer Made.com to the startup accelerator Founders Factory, and invested in numerous digital firms. Brent also co-founded Founders Forum, a global network of tech entrepreneurs, and serves on advisory boards including Google Cloud. In recognition of his services to entrepreneurship, he was awarded a CBE in 2015. As a speaker, Brent Hoberman offers frontline insights into digital innovation, consumer technology trends, and the future of retail. He shares how agility and bold thinking can disrupt markets, drawing on decades of experience launching and scaling businesses. Audiences come away inspired by Brent’s forward-thinking strategies – whether it’s harnessing AI, improving customer journeys, or creating a startup mindset within established companies. His optimism and expertise make his talks thoroughly engaging for anyone looking to future-proof their business.

Brent’s Testimonials:

“One of the great stories of the past 4/5 years. Thoroughly enjoyable.” – Vantis (Event Feedback)

Jo Fairley

Jo Fairley is a highly respected retail entrepreneur, speaker and champion of ethical business. In 1991, Jo co-founded Green & Black’s Chocolate, taking an organic chocolate bar from a niche idea to a globally acclaimed brand worth over £100 million. Green & Black’s was a trailblazer in sustainable, Fairtrade products, proving that conscience and profit can go hand in hand. Jo’s business achievements extend beyond chocolate – she has launched magazines, a bakery, a wellbeing centre and a perfume business, showcasing her versatility in retail and branding. As a keynote speaker, Jo Fairley shares the story of building an ethical brand in a competitive market and the lessons learned along the way. She offers invaluable insights on resilience, brand-building, and innovation, drawing on real examples from growing a business with purpose. Jo’s engaging, down-to-earth speaking style resonates with corporate audiences and entrepreneurs alike. Attendees praise her compelling storytelling and honesty about the challenges of entrepreneurship, leaving inspired to pursue sustainable success in their own ventures.

Jo’s Testimonials:

“Brilliant feedback from everyone… ‘inspiring speaker’, ‘engaging and humorous’ and ‘amazing career story’.” – Senior Counsel, Mizuho Bank

Sir Terry Leahy

Sir Terry Leahy is an iconic retail leader whose strategic vision transformed Tesco from a mid-market grocer into a retail powerhouse. Rising from a marketing executive who helped launch the Tesco Clubcard, Terry became CEO of Tesco in 1997 and spent 14 years at the helm. Under his leadership, Tesco grew to capture 30% of the UK grocery market (up from 20%) and expanded into the world’s third-largest retailer, serving millions of customers. Knighted in 2002 for services to food retail, Sir Terry introduced innovations in global branding, supply chain management and customer loyalty that set new industry standards. He was named Fortune European Businessman of the Year in 2004 for his achievements. Today, as a speaker and advisor, Terry Leahy distills decades of experience into actionable insights on leadership, customer focus and business transformation. He speaks about how he steered Tesco through fierce competition and changing consumer habits, emphasizing principles from his book “Management in 10 Words.” From humble beginnings (he famously started at Tesco stacking shelves) to the pinnacle of corporate success, Sir Terry’s journey is proof of what visionary leadership can accomplish. His pragmatic advice on strategy, innovation and resilience leaves audiences with a blueprint for long-term success in retail and beyond.

Book a Retail Speaker Today

Retail keynote speakers deliver tangible benefits – from boosting customer satisfaction and sales to inspiring innovation in your team. By sharing insider knowledge and real success stories, they equip businesses with the tools to thrive in a fast-evolving retail landscape. To explore more Top 10 Retail Speakers Trending in the UK, visit our full listings today. For bespoke recommendations and to secure the perfect speaker for your event, call us at 0207 1010 553 or fill out our contact form.

This exclusive article on the top retail speakers to hire in 2026 was authored by Sophia Reed and has been vetted by exclusive research conducted by Champions Speakers across 132 events between 2022 and 2024, and vetted information. 

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