Spring Fair has named the first speakers for its Heart of Retail Stage in 2027, with the Birmingham trade show set to welcome retail leaders and entrepreneurs to NEC Birmingham from 7 to 10 February.
The initial line-up includes Dan Finley, chief executive of Debenhams Group; Alan Roper, chief executive of Blue Diamond Garden Centres; Emma Jones CBE, the Small Business Commissioner; Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium; and retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis.
Organisers said the stage will host discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. The sessions will examine Debenhams’ digital transformation, independent retail, leadership, customer experience and the future of the high street.
Paphitis will deliver the closing conversation, “A Love Letter to Retail,” on 10 February. The wider programme will cover 10 themes, among them 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 who can challenge thinking, share experience and offer retailers practical ideas to take away.
Further speakers and programme details will be announced in the coming months, the event organisers said. Registration is free for retail buyers and industry professionals.