The speaker line-up at Interiors UK includes George Davies, the man who launched Next in the 1980s, who started the eponymous George at Asda clothing range in the 1990s and in the 2001 the per una range at M&S. When he signed up for the show, George said: “I am really excited to be involved with Interiors UK, with my wealth of retail experience it’s a great opportunity to share my knowledge”. George’s seminar, entitled ‘What should George do next?’ will focus on how to inject success into business, and George will also talk the audience through his bite-sized formula on how to make retailing work.
Another highlight for Interiors UK will be Andrew McMillan, John Lewis’ former head of customer service. In his talk he will challenge the concept of globalisation and web development and explain how to differentiate a business from its competition. On confirming his attendance to speak Andrew said: “Many retailers quite rightly focus on product when they try to differentiate themselves from their competition, but with globalisation and the web that is getting harder to do. Inspiring curation of product assortment will make your brand distinctive, but what is the ‘personality’ of your business.”
Piers Taylor, the resourceful architect from the TV series on BBC2 ‘The House that £100k Built’ will impart his knowledge along with Charles Leon, interior designer and former chair of the IDA, not one to miss.
Interiors UK is also excited to welcome Google to the show where the tech leader will discuss the use of digital technology in store and improvements and implications in the shopping process.
Other names set to be impart their valuable pearls of wisdom at the show are Richard Vickery, general manager at Harvey Nichols in Birmingham, who will be delivering a seminar on ‘Delivering Exquisite Retail Experience’, and Justyna Sowa, Head of Social at Decorum, who will be explaining ‘How to grow your own business via social media’.
Especially for the interior design and retail audience, keynote speakers, Simon Hamilton and Staffan Tollgard will join the arrangement. Simon is an interior designer and International Director for BIID whose work has taken him across the globe. Staffan currently runs an award-winning architectural interior design service in London and has just opened Staffan Tollgard Design Store. Their showcase will offer a personally-curated look at contemporary deign featuring many of the brands we have come to love over the last nine years. Lynda Murray will also take centre stage to discuss visual merchandising.
The dedicated lighting stage will coincide with the reintroduction of the Lighting Show, where a fine selection of well-deserving industry brands, renowned for their style and passion will showcase their latest collections. Keynote speaker Mike Simpson from Philips Lighting will delve into the ‘Future of Light’ drawing experience from his role at the forefront of the lighting revolution with a global market leader. Other speakers on the stage will include: Jonathan Rush, Associate Lighting Designer, Hoare Lea and Steve Allen, Connect Intelligence to name but a few.
Whether visitors are looking for the latest products and features, up-to-the-minute industry knowledge or invaluable trend insight, at Interiors UK there will be something for everyone.
One of the lecture theatres at the 2013 Interiors UK event
George Davies heads a top line up of speakers across two stages at Interiors UK 2014 in January
