Consultant and broadcaster Mary Portas returns to British Retail Consortium Leaders Summer School

Retail consultant and broadcaster Mary Portas will join British Retail Consortium CEO Helen Dickinson for a fireside chat at its Leaders Summer School, reflecting on leadership and the changing retail landscape.

In a statement, the BRC said it was excited to welcome Portas to its Summer School as it aims to “continue shaping a more conscious, resilient future for retail”.

The Portas/Dickinson fireside chat will cover the changing retail landscape, leadership and “the urgent need to rethink how businesses operate”. She previously joined the Summer School in 2023 and 2024, having previously delivered a keynote speech at the event in 1995.

As as well as insights from the fireside chat, delegates at the Summer School will also be offered interactive sessions, group coaching and a chance to network with peers. Through the event, BRC aims to inspire a new generation of retail leaders who can balance commercial success with the need for social responsibility.

Mary Portas

“Decades of fighting for hard won equality have shown us how easily progress can unravel,” Portas warns.“The rollback of diversity commitments and the rise of ‘anti-woke’ rhetoric are both enraging and heartbreaking. Inclusion isn’t an add-on - it’s central to good business. Broader perspectives are critical if we’re going to tackle global challenges like climate breakdown and economic uncertainty.”

Dickinson agrees, adding: “Inclusion, sustainability, and leadership accountability aren’t optional – they’re central to how we build a stronger, more resilient industry. Mary doesn’t just talk about these issues – she pushes us to act. That’s why this conversation at this year’s school is so relevant for the next generation of retail leaders.”

“Retail’s future lies in strengthening community connections and removing the friction from the shopping experience,” Portas says. “The businesses that thrive are those that put purpose at their core – leading with people, planet, and profit, in that order.”

Portas says this is central to the ‘Kindness Economy’, which priorities community, sustainability, and long-term resilience.

The Summer School aims to reflect on these ideas, equipping delegates with the tools needed to navigate retail’s current complexities, using four key lenses: People, Planet, Profit, and Purpose. Blending practical skills with self awareness and strategic thinking, the course aims to help mid-level leaders lead with impact while preparing for future industry shifts.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Inclusion and sustainability will be key focus areas at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in April, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.