A host of industry experts will take over two stages at the Birmingham NEC this January for Interiors UK – one stage dedicated to interiors, the other to lighting.
Approaching all aspects of the industry - from business, retail and customer service, to the latest trends, designs and e-commerce- the speakers will share valuable insight with the visitors, press, buyers and interior designers in attendance.
The show welcomes retail guru, George Davies to the speaker line-up, known for starting up the George at Asda fashion line in the 1990s. Upon signing up to 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 the competition, as he did when securing John Lewis’ reputation as provider of some of the best customer service in retail.
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 from the hit 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. Interiors UK also welcomes representatives from Google to the show, where they will discuss the use of digital technology in store and improvements and implications in the shopping process.
Other names include Richard Vickery, general manager at Harvey Nichols in Birmingham, who will deliver a seminar on Delivering Exquisite Retail Experience, and Justyna Sowa, head of social at Decorum, who will explain how to grow a 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 the BIID. Staffan currently runs an award-winning architectural interior design service in London and has just opened Staffan Tollgard Design Store for a new kind of retail experience. Their showcase will offer a personally-curated look at contemporary design. 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 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.
For more information or to register for a complimentary ticket visit the Interiors UK website.
