Spring Fair has announced the first speakers for the Heart of Retail stage at its 2027 edition, naming retail executives, a small business commissioner and an entrepreneur for sessions on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
The show runs at the NEC Birmingham from 7 to 10 February 2027. The first confirmed speakers are 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.
Sessions will explore Debenhams' digital transformation, independent retail, leadership, customer experience and the future of the high street. Paphitis will deliver the closing conversation, titled A Love Letter to Retail, on 10 February.
The wider programme is built around 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.
The first names set large-group leadership from Debenhams Group and the British Retail Consortium alongside a garden centre operator, the small business commissioner role and an entrepreneur, giving the stage a mix of corporate, independent and advocacy perspectives.
Further speakers and programme details will be announced in the coming months. Registration is free for retail buyers and industry professionals.