The British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) says it will present an inspiring programme of speakers combining leaders from across the retail sphere at its High Street Conference next month.
Among them will be high street guru Mary Portas and customer service expert with a long career at John Lewis, Andrew McMillan.

Incoming BIRA president and independent retailer Cliff Elliott said: "Independent retailers have a crucial part to play in the survival of our high streets; we can no longer sit back and wait for something to happen.

Embracing and implementing change and continuing to offer a service like no other will all help to future-proof our businesses and our high streets. We are thrilled to have such a high calibre of speakers this year; speakers who will leave our delegates inspired, motivated and excited for the future."

Mary Portas added: "We'll never have back the high streets of old, nor should we, but with creative re-imagination, policy change from government and a society who knows the value of their high street, I am hopeful for the high street of our future."

Others speakers include Joan Woulfe of Cooking Marvellous and David Hibbert of Stax Trade Centres. Alexis Conran of BBC 3's The Real Hustle will be event host and TV and radio comedian Tony Hawks will present the Gala Awards Dinner.

The whole event, beginning with an informal dinner the night before the conference, will be brought to life by a circus theme. The conference takes place on Wednesday, May 13 2015 at Chesford Grange Hotel in Warwickshire. For more information visit www.thehighstreetconference.co.uk