Programme 2022

9:45 - Arrival

Refreshments & Networking

10:45 - Welcome


Jill Livesey, Managing Director - Lumina Intelligence

10:55 - Feeling the Pinch: The Impact of Rising Costs on Retail


Kathy Lee, Industry Manager of Consumer Retail - Google

Kathy joins us to give a detailed macro-economic outlook. How has the pandemic and rising cost of living altered the behaviour of consumers across the retail space? Which channels are winning? How does this differ regionally across the UK? What are Google's forecasts for the future?

11:15 - The UK Convenience Market Landscape

Blonnie Whist, Insight Director - Lumina Intelligence 

Blonnie uses exclusive Lumina Intelligence data to focus on the market and consumer trends shaping UK convenience retail. What is the structure of the UK convenience sector? How has the rising cost of living impacted the behaviour of retailers and shoppers? What are the top growth opportunities for the coming 12 months?

11:35 - Catering for your community
Sarah Ellis, Group Marketing Director - A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd

With shopper needs changing at pace, one-size-fits-all approach to convenience retailing is not viable. Sarah discusses the challenges and opportunities on the horizon for UK convenience and AF Blakemore's new strategy, which sets out to create a store estate that has the flexibility to respond to the needs of the audiences it serves.

11:55 - Rising Stars of UK Convenience

Host: Sarah Britton, Deputy Editor - Convenience Store

Panellists :

    Angela Geddes, Store Manager - G&E Murgatroyd Spar

    Hazel Ridge, Store Manager - Bassett's Londis

    Rushi Patel, Owner - Aborfield Stores Londis

      The next generation of convenience store retailers have big shoes to fill - but they are more than up to the task! We put the finalists of the Convenience Rising Star of the Year at The Convenience Awards 2022 in the spotlight. Why do they stand out from the pack? How do they see the sector evolving? What are their goals for their businesses?

      12:25 - Lunch & Networking

      13:30 - What makes an Award-Winning Retailer?

      David Charman, Managing Director - Spar Parkfoot

      Ahead of the announcement of Convenience Retailer of the Year 2022 in the evening, we take a look back at our champion from 2021 - David Charman of Spar Parkfoot in Kent. Through a short video, we showcase the innovation and brilliant execution that saw David receive the biggest prize within the sector.

      13:40 -  The Ethics of Convenience

      Host: Aidan Fortune, Editor - Convenience Store

      Panellists :

        Rosie Brown, Joint CEO - Cook

        Amrit Pahal, Owner - H & Jodie's Nisa Local

        Simon Millard, Food Director - FareShare

        Alberto Lo Bue, Managing Director - Food Waste Heroes  Programme  @ OLIO

          Convenience retailers are the heartbeat of local communities, giving back to support residents, charities, schools and more. In this panel, we discuss and highlight the ways in which retailers and brands are going above and beyond to drive change, not just from a local perspective, but also nationally and even globally. Use this session to identify how you and your business can support.


          14:10 - Navigating HFSS in Convenience


          Andrew Farndell, Head of Trading and Format - Southern Co-op

          Southern Co-op recently announced that it was devising plans for the 28 franchise stores that are set to be impacted by HFSS location restrictions from October. During this session, Andrew talks through Southern Co-op's strategy around HFSS, how it came to this conclusion, what they have learnt, how stores have reacted and any advice they can share with their peers across the industry. 

          14:30 - Convenience Store Gamechangers Panel


          Host: Ronan Hegarty, News Editor - The Grocer

          Panellists :

          Sophie Trueman, Managing Director UK&I - Too Good To Go

          Chris Conway, eCommerce Director - Co-op

          Jason Perry, Head of Online Development - Co-op

          Mike Hollis, Retail Director - Bestway Wholesale

          From food waste management to robot delivery to age verification technology, we unpick three key growth opportunities that could drive sales, save costs and increase efficiencies. Shoppers are becoming more demanding and with the cost of living increasing, convenience stores need to do more to differentiate from the competition.

          During this session answer the following key questions: Why should sustainability be high on your agenda? What’s next for delivery? Can tech be the answer to the staffing crisis? How can retailers adapt to these trends easily? Our expert panellists offer practical advice that you can take back and implement into your business.

          15:00 - The Power of the Brand

          Paul Dobson, Wholesale Director - Wm Morrison Supermarkets 
          Joseph Sutton, Group Online, Wholesale and Convenience Director - Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited

          Morrisons is one of the biggest brands across the UK grocery retail market. Over recent times, it has been clear that the retailer sees huge potential within the convenience retail market, targeting its own stores, as well as franchises and partnerships. During this session, Paul and Joseph share their views on what the future holds for UK convenience retail, as well as an update on Morrisons plans for Morrisons Daily tie-ups, independent franchises and the Together with Morrisons stores. Following the presentation, Paul and Joseph will be joined by Guy Warner for a Q&A facilitated by Ronan Hegarty, News Editor at The Grocer. We will be using Slido to allow our audience to ask questions.

          Panellists:
          Guy Warner, Owner – Warner’s Supermarkets

          15:30 - After Conference Drinks