Keynote Fireside Chat: In Conversation With Archie Norman, Chairman, Marks and Spencer plc

02 Apr 2025
Spectacular Headline Stage
LEADERSHIP, WORKFORCE & ECONOMY

The interviewer will ask some of the following questions as well as asking the audience to offer some questions of their own:

  • You’ve been in the retail industry for over 40 years.  What have been the most important lessons you’ve learnt about how to succeed in retail and the pitfalls to avoid? 
  • The logo for your retail group uses ‘passionate about retail’ as it’s strapline.  How important do you feel passion is to retail success and why? 
  • You are well known as an investor on Dragon’s Den.  What were highlights from your time on the show and how has the experience impacted how you operate as a retailer? 
  • Ryman and Robert Dyas were founded in the 1800s whereas you built Boux Avenue from scratch.  How did you strategy differ when building and growing both old and new businesses?
  • What key advice would you give to other retailers about leadership within omnichannel retail?  
  • You’re well known in retail for being a people champion.  How do you approach human resources and keeping your workforce engaged? 
  • You often used your celebrity status to lobby the government as a voice for retail.  What would you like to see the new Labour government do for retail in the short term?  
  • What do you see as the biggest opportunities and threats facing retail in the next three years? 
Speakers
Archie Norman
Archie Norman, Chairman - Marks & Spencer plc