The retail magnate will head up the speaking slots on the main stage at the home and gift trade show, along with Not on the High Street co-founder Holly Tucker MBE.

Autumn Fair has promised a line-up of industry heavyweights at this year’s show, as it highlights its role as the ‘Gateway to the Golden Quarter’ - the key holiday selling period of October, November and December. It will be hosting speakers from the likes of John Lewis, Pinterest, Made.com and Google’s Digital Garage across its four theatre and workshop spaces at NEC Birmingham next month.

The four theatres will be dedicated to providing Autumn Fair attendees with timely retail insights and trend information, ensuring retailers can develop informed strategies for the upcoming golden quarter and deliver the increased sales that traditionally come with it.

One of the highlights promises to be Robert Dyas owner, Theo Paphitis’s slot on the main stage on Tuesday, September 4, where he is set to tackle some of the year’s most pressing retail issues.

Another main stage speaker is Holly Tucker MBE, co-founder of internet retail sensation notonthehighstreet.com and UK ambassador for Creative Small Business, who will be speaking on Monday, September 3. She will share insights on working with creative small businesses and the inspiration behind her new platform, Holly & Co.

The Master the High Street Theatre will give visitors the tools and skills to drive footfall, and will tackle a variety of topics, from visual merchandising and consumer insights, to social media tips. Master the High Street will also feature a range of speakers from innovative independents and industry associations, to Pinterest and Google’s Digital Garage.

The Master Online Retail Theatre will provide a range of sessions and practical workshops that will upskill attendees in a variety of areas to help them generate more online traffic and sales. This theatre will tackle varied topics, including meeting customer’s changing delivery expectations, the pros and cons of using fulfilment by Amazon, SEO optimisation, and measuring the customers online experience. 

Spring and Autumn Fairs managing director Louise Young said: “This year’s theatre line-ups really celebrate the very best of the retail sector – championing its diversity and vibrancy. With such a broad range of speakers and workshops across all four stages, we’re confident that the 2018 programme will have something for every retail business, no matter their size, ambition or ability.

“With this year’s Golden Quarter being more important than ever, we’ve ensured that only the most trend-driven and thought-provoking content makes the cut. We want visitors to be able to leave Autumn Fair well-equipped to develop a Q4 strategy that’ll future-proof their sales and set them up for a promising 2019.”

Autumn Fair takes place at the NEC Birmingham, September 2-5 2018. For more information, visit www.autumnfair.com.