Autumn Fair has revealed the names of the task team of retail experts who will support its Retail Makeover Mission campaign, which launched on June 10 in partnership with SaveTheHighStreet.org.
The September NEC trade show says it has already been inundated with entries from independent retailers keen to win a retail transformation package worth over £10,000, along with support from the team of experts.
Two winning businesses will receive bespoke support from these seasoned professionals across merchandising, operations, marketing, finance and more, to help them unlock growth, improve profitability, and thrive in today’s rapidly changing retail landscape.
All entrants will receive toolkits created by the team, offering practical resources and guides covering everything from visual merchandising to customer retention strategies.
The team will also attend Autumn Fair and offer exclusive 1-2-1 consultations at the Retail Makeover Mission Hub, with priority given to businesses who entered the competition.
The team brings together high-profile retail leaders with decades of experience:
- Samantha Gibbs, founder of gift shop chain Nest
- Deryane Tadd, founder of award-winning boutique The Dressing Room
- Claire Bevan, head of retail at The Natural History Museum
- John Abbate, visual merchandising expert.
- Neil Amer and Sara Allbright, directors and co-founders of Retail100 Consulting
- David Whiteley, COO of Together Futures Limited, the parent company of SaveTheHighStreet.org and Thriver (HelloThriver.com)
- Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira (British Independent Retailers Association)
- Alex Schlagman, founder of SaveTheHighStreet.org
- Lauren Strivens and Felicity Harris, from the marketing and content teams at Autumn Fair
- Sharon Good, PR specialist and owner of Good Results PR
Samantha Gibbs said: “As someone who’s spent years working as an independent retailer, I know firsthand the challenges other indie retailers on our high streets face – from rising costs to changing consumer behaviours. The Retail Makeover Mission represents exactly the kind of support these businesses need right now.
“At Nest, we believe strongly in the power of independent retailers and the value they bring – these are the businesses that give our high streets character and offer customers something truly special. I’m excited to be part of a campaign that doesn’t just talk about supporting indies but actually rolls up its sleeves and does something meaningful to help them succeed.
These retailers are the backbone of our communities, and they deserve every opportunity to flourish.”
Claire Bevan added: “With three shops onsite at the Natural History Museum, thinking creatively about how to connect our visitors with a retail experience that excites, inspires and educates – in the same way that our galleries and exhibitions do – is a wonderful adventure. From sustainability and encouraging shop footfall from the passing crowds, to pop-up collaborations and creating brilliant products, there’s a wealth of experience that I’m excited to share with the independent retailers we’ll be working with.
“We can learn so much from these independent businesses and how they bring joy to their customers. Helping them to thrive as resilient, sustainable retailers as part of the Retail Makeover Mission task team will be a real privilege.”
Autumn Fair event director Soraya Gadelrab commented: “We’re delighted to reveal such a high-profile team of experts offering a wealth of knowledge and experience. The Retail Makeover Mission presents a rare opportunity for indies to gain access to expertise and tools, previously out of reach for many small businesses.
“The initiative comes at a critical time for independent retail, as businesses face rising operational costs, shifting customer expectations, and the urgent need for digital and experiential evolution. Retailers need more than advice – they need partners who can achieve results – and our brilliant task team will do just that.”
The winning businesses will be selected and supported through a structured programme, with their transformation journey documented and revealed live at Autumn Fair.
Applications are open until June 29. Retailers can enter at https://www.autumnfair.com/retail-makeover
