Jo Wynn-Carter is CEO and founder of Retail Inspired.

Jo is a retail writer and economic development and regeneration expert specialising in town centres, working with independent businesses, local authorities, BID’s and local leaders to support the evolution of town centres.

Currently working with a number of local authorities, Bid’s, CIC’s, CIO’s to deliver innovative projects supporting the evolution of town centres; working with SME’s developing their digital presence, brand communication and implementing business strategies to ensure their success on the high street; Jo is known for the ground breaking high street projects she delivered in Ashford, Kent.

Jo’s work was singled out by Mary Portas back in 2014 in her think piece “Why our High Streets Still Matter” that was published three years on from being asked by the government to complete an independent review of the future of our high streets.

If you would like Jo to work with your organisation, please email contactretailinspired@gmail.com

Jo’s Biography

Jo founded Retail Inspired a branding and communications consultancy in January 2018. Retail Inspired specialises in town centres, working with local leaders, independent businesses and communities to assist the evolution of places. Jo is a creative retail expert and digital marketing specialist with an extensive background in retail, communications, town centre regeneration and place making.

Jo has held several senior positions within high street brands before establishing her own retail business in London. She worked within local goverment delivering several ground breaking town centre focused projects; and gave innovative support to SME’s, developing their brands, communication strategies and responding to the ever-changing retail landscape.

Jo launched Love Ashford the UK’s first digital high street, developed and launched the independent shop share – Made in Ashford the first of its kind in Kent showcasing local designer makers. She also project managed the launch of Pop-Up Ashford a national campaign supporting entrepreneurs. The project successfully mentored over 25 businesses some of whom went on to open on the high street.

One of Jo’s proudest achievements was the transformation of Park Mall Shopping Centre between 2015-2017. She formulated and delivered the brand and digital strategy to invigorate the project following the local council purchasing the once ailing centre in 2015. Jo identified new tenants and worked with existing businesses to create a community focussed centre, with increased footfall and a redefined customer and community focussed experience. This project supported businesses and the subsequent success of the wider town centre.