I started on a shop floor. I’ve sat in boardrooms. And for nearly a decade, I ran my own independent boutique in London where I learned first-hand what it takes to build something, sustain it, and adapt when everything around you changes.

That 30-year journey across retail, place strategy, and economic development is why independent retailers, local authorities, and BIDs trust me to understand their challenges, not just advise on them.

In 2018 I founded Retail Inspired to do one thing well: give businesses and town centres the practical, experienced support they actually need to thrive.

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

My 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 me to work with your organisation, please email contactretailinspired@gmail.com

My Biography

I 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. I am a creative retail expert and digital marketing specialist with an extensive background in retail, communications, town centre regeneration, the visitor economy and place making.

I have held several senior positions within high street brands before establishing my own retail business in London. I have worked within local goverment delivering several ground breaking place focused projects; and have given innovative support to SME’s, developing their brands, communication strategies and responding to the ever-changing retail landscape.

I 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. I 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 my proudest achievements was the transformation of Park Mall Shopping Centre between 2015-2017, where I formulated and delivered the brand and digital strategy to invigorate the project following the local council purchasing the once ailing centre in 2015, identifying new tenants and working 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.