Clare started out as a fast-track graduate store management trainee for McDonalds and went on to work with leading retailers such as M&S, Dixons and Argos. She moved swiftly into management roles before being headhunted into senior consulting roles with global software giant SAP, and international management consulting brand, Accenture.
Clare is engaged by clients as a business consultant, inspirational speaker and retail mentor. In 2011 she was invited to launch Independent Retailer Month in the UK, a global 'Shop Local' campaign which runs throughout July that has gained incredible momentum and reach under her leadership. Following the success of this campaign she created “Celebrate an Independent Christmas”, which launched in 2012 and featured nationwide “Christmas Shopping Crawls” in high streets and retail communities UK wide. Clare is founder and host of 'The Retail Conference', a well-established and highly respected annual retail industry event.
Clare is a frequent media contributor, regularly featured on BBC and Sky News, various radio broadcasts, within trade press and digital media, commenting on a wide range of retail and consumer topics. As one of the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) “Real Life Entrepreneur Champions”, Clare has been recognised by the UKs leading small business community as an inspirational role model for any start-up or small businesses.
Her first book, entitled 'The Retail Champion: 10-steps to Retail Success', was published by Kogan Page in July 2012. Her second book, entitled “How to sell to retailers: The secrets of getting your products to market”, also published by Kogan Page will be available from 3rd February 2013.
For further details see www.retailchampion.co.uk and www.independentretailermonth.co.uk
Testimonials
Clare Rayners grasp of the challenges facing independent retailers is unsurpassed. She has a powerful and charismatic style of delivering hard data that makes you stop and think about the crisis facing UK retail today. Her energy and commitment to making things better is inspirational and people should listen, take note and act upon her advice.
Paul Surridge, Chief Executive, Sight Care Group
Clare Rayner spoke at our bi-annual Forum event at the Royal Institution of Great Britain to an audience of 400 entrepreneurs, investors and advisers. Not only was her speech engaging and intelligent, her insights into the world of retail coupled with business know-how, fascinating statistics and relevant advice left delegates inspired and uplifted. I thoroughly recommend Clare - she knows the retail industry like no other and she'll help you to boost your business as well as get to grips with the inevitable - the digital takeover that will shake up all sectors of the business world.
Kelly Dolan, Head of Content, Entrepreneur Country
“Thank you for your contribution to our seminar. Your speech was very though provoking and I particularly liked the way that you engaged with our customers throughout the event.”
Chris Smith, Global Europe Director, Risk Solutions Europe, RSA (Royal Sun Alliance)
“Clare Rayner is a powerful communicator and her strap-line - 'The Retail Champion' is fully justified. Our audience of almost 550 independent opticians were captivated by her ideas and her common sense concepts and strategies aimed at maximising business opportunities in a tough retail market. Clare also participated in a panel debate, the subject matter being relevant for opticians; however, it was very apparent from the outset that she had a real understanding and empathy for the subject. Well done Clare 10/10!”
Paul Surridge, Chief Executive, Sight Care
"Clare’s presentation on the 10 Steps to Retail Success was excellent, and kept me engaged in what was an intensive three hours!! It stimulated a lot of thinking on realistic and practical approaches to developing the business. She used good examples from a variety of retail sectors which helped to transfer the ‘theory’ into practical solution and actions – many of which I hope I can use in our business development."
Finance Manager, Planed
"We hired Clare to deliver a keynote presentation at the Flooring Show 2012 (Harrogate, 2 – 4 September 2012) on how high street flooring retailers could set about improving the effectiveness of their business. Not only was Clare an absolute pleasure to work with, but she carried out some considerable research ahead of the event so as to better understand the audience she would be dealing with. On the day, she proved to be a charming speaker who delivered an excellent and compelling presentation of some 30 minutes duration that was very enthusiastically received. Attendance exceeded our expectations with the 50 seat seminar theatre packed to capacity. Her presentation was followed by a substantial Q&A session. Afterwards, Clare very kindly spent time meeting delegates keen to pick her brain for further ideas. I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Clare. She is an excellent speaker who is an expert on matters of direct relevance to assisting smaller independent retailers improve the effectiveness of their business."
Director, Media Generation Group Ltd
Wakefield held its first ever Retail Awards in May 2013. As one of the main sponsors, it was great to have Clare hosting the event for us. Clearly passionate about the high street, particularly the independent sector, her enthusiasm and professionalism fitted the night perfectly. A fabulous night, enjoyed by all.
Sponsor, Wakefield Retail Awards
Clare is engaged by clients as a business consultant, inspirational speaker and retail mentor. In 2011 she was invited to launch Independent Retailer Month in the UK, a global 'Shop Local' campaign which runs throughout July that has gained incredible momentum and reach under her leadership. Following the success of this campaign she created “Celebrate an Independent Christmas”, which launched in 2012 and featured nationwide “Christmas Shopping Crawls” in high streets and retail communities UK wide. Clare is founder and host of 'The Retail Conference', a well-established and highly respected annual retail industry event.
Clare is a frequent media contributor, regularly featured on BBC and Sky News, various radio broadcasts, within trade press and digital media, commenting on a wide range of retail and consumer topics. As one of the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) “Real Life Entrepreneur Champions”, Clare has been recognised by the UKs leading small business community as an inspirational role model for any start-up or small businesses.
Her first book, entitled 'The Retail Champion: 10-steps to Retail Success', was published by Kogan Page in July 2012. Her second book, entitled “How to sell to retailers: The secrets of getting your products to market”, also published by Kogan Page will be available from 3rd February 2013.
For further details see www.retailchampion.co.uk and www.independentretailermonth.co.uk
Testimonials
Clare Rayners grasp of the challenges facing independent retailers is unsurpassed. She has a powerful and charismatic style of delivering hard data that makes you stop and think about the crisis facing UK retail today. Her energy and commitment to making things better is inspirational and people should listen, take note and act upon her advice.
Paul Surridge, Chief Executive, Sight Care Group
Clare Rayner spoke at our bi-annual Forum event at the Royal Institution of Great Britain to an audience of 400 entrepreneurs, investors and advisers. Not only was her speech engaging and intelligent, her insights into the world of retail coupled with business know-how, fascinating statistics and relevant advice left delegates inspired and uplifted. I thoroughly recommend Clare - she knows the retail industry like no other and she'll help you to boost your business as well as get to grips with the inevitable - the digital takeover that will shake up all sectors of the business world.
Kelly Dolan, Head of Content, Entrepreneur Country
“Thank you for your contribution to our seminar. Your speech was very though provoking and I particularly liked the way that you engaged with our customers throughout the event.”
Chris Smith, Global Europe Director, Risk Solutions Europe, RSA (Royal Sun Alliance)
“Clare Rayner is a powerful communicator and her strap-line - 'The Retail Champion' is fully justified. Our audience of almost 550 independent opticians were captivated by her ideas and her common sense concepts and strategies aimed at maximising business opportunities in a tough retail market. Clare also participated in a panel debate, the subject matter being relevant for opticians; however, it was very apparent from the outset that she had a real understanding and empathy for the subject. Well done Clare 10/10!”
Paul Surridge, Chief Executive, Sight Care
"Clare’s presentation on the 10 Steps to Retail Success was excellent, and kept me engaged in what was an intensive three hours!! It stimulated a lot of thinking on realistic and practical approaches to developing the business. She used good examples from a variety of retail sectors which helped to transfer the ‘theory’ into practical solution and actions – many of which I hope I can use in our business development."
Finance Manager, Planed
"We hired Clare to deliver a keynote presentation at the Flooring Show 2012 (Harrogate, 2 – 4 September 2012) on how high street flooring retailers could set about improving the effectiveness of their business. Not only was Clare an absolute pleasure to work with, but she carried out some considerable research ahead of the event so as to better understand the audience she would be dealing with. On the day, she proved to be a charming speaker who delivered an excellent and compelling presentation of some 30 minutes duration that was very enthusiastically received. Attendance exceeded our expectations with the 50 seat seminar theatre packed to capacity. Her presentation was followed by a substantial Q&A session. Afterwards, Clare very kindly spent time meeting delegates keen to pick her brain for further ideas. I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Clare. She is an excellent speaker who is an expert on matters of direct relevance to assisting smaller independent retailers improve the effectiveness of their business."
Director, Media Generation Group Ltd
Wakefield held its first ever Retail Awards in May 2013. As one of the main sponsors, it was great to have Clare hosting the event for us. Clearly passionate about the high street, particularly the independent sector, her enthusiasm and professionalism fitted the night perfectly. A fabulous night, enjoyed by all.
Sponsor, Wakefield Retail Awards
Clare Rayner, The Retail Champion, is one of the most well-known and respected retail experts in the UK, championing for the success and sustainability of smaller, independent retailers and suppliers to retail. A child born into a family of retailers and entrepreneurs, she is passionate about retail and business: it is in her blood.
Retail Strategy – How developments in technology, consumer behaviour and the wider market influence retail businesses, and, what can retailers do about it.
Retail Planning – Price Elasticity, Range and Space, Product assortment, Merchandise Management, Visual merchandising, Supply Chain management.
Retail Operations – Multi-channel retailing, Store management, E-commerce, Fulfilment, customer service.
How to leverage social Media for business (B2B or B2C focused) – calling on her own practical expertise and real life case studies as well as sharing examples of what works best for retailers.
How to make best use of the internet to market your retail business.
Women in Business – As a full time working mother of 2 juggling running a handful of successful businesses, Clare Rayner is ideally placed to speak about her story, highs and lows, and share some of her own experiences.
Entrepreneurialism - Having left “corporate life” and been behind the creation and development of several successful brands, Clare Rayner can share her thoughts on making the choice between employment and entrepreneurialism, and, some practical advice too!
In addition a number of these topics can be delivered as more practical, hands on workshops.
Retail Planning – Price Elasticity, Range and Space, Product assortment, Merchandise Management, Visual merchandising, Supply Chain management.
Retail Operations – Multi-channel retailing, Store management, E-commerce, Fulfilment, customer service.
How to leverage social Media for business (B2B or B2C focused) – calling on her own practical expertise and real life case studies as well as sharing examples of what works best for retailers.
How to make best use of the internet to market your retail business.
Women in Business – As a full time working mother of 2 juggling running a handful of successful businesses, Clare Rayner is ideally placed to speak about her story, highs and lows, and share some of her own experiences.
Entrepreneurialism - Having left “corporate life” and been behind the creation and development of several successful brands, Clare Rayner can share her thoughts on making the choice between employment and entrepreneurialism, and, some practical advice too!
In addition a number of these topics can be delivered as more practical, hands on workshops.
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