Jo Whitfield, in her first chat since becoming Chair of the British Retail Consortium, tells Sean Farrington how she ended up hat the organisation after a career spanning some of the High Street's biggest businesses. She shares why it’s such an important time for retail, and talks about how the sector’s changing—thanks to online shopping, social media, and shifting customer habits—and how retailers are adapting. Jo dives into the pressures businesses face, especially around business rates and taxes, and calls for a fairer system that doesn’t penalize physical stores. There’s also a look at how supermarkets, independents, and online influencers all play a role in today’s retail ecosystem.
Jo reflects on being the BRC’s first female chair and why diversity in leadership—across gender, ethnicity, and background—matters for the future of retail. She also touches on tech, AI, and how retail offers flexibility and opportunity, especially for women, whilst on safety, she highlights rising retail crime, the risks to staff and delivery drivers, and what the industry and government are doing about it. Cybersecurity is another hot topic, with Jo stressing the need for constant vigilance and investment.
01:26 Joe Whitfield’s career and appointment as Chair of the British Retail Consortium
03:51 Transformation and challenges in the retail sector
07:40 Impact of business rates, taxation, and the upcoming budget on retailers
14:31 Role of large supermarkets, independent retailers, and online influencers
19:58 Inclusion and diversity in retail leadership
23:41 Women’s careers, technology, and AI in retail
25:23 Retail crime, safety for workers and delivery drivers
32:33 Threats of cyber crime and security in retail
(Picture: Getty)
Presenter: Sean Farrington
Producer: Angus Tiffin
Editor: Henry Jones
