Future of Manchester retailing to be debated

A panel debate on the future of retail in Manchester will take place next month and city businesses are being encouraged to get involved.

The event will be hosted by CityCo, Manchester’s city centre management company and the organisation behind the Heart of Manchester retail business improvement district.

Retail industry speakers such as Mark Faithfull, the retail journalist; Beverley Churchill of Capital & Counties, the firm responsible for transforming Covent Garden; and Jeanette Carter from N Brown, who own brands such as Simply Be and Jacamo, will all feature.

The guest panellists will be joined by Jane Sharrocks, General Manager of Selfridges in Exchange Square and Chair of the Heart of Manchester BID (Business Improvement District).

Vaughan Allen, chief executive of CityCo, Manchester’s city centre management company said: “Despite some of the media painting a rather negative picture over the past few years, the reality is the high street is actually thriving in cities like Manchester, so much so that even previously online brands are launching real retail units.

“We offer arguably the best city centre shopping destination outside London. This is an opportunity to discuss what we’re doing right, look at what we can do even better, and examine how we can future proof this sector to ensure it continues to bring huge economic benefits to our city.”

Jane Sharrocks, general manager of Selfridges in Exchange Square and inaugural Chair of the Heart of Manchester BID (Business Improvement District) added: “This CityConversation takes place on the eve of the largest retail event Manchester has ever seen.

“On Thursday 10 October Manchester will replace London as the UK host of Vogue Fashion’s Night Out, an established global fixture on the fashion calendar.

“Manchester currently enjoys the highest tourist spend of any city in the UK outside of London and nationally consumer confidence is at its highest in 2 years. We are delighted to welcome our expert panel of speakers to the city as they share their experience and insight exclusively with us.”

The debate takes place on Wednesday October 9 at St Ann’s Church in St Ann’s Square, and is open to all businesses. To reserve a space email events@cityco.com.

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