Member Article

Gateley advises North West businessman on John Lewis partnership

Gateley has advised technology entrepreneur, Stuart Marks, as he embarks on a joint enterprise with retail giant, John Lewis.

The Hale businessman has partnered with John Lewis to launch JLAB – a programme aiming to identify and develop technology innovations that will provide the retailer with a strategic advantage in future, with customers’ needs at the core of each idea.

The programme will launch in May – as John Lewis celebrates its 150th anniversary – and will see John Lewis and Stuart Marks jointly select five start-up companies that will be based within JLAB from June to September 2014.

Charles Glaskie, partner at Gateley, led the deal. He said: “Stuart Marks has built up an impressive history in developing technology start-ups before selling them on. He is perfectly placed to lead a programme such as this and I am sure that JLAB will open the door for small UK technology businesses.”

Following the four-month incubation period, a winning company will be announced. Their solution will be trialled and, if successful, implemented across the John Lewis estate.

Stuart Marks said: “The launch of JLAB represents something unique in the UK retail sector, giving businesses access to mentors and an environment where they can develop their ideas. I’m certain that we will find new and exciting technology that will strengthen John Lewis’ leadership in omnichannel retailing.”

Gateley has a long-term relationship with Marks, having previously acted for him on various matters. including the £37 million sale of ITIS Holdings plc to Inrix Inc.

Marks founded his first business in 1990 and since then has built up and sold several tech-based companies specialising in big data. Following the sale of ITIS, he established his own fund which invests in and mentors start-up and growth-stage companies in the UK.

The JLAB innovation framework will look at:

• Helping customers shop: in-store innovation, omni customer experience (eg self service product info, prices) and technology driven customer inspiration.
• Simplifying customers’ lives: innovation around the “internet of things” (how all devices will communicate together enabling a more connected home).
• Knowing each other: using data to drive real-time, in-store personalisation for customers.
• Surprise us: Any innovative product or solution that delights customers’ by enhancing their shopping experience.

Find out more at www.jlab.co.uk. Applications will close on 17 April.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Graham Vincent .