Preliminary Programme
Wednesday, 28 October 2026
11.00Introduction and Welcome
 Interpreting Private Label Growth
Why consumer behaviour matters more than category data 
Speaker: Oliver Koll, Consultant, Europanel, Marketing Scolar and Researcher
 Meet and Greet Networking Lunch
 UK Grocery Market is the Test-lab for Global Retail
Understanding one of the most competitive, innovative and advanced markets in the world 
Speaker: The Grocer Magazine
 Guided Store Visit to Leading Retailers in Manchester
18:00Networking Reception at an Exclusive Location in Manchester
Thursday, 29 October 2026
08.00Introduction & Recap First Day
 Meet the Retailer:
Elevating Private Label in UK Retail Leadership
 The Ongoing Transformation of the Retail Industry
Anticipating tomorrow’s challenges and capturing opportunities
Speaker: Toby Pickard, Retail Futures Senior Partner, IGD
 Coffee & Conversations
 Crisis Management as a Core Strategic Priority     
Building resilience for worst-case scenarios
 A Supplier Case Study: The Practical Definition of Best-In-Class Supplier Management 
Speaker: Helen Herd, Group Head of Sustainability, McBride
 Lunch & Networking with a Twist
 Workshop: Making Artificial Intelligence (AI) Work in your Daily Operations
Interactive and educational session designed to build practical skills
Speaker: Erick Smet, Head of AI Innovation, TrendWatching
 Teatime Break 
 Meet the Retailer: 
The Very Bright Future of Online Grocery
16:00Wrap-up and Departure
Free shuttle to the airport