Future of Retail: Risk & Resilience Conference 2025

About the conference

Risks for retailers are risks for us all. That’s why we’re hosting a retail and risk conference with a focus on raising awareness of Martyn’s Law.

Taking place in our Manchester office on Wednesday 22 October, we’ll welcome leaders and industry experts from across the world of retail and leisure who are keen to protect and future-proof their organisations.

We’ll be joined by a cohort of incredible speakers who’ll participate in three panel sessions focusing on the key themes of physical safety, workforce challenges and cybersecurity. We’ll also hear a keynote speech from the architect of Martyn’s Law, the inspirational Figen Murray OBE.

The conference will be hosted by Helena Davies (Partner, Brabners) who heads up our retail sector team.

Featuring speakers from

Keynote — Martyn’s Law with Figen Murray OBE

Also known as The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, Martyn’s Law seeks to enhance public safety by ensuring better preparedness for and protection from terrorist attacks.

Named in tribute to Martyn Hett and 21 others who were tragically killed in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, the proposed legislation received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. The Government has indicated that there'll be an implementation period of at least 24 months before the Act comes into force, during which time further Home Office Guidance will be published to provide further information around the requirements set out in the legislation.

The scope of the legislation is wide and will cover all publicly accessible locations with a capacity of 100 or more people including retail, hospitality, stadiums, hotels, leisure centres, shopping centres, supermarkets and many more.

By transforming her grief into purpose, Figen Murray OBE has become a leading voice in counter-terrorism advocacy — spearheading a national movement to improve public safety and security. Figen’s talks are always deeply moving, informative and inspire action towards a safer society.

Panel sessions

1. Retail resilience — strategies for compliance, safety & crisis response

We’ll discuss practical compliance with Martyn’s Law, as well as how to protect the welfare of employees in the face of retail crime and looting, women’s safety in town centres and crisis management when responding to a health and safety incident.

Host: Claire Burrows (Partner and specialist regulatory compliance lawyer, Brabners)

Panellists: Tarah Gear (Director of Brand and Place Futures, Milligan), Andrew Conway (Account Director, Wilson James) & Fionula Scanlan (General Counsel, Bettys & Taylors Group)

2. Workforce risks & opportunities

We’ll discuss how best to manage a multi-generational and gig-based workforce in light of increased workplace conflicts, leadership challenges and temporary labour risks. We’ll also explore managing rapid growth and new openings as well as employee retention and career journeys.

Host: Andrew Graham (Partner and employment law expert, Brabners)

Panellists: Elaine Wrigley (Retail, Operations and People Director, American Golf), Steven Hesketh (CEO, Savvy Hotel Group / The Hospitality Hero) & Sam Westwood (People Experience Director, KFC)

3. Technology & digital transformation

We’ll discuss cybersecurity and the integrity of IT systems, as well as AI, social media risks and anti-counterfeiting.

Host: Colin Bell (Partner, Head of Intellectual Property & Head of Technology Sector, Brabners)

Panellists: Paul Dicken (VP of Brand Protection & Corporate Security, Liverpool Football Club), Kavita Basi (CEO, Jardin Living) & Steve Nolan (CTO, Very Group)

We'll also host a conference wrap-up session featuring Helena Davies and Veronica Shackleton (General Counsel, Mamas and Papas).

How to attend

Remaining places are very limited.

If you’re interested in attending, please reach out to Helena Davies.

More about Helena

About Helena

A specialist property litigator, Helena has led our retail sector team since 2021. She’s a regular industry commentator in publications such as Estates Gazette, Business Live and This is Money and both hosts and speaks at conferences across the country.

Helena is deeply committed to advancing sustainability objectives and enhancing retail’s social impact contribution within local communities. She has led multiple thought leadership initiatives, established new professional networks, organised industry events and produced extensive video and social media content to highlight exemplary practices and notable achievements in this field. Her projects have included contributions from prominent retail leaders like The Trafford Centre, as well as insights from media commentators.

In collaboration with legal experts and consultants across the retail sector, Helena offers legal services that address a broad spectrum of ESG-related challenges, including B Corp certification and environmental compliance. She’s also proactively developing initiatives focused on advertising standards, influencer partnerships and strengthening the role of retail in placemaking.

Meet our team

About our retail team

It’s vital for retailers to have a true legal partner on their side to withstand the challenges and take advantage of opportunities presented by the ever-changing retail landscape.

We act as that partner — one which deeply understands the sector and can help to achieve your commercial goals.

As a leading independent full-service retail law firm, we work closely with the UK’s largest retailers across beauty, fashion, leisure and hospitality, food and drink, automotive and health.

We also have specialisms in ESG and placemaking as well as RetailTech and eCommerce.