OUR TITLE SPONSORS FOR THIS EVENT

a welcome from our chair

Gary Tattersall

Profit Protection Director, Harding+

We are delighted that Gary has agreed to Chair Retail Risk – Leicester on 3rd October. Gary is an accomplished executive with a proven track record of driving growth and operational excellence in the retail and law enforcement sectors. His expertise spans strategic leadership, innovative problem-solving, building high-performing teams and leveraging advanced technologies to redefine inventory management. In addition to his background in asset protection and risk management, Gary has a Master’s in Security & Risk Management.

Neil Woods
Board Member
Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP)

The forces driving retail crime – and how do we address them?

A perspective from the former undercover police officer and world-renowned drug policy expert

The British System is arguably the most successful public health and criminal justice policy of all time. But since it was cancelled at the end of the 1960s, few people have heard of it. Switzerland and the Netherlands have adopted it, and in so doing they have massively reduced town centre crime. How do we learn from our history, and reclaim our policy heritage? 

Neil will use personal experiences from his days working undercover to explain the forces driving crime, especially retail crime, in the UK. And how we can take pride in our history to solve the problems of the present. 

A former police officer, Neil is a world-renowned drug policy expert, advocate and activist, with a deep understanding of global and UK drug policy. Neil has consulted on a number of drug policy white papers, advised UK parliamentary committees as an expert witness and is a regular expert speaker on this topic in the media and at conferences worldwide. Neil is an experienced PR and media strategist, with an extensive network of media and political contacts internationally.

His bestselling memoir Good Cop Bad War features his years working undercover in the UK. A second book, Drug Wars is a history of British drug policy, researched and written with JS Rafaeli. 

Nick Kirby
Global Fraud Manager
River Island

Customer fraud – Retail fighting back

Nick shares River Island’s journey into industry-wide collaboration

Learn how River Island has moved from individually fighting the customers committing fraud, to participating in industry-wide collaboration on the issue. And gain practical insights on how everyone can help reduce this risk.

Iona Blake
UK & Europe Mobility & Convenience Security Manager
BP

Jiten Lad
Senior People & Profit Protection Manager
Central Co-op

Matt Gilmartin
MD
Smoke Screen

How can we support colleagues who are victims of crime?

A discussion exploring best practice and considering what more can be done

Crime and aggression against retail staff is increasing. This is a panel discussion about how retailers are supporting colleagues through these difficult experiences and what more needs to be done.

Iona Blake
Iona is a highly dedicated and passionate professional in the field of retail security, with an unwavering commitment to driving down violence against frontline workers. With several years of experience in both retail and security, Iona has established herself as a trusted expert, working collaboratively with other retailers to create safer environments for both team members and customers.  Iona has recently joined bp in a UK and Europe-wide security role, following nearly 16 years at Boots UK, where she spent eight years as Security & Incident Manager.

Jiten Lad
Jiten’s career spans across Food Retail, DIY and Merchanting, including Somerfield, M&S Simply Food and Homebase. Jiten honed his commercial experience as a Store Manager, Multisite Manager, Regional Manager and as a project manager opening new stores. In 2016, he left store operations whilst at Homebase and was promoted to Regional Loss Prevention Manager, before moving into a divisional LP role covering the North during the Homebase Turnaround. He then spent two and a half years looking after Security and LP for the specialist brands at Travis Perkins Group before joining Central Co-op in January 2024.

Matt Gilmartin
Matt Gilmartin, Managing Director of Smoke Screen, brings over two decades of expertise in the security industry. Under his leadership, the company has pioneered innovative solutions to combat retail crime. Due to the nature of Smoke Screen’s business, Matt and the Smoke Screen team see the impact that retail crime causes. A passionate advocate for victim support, Matt is dedicated to enhancing safety and recovery for affected businesses and individuals.

Simon Baggs
President, Brand and Content Protection
Corsearch

What’s new in counterfeiting?

And how can brands and retailers protect themselves?

The counterfeiting industry is expanding rapidly and could make up 5% of the global goods economy by 2030. A leading brand protect expert, Simon will address:

• Counterfeiting online – what’s the latest challenge for brands and their retailers?
• Deep dive on fashion – how is social media used by fake sellers to target consumers?
• What impact does the sale of fakes have on profits and other measures for business success?
• When does law enforcement get involved and how can they help?

Simon is President of Brand and Content Protection at Corsearch.  He started his career in the law, co-founded a law firm in the UK specialising in protecting IP and then set up a technology company (Incopro) to help brands track and remove fake and fraudulent issues from the Internet – to protect consumers from confusion, misrepresentation and fraud. Incopro was acquired by Corsearch in June, 2021.  Simon has been recognised for innovation in IP by the Times, Financial Times, Managing Intellectual Property and Legal Week.

John Seddon
Senior Business Development Manager
Peoplesafe

Out of store, out of mind?

Do retailers have a responsibility to ensure staff safety before and after shifts?

Join John at this round table discussion:

• Reflecting on the large number of harassment cases that happen to retail workers outside the traditional store environment
• Asking whether retail can learn from the precedent being set in hospitality to get staff home safely?
• Considering what options are available for retailers looking to own this responsibility.

John has over ten years of experience in advising on the implementation of personal safety technology specialising in the retail sector and with some of the high street’s best-known brands. Working with safety, security and profit protection leaders, John uses methodologies to assess the most suitable technology, based on the risk profile of vulnerable workers and how to improve adoption across the organisation.

Jemma Adams
Buying Groups Account Manager
Norbain

How do we keep staff safe from customer aggression?

Rising aggression and threatening behaviour in the retail sector – the long-term impact on staff

“There were more than 1,300 incidents of violence and abuse per day in shops in 2023, according to the BRC’s latest crime survey. Staff have been spat on, threatened, and punched.” (The Grocer). Join

Jemma at this round table to discuss:

• Staff safety: what is currently being used? Is it working ?
• Prevention and measures in place. What can we consider moving forward?
• Staff wellbeing and mental health. How can retailers provide peace of mind?
• Staff safety zones – do they exist in a store and if not, how can we create one?
• What are the next steps for us to adopt to protect the future of careers in retail ?

Jemma has a wealth of experience in the security solutions distribution industry, working across multiple sectors, including retail, for more than 13 years. Responsible for driving Buying Groups’ growth at Norbain, an industry leading distributor, Jemma takes a holistic approach, recognising that security systems are part of a wider ecosystem when it comes to buildings and people management.

Norbain keeps a focus on customer relationships, regular training with supplier partners and listening to feedback to ensure they keep on top of client frustrations and are up to date with emerging market trends. This forms a strong foundation of knowledge that Jemma and the rest of Norbain’s Account Management Team are able to draw upon to provide what their customers need to be successful.

Tim Moore
Director
New World Norm

AI-powered risk management in retail security

Join Tim for an insightful round table discussion on leveraging AI to mitigate risks in retail

In a New World Norm, where artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming every aspect of business, the retail industry stands at the forefront of this revolution.

Join Tim, the UK’s first AI Risk Management Consultant, for an insightful session on leveraging AI to mitigate risks in retail. With 30 years of extensive experience across 31 countries and collaborations with global brands, Tim brings unparalleled expertise in integrating AI solutions to enhance retail security and operational efficiency. This presentation will open the topic on what is the good and bad of retail AI in risk management.


Tim has a distinguished career as an expert in the field of risk management, spanning three decades and covering 31 countries. As the UK’s first AI Risk Management Consultant, Tim combines a robust background in traditional risk management with cutting-edge AI knowledge acquired from Oxford University. His expertise has been instrumental in shaping risk strategies for some of the world’s leading brands. Tim’s approach to AI-powered risk management sets him apart as a thought leader in the industry, committed to helping retailers navigate the complexities of modern risk landscapes with confidence and foresight.

Simon Herron
CEO
Vix Vizion

Managing crime in retail using clever Facial Recognition technology

What is the right model for your business?

Join Simon at this round table to discuss Facial Recognition technology:

• Best practices and lessons learned
• Choosing the right model for your business.

Simon Herron leads Vix Vizion’s growing team of cutting-edge Video Intelligence experts. With 30 years of business development and technology industry expertise, Simon’s focus is to deliver innovative technologies to improve business efficiency, reduce risk, and improve safety and security for customers and staff. Simon is an experienced business manager and Chartered Accountant with a background in video analytics, biometrics, ID verification, fintech and payments. He has successfully launched innovative technologies to improve customer success in retail,  hospitality, air transport, public transit, banking and finance globally. Simon is committed to delivering innovative technical solutions which solve problems for business and improve people’s lives.

Jacob Hinson
Founder
eLocker

Brand-centric Click & Collect: transforming the In-store and cross-sell experience

Improve customer experience and elevate your brand presence

Many retailers offer a Click & Collect service, but the pick-up station is often tucked away outside the store or in less visible areas. eLocker helps retailers create a brand-centric Click & Collect experience, allowing them to add their branding to the lockers and custom upsells, elevating their brand presence and bringing more customers into the store. Move away from mundane transactions and create engaging brand interactions with the opportunity to sell more.

Jacob launched eLocker in 2016 to tackle the issues found with traditional locker systems. Leading the charge in the retail space, Jacob and eLocker are focused on helping retailers transform their Click & Collect offering with a white labelled system that allows you to add custom upsells and can sit pride of place in your store.

Phil Smith
Director of Loss Prevention
Extenda Retail

How to protect your store with AI: case studies

A discussion about your experiences of AI and choices for the future


Here we will elaborate on how AI is changing security in stores, empowering retailers with easy-to-use tools. We can share some data about it and discuss different cases.

This topic lends itself well to get retailers talking about what they do (or don’t do) now and what they want to do.



Phil has over 25 years of experience within the retail industry, working for international brands such as Virgin and The Walt Disney Company heading up the Risk and Loss Prevention function for direct-to-consumer retail. He has led teams from Loss Prevention, e-commerce fraud, Health/Safety, and Business Risk and Analysis across Europe, Middle East and Africa. He completed his post-graduate in Security and Risk Management in 2007 and has previously chaired and served on numerous industry boards tackling shared risk and loss issues the retail industry faces.

Reiss Spear
Business Development Manager UKI
Vivotek EMEA

Aspects of AI: from people counting to Health & Safety

Join Reiss to discuss applying AI solutions for people counting and for Health & Safety

The first part of the discussion will explore the multiple uses of People Counting, including:

• Occupancy monitoring / health & safety 
• Tracking increase of footfall from promotions / sales
• Precise customer flow and traffic data – optimizing operations strategy.
• Demographics tracking including carts , children , strollers.
• Tracking movements from customers through environments to improve customer experience and potential shoplifting.
• POS Integration – empowering POS real-time monitoring of transactions to prevent store asset and property loss and decrease retail shrinkage. 

The second part of the discussion will look at Health & Safety, as well as management of high security areas, using AI applications. Including:

• Smart IA – deep learning alerts store staff to humans entering retail space including entering restricted areas.
• Tailgating – anti-tailgating prevents unauthorised following of authorised users by detecting people passing through doorways.
• Unattended object detection – detects unattended objects or objects left behind on the store/retail floor or at emergency exits. Preventing blockages and objects becoming hazards.
• Path Extraction – person tracking via sites. 

Reiss has nearly two decades of experience in the electronic security industry and has seen a wide variety of benefits from AI when tailored to proactively avoid potential risks. In his sales career Reiss has worked for national integrators: surveying , designing and implementing rollouts of multi-disciplined electronic security systems. Over the last six years he has specialised in surveillance systems for manufacturers, consulting, supporting and designing systems for integration partners, consultants and end users.

Reiss is passionate about having the right technologies in place to make working and living environments a safer and more reliable space for all. He believes it is critical to find and marry the best technologies to deliver tailored solutions to meet high demands from end users. He has been involved with numerous intricate projects requiring bespoke system design and thus has increased his knowledge and system design experience.

Barry Clayton
Head of Commercial Partnerships
Texecom

Do intruder systems have a future in retail?

How to implement and upgrade security infrastructure to safeguard your assets effectively

The retail industry is undergoing rapid technical security transformation, this is driven by technological advancements and the increase in threats and changing cultural behaviours. As retailers strive to secure their stores to allow them to trade, the role of intruder detection systems becomes increasingly critical. This round table discussion brings together industry experts, technology innovators, and retail leaders to explore the future of intruder systems in retail. The discussion will cover:

• Current landscape and challenges: what is the effectiveness of existing intruder systems in retail environments and what are the common security challenges faced by retailers?
• Technological Innovations: what are the latest advancements in intruder detection technology and their potential to enhance retail security?
• Integration with other systems: discussing the integration of intruder systems with other security and operational technologies.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis: analysing the return on investment for advanced intruder systems and their impact on loss prevention.
• Future trends: predicting future trends in retail security and the evolving role of intruder systems in a digitised retail landscape.

This discussion aims to equip retailers with the knowledge to make informed decisions about implementing and upgrading their security infrastructure to safeguard their assets effectively.

With over 25 years of extensive experience in the security industry, Barry has navigated diverse roles and acquired a comprehensive skill set. From his beginnings in retail internal investigations and retail physical security – to managing multi-million-pound projects across various sectors – his journey has shaped him into a versatile professional. Having worked as both an end user, integrator and a supplier, Barry possess a unique understanding of diverse needs and perspectives of customers. Barry previously worked at Boots UK, Hanwha and ASEL before joining Texecom earlier this year.

Clare Rogers
Senior Operations Manager
The National Security Inspectorate

When choosing certified security suppliers are all organisations on an equal footing?

It’s vital to understand the different certification schemes when making critical buying decisions

If you’re responsible for supplier selection, this workshop is a must-attend. You’ll discover the differences between the certification schemes, what they entail, and how they can enable risk mitigation in the supply chain and assist when making critical buying decisions.

In this round table, Clare will explore why retailers should view independent certification as a prerequisite for supplier selection and what the different certifications mean in practice.
You will never get a better opportunity to peek beneath the bonnet of the certification process, grasp the importance of various certifications for your business, and learn how to make supplier choices that will enhance your confidence.

Elliott Blenkhorn
Sales Director
ShopSafe

Martin Gregg
Retail Partnerships Manager
ShopSafe

Promoting a unified approach to intelligence sharing across the UK

How do we ensure local and national efforts are aligned to reduce crime and protect businesses?

Elliot and Martin will be joined by an expert panel to discuss the respective roles that BCRPs, retailers, police and software providers play in facilitating local to national intelligence sharing and the benefits of this in reducing retail crime.

We will discuss the critical role of platforms, such as Alert, in facilitating this process to ensure that the right information is available to the right people at the right time.

The discussion will focus on promoting a unified approach to intelligence sharing, to strengthen the overall crime prevention strategy across the UK, ensuring that both local and national efforts are aligned in reducing crime and protecting businesses.

Will Garrod
Operations Director & Head of Development
ShopSafe

Martin Gregg
Retail Partnerships Manager
ShopSafe

Lifting the lid on AI

To fully embrace AI’s real-world potential, it is essential to understand it

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already woven into various aspects of our daily lives, yet there remains nervousness surrounding this technology.

To fully embrace AI’s potential, it is essential to comprehend its nature, functionality, and the protective measures in place to prevent misuse. This dialogue aims to foster an open and informative platform for questions, sharing concerns, and addressing challenges to enhance understanding of so-called ‘narrow AI,’ which is tailored for specific applications.

Will Garrod, Operations Director & Head of Development at ShopSafe will discuss the utilisation of AI in their Alert platform. Martin Gregg, Retail Partnership Manager at ShopSafe, will leverage his 30-year background in retail loss prevention to explore the real-world advantages that this technology offers retailers in mitigating risks and combating retail crime.

Jordan Ford
Head of the Business Engagement Unit
NaCTSO

Amy Lowe
Business Engagement Officer
NaCTSO

Terrorism threats and the policing response

Introducing the Counter Terrorism information sharing platform, ProtectUK

ProtectUK offers advice and guidance for business and the public to help mitigate the risks of terrorism. After the presentation, Jordan and Amy will lead a practical round table/workshop for retailers.

Jordan Ford
Detective Inspector Jordan Ford is the Head of the Business Engagement Unit in the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and has been a police officer for 20 years. Jordan spent the last ten years working across a number of Counter Terrorism Policing roles in both investigative and intelligence capacities before joining NaCTSO.  Jordan is also a trained and operational CT Security Coordinator. 

A focus for Jordan this year will include promoting the Counter Terrorism information sharing platform. His team will continue to develop engagement opportunities and raise awareness across small, medium and large businesses operating in publicly accessible locations around the UK. 

Amy Lowe
Amy is a Business Engagement Officer for NaCTSO. The Engagement Unit she works in reduces the risk from terrorism by ensuring that approved and authoritative protective security advice reaches the intended target audience. Amy covers the events, transport, property management and retail sectors.

Anne-Marie Martin
Head of Regional Security, Europe
CEVA Logistics

Securing a major international event

Jordan Ford
Head of the Business Engagement Unit
NaCTSO

Amy Lowe
Business Engagement Officer
NaCTSO

Interactive NaTCSO Workshop

Guidance, resources and practical solutions for the retail sector

Karen Warwick
Global Mobility and Convenience Senior Security Manager
BP

Peter Page
Head of Group Security
Travis Perkins

Mark Gleeson
Vice President (UK & Europe)
Auror

BP, Travis Perkins & Auror: protecting people & profits

Why tech-driven innovation is essential to enhancing security and safeguarding people and profits

From retail convenience to builders merchants, discover why retailers are joining this movement and why staying at the forefront of technology is fundamental for effective security and loss prevention.