HTA market information manager David Denny told HTA conference delegates that declining levels of home ownership and volatile weather events were just two of the challenges aheads. Smaller factors include the need to create positive first impressions, avoiding too much product choice and making greater use of tactile displays.

Surviving in an online world was the topic of discussion for Tim West from the Big Green Bookshop, a London based independent store, who was interviewed on stage by GTN’s Trevor Pfeiffer. Tim’s bookshop, which has no café, no online sales and no product discounts, uses social media and community events to draw people in – with great success. ‘Focus on what you can provide that an online retailer can’t’, he summised – a great inspiration for independent retailers.

‘If you want to sell more plants, sell better coffee’ was the top tip from Haskins Garden Centres CEO and GCA president elect Julian Winfield, re-cycling a quote from former garden centre owner Ken Allen. Plants, he said, are very much at the centre of their offer but they have seen huge growth in their non-gardening categories over the last 18 years. December is now their biggest sales month, despite no Christmas grotto. “It is all about providing an enjoyable shopping experience’, Julian said.

Lucy Adams, who was the BBC’s HR director through challenging times that included the move from London to Salford, the exit of four DGs and the Savile crisis. She highlighted the authentic approach that certain leaders took which made a difference to their teams. ‘Be visible, show humility and humanity and use stories rather than powerpoints’, she said. It is the simple things that really make a difference in keeping teams happy and engaged.