The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has announced the launch of the 2026 Retail Congress, with Goodman Bros confirmed as the headline sponsor of the flagship one-day event for independent jewellery retailers.
Retail Congress 2026 will take place on Tuesday, 2 June 2026 at Drayton Manor Resort, Tamworth, bringing together jewellery business owners and industry experts for a focused day of learning, knowledge sharing, and networking. This year’s theme, Growth amid a discretionary spending squeeze, will explore how independent jewellery retailers can continue to grow revenues and strengthen their businesses during periods of economic uncertainty and reduced consumer spend.
The annual event forms a key part of the NAJ’s year-round commitment, through its Independent Business Network, to deliver practical insight, peer learning, and commercially focused inspiration for independent retailers.
Announcing the launch of Retail Congress 2026, Steve Ennis, JBN Facilitator, said, “Retail Congress is designed to give independent jewellery retailers meaningful insight they can trust and apply. With continued pressure on discretionary spending, this year’s programme is about clarity, confidence, and practical growth, cutting through the noise so retailers leave equipped to make stronger decisions and move their businesses forward.”
The 2026 programme features a strong line-up of expert speakers offering economic perspective, retail insight and highly actionable leadership and customer experience strategies.
Confirmed speakers include:
Glynn Jones — Challenges and Opportunities Facing the Jewellery Retail Sector
Glynn Jones, the Bank of England’s Midlands Agent, will open Retail Congress 2026 with a clear overview of the economic environment facing independent jewellery retailers. Drawing on extensive experience across consultancy, academia, and regional economic development, he will highlight the key challenges ahead and the opportunities available to businesses that plan strategically and adapt with confidence.
Liz Barclay — How to Access Support to Enable Profitable Growth
Former UK Small Business Commissioner and founder of Business111.com, Liz Barclay, brings practical, hands-on experience supporting small and micro businesses. Her session will simplify the complex landscape of public and private support, helping retailers identify what assistance is available and how to access the right resources to achieve sustainable, profitable growth.
Niclas Ekerot — The Four Pillars of Growth
Niclas Ekerot, Senior Vice President of Retail at Canada Goose, shares strategic insight from one of the world’s leading luxury brands. Drawing on global retail experience, he will explore the four core pillars that drive sustainable growth, from operational excellence to customer connection, and show how businesses of any size can apply these principles in practice.
Olivia Duvall — A Customer Experience That Secures 60% Retention
With more than 15 years’ experience in the luxury cruise sector, Olivia Duvall has helped deliver customer retention rates of over 60% for premium global brands. Her session will demonstrate how emotionally engaging service and thoughtfully designed experiences drive loyalty, repeat business and advocacy, with practical lessons retailers can implement immediately.
Dr John Pates — Enabling Your Leadership Qualities to Thrive
Dr John Pates, a chartered performance psychologist, brings over 30 years’ experience working across elite sport, business, and high-performance environments. He will explore how effective leadership mindset and behaviour inspire trust, energy, and accountability, leaving delegates with clear strategies to strengthen their leadership impact and team performance.
As headline sponsor, Goodman Bros reinforces its long-standing support for the independent jewellery sector and its commitment to initiatives that help retail businesses thrive.
Ticket prices:
NAJ Member rate: £245 + VAT
Non-member rate: £295 + VAT
A 20% discount is available on additional tickets purchased for multiple staff members.
More information:
🌐 https://naj.co.uk/Retail-Congress
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