New Speaker for Retail Congress 2026

By MH

May 15, 2026

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The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has announced Roisin Hurley‑Gondim, former Global Director of Retail Excellence at Burberry, as the latest confirmed speaker for Retail Congress 2026.

Retail Congress 2026, sponsored by Goodman Bros, will take place on Tuesday, 2 June 2026 at Drayton Manor Resort, Tamworth, bringing together jewellery retailers for a focused day of learning, insight, and peer networking. This year’s event theme, Growth amid a discretionary spending squeeze, explores how jewellery businesses can strengthen performance, leadership, and customer experience during periods of economic pressure.

With more than 25 years of international retail experience, Roisin Hurley‑Gondim has built a career driving sales results, developing high‑impact training programmes and elevating service standards across global luxury brands. Most recently, as Global Director of Retail Excellence at Burberry, she influenced performance and culture across more than 400 stores worldwide.

Roisin brings a deep understanding of how culture, mindset and leadership shape customer experience and commercial success in different markets. Coming from a family of elite athletes, she draws heavily on sport psychology and coaching techniques to help businesses unlock potential and build high‑performing teams.

At Retail Congress 2026, Roisin’s session will explore the importance of providing ‘on the spot’ feedback to drive retail performance, alongside what it genuinely means to be client‑centric in today’s competitive environment. Delegates will leave feeling empowered and equipped to grow their businesses by placing both customer experience and team development at the heart of their strategy.
The growing speaker line‑up for Retail Congress 2026 brings together economic insight, leadership expertise, and practical retail strategy, with confirmed speakers including:

Glynn Jones – Challenges and Opportunities Facing the Jewellery Retail Sector
The Bank of England’s Midlands Agent will open the event with a clear overview of the economic environment facing independent jewellery retailers, highlighting key risks and opportunities for strategic growth.

Liz Barclay – How to Access Support to Enable Profitable Growth
Former UK Small Business Commissioner and founder of Business111.com, offering practical guidance on navigating public and private support to enable sustainable, profitable growth.

Olivia Duvall – A Customer Experience That Secures 60% Retention
Bringing lessons from the luxury cruise sector, Olivia will demonstrate how emotionally engaging service drives loyalty, retention, and advocacy.

Dr John Pates – Enabling Your Leadership Qualities to Thrive
Chartered performance psychologist with over 30 years’ experience across elite sport and business, focusing on leadership mindset and behaviours that inspire high performance.

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.