Women in Retail in conversation

With conversation leaders: Katrina Nurse, Finance Director, Selfridges & Co. & Trustee, Women in Retail Gemma Metheringham, Creative Director, Next's Label on Line Nicky Elson, Buying & Merchandising Director, previously Oka Jane Nicholas, Head of Customer Experience, Boots UK Helen Milford, Retail Executive, previously VP Retail South, Asda

It was great to welcome so many members to our Summer Lunch at The Ivy. The buzz in the room was as animated as ever (something that we are becoming somewhat famous for)! Our speaker, Amanda Wakeley was wonderful, what an amazing story of resilience, energy, courage and authenticity. Our sense is that we all felt truly inspired by her grounded and disciplined approach.

Gender pay gap is still alive and kicking, with women earning 12% less than men. So how do you go about getting a pay rise or a promotion? Sarah Pennells is joined by Fiona Davis, Director for Women in Retail; Penny Parker, from Laurence Simons; and Vanessa Vallely, founder of WeAreTheCity and WeAreTheCity. Together, the guests discuss why women are less likely to ask for a pay rise, and why they are reluctant to come forward.

This report is a call to action for retailers. This is about inclusivity, empowerment and flexibility for all talent creates commercial advantage for retailers. Listen to our media coverage on BBC 5Live here!

Our Gender Diversity in Retail report is a call to action for retailers. This is about inclusivity, empowerment and flexibility for all talent creates commercial advantage for retailers. Listen to our media coverage here on BBC Radio 4 Today's programme here.

Women in Retail's first ever Emerging Leaders event in Leeds – we were delighted to welcome over 85 emerging leaders from 16 businesses. Following a warm welcome to our Emerging Leader guests, our panel contributors generously and shared both the highs and the lows in their personal and professional journeys. The questions and conversation flowed without a pause and your feedback has been hugely positive. Enjoy!

Kate Nightingale Founder, Style Psychology and Fiona Davis MD, The Brand Inspiration Co. and Director, Women in Retail give us a stimulating, thought-provoking and interactive look at customer psychology and building a brand.

Katie Gillett, Brandon Bichler and the Women in Retail community talk innovation, shiny bauble syndrome and why retailers should be walking the talk when it comes to design thinking.