Scaling in... is a event series designed to help techUK SME members explore new industries and markets. Each session focuses on a specific sector, providing insights into opportunities, challenges, and practical steps for successfully selling into that market.
As retail undergoes rapid transformation—driven by shifting consumer expectations, omnichannel journeys, and an increasingly competitive digital landscape—technology providers play a crucial role in shaping what comes next. But to innovate effectively, tech companies must truly understand the unique pressures, priorities and opportunities within the retail sector.
Join us for this focussed techUK event designed to equip technology firms with the insights they need to build impactful, relevant solutions for modern retailers. Through expert-led sessions, real-world case studies, and discussions with leading retail voices, we’ll explore:
- Current trends and challenges reshaping the retail industry
- Retailers’ top strategic priorities in 2026 and beyond
- How technology is influencing customer experience, supply chains, operations, and sustainability
- Where tech companies can add the most value—and what retailers really want from their tech partners
- Emerging innovation areas across AI, automation, data, payments, logistics and store technologies
Whether you're building cutting-edge platforms, developing AI-driven tools, or supporting retail operations, this event will help you deepen your sector understanding and engage more strategically with retail clients.
Come away with actionable insights, stronger industry context, and a clearer view of how to align your technology with the future of retail.
Speakers
Agenda
|
09:00-09:30 |
Arrivals |
|
09:30 - 09:45 |
Overview of the Retail Sector |
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09:45 - 10:30 |
Panel Discussion: The Store of the Future — Technology's Role in Physical Retail and the High Street |
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10:40 - 11:20 |
Panel Discussion: Joined-Up Retail — Winning the Omnichannel Customer |
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11:20 - 12:00 |
Panel Discussion: Safe & Secure — Tackling Retail Crime and Cyber Threat |
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12:00 - 13:00 |
Networking lunch |
Stephanie Barr
Stephanie Barr
Stephanie is the Programme Manager for SME Engagement and Nations & Regions at techUK.
Working across the two programmes, Stephanie develops activities to support the growth and development of tech SMEs and engages with members and stakeholders more broadly to help strengthen regional tech economies.
Prior to joining techUK, Stephanie worked for a political events company and as a Senior Caseworker for an MP. She holds an MA (HONS) in Politics from the University of Glasgow.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys travelling, climbing and playing squash.
- Email:
- [email protected]
Ed Bevan
Ed Bevan
Ed is Head of SME Engagement and is responsible for shaping techUK’s proposition to our SMEs across the country, ensuring our policy work, market access activity and services benefit the SME community.
Prior to working at techUK, Ed worked in the at the Department for International Trade, engaging with a variety of businesses, particularly SMEs, to understand the benefits of Free Trade Agreements and act as case studies in press and social media. Ed has also worked in policy and public affairs within the voluntary sector, namely the Alzheimer’s Society and the Men’s Health Forum.
Ed holds a MA in International Relations from Leiden University, and in his spare time enjoys spending time with his son, travelling, and visiting historical sites.
- Email:
- [email protected]
Lourdes de Miguel
Lourdes de Miguel
Lourdes de Miguel joined techUK in January 2026 as a Junior Programme Manager in the Financial Services and SME Engagement programmes.
Lourdes supports the financial service programme’s mission of connecting firms from across the ecosystem to ensure innovation and technology can be fully harnessed by financial services. She also assists the SME team to help members meet, network and collaborate with their peers, industry leaders and customers.
Prior to joining techUK, Lourdes gained experience in research, finance, and stakeholder engagement across several organisations. Starting off at Elcano Royal Institute in Brussels, she supported seminar creation and event organization engaging with key policymakers and industry leaders developing an understanding of European policymaking. She later joined Swift, assisting the Industry Engagement team to build connections with Central Banks and other international bodies as well as developing research on macroeconomic topics.
Lourdes holds a BA (with honours) in Politics and International Studies from the University of Warwick.
