“Luxury in business takes skill, Do not jump at every quick deal” – Cedric Shakespeare

Powered by The Luxury Network UK and in association with Euromonitor, Fortnum & Mason, and Woven, this breakfast panel discussion on April 26th explored the opportunities presented by the ever-shifting landscape of the global luxury market with a bevy of interactive sessions and case studies.

Over a light continental breakfast, industry experts unpacked the “bounce back” of luxury goods markets amidst rising inflationary pressure, looked into the driving forces behind luxury hospitality and their immense impact in the APAC region, Gen Zers’ appetite for technology, and much more.

Whether they were a luxury connoisseur or they wish to stay current on market trends, the attendees got the opportunity to uncover the diverse, ever-evolving shifts driving the future market dynamics of the industry.

The incredible line-up of speakers included:

Helena Warren, Managing Director of The Luxury Network UK: Helena Warren took on the mantle of Managing Director at The Luxury Network UK in 2013, and due to her expertise in new business and aptitude for international relations, she expanded her role taking on Global Head of Business Development for The Luxury Network internationally. She also spent 9 years in the United Arab Emirates, working for four years at HSBC as EMEA Regional Legal Head of Corporate, Commercial, Marketing, and Sponsorship; and had a legal career in private practice for 7 years as a Corporate Finance Associate at Norton Rose Fulbright.

Mark Bower, Executive Creative Director at Woven Agency: Mark joined Woven back in 2017, having spent more than 20 years in agencies and founded his own, Coolpink. Woven is a forward-thinking digital agency with offices in Leeds, London, and even Melbourne. Their capabilities range from brand strategy and development, content marketing, and video, to media buying and UX. Since becoming MD in August 2018, Mark has led the day-to-day operations of the agency as it expands.

Fflur Roberts, Head of Global Luxury Goods: Fflur is Global Industry Manager at Euromonitor International with a focus on luxury goods. Based in London she has more than 12 years of experience in the industry. Fflur Roberts has direct responsibility for the content and quality of Euromonitor’s luxury goods research. Fflur advises clients and has written extensively on business and luxury, authoring numerous global strategic reports. She is often referenced in the international press and has addressed luxury leaders at conferences around the world.

Sean Ghouse, Director of Retail UK, Fortnum & Mason: Sean started in retail working part-time at 89 Regents Street, which at the time was Dunn & Co. menswear, and later became Ciro Citterio. After finishing his degree Sean decided I really liked the balance of product, customers, and people management and worked at Harrods running their men’s formal wear. Later he worked as Area Manager of menswear at Selfridges, then as a General Manager for Niketown London, MATCHESFASHION, as Head of Retail for Dunhill’s flagship in Mayfair, Head of Customer Experience at Watches of Switzerland, as Store Director for LVMH, and then after consulting in his own business whilst my son was born, he joined Fortnum & Mason.