What We Learnt From The ReThink Productivity Forum 2025

18th September 2025

On 11th September 2025, our exclusive event, the ReThink Productivity Forum, returned for its tenth year.

Taking place at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham, the Productivity Forum is a place for those who are looking to discuss and learn to overcome today’s business challenges. It is specifically designed to bring people together and act as a “safe space” for open discussion. It is also a great opportunity to share experiences with others who are tackling the same challenges. 

The day’s agenda

We were delighted to welcome numerous guest speakers, all of whom gave valuable insights into their experiences. 

We heard from Retail thought leader, Ali Rezvan, who discussed ‘Navigating Retail Revolution’, providing insights on retail’s evolution toward non-transactional, cultural spaces that are highly tech-enabled.

Founder of the Success Factory, Graham Wilson, spoke about ‘Making Change Happen’ and provided strategies for how to engage people effectively.

Attendees also heard from Halfords, who spoke about their productivity journey and implementation successes, and Harding Retail, who discussed the unique challenges they face in running shops on cruise ships with limited space and connectivity.

Our very own Co-Founder, Sue Hedaux, together with our Head of Data Insights, James Bolle, also discussed the current insights we are seeing, emerging retail trends and changing industry dynamics.

Over the course of the day, three different panels discussed;

1. Their productivity journeys
2. Their recommended productivity tools and technology
3. How to overcome cultural and organisational challenges related to implementing changes 

Finally, new for 2025, the Innovation Lounge was an opportunity for attendees to meet and learn more about the technological solutions of our strategic partners, Harrison Retail, UKMTM Association, Prove Anything, Simms & Associates, SOLUM, Retail Insight, SolvedBy.Ai and WorkJam. 

Key takeaways

As such a jam-packed day, it’s always interesting for us to reflect back on the Productivity Forum and review the topics that were discussed:

• Retail trends currently being seen in China are coming here, such as non-transactional space and cultural revolutions. It’s time to consider what could happen in the UK. What will be different?
• Conducted in the style of a treasure hunt, the Innovation Lounge provided everyone in attendance with an opportunity to learn about different technological innovations in a series of eight-minute presentations. The feedback we received was really positive, and attendees valued the chance to see new things they may not have otherwise come across
• Both through the talks and networking, the day is always a reminder of how every business faces unique challenges – certain things that are straightforward for some businesses may not be for others
• People want to be productive at heart – lots of businesses have fantastic people doing a great job all the time. If that energy can be enhanced, it would put companies in a really strong position
• Sometimes, implementing the process change or the tech might be easier than carrying out the engagement or the required work around it to deliver something successfully

Feedback

It is always incredible to receive such positive comments from these events. 

• “Loved hearing about where retail and hospitality are heading in China”
• “The innovation lounge was a great addition”
• “A great event again – see you next year!”

Weren’t able to make it this year? Don’t worry because Simon, Sue and James have reflected on the event in our latest podcast, Productivity Forum 2025: Key Takeaways, sharing further insights and takeaways.

We are delighted that the Productivity Forum continues to be such a success year-on-year. So much so, that registration for next year’s event is already open. 

Register now to save your spot.