Retail magnate Theo Paphitis set to headline Retail Technology Show 2025 in London this April

Serial entrepreneur and retail magnate, Theo Paphitis, has been confirmed to headline at Retail Technology Show 2025.

Debuting in its new home, ExCeL London, RTS will welcome 15,000 retail professionals on 2nd and 3rd April. Paphitis is famed both for his appearances on the BBC’s investment series Dragon’s Den as well as for reviving the fortunes of retail brands including Ryman, Stationery Box, La Senza, Contessa Lingerie and Robert Dyas. 

He went on to launch his own namesake retail group, the Theo Paphitis Retail Group (TPRG), in 2015, which now encompasses Ryman Stationery, Robert Dyas, Boux Avenue and London Graphic Centre, and comprises 300 stores and 4,000 employees. Paphitis also founded Small Business Sunday, a movement and network that has grown 3,500+ SMEs and heroes the passion and energy of small businesses.

Speaking on the Spectacular Headline Stage on 3rd April, he joins Customer Whisperer, Kate Hardcastle, in a fireside chat that will delve into key strategies for growing a successful retail business, even in challenging circumstances. The session will discuss how to keep retail workforces highly engaged and key leadership strategies for long-term success.

Matt Bradley, Event Director at RTS, comments: “Having showcased the power of entrepreneurial spirit in masterminding some of the greatest revivals and turnarounds in retail, we’re delighted to have Theo join us to share his insights at RTS 2025. With a passion for retail spanning over 40 years, his session will tap into that wealth of experience and leadership, unlocking the secrets to retail success, including motivating and inspiring workforces to deliver standout long-term performance.”

Paphitis will join over 125+ senior retailers and brand leaders speaking on the RTS conference programme, including M&S Chairman Archie Norman, and Gymshark’s former CEO and Chair, Steve Hewitt.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Workforce management will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in March, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.