A session with Paul Barnes, Helen Brocklebank, Simon Cotton, Derrick Hardman and Charlotte Keesing
CEO,
Walpole,
Johnstons of Elgin,
Global Blue and
Walpole
Categories covered by this session
About this session
HMT announced in September this year that the VAT RES (tax-free shopping) scheme will end on 31 December, as the UK exits the European Union. In this session our panelists give their analysis of the impacts to UK business and Chancellor’s response so far to calls from the retail, hospitality, airline and manufacturing sectors to overturn this decision. They will give an overview of the impacts on their particular sectors or brand; reflect on the long-term consequences for Global Britain – including its competitiveness, reputation around the world, retail environment of the future; and – most crucially - the impact of removing the scheme on jobs and visitor numbers.
Paul Barnes
Paul is Chief Executive of the Association of International Retail and a strategic advisor to the New West End Company and Global Blue.
Helen Brocklebank
Helen Brocklebank is the Chief Executive of Walpole.
Simon Cotton
For the last seven years Simon Cotton has led cashmere and fine woollens specialist, Johnstons of Elgin, and helped them to deliver the potential of their 223-year history and incredible expertise.
Derrick Hardman
Derrick has been Managing Director of Global Blue UK & Ireland since 2018.
Charlotte Keesing
Charlotte Keesing is a Director at Walpole with responsibility for Corporate Affairs & International working closely with the CEO across numerous business activities.
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