Theo Paphitis’ Vision Of The High Street

An Exclusive Interview With PG&H

Following his seminar on the Inspiring Retail Stage at Spring Fair in February, retail entrepreneur and former ‘Dragon’, Theo Paphitis, owner and chairman of Rymans, Robert Dyas, Boux Avenue and the London Graphic Centre, shared his vision of the high street over the next one to three years exclusively with PG&H.

“I’d like the high street to be more inclusive. Not in the thinking of the moment, but more inclusive in terms of all our day to day living requirements and how we live our lives,” he explained. “Going forward, I would love our high streets to have some of the core values that they used to have.”

Explained Theo: “I’d like high streets to be about the community, with lots of outlets offering products and services. At the same time, there needs to be somewhere for people to park their cars - not everyone cycles - especially as we get a more elderly group of residents, and it doesn’t have to be on the high street itself. The important thing is that there is an understanding of what local people’s needs actually are, not what someone is telling them their needs are.”

As for working from home encouraging more people to visit their high streets and shop locally, he pointed out: “Although we’re seeing a drop in people shopping in our city centre stores, we’ve benefitted in other ways. Our businesses in local towns are thriving. People are shopping locally and they are getting the service. I believe that high streets need shops that have a good range of products that are competitively priced, and they don’t need to be the cheapest, because customers respect that you are giving them something else.”

POC’s Founder In Barclays Bank Series

Products of Change’s founder and ceo Helena Mansell-Stopher has been featured in a special Female Founders series from Barclays Bank, celebrating the success of female pioneers of business as part of its International Women’s Day activity.

Taking the opportunity to reflect on its own efforts to embrace equity over equality and recognise the different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of women in business the world over, Barclays has launched a social series highlighting the stories of six female business founders across the SME sector.

“It’s pretty phenomenal to be part of Barclays’ Female Business Founders series. To be showcased as a woman bringing a fresh approach to the industry is a huge honour,” said Helena.

“Opening a business bank account during the pandemic in 2020, when Products of Change was created, was tough, and Barclays was the only bank that would support us, which is crazy to think now, but at the time it was a real issue,” said Helena. “Fast forward three years and Products of Change is thriving and connecting not only to industry but within the Barclays sustainability and SME networks too. It’s amazing what a different time and being a part of a supporting networking gives you.” Visit www.productsofchange.com. For more about Products of Change turn to page 53.

Above right: POC’s founder and ceo Helena Mansell-Stopher.

Go La La! Partners With Earthly

Best known for its naughty humour across gift soaps and greeting cards, Go La La!’s co-owner, Laura Kavanagh, also knows her stuff when it comes to ensuring it’s a cleaner world.

“We’re thrilled to have teamed up with Earthly to become a climate positive team,” Laura said, “and are directing money from sales to support two incredible initiatives - Eden Reforestation Projects’ work in Madagascar along with a project in Keo Seima - which will help us balance our impact while protecting biodiversity and supporting communities.”

Co-owned by Laura and John Higgins, Go La La’s products are finalists in three 2023 GOTY categories including Ethical & Sustainable. See pages 36-37.

Left: Go La La sustainable soaps.