Retail Forum and Showcase – School shopping: Retail success

We’ve been so fortunate to be able to host in-person events again at the SEA. Whilst our online offer is excellent, nothing beats meeting and chatting to colleagues in-person at a different school each time and seeing how someone else approaches things. I travel from South Devon every time but never regret making the effort.

Active professional networking is vital to our commercial activities. The SEA brings people together and builds long-term relationships as well as a good level of trust and support over time. The biggest advantages of being a SEA member are to get fresh ideas, strengthen business connections, raise your profile in your own school environment, gain more knowledge and most importantly get advice and support.

Commercial activity in schools has never been more important than it is now. I am delighted to be able to turn to my colleagues in the SEA when I’m considering a new venture or just wanting to have a sounding board.

I return to the office after every one of the SEA events that I attend and immediately refer to my notes, implementing something new or developmental in my department.

Membership of the SEA has really supported me in my journey at Sherborne school. Just being able to pick up a phone and get some advice from an expert on a specific subject has been invaluable.

The launch of the Sports Chapter at Tonbridge School Centre in March was an important milestone – I look forward to networking with many colleagues around the country who run equally unique school sports centres. Sharing issues and opportunities while providing solutions to industry challenges, make this an exciting prospect.