Amie Burke is Learning Engagement Lead at IGD. Her role includes connecting businesses to IGDs learning proposition in order to create a future fit workforce. As well as running IGD’s hugely successful reverse mentoring programme, that support senior leaders in the food and drink industry to create inclusive workplaces. Amie has more than 14 years’ experience in the agriculture sector, with roles ranging from banking to business improvement across the whole supply chain. Prior to IGD, Amie worked for the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), where she focused on people sustainability in UK farming. Amie is a passionate LGBTQ+ member and was recently named in The Grocer’s Power List as a top 10 activist making grocery a better industry for the LGBTQ+ community.

Amy Searle is a senior communications leader with over 16 years' experience across agency, in-house and trade body roles, giving her a unique perspective across both supplier and operator environments. With a background spanning PR, marketing and sales, Amy is passionate about driving commercial results for clients, bringing a strategic lens and deep appreciation for the nuances of retail and out-of-home markets.

Across her career, Amy has delivered multiple award-winning campaigns recognised across the UK and EMEA, working with leading FMCG and drinks brands including PepsiCo, Organix, Diageo, Birds Eye, Ferrero, Haleon, Premier Foods, Suntory, Hovis and Heineken UK.

Beyond her commercial achievements, Amy is a passionate advocate for women in business and a champion of the retail and hospitality sectors. She is a proud member of G100 Media Arts & Communication and regularly contributes to the industry as a judge for the Retail Industry Awards and Bar Magazine Awards.

Chris has over 15 years of experience representing the convenience sector, having joined ACS in October 2009. As Communications Director, Chris is responsible for all ACS external and internal communications, media relations, a wide-ranging research portfolio which includes the industry leading Local Shop Report, and ACS' Assured Advice partnership with Surrey and Buckinghamshire Trading Standards.

Chris is an official spokesperson for ACS, appearing frequently in print, on national television and radio, to make the case for local shops to external audiences.

Dave Webb has been at The Fed for nearly five years, during that time he has supported independent retails to make money, save money and make business easier for them. Dave currently heads up the field team, who are responsible for supporting our existing members and recruiting new members into The Fed.

James was ACS Chief Executive between November 2006 and February 2026. He led ACS on political and policy representation, drove a unique research programme that informs ACS’ policy work, launched an industry-leading assured advice scheme in partnership with Surrey County Council, and created a new and unique events programme. James has been a member of ministerial advisory groups including the National Retail Crime Steering Group and the Retail Sector Council. He also sat on the boards of Community Alcohol Partnerships, the Proof of Age Standards Scheme and the London Food Board, and was a sector leader representative to the High Streets Task Force.

I have extensive 20+ years' experience in FMCG wholesale and convenience retail. I am passionate about helping brands, wholesalers, and suppliers grow faster building categories, optimising routes to market, and unlocking new commercial data driven opportunities that drive real return on investment.

I’m especially focused on brands in high growth categories helping them break through and reach consumers in bold, creative, and commercially effective ways.

I have now retired after a career spanning five decades in retail. Starting as a Saturday boy in my local Asda in the early 70's I have held several store manager roles with some of the (sadly) consigned to the past brands.

I moved into head office roles specialising food safety and health and safety, then into finance auditing.

Most recently I had my own business supporting small businesses in the food retail and hospitality sectors.

38 years in wholesale & retail, most notably CEO of a £1.6b company, Nisa retail, which was owned by its retailer members. My last Executive role was MD of a wholesale buying group. I'm now an advisor to various businesses in retail, wholesale, technology and brands. I'm also proud to have served as a Charity Trustee in various roles. I was Trustee for 6 years (the maximum allowed) of MAG, a global humanitarian charity based in Manchester. MAG clears landmines and the legacy of conflict and saves lives. I've led over £1.7m fundraising in that time through food industry bike rides in Southeast Asia, Bosnia & Africa.

Nick is Mintel’s expert on all things retail, leading strategic thinking across global retail developments and shopper behaviour. For over a decade, Nick has helped clients understand shopper needs and unlock opportunities and works closely with Mintel’s global analyst teams to shape our research.