Championing Retail, People, and the Power of Connection
A conversation with Matt Bradley:
Matt Bradley has been part of the People in Retail Awards (PIRA) mission since day one. As an official ambassador and long-standing judge, he has played a key role in recognising the people who make retail extraordinary. Known and loved across the industry, Matt isn’t just a name in retail technology, he’s a passionate advocate for the people behind it.
As the driving force behind The Retail Technology Show (RTS), Matt has built the UK’s biggest event dedicated to the future of retail, hospitality, and leisure. And this year, RTS is making a bold move to ExCel London on 2-3 April, a milestone that reflects the show’s incredible growth and influence.
But for Matt, RTS has never just been about tech – it’s all about people.
Retail’s greatest asset? Its people
Over the years, Matt has seen the industry shift. Where once technology was about efficiency and automation, today it’s about empowerment.
“For so long, tech was about replacing people. Now, it’s about empowering them. It’s about freeing them up to do what they do best; helping customers or staff, solving problems, and bringing brands to life.”
Retailers and suppliers alike are recognising the value of investing in people. Whether it’s customer service teams, delivery drivers, or the tech partners behind the scenes, the final impression – the person at the till, the driver at your door, the customer service rep on the phone – can make or break a brand.
The energy of RTS!
For Matt, opening morning at RTS is like no other feeling.
“A year’s worth of work all comes down to that final 30 seconds. The doors open, and suddenly, all that energy, all those people, all those ideas come together in one place. It’s magic.”
RTS isn’t just another trade show. As Matt put’s it, it’s a carnival of retail, buzzing with ideas, partnerships and community. It’s where you reconnect with old friends, meet new partners, and get inspired!
And this year, the show is bigger than ever, with over 400 suppliers, industry-leading speakers, and 13,000+ attendees coming together to shape the future of retail.
Why PIRA Matters More Than Ever
Alongside RTS, People in Retail Awards (PIRA) is gaining momentum as one of the most important awards in the industry, and Matt has been part of its journey from the very beginning.
“It’s fast becoming the most important awards out there and my favourite night of the year. People are the most important attribute to retail right now and recognising that, celebrating that, is vital!”
Matt has seen first-hand how retailers and suppliers are shifting their focus.
“Retail has always been an industry where someone can start on the shop floor and work their way up to CEO. We need to celebrate that. Recognising the best in retail isn’t just nice, it’s vital.”
As a previous judge for the awards, Matt has been part of the process of recognising those who go above and beyond to create a people-first retail culture.
“The shift from retailers and suppliers to start focusing on developing people has never been clearer. The best businesses aren’t just investing in products or tech, they’re investing in their teams.”
“This industry will keep thriving as long as the right people are in it. Recognising and celebrating those people…the ones who make retail what it is… that’s what PIRA is all about.”
More than anything, Matt loves the way RTS and PIRA bring people together.
“This industry works so hard. We spend all year with our heads down, making things happen. But events like RTS and PIRA give us a rare chance to stop, look up, and truly connect. It’s about more than just networking, it’s about reuniting with old friends, making new ones and celebrating the people who make retail what it is!
“And, we don’t take enough time to recognise each other, to appreciate the effort, the passion, the late nights, and the wins – big or small. PIRA gives us that moment. To pause, to raise a glass and to say, ‘You matter. What you do matters.’”
Matt’s Top tips for making the most of retail’s biggest show, RTS!
- Plan ahead! “Download the app, check the conference sessions, and make a list of exhibitors you want to visit. It’s a big show so having a game plan helps.”
- Use the WhatsApp concierge! “We’ve introduced a brand-new concierge service. Just message what you’re looking for (e.g., AI vendors), and within seconds, you’ll get a personalised list with links to exhibitors and relevant conference sessions.”
- Wear comfy shoes! “Trust me, you’ll be racking up the steps! 18,000 square metres of retail innovation means a lot of walking, trainers are your best friend.”
- Stick around for a drink! “The networking at RTS is incredible. Stay for an evening drink, chat with people, and make those connections that last beyond the show.”
- Soak up the energy! “RTS isn’t just about business, it’s about celebrating the best of retail. Take it all in, get inspired, and remember why this industry is so great.”
See you at ExCel London on 2-3 April! More 🔗
And don’t forget… Enter the People in Retail Awards!
While we’re celebrating retail’s biggest event, let’s also celebrate the incredible people who make it all happen. Entries for the People in Retail Awards close on 1st May—and it’s completely free to enter!
Do you know someone in your team who’s going above and beyond? Whether it’s outstanding customer service, a game-changing leadership approach, or making a real difference in the workplace, now is the time to call them out! Enter now!
