James Timpson OBE, CEO of the family-owned Timpson Group, manages over 2,000 UK high-street retail locations, including Timpsons, Snappy Snaps, Max Spielman, and The Watch Lab. Beyond his business role, he chairs the Prison Reform Trust and offers guidance in both private and public sectors.
Alongside his colleague, Will Lankston, MD of Timspon Direct, James' leadership has seen Timpson thrive against the decline of the high street, prioritising employee happiness and customer service.
His book, "The Happy Index," reveals the company's strategy of empowering employees, such as offering free dry-cleaning for job interviewees, birthday leave, and autonomy in store management. James also invests in employee well-being, providing holiday homes and appointing a Director of Happiness, fostering a culture of kindness and trust. His approach to business, focusing on empathy, employee empowerment, and community contribution, offers a model for creating a successful, inclusive company culture.
James's insights into building a future where companies genuinely care for their teams have made him a respected figure advocating for upside-down management and a more compassionate business world.
James Timpson's The Happy Index reveals the secrets of upside-down management and doing the right thing. While it may seem straightforward to CEOs, managers, or directors, traditional top-down approaches often result in countless meetings and hours lost on emails and project approvals. This mindset reduces team members to mere cogs in the machine rather than valued colleagues. The Happy Index provides tools and tactics to help you and your team reevaluate business management. James shares insights from his experience running the family business, demonstrating how an upside-down mindset can enhance both financial success and team well-being. Attendees will learn practical strategies for fostering a happier, more effective workplace.
