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.
Want to book James Timpson for your next event?
Email james.timpson@getapeptalk.com, and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
Please note: we can only assist with speaking requests. For anything else, we recommend reaching out to James Timpson directly.
What topics does James Timpson specialise in?
James Timpson specialises in talking about high-street retail management, employee empowerment, compassionate business practices and more.
What is James Timpson's speaking style like?
James delivers insightful leadership with empathy and empowerment, fostering a culture of kindness and trust. His approach prioritises employee well-being, making him a respected advocate for compassionate business practices. AI summary based on real event feedback.
Does James Timpson offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, James Timpson offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.