William Lankston

William Lankston is Managing Director of Timpson Direct, overseeing the fastest growing divisions within the Timpson Group, a family business serving British high streets since 1865. Will joined Timpson in 2008 as a shop assistant in Aylesbury, working his way through nearly every division in the company. He now leads strategic partnerships, vending operations, web businesses, and franchising. He is a Fellow of The RSA and a vocL Voice, participating in discussions with MPs, journalists, and business leaders on leadership and social impact. Central to Will’s work is the Timpson ethos of Great Service by Great People. He is a strong advocate of the Group’s upside-down management philosophy, where leaders exist to serve their teams, and where success is measured not only in financial terms but also through employee happiness and wellbeing. He frequently speaks about Timpson’s distinctive approach to recruitment, including its long-standing commitment to employing ex-offenders. His hands-on knowledge of every level of the operation gives him practical insight into how inverting traditional management structures drives both financial performance and workplace wellbeing. Audiences learn how to implement upside-down management principles in their own organisations, discover practical strategies for building teams based on trust, and understand the business case for prioritising employee happiness. Will shares real examples from Timpson's operations, demonstrating how giving staff autonomy creates better customer service and stronger financial results. Book Will to learn how people-first leadership translates directly into commercial success and sustainable growth.