Final Speakers Announced for the NAJ's Retail Congress 2025
08 Apr 2025
The NAJ's JET Business Network (JBN) has announced the final group of speakers joining a packed roster of experts at the upcoming Retail Congress, which will take place at Drayton Manor Resort on Tuesday, 3rd June.
This year’s one-day event explores "Lessons from the Best in Class" and will feature award-winning business owners from both within and outside the jewellery industry. They will share their knowledge, experience, and expertise on a variety of essential commercial topics to help retail jewellers not just survive ‘25 but also thrive.
Two new speakers have joined the list of experts sharing their experience and wisdom.
Sarah Gregg will explore how our minds and bodies respond to uncertainty and how this can be harnessed as a competitive edge. Her session will offer practical, evidence-based strategies that help reframe the unknown as a powerful tool for growth.
Sarah is a psychologist and co-author of Find Your Flow and Choose Happy, with over 85,000 copies sold internationally. Sarah specialises in making complex psychology simple and usable, helping hundreds of individuals and organisations.
Sonja Leason will share how to face adversity head-on and transform challenges into growth. Through her inspiring approach of “doing it scared”, she will show how mindset shifts can turn victims into victors and how anything can be figured out with the right perspective.
Starting her career in sales in 2006, Sonja rose to become top salesperson for a global advertising brand. She has since bootstrapped three businesses, written a No.1 bestselling book, and surpassed authors like Elon Musk and Simon Sinek on Amazon. Overcoming extreme adversity in her youth, Sonja’s story is a powerful example of resilience and entrepreneurial grit.
Announcing the final speakers at this year's Congress, Michael Donaldson, JBN Facilitator, shares,
"I was so pleased when Sarah and Sonja agreed to join this year's stellar Congress line-up, which boasts a fantastic mix of expert voices from both inside and outside the jewellery sector. Combined, they will most certainly deliver on the Congress promise of providing valuable lessons, tips and takeaway tools for delegates to use on their return to their stores.”
Sarah and Sonja join a packed list of keynote speakers, including…
Jaysal Pattni – What it Takes to be Voted the Best in Town
Jaysal Pattni, JBN member and Director at fourth-generation family business Minar Jewellers, will share insights into how consistent motivation, excellence and local recognition can elevate SMEs. Drawing on Minar’s multiple award wins – including Best Business and Jewellers of the Year – Jaysal will explain how such accolades build credibility and customer trust.
Harriet France – Inspiring Your People
Harriet France, JBN member and Managing Director of Jeremy France Jewellers, will discuss her approach to leading a 24-strong team and the impact of a motivated workforce. With over two decades at the company and a string of awards including NAJ Salesperson of the Year 2023 and 2024, Harriet will show how investing in people drives business success.
Peter Wong – Delivering Winning Marketing Campaigns
Peter Wong, JBN member and owner of Wongs Jewellers in Liverpool, will reveal how his award-winning marketing campaigns have boosted the family-run business. From strategy to execution, he’ll offer practical tips to replicate this success, having earned titles such as Marketing Maestro 2024 and Merseyside Business of the Year.
Debbie Barrow – Creating Today’s Top Sales Performers
Debbie Barrow, Managing Director of Virada Training, will explore what sets top jewellery salespeople apart and how to cultivate high-performing teams. With programmes delivered to over 150 jewellers and 400 retailers worldwide, Debbie brings proven expertise in transforming sales performance.
Charlie Betts – Differentiating Your Business with ESG Engagement
Charlie Betts, ninth-generation leader of The Betts Group, will discuss how ethical practices and ESG engagement can enhance both brand value and profitability. As co-founder of Single Mine Origin Gold and creator of AgAIN Silver, Charlie offers practical steps to avoid greenwashing and stand out responsibly in the market.
What is the Retail Congress?
The annual Retail Congress has been a longstanding and popular event for independent jewellery retailers to come together, network and hear from esteemed speakers on topics and challenges reported by the NAJ's independent jewellery retailer network – the JBN.
The event is not all about business. Join us for a relaxed pre-Congress networking dinner on the evening of Monday, 2nd June, and take the opportunity of a complimentary afternoon ticket to ride your old favourites at the onsite Drayton Manor Theme Park.
Regular Congress attendee Cynthia Cartwright, Commercial Director of Wongs Jewellers, shares,
"Congress offers inspirational speakers, insightful perspectives and invaluable networking opportunities that can really shape business strategies. It's a vibrant event with a jam-packed schedule to maximise learning opportunities. If you're looking to improve your business, then you need to be there."
Ticket prices
NAJ Member Rate - £245 +VAT
Non-Member Rate - £295 +VAT
Receive 20% off the price of additional tickets when purchasing for multiple staff members.
View Retail Congress
Source: National Association of Jewellers