The BCSC has promised to announce big changes at its annual conference in Manchester next week, but in a fast-moving and rapidly changing retail sector, will it be too little too late or just enough just in time?
The body will tell delegates it is moving away from shopping centres to encompass the entire retail and leisure property industry as well as the technology and logistic sectors.
“BCSC is changing so that it will be fit for purpose for the next 25 years,” said a source close to the BCSC board.
The 25-year-old body’s rebrand forms part of its Strategy 2020 mission which was to refocus the body around four key areas – career development, business development, industry standards and influence.
Former chief executive John Coyne was leading the project, but stepped down after 10 months and was replaced by Edward Cooke, who was appointed in August.
Why is it changing?
BCSC was founded in 1985 to showcase new shopping centres, but over the years this model has become outdated and evolved to represent all retail landlords.
“BCSC has run its course as a showcase for new shopping centres,” said a BCSC member. “A landlord’s strategy is no longer to differentiate between assets. It is about the direction in which consumers travel and the way they shop.”
Since BCSC’s inception, the retail property industry has become younger and more diverse, a population that BCSC supports through its NextGen committee.
The new BCSC will embrace the youthful aspect of the industry and its growing talent pool.
It has been pushed to innovate through increased competition and other organisations which are attracting attention in the industry, including Completely Retail and the WIRED retail conference.
What will be the main changes and will it work?
The proposed changes suggest a turnaround of the body, however, there is still uncertainty as to whether they will work.
“Some professionals are sceptical about the longevity of the body even in light of the proposed changes,” said a source contacted by Estates Gazette.
BCSC will have a different name and feel, but it will not turn its back on the old model. It will remain a membership body that facilitates deal-making.
Changes have been made to improve its lobbying power. It will work alongside the British Retail Consortium to represent the retail and leisure industry.
“It will come forward as the main body for government, with changes in the way it will lobby government to offer a clearer message. The rebrand will give it more power,” said a source.
Technology and its role in the retail and leisure experience will also play a greater role in response to the industry becoming omni-channel. The rebrand will recognise that online retail, once a threat to the bricks-and-mortar side of the business, is now essential to a successful business.
What will it be called?
All will be revealed next week –but it will not include “shopping centres”.
Conference speakers embrace the new
Three conference sessions that highlight where BCSC needs to concentrate: logistics, leisure and customer focus.
• James Craddock, regional director for London & Park Royal, SEGRO: “Retail’s changing! Can logistics and store design keep up?”
• Jace Tyrell, chief executive, New West End Company: “Retail is still detail – the importance of consumer insight”
• Nick Green, head of sales, Deliveroo: “The menu of opportunity – food and beverage and leisure”
• To send feedback, e-mail amber.rolt@estatesgazette.com or tweet @AmberRoltEG or @estatesgazette
