Helen Barnish

Entertaining Retail - Consultancy As an experienced Executive Development Director with many dynamic, growth brands over the last 25+ years including Merlin Entertainments, Hamleys, Nokia and The Body Shop, Helen founded Entertaining Retail in 2017 to provide a bespoke service to clients to support their expansion requirements and deliver profits through sustainable and ethical models in an ever changing economic world. Little did we know, when the business was created, the current challenges facing businesses around the world. With a global perspective we keep on top of, and analyse, the forecast trends in changing consumer behaviour, what that means for digital and physical retail and leisure experiences, and, for potential expansion investors. Working with brands, financial investors and developers, we specialise in the development of experiential leisure entertainment formats, F&B, and lifestyle retailers. Entertaining Retail develops systems, processes and strategies for expansion or re-development, creation of feasibility reports, contracting of strategic brands and delivery partners, and, securing of key locations to deliver successful growth. At Entertaining Retail, we are dedicated and passionate about both transforming and growing businesses. We get to the heart of your objectives, working collaboratively to deliver practical and meaningful results. We understand the dedication it takes to build and grow your company and we provide a very bespoke service to truly understand your ethos, your proposition, and, who your customers are, before recommending strategy plans, formats or strategic partners. Helen Barnish – Summary Bio: Having researched and visited over 100 markets in all 4 continents, Helen has contracted into 52 different markets with Franchise Partners/Company Operations, and, opened 1000+ stores and entertainment formats. Helen has a unique knowledge of the challenges of setting up businesses in new locations/markets, understanding of customer dynamics by location, over 25 years of developing franchise systems, and a ‘black book’ of entertainment formats, retailers, and franchise operators globally. Helen is a regular speaker and panelist at key international events including Mapic, Retail Week, ICSC, Retail Hive and RPA, and, is proud to have raised over £10,000 for children's charities through running 10 international marathons and cycling events.