Keeping all channels open

Lancashire-based Hotter Shoes chief executive Sara Prowse has spoken of the growing importance of an ‘omnichannel’ approach to sales in the retail sector.

Prowse said that the company was already active online but was working hard to improve its presence.

Hotter’s typical customer is female and aged 50 plus and is increasingly turning to online shopping – and becoming more sophisticated as a consumer as a result.

She also told the audience growing overseas markets, “further building” its wholesale business and a big IT transformation programme were also on her to-do list.

The event, sponsored by Ribby Hall Village, also heard from Gary Clifton, Head of Corporate Clients at NFU Mutual in Preston. He warned of the growing cyber-security threats facing all businesses.