Mary Portas to speak at 2026 GCA Conference
The Garden Centre Association (GCA) has announced that businesswoman, broadcaster, author, and activist Mary Portas OBE will be a keynote speaker at its annual conference, taking place at Carden Park, Chester, from January 25–28, 2026. Mary will speak on retail during the main conference day, Tuesday, January 27.
Mary, awarded an OBE in 2024 for her services to business, broadcasting, and charity, is renowned for creating change across the retail sector. Aged 30, she became a board member at Harvey Nichols before founding her own retail consultancy, and has since worked with many of the world’s leading retail brands.
Ben Harrison, GCA Chairman Elect and Operations Director at Haskins Garden Centres, said: “We’re delighted Mary has agreed to join us for our 2026 conference. Her expertise in retail, innovation, and cultural change will resonate strongly with our members. We’re also grateful to our associate member Evergreen Garden Care for generously sponsoring her session.”
Mary is widely recognised for her broadcasting career, including the BBC’s Mary Queen of Shops, which premiered in 2007. In 2009 she partnered with Save the Children to launch Mary’s Living & Giving shops, which have raised more than £30 million for charity. She also authored the UK government’s 2011 review into the future of the high street.
As an author and podcaster, Mary continues to influence business thinking. Her books include Shop Girl (2015), Work Like a Woman (2018), and Rebuild: How to Thrive in the New Kindness Economy (2021). Her Kindness Economy podcast reached #1 in the UK business charts, and her latest series, Beautiful Misfits, explores the ideas of changemakers building a better future.
Peter Burks, GCA CEO, added: “Our 2026 conference theme is ‘Growing a Better Future’, focusing on profitability, sustainability, and innovation. Mary embodies these values, making her an ideal speaker. We encourage members and industry colleagues to join us at what promises to be a highly inspiring event.”
For more information and to book tickets, please visit www.gca.org.uk or contact conference@gca.org.uk. Non-members interested in attending can email info@gca.org.uk to enquire about joining the GCA, which represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide.