‘Queen of Shops’ Mary Portas to bring business brilliance to Glasgow

MEDIA STATEMENT - Glasgow is set to welcome one of Britain’s most recognisable business figures, Mary Portas OBE - the legendary ‘Queen of Shops’ - for a live conversation with Amy Irons on 25 February.

The exclusive in-person event, hosted by ICAS (the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland), will feature the renowned retail consultant, broadcaster, author and government advisor alongside acclaimed TV and radio presenter Amy Irons. 

Best known for transforming major brands such as Harvey Nichols and for her hit BBC series Mary Queen of Shops, Portas has become one of the UK’s most trusted voices on business, retail, and the high street. Her straight-talking style and creative vision have made her a household name and a force for change in British business. 

During the event held at Glasgow’s Everyman Cinema, Portas will reflect on her multi-faceted career spanning retail, broadcasting, entrepreneurship, and public policy while sharing anecdotes from her sixth book, I Shop Therefore I Am. The conversation will explore the power of creativity in business, her work advising government on the future of the high street, and the role finance professionals can play in building a more equitable and inclusive society. 

Speaking to ICAS’ CA magazine, she recently highlighted the crucial role of creativity in business, saying:

“Creativity fuels business, business never fuels creativity. Everything starts with an idea. We are in new territory, and we don’t quite have the language yet for this territory, but what will get us out of this [mess] is connection, ideas and creativity.” 

All proceeds from ticket sales will go to Smart Works, the charity empowering unemployed women with the clothes, coaching, and confidence they need to succeed at job interviews. Guests will not only hear from one of Britain’s most influential business leaders and network but also support women across the UK in their journey back into employment.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Mary Portas OBE to Glasgow for this exclusive event. Her insight, creativity, and track record of transforming businesses is truly inspiring, and we’re excited for our members and the wider public to hear her in conversation with Amy Irons. By attending, guests are also supporting Smart Works, helping women gain the confidence and skills to succeed in the workplace,” said Gail Boag, ICAS CEO.

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