In this episode of the Productivity Podcast, we speak with Kayleigh Fazan, founder of the International Retail Academy, to discuss why transforming the customer experience has to start behind the scenes. Kayleigh shares her insights from over 20 years in retail, explaining why true productivity is all about empowering leaders, building team confidence, and getting the basics right.

Here are the key takeaways from our conversation:

Behavior Over Metrics: Retail leaders often fixate on lagging indicators like conversion and ATV that only show what happened yesterday. To genuinely improve productivity, managers must focus on the daily behaviors that create those results.

The Power of Service: Delivering an exceptional, consistent customer experience is one of the most commercially productive activities a retail business can perform.

Targeted Training: Overwhelming part-time staff with massive libraries of learning materials is highly ineffective. Businesses should instead empower their leaders to separate critical, "must-do" training from optional "nice-to-have" learning.

Sustainable Growth: Retailers cannot simply cut costs to achieve growth. Adopting a bottom-up approach to customer service naturally boosts commercial numbers, which in turn allows for future budget growth.

📅 Save the Date! Join us live at the Productivity Forum on 10th September in Birmingham.

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In this episode, Sue and Simon explore essential resources for enhancing productivity and validating business cases. If you're seeking insights to inform your next project, this conversation is packed with valuable information.

Case Studies: Learning from the Best

Sue highlights the importance of case studies for anyone looking to build a solid business case. These real-world examples provide a deep dive into specific projects, showcasing what clients aimed to achieve and the results they accomplished. This firsthand knowledge can guide you in tailoring your own strategies.

"If you're trying to think about what will be the business case for a particular project, it's a good one to drill into and find out what somebody else's experience was." — Sue

Whitepapers: Broadening Your Understanding

In addition to case studies, Sue discusses the wealth of knowledge available in white papers. These documents offer a broader introduction to topics like improving productivity and workload modeling, featuring multiple case studies to illustrate different approaches. Ideal for those still narrowing down their options, whitepapers can provide the general learning needed to kickstart your projects.

"If you're still thinking about what you should be doing and want to get some general learning about what other people have done, then the white paper is a great place to start." — Sue

Further Learning: Books and Courses

Simon and Sue also touch on the book Every Second Counts, which compiles frequently asked questions and offers practical insights along with various case studies. This resource is particularly beneficial for those looking for quick wins in their productivity efforts.

From foundational training courses at the ReThink Academy to specialised workshops on workload modeling and methods study, there are numerous opportunities for deeper learning. As Sue notes, these courses can equip you with crucial knowledge and skills whether you're new to productivity or seeking a fresh perspective.

Upcoming Events and Resources

Don't forget to sign up for the ReThink Forum 2026 happening on September 10th in Birmingham. With over 200 episodes of the Productivity Podcast available, there's a wealth of information at your fingertips. Additionally, Simon and Sue announce a pause on the Basket and Barometer series, making way for new conversations, including the intriguing Hedaux Hogg and the Machines, focusing on AI's role in retail and hospitality.

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This month on the productivity podcast Ben Collier, co-founder at Ocasta discusses how streamlining store communications is helping drive actionable tasks, frontline micro-learning, and better sales conversions, and looks ahead to when AI will automatically guide managers through effective team coaching.

Key takeaways:

• From Consumer Apps to Frontline Operations: How a serendipitous project shifted Ocasta from building consumer apps for major brands into creating user-friendly, bespoke operations platforms for retail enterprises.
• Removing Operational Guesswork: Why turning disguised head-office communications into clear, actionable tasks with real-time visibility eliminates confusion on the shop floor.
• Micro-Learning in the Flow of Work: How extending traditional knowledge bases into bite-sized, AI-generated training allows store teams to access and complete critical standard operating procedures in just minutes.
• The AI-Powered Coach: A look ahead at Ocasta's upcoming AI coaching assistant, designed to analyse real in-store observation data and provide managers with tailored action plans and prompts—removing the guesswork from human judgment.

Ocasta Webinar: Watch the Webinar Ben mentions in the Pod

Event Alert: Catch up with Ben and the Ocasta team to get an early look at their new AI coaching assistant at the upcoming Productivity Forum.

📅 Save the Date! Join us live at the Productivity Forum on 10th September in Birmingham.

🎟️ Secure your spot: ReThink Forum 2026

Download a copy of our first ReThink Productivity Retail Report

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In this debut episode of "Hedaux, Hogg & the Machines", host Simon is joined by guest co-host Ed Hogg, CEO of SolvedBy.ai. Together, they explore the fast-moving state of AI technology and its practical applications across retail, hospitality, and customer-facing environments.

Key takeaways:

🔹 Data Security: Why enterprise security settings matter when using LLMs and the hidden risks of unvetted open-source models. 

🔹 Head Office Efficiency: How area managers are using AI agents to automate weekly store action plans in minutes. 

🔹 Shop Floor AI: How retail giants like Walmart, Tesco, Lowe's, and M&S are rolling out AI tools to frontline teams. 

🔹 What’s Next: What to expect from upcoming models, enterprise forecasting tools, and the realistic timeline for store robotics.

📅 Save the Date! Join us live at the Productivity Forum on 10th September in Birmingham.

🎟️ Secure your spot: ReThink Forum 2026

Download a copy of our first ReThink Productivity Retail Report

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This month on our business productivity podcast, we spoke to Will Eadie, Chief Strategy Officer at WorkJam.
We discussed how Task Management tools are helping drive compliance, productivity and colleague engagement, and looked ahead to when systems will automatically suggest actions, saving even more admin time.

Key takeaways:

Productivity Drives Engagement: Why giving frontline workers clear expectations and streamlined tasks boosts overall job satisfaction and engagement.

The £6.25 Billion Opportunity: Insights from the Rethink Productivity 2026 report, highlighting the massive savings organizations can unlock by managing capacity intelligently.

From Insights to Execution: How AI is moving beyond data-dumping to provide store managers with actual decision support and dynamic task prioritization based on real-time signals like footfall and POS transactions.

Democratizing Tasks: Real-world examples of how digital collaboration platforms allow managers to assign tasks based on skill and availability, keeping operations running smoothly even across differing shift patterns.

The Autonomous Frontline: A look ahead at the next 12 months, predicting a shift toward systems that automatically suggest optimized actions—freeing managers from administrative burdens so they can focus on coaching teams and serving customers.

Event Alert: Catch up with the WorkJam team at the Rethink Forum on September 10th in Birmingham.

📅 Save the Date! Join us live at the Productivity Forum on 10th September in Birmingham.

🎟️ Secure your spot: ReThink Forum 2026

Download a copy of our first ReThink Productivity Retail Report

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We sit down with Peter Kuhlang, CEO of the MTM Association, to unpack MTM as a process language that turns work description into reliable time standards. We also test the hype around AI by looking at how video and motion data can speed up analysis without losing credibility.

• Peter’s path from industrial engineering to leading MTM globally 
• What MTM is and why predetermined motion time systems matter 
• How the MTM Association maintains methods, rights, and training standards 
• Picking the right MTM method based on repetitiveness and detail needed 
• The top benefits we see in practice: transparency, standardisation, cost planning 
• Where AI helps and where human judgement still has to step in 
• How MTM Motion validates AI-identified motions into a correct MTM analysis 

📅 Save the Date! Join us live at the Productivity Forum on 10th September in Birmingham.

🎟️ Secure your spot: ReThink Forum 2026

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The countdown is officially on. We are just two months away from the annual Productivity Forum on September 10th in Birmingham, and this week on The Productivity Pulse, we’re giving you an exclusive sneak peek at what’s in store.

With over 150 operational and productivity leaders already registered, this year’s event is shaping up to be our biggest and most impactful yet.

Join hosts Sue, Simon & James as they break down the 2026 agenda, which is built entirely around real feedback from the industry and our latest retail report.

• Rethinking Efficiency: How leading businesses are tackling rising costs by smartly reducing task loads in-store.
• Deploying Tech Pragmatically: Moving past the hype to look at real-life success stories in implementing workforce and task management tools.
• Managing Capacity Intelligently: A cross-industry look (retail + hospitality) at how to protect and maximise your peak trading periods without burning out your resources.
• Our 2026 Keynote: We are thrilled to welcome serial entrepreneur and ex-Dragon Sarah Willingham, who will be sharing her hospitality and business wisdom!
• Insider Tips: The team shares their top strategies on how to network, collaborate, and get the absolute most out of the day.

📅 Save the Date! Join us live at the Productivity Forum on 10th September in Birmingham. 

🎟️ Secure your spot: ReThink Forum 2026

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Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat

We take a look at May’s retail and economic signals, where the mood stays low but the sales numbers finally lift. We tease out how heat, online shopping, and where people choose to spend time reshape the outlook for high streets, retail parks, and seaside towns.
• Consumer confidence stuck at minus 23 on the GfK index
• Unemployment improving slightly to 4.8%
• Retail sales rising year on year across BRC and ONS measures
• Online spending driving much of the uplift, especially in non-food
• Fashion outperforming food on value growth, with different online shares
• Footfall declining overall, with retail parks holding up better than high streets and shopping centres
• How extreme heat changes destination choice and town centre comfort
• Lessons from the US out-of-town, climate-controlled shopping model
• Hospitality and fast fashion adapting quickly to weather-driven demand
• Summer trading patterns by location, with seaside towns relying on August like Christmas

📅 Save the Date! Join us live at the Productivity Forum on 10th September in Birmingham.

🎟️ Secure your spot: ReThink Forum 2026

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What separates guesswork from actual, sustainable efficiency? Professional training.

In this episode, our resident experts—Sue, Simon & James—are joined by special guest Phil to break down why credible productivity work must start with the right foundations.

 They dive into how the ReThink Academy is shaping the next generation of industry experts through our four core courses:

• Introduction to Productivity – Building the baseline
• Work Study – Measuring the essentials
• Method Study – Designing smarter workflows
• Labour Modelling – Optimising your workforce

Ready to level up your team's capabilities? 

🌐 Explore the Academy: ReTime Academy

📅 Save the Date! Join us live at the Productivity Forum on 10th September in Birmingham. 

🎟️ Secure your spot: ReThink Forum 2026

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Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat

April’s numbers look grim on the surface, but Easter timing shifts spending into March and distorts the year on year story. We discuss the real signals behind falling footfall and softer sales, then ask what rising costs and uncertainty are doing to jobs, confidence and everyday choices. 
• Easter timing and strong comparables shaping the headline results 
• Footfall declines across high street, shopping centres and retail parks 
• BRC sales turning negative and what that suggests about demand 
• Beauclair town-centre spend falling with discretionary categories hit hardest 
• Inflation cooling overall while hospitality and transport stay high 
• The “how expensive is too expensive” question and what markets will bear 
• Unemployment at 5% with much higher youth unemployment 
• Wages keeping pace with inflation for those in work 
• Consumer confidence staying low and driving caution 
• Experiences still winning over material purchases 

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We recorded our first live ReThink Productivity podcast at the Retail Technology Show after-show party, talking candidly about what retail tech is actually doing for productivity right now. Chris Chandler and Steve Young share what is changing with AI, wage pressure, training, and the practical realities of running stores on land and at sea.

• AI at the show feeling more integrated and less like marketing 
• Cruise ship retail productivity focused on freeing time for guest experience and sales 
• Training challenges with rotating contracts and the value of app-based learning 
• AI forecasting as a key lever, especially when demand varies by itinerary 
• National Living Wage at £12.71 pushing retailers beyond “low-hanging fruit” tech 
• Shifting focus towards operating models, partners, and commercial arrangements 
• AI workflow management to drive the right task at the right time 
• Supply chain visibility and QR codes for end-to-end product tracking 
• Funding AI through a mix of labour efficiency and sales growth 

Download your copy of the Retail Report

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We gave Notebook LM our first ReThink Productivity Retail Report

NotebookLM digs into why shops can look perfectly staffed and still fail you at the checkout or on the shop floor, then trace the problem back to how retail measures efficiency. We use the ReThink Productivity Retail Report 2026 to show how a push for 100% utilisation creates a capacity cap that burns out colleagues and leaks sales
• The £6.25bn annual opportunity hidden inside “wasted” labour time 
• How the efficiency index is built and why 80% is healthier than 100% 
• the capacity cap and why small disruptions collapse service 
• Demand-led rotas that protect peak trading hours and use quiet periods well 
• Security tagging as a labour cost that can exceed the value it protects 
• Omnichannel services that add seconds which turn into queues 
• Self-checkout friction and why design beats blame 
• Pragmatic tech wins like electronic shelf labels that lift morale 

Download your copy of the Retail Report

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Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat

We read the March 2026 retail and economic data against a month shaped by war and an early Easter, where strong headlines hide weaker high street reality
• March footfall rising year on year but flattered by a weak 2025 comparison
• BRC sales growth driven mainly by food as households buy ahead of Easter
• Non-food sales growth lagging inflation and remaining fragile
• High street sales down sharply with food and drink spend falling hardest
• Pay-cycle spending patterns and how Easter timing shifts monthly demand
• GfK consumer confidence sliding with personal finance views turning negative
• Inflation pressure from housing and fuel costs pushing consumers to save more
• Major purchases feeling riskier as caution rises
• Unemployment dipping while economic inactivity increases, changing the real story
• War-driven fuel prices feeding uncertainty with a possible staycation upside

Download a copy of our first ReThink Productivity Retail Report 

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Sue, Simon, & James share the top-line findings from ReThink Productivity Future Retail Ready Benchmarking Report and explain how a £6.25bn opportunity could be unlocked. They walk through six golden rules to improve store performance, protect customer experience, and avoid hidden workload that quietly harms sales.
• Why retailers feel the squeeze after the ‘easy wins’ are gone
• The efficiency index and why 80% is the realistic target
• How running above 80% removes the cushion for peaks
• The productivity paradox where cost cuts can damage sales
• Managing capacity intelligently with better demand modelling
• Simplifying security so tagging does not erode profitability
• Unlocking self-checkout by reducing interventions and friction
• Designing services deliberately so complexity does not swamp teams
• Deploying technology pragmatically with training and real ROI
Download the report, have a read, get in touch with any questions

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Hear directly from our experts—Sue, Simon, & James —who share real-world trends, new data findings, and actionable productivity insights

We share the latest ReThink Academy training updates and why we built courses we wish we’d had when we first stepped into productivity and workload modelling roles. We also unpack how measuring work can remove customer friction, from mobile phone sales processing to the daily annoyances of hotel check-in, and why buy-in makes or breaks operational models

• ReThink Academy expansion and what’s new 
• Introduction To Productivity course for new starters and teams 
• Workload Modelling course and the wider ecosystem around it 
• Method study as a practical process improvement framework 
• Time and motion study, work measurement and MTM pathways 
• Why productivity data supports better customer experience 
• Mobile phone retail example where processing time dominates 
• Workload model trust, overstaffing vs understaffing and queue impact 
• Retail Technology Show and benchmarking report launch plans 

We will be at the Retail Technology Show (RTS) the 22nd and 23rd of April at the Excel in London Book a meeting at RTS

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Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat
They break down why February 2026 turns into a tough month for UK retail, with record rain dragging down footfall and high street sales. They also zoom out to consumer confidence, inflation pressures, and the April policy changes that could reshape hiring and costs.

• Record wet weather and why it hits retail demand fast
• Footfall declines across high streets, centres and retail parks
• High street debit card sales tracking below last year
• Category performance across fashion, food and drink, general retail, grocery, health and beauty
• GfK Nielsen consumer confidence falling and what it signals for March
• Major purchases weakening and the savings index rising
• Inflation staying at 3% overall while essentials run hotter
• Discounting effects in clothing and muted inflation in big-ticket categories
• Average transaction value rising in food and drink and health and beauty
• National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rises from 1 April
• Key headlines from the first phase of the UK Employment Rights Act

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We gave NotebookLM our Productivity Pulse podcasts from November 2025 to February 2026 with Sue, Simon, & James and this is what it came up with...

We follow the stop-watch data behind everyday queues and show how “efficient” labour models can still create predictable chaos at peak demand. We trace how wage pressure, algorithmic scheduling, and physical layout decisions reshape what workers do and what customers feel.

• Minimum wage pressure and the knock-on effects of wage compression
• The efficiency index and why zero slack systems lose resilience
• Variable efficiency and why two stores can feel like different companies
• Algorithmic break scheduling that prioritises compliance over footfall
• Hidden travel time that turns a short break into a bigger productivity hit
• Manager role drift and why leadership disappears into shelf-stacking
• How quick service restaurants redesign space for delivery drivers
• Kiosks, upselling psychology, and the customer dithering factor
• Micro efficiencies in kitchens that function like pit-stop engineering
• Parcel collection bottlenecks and the shaky maths of the halo effect
• Stock replenishment waste, taking stock for a walk, and lean batch processing

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Hear directly from our experts—Sue, Simon, & James —who share real-world trends, new data findings, and actionable productivity insights

We dig into stock to shelf benchmarking and reveal how much replenishment time is lost to movement and returns. We share early findings and details of our benchmarking report and Retail Technology Show plans

• Early look at our retail benchmarking report launch 
• Why benchmarking gives context beyond raw task times 
• The real cost of replenishment and movement waste 
• Impact of returning stock to backroom and double handling 
• Lean-inspired fixes: batching, pull signals, one-touch flow 
• Resource vs demand mismatches driving “keep busy” habits 
• Per-item cost insights and how to track them 

We will be at the Retail Technology Show the 22nd and 23rd of April at the Excel in London
We’ve got the VIP party in partnership with Solvedby.AI on the 22nd April. Register here... VIP Aftershow
Our Productivity Forum takes place on 10th September in Birmingham. Register here... ReThink Forum 2026

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We gave NotebookLM our podcasts from November 2025 to February 2026 with Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and this is what it came up with...

We test a hard question: are UK retail’s brutal numbers a structural reset or a severe cyclical slump? We argue both sides with data on jobs, wages, footfall, discounts, online share, and consumer psychology, and find common ground on how to survive right now.

• Structural shift versus cyclical contraction
• Job losses, wage compression, and automation incentives
• Consumer confidence, high savings, and spend mix
• Black Friday’s pull-forward and the golden quarter
• Footfall declines, online stabilization, and hyper localism
• Store productivity, time-use, and ATV strategy
• Rates, taxes, and hiring freezes shaping near-term demand
• Shared focus on margin protection and experience

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 Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat

A cautious consumer shows up in January with fewer trips but bigger baskets, while retail parks gain and high streets hold on. We dig into youth unemployment, wage compression, AI’s impact on entry roles, and why productivity must carry the next phase of retail.

• January footfall near flat with retail parks up
• Sales values rise while transactions fall
• Food inflation props value; non-food softens
• High street sales close to parity year on year
• GfK confidence slips, savings tick up
• Youth unemployment at 16% drives concern
• Wage rises meet NI pressures and job cuts
• Pay bands compress between colleague and supervisor
• Housing sales drop chills discretionary categories
• Shift focus from process to experience

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Hear directly from our experts—Sue, Simon, & James—who share real-world trends, new data findings, and actionable productivity insights. This month they are joined by special guest Ed Thompson 

We unpack how quick service restaurants (QSR) cut through rising costs and sharper peaks by separating delivery from dine‑in, scaling kiosks, and engineering seconds out of core tasks. Ed shares ground‑truth from trials that reveal hidden costs, smarter layouts, and why testing beats gut feel.

• Defining QSR and why delivery changed everything
• Price ceilings versus operational innovation
• Separating driver pickup to protect space and speed
• Hot hold units and lockers preserving food quality
• Kiosks driving consistent upsell and lower labour
• Loyalty and simple personalisation improving repeat visits
• Micro‑layout tweaks multiplying capacity gains
• Testing trials to surface hidden operational costs
• Moving tasks out of peak to protect throughput
• Staffing thresholds for sharper peaks and channel mix

We will be at the Retail Technology Show the 22nd and 23rd of April at the Excel in London
We’ve got the VIP party in partnership with Solvedby.AI on the 22nd April. Register here... VIP Aftershow
Our Productivity Forum takes place on 10th September in Birmingham. Register here... ReThink Forum 2026

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We explore with ReThink Productivity’s Simon Woodfield and Ed Thompson how MTM drives method improvement, not just time measurement, and share real case studies across logistics, retail food, and warehousing. We show how operator involvement, ergonomics, and clear coding lead to standard work, stronger business cases, and better rollouts.

• Method determines the time, not the stopwatch
• Ergonomic gains from reducing reach distances
• Testing layouts and methods before rollout
• Surprising warehouse findings beyond the scope
• Operator buy-in through iterative coding and trials
• Standard work supported by reusable MTM codes
• Low-barrier adoption using spreadsheets or software

 Find out more at the UKMTM Website

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Building on the success of footfall insights we broaden the conversation with the Basket & Barometer podcast. Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat

We unpack December’s retail data: footfall fell most in shopping centres, high streets held up better, and sales rose only because food prices stayed high. Confidence is inching higher, small towns are gaining share, and the high street is evolving rather than dying.

• Footfall down overall, led by shopping centres
• High streets more resilient than retail parks
• Sales growth driven by food inflation
• Discretionary categories fall in towns and cities
• Average transaction value up as visits fall
• Consumers stay local to cut travel and parking costs
• Savings ratio high despite wage growth
• Retail churn continues with notable brand moves
• High street evolves through mix, value, and relevance

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We dig into how MTM turns micro motions into fair, consistent time standards with ReThink Productivity’s Simon Woodfield and Ed Thompson and when to use MTM1, MTM2, or UAS for different kinds of work. We share how video, TMUs, and peer review remove bias and help teams set reliable, safe methods.

• MTM motion categories and why they matter
• Video-based analysis for repeatability and detail
• Differences between MTM1, MTM2, and UAS
• Choosing the right system for cycle length
• How motion rules remove subjectivity
• TMUs explained and conversion to seconds
• Practical coding tips and peer review
• Coding the intended method for safety and quality

 Find out more at the UKMTM Website

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Hear directly from our experts—Sue, Simon, & James—who share real-world trends, new data findings, and actionable productivity insights 

In this episode they discuss why parcel pickup times vary from 27 seconds to three minutes on average and show how storage design, retrieval systems, and colleague headsets drive speed, safety, and sales. The chat covers the sales uplift from parcel traffic, the strain of returns, and how lockers and paid returns could shift behaviour this year.

• Wait time trends and the drivers of delay
• Best-in-class setup for retrieval and storage
• Store factors that create parcel hotspots
• Basket uplift and the halo beyond the collection
• Handling returns without blocking operations
• Staffing models, headsets, and pickup points

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We unpack Method Time Measurement (MTM) with ReThink Productivity’s Simon Woodfield and Ed Thompson, from its 1940s roots to modern use with motion capture and VR. The chat explains how MTM coding works, and why fair, consistent standards matter.

• Origins of MTM
• Motion codes, influence factors and TMUs explained
• When to use MTM versus a stopwatch
• Hybrid approaches for fixed steps and variable customer moments
• Training pathways and the main MTM variants
• Building quick business cases with what‑if scenarios
• Leveraging CAD, VR and motion capture for pre‑build timing
• Ergonomic insights alongside time standards

 Find out more at the UKMTM Website

We just wanted to remind everybody that as of 1st January 2026, the UK MTM Association is now part of ReThink Productivity

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Building on the success of footfall insights we broaden the conversation with the Basket & Barometer podcast. Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat

We dig into why Black Friday footfall held up while November spending slumped, and what that split means for December. We talk inflation turning to deflation in fashion and furniture, caution on inventory, and the ripple effects that hit suppliers when retailers stumble.

• Footfall marginally down on Black Friday day, week up 1.1% year on year
• November spend down 7% in towns and cities, steepest since July
• Budget jitters and weather weighing on sentiment
• Christmas timing supports a late pre‑holiday push
• December growth outlook moved from +1.5% to flat
• BRC: food drives growth, non‑food barely moves
• Inventory discipline favours sell‑through over deep January markdowns
• Fashion and furniture show deflation amid heavy discounting
• Employment and housing trends dampen big‑ticket demand

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Hear directly from our experts—Sue, Simon, & James—who share real-world trends, new data findings, and actionable productivity insights 

We unpack the wage rise headlines and the quiet costs they trigger up the ladder, then move to peak‑time realities: queues, break timing, and the real use of self‑checkout. We finish with fast wins in quick‑serve layouts and why adoption fails without hands‑on coaching.

• Wage increases by age bands and implications for costs
• Compression of supervisory pay differentials
• Leaders pulled into front‑line tasks reducing leadership capacity
• Queues at peak despite self‑checkout availability
• Break timing clashing with customer demand
• Micro‑improvements in quick‑serve cycle times
• Layout tweaks, tool placement, and motion design
• Training and engagement to adopt new kit and processes

Keep an eye out for those queues at peak, everybody listening, and see if you can identify the issues, we'll be back in the new year

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We gave NotebookLM our record breaking blog to see what happened when they turned it into a podcast...

We examine how modern time and motion studies expose hidden waste, translate seconds into savings, and protect sustainable pace. From Taylor and the Gilbreths to sensors and benchmarks, we map the methods, the maths, and the immediate actions that cut costs without cutting quality

• Spotting inefficiency in everyday work
• Time versus motion as separate measurements
• Resource planning using standard times and allowances
• Micro savings through layout and sequence changes
• Example maths for staffing and throughput
• Study types: activity, efficiency, role, predetermined
• History of Taylor and the Gilbreths
• Quantifying financial waste from poor scheduling
• Modern tech: video, sensors, software analysis
• Benchmarking click and collect performance
• Practical ergonomic and staffing changes
• Continuous improvement as the new one best way

Not only will our approach to a Time and Motion Study plot out exactly where you stand versus where you could be, but our analysts will provide practical steps on how to help you get there, saving you time, effort  and, ultimately, money

Contact our team today

More information on Time and Motion Studies can be found in our whitepaper – our experts’ views into how modern techniques are bringing about new productivity insights. Download here >>

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Building on the success of footfall insights we broaden the conversation with the Basket & Barometer podcast. Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat

In this episode we cover why average transaction value now matters more than footfall, and how Black Friday has shifted the peak. We share sector signals, consumer confidence trends, and what the budget and labour market mean for Q4

• Footfall softness versus inflation-adjusted sales decline
• Average transaction value as core survival metric
• Examples of ATV growth in small towns
• Discounting patterns and price guarantees in Black Friday
• Staffing planning shifting towards November peak
• Sector signals in health and beauty and fashion
• Consumer confidence at minus 19 and job market risk
• Online share stabilising and omnichannel basics that matter

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Productivity Pulse Episode 1

 Hear directly from our experts—Sue, Simon, & James—who share real-world trends, new data findings, and actionable productivity insights 

We dig into why efficiency swings across sites, how that volatility hurts peak service, and what workload models can do to stabilise performance. We also show how role drift reduces leadership time and how structured interviews add a 360 view that turns data into action.

• Variable efficiency index and why it matters
• Removing slack and the risks at peak
• Tactical fixes for rotas, breaks and coverage
• Building a robust workload model linked to WFM
• Reallocating budget to balance the estate
• Role studies revealing leadership time drift
• Restating manager expectations and blockers
• Structured interviews adding qualitative insight
• Turning insights into consistent employee and customer experience

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🚨 Podcast Reboot Alert! The ReThink Productivity Podcast is Back—and Smarter Than Ever! 🚀

We're thrilled to announce the official reboot of the ReThink Productivity Podcast with a brand-new format and a commitment to delivering high-impact, actionable insights twice a month

Our new focus is simple: Less Noise, More Intelligence

We’ll now be releasing two essential episodes per month—a mix of deep-dive interviews and actionable, data-driven insights—perfect for busy leaders who need to stay ahead of the curve

The Relaunch Lineup (Your First Two Episodes):

🎙️ Episode 1. The Productivity Pulse (Early Month)

• Data-Driven Action: Hear directly from our experts—Sue, Simon, & James—who share real-world trends, new data findings, and actionable productivity insights emerging from live projects
• Learn from Real-World Wins: Get tactical advice and success stories from organisations that have achieved transformative productivity across the board

💡Episode 2. Basket & Barometer (Late Month)

• Elevated Insights: In conversation with industry expert Diane Wehrle to move beyond surface-level metrics and tackle complex, data-driven metrics around customer shopping behaviour

For leaders in Operations, Strategy, and HR, this podcast provides the modern tools to build a smarter, more efficient, and ultimately more profitable business

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We weigh the real trade‑offs of building AI in‑house versus buying and configuring proven tools, and map a practical route from pilot to production without blowing the budget. Clear steps on data, governance, ethics, and IP help you create value you can measure.

• Build vs buy decisions tied to strategy and IP 
• When generic problems justify off‑the‑shelf tools 
• Niche bottlenecks and owning differentiated capability 
• Real costs of talent, data architecture and compute 
• Governance, scope control and reliability expectations 
• Data quality, sourcing and security by design 
• Measurable pilots, baselines and explainability 
• EBITDA impact, inference costs and ROI discipline 
• Ethics beyond bias, oversight and customer impact 
• Partner contracts, IP protection and reuse limits 
• Scaling blockers across finance, compliance, HR and IT 
• Regulations to watch including EU AI Act and GDPR

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Notebook LM has had some significant updates over the last few weeks

Have a listen to the latest iteration of a Notebook LM created podcast based on ReThink marketing materials

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We dig into practical AI that saves time: personal LLMs, embedded features already in your tools, and AI‑native agents that take action, not just give answers. We share proof points, pitfalls, and simple ways teams can adopt safely and quickly.

• Personal LLMs as thinking partners and draft accelerators
• Embedded AI in email, slides, CRM, and meetings
• AI‑native tools mapped to roles like SDR and legal
• Agents that act: scrape, configure, reset, and schedule
• Quality, speed, and evidence versus laziness concerns
• Training, culture, and best‑case sharing for adoption
• Guardrails, verification, and human‑in‑the‑loop control
• Real‑world cases in support, retail, facilities, and QSR

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We strip away the jargon and show how to use AI as an assist that lifts productivity, trust, and measurable outcomes. From data readiness to culture, governance to first use cases, we focus on steps that turn hype into results.

• Clear definition of AI and human‑in‑the‑loop
• Where AI adds value across knowledge work
• Culture over tech as the main blocker
• Data readiness and training data basics
• Governance to reduce shadow AI risks
• Leaders modelling tools and setting objectives
• Selecting first three use cases aligned to KPIs
• Measuring adherence to AI recommendations
• Balancing efficiency vs productivity for trust and ROI
• Practical rollout: owners, feedback loops, training

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Theo Gott and Mark Stacey from ModusForce discuss the evolving landscape of workforce management and how their Dayforce implementation expertise helps organisations maximise efficiency and employee satisfaction.

• The WFM market is experiencing 20% growth globally with key trends including AI automation, flexible working arrangements, and legislative changes
• Advanced scheduling combines WFM capabilities with automated scheduling and budgeting to deliver significant operational efficiencies
• The "perfect schedule" is a myth – successful implementations aim for 80-90% automation while preserving the crucial human element
• Modus Force offers a Minimum Viable Product approach that delivers advanced WFM capabilities in under five days, providing immediate benefits
• Unified HCM solutions like Dayforce eliminate the need for complex integrations between separate HR, scheduling and payroll systems
• Successful WFM implementations require managing change impact effectively, developing a clear roadmap, and prioritising data management

Reach Theo at theo@modusforce.com and Mark at mark@modusforce.com

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Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat about footfall trends.August retail sales dipped 4.8% year-on-year despite stable footfall, with fashion and general retail taking significant hits. Consumers are demonstrating caution by making fewer transactions while spending slightly more per purchase, reflecting broader economic uncertainty and diminished confidence

• Consumer confidence remains low at -19 according to GFK's Consumer Confidence Index
• The savings ratio has reached its highest level since COVID, indicating people are saving rather than spending
• Mortgage approvals have dropped 2.4% compared to last August's 15.5% rise
• Upcoming November budget, rising unemployment, and global conflicts all contribute to consumer caution
• Q4 forecast predicts October sales down 3%, November down 1%, but December up 1.5%
• Food and drink remains strong at 25% of town centre sales
• Health and beauty continues to perform well, showing opportunity for retailers

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Tom Coe, VP of Growth at Retail Insight, shares how data-driven solutions can tackle the perennial challenges of retail operations while empowering store colleagues to deliver better customer service

• Retail Insight provides in-store operations analytics software for over 50,000 stores globally
• The complexity of modern retail operations creates compliance challenges as colleagues juggle multiple responsibilities
• Process execution suffers when labour models are tight and colleagues are overwhelmed with competing priorities
• Date checking for fresh products exemplifies a mundane but critical process where poor execution leads to waste and financial loss
• Smart systems can track inventory expiration dates and direct colleagues to check only specific items requiring attention
• Data collected provides valuable analytics for head office teams to improve forecasting, ranging, and supply chain decisions
• Successful AI implementation in retail requires balancing technological sophistication with practical simplicity
• Data quality is essential for any effective retail technology solution
• Future applications include democratizing analytics through conversational AI and enhancing root cause analysis

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We recap the highlights from the Productivity Forum 2025, diving into key presentations and insights that left attendees buzzing with new ideas about retail productivity.

• Alex Rezvan kicked off the event with insights on retail's evolution toward non-transactional, cultural spaces that are highly tech-enabled
• Halfords shared their productivity journey and implementation successes
• The Innovation Lounge featured eight partner companies showcasing technological solutions in a treasure hunt format
• Harding Retail presented unique challenges of running shops on cruise ships with limited space and connectivity
• Current insights session explored emerging retail trends and changing industry dynamics
• Graham Wilson closed the forum with strategies for making change happen and engaging people effectively
• Forum 11 is scheduled for September 2026 with registration already open

Registration for next year's forum is now open. Register using the link below...

https://rethinkproductivity.co.uk/productivity-forum/

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Rob Bate, Co Founder at FrontlineXP, shares insights from his extensive retail experience and explains how FrontlineXP is working to improve the experience of customer-facing employees through innovative technology solutions

• Frontline workers and operations teams are chronically underserved by technology and expertise
• The genesis of FrontlineXP came from wanting to help retail operations teams improve profitability and performance
• Successful transformation requires balancing technology, business process changes, and frontline worker experiences
• AI differs from automation in its ability to learn, adapt, and make decisions based on multiple data inputs
• Real-world AI applications are emerging in closed-loop workflows like Starbucks' drink preparation optimization
• Clean, comprehensive data is essential for effective AI implementation - "eat your vegetables" before expecting results
• Using AI primarily to reduce headcount in customer-facing roles undermines the service experience
• Technology should enhance rather than replace human interactions in retail environments
• Properly implemented AI can reduce employee stress, improve decision-making, and create more flexible scheduling
• Bringing loyalty and omnichannel data to associates can enable personalized service that doesn't feel like forced upselling

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Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat about footfall trends. July retail data shows positive signs with spending down only 1.4% compared to 8.5% in June, though footfall decreased by 1.7% as consumers remain cautious with their spending. The warm weather has encouraged more UK residents to holiday at home, redirecting spending into local economies rather than abroad.

• Five key retail sectors (fashion, food and drink, general retail, grocery, health and beauty) all showed improvement in July
• Fashion rebounded from being 10.8% down in June to just 3.2% down in July
• Employment is up 0.7% year-on-year to 4.7%, with youth unemployment rising 14.1%
• Interest rate reductions benefit mortgage holders but impact savers
• The approaching "Golden Quarter" (Halloween through Christmas) will be challenging but crucial
• Early and extended discounting is likely as retailers may over-order based on July's improved performance
• Weather continues to be a significant factor in retail performance

Looking ahead to August, if the good weather continues and staycations remain popular, we might see further improvements in retail spending figures

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James Bolle, Rethink Productivity's Head of Insight Development, reveals how businesses can transform raw productivity data into meaningful insights that drive tangible improvements. His career-spanning mission has focused on helping organisations make better decisions through data analysis, quality processes, and contextualisation.

• Rethink's rigorous three-layer quality control ensures trustworthy data analysis
• Standardised templates and visualisations make analysis more efficient and consistent
• Productivity data provides valuable benchmarking across industries
• Partnerships bring new methodologies, including video analysis
• AI offers significant potential but requires focus on specific, high-value applications
• Real examples show how small data insights created major productivity improvements
• Three key tips: know what you need to know, identify data gaps, structure data properly
• Even small businesses have valuable data that needs proper organisation

If you've enjoyed this episode, visit the Rethink Productivity website for more podcasts and resources to help your organisation improve efficiency and productivity.

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Simon Hedaux from Rethink Productivity provided NotebookLM with his thoughts on the dynamic world of retail productivity, challenging traditional assumptions to uncover hidden costs and untapped opportunities in modern retail operations.

Retail businesses face a productivity paradox where despite working harder and implementing efficiency measures, many find themselves "sprinting to stand still" as costs rise and operations grow more complex. Simon Hedaux from Rethink Productivity provided NotebookLM with crucial insights into navigating this challenging landscape through systemic changes rather than incremental tweaks. 

• Understanding true operational costs requires forensic analysis of processes like stock replenishment
• Modern technology enables unprecedented insights - computer vision, ESL systems, and digital tracking reveal inefficiencies
• Retail front ends must evolve beyond traditional tills to handle self-checkout, click-and-collect, and third-party parcels
• Radical "what if" scenarios challenge sacred cows: stores without managers, remote field visits, and elimination of stock counting
• Digital twins of stores, AI-powered inductions, and open banking represent the cutting edge of retail innovation
• The productivity principle: get the right work done by the right role at the right cost
• Critical approach: identify and eliminate non-value-added processes before attempting to digitize or automate them

Link to the original article can be found here...

ReThinking Retail

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Matthew Haywood, Owner of WFM Consulting, a seasoned retail expert with over 25 years of experience, shares his framework for effective workforce management through seven essential pillars. He dispels common myths about auto-scheduling while providing practical insights into achieving the elusive "right people, right place, right time" goal that transforms both customer and colleague experiences.

• Understanding the five key challenges: mindset, capability, confidence, simplicity, and adoption
• Exploring the seven pillars framework: operating hours, forecasting, labour deployment, contracted hours, availability, work assignments, and skill sets
• Debunking the myth that auto-scheduling is a "magic button" solution – expect to achieve 80-85% automation at best
• Recognising that small increases in flexibility across staff can make significant scheduling improvements
• Challenging the assumption that part-time workers provide more scheduling flexibility than full-time staff
• Publishing schedules at least three weeks in advance to improve colleague work-life balance
• Viewing effective workforce management as an opportunity to reinvest hours strategically rather than simply cutting costs

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Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat about footfall trends.  The UK's summer heatwave has driven an 8.5% decline in high street retail sales compared to last year. This retail slump reflects a combination of weather impacts, calendar effects, and persistent economic headwinds affecting consumer spending patterns.

• UK high street footfall down 3% during June's heatwave periods
• Food spending up 4.1% while non-food spending increased only 2.2%
• Average Transaction Value remained relatively stable (down just 1.1%)
• Online spending holds steady at 26% of total retail sales since January
• Rising inflation (now 3.6%) and increasing unemployment creating consumer caution
• Post-COVID consumer priorities shifting toward holidays over retail purchases
• UK domestic tourism seeing growth during hot weather, but spending benefits bars and restaurants more than retail

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Retail businesses face a productivity paradox where despite working harder and implementing efficiency measures, many find themselves "sprinting to stand still" as costs rise and operations grow more complex. Simon Hedaux from Rethink Productivity provided NotebookLM with his thoughts and insights into navigating this challenging landscape through systemic changes rather than incremental tweaks.

Rethink Productivity provides crucial insights into navigating this challenging landscape through systemic changes rather than incremental tweaks.

• All easy efficiency changes have already been implemented in retail
• Labour costs are projected to increase significantly, with UK National Living Wage rising 40% over five years
• The shrinking pay gap between frontline staff and supervisors creates talent retention challenges
• Rising theft presents a security dilemma that often creates additional work for staff
• Technology must drive standardized processes to remove subjective decisions
• Self-checkout changes staff roles rather than simply reducing headcount
• Process optimization should follow "stop, reduce, then digitize" methodology
• Radical rethinking includes questioning traditional management structures
• Businesses need granular understanding of their true end-to-end operational costs
• Productivity improvement requires continuous analysis, adaptation and validation

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Tim Waterton, CRO at HappyOrNot, shares how their iconic smiley face terminals pioneered the micro-feedback approach that has collected over 2 billion pieces of customer feedback across 4,000 brands in 100+ countries. Their in-the-moment data collection method delivers higher response rates and more actionable insights than traditional surveys.

• HappyOrNot started with simple four-button terminals and has evolved to include tablet kiosks, digital options, and intelligent signage
• Real-time alerts notify staff when customer satisfaction drops, enabling immediate operational intervention rather than just retrospective insights
• Micro-feedback approach uses emoji responses followed by maximum 1-2 follow-up questions, making it accessible and easy
• Customers frequently provide positive verbatim feedback that identifies and recognizes excellent staff performance
• Terminals placed at strategic points (like high-margin specialty counters) help protect revenue while improving experience
• The system is designed for easy self-management with pre-configured devices that require minimal setup
• AI applications include verbatim analysis, sentiment categorization, and correlation with sales, staffing and foot traffic
• Future developments will enable organizations to interrogate connected data sources through conversational AI agents

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Productivity specialist Ed unveils the science behind different types of studies that transform raw data into powerful insights for businesses seeking to optimise their operations.

• Activity studies break processes into elemental detail, identifying best practices and opportunities for simplification
• Efficiency studies use rated activity sampling to categorise tasks as value-add, essential non-value add, or non-value add
• Role studies follow specialists throughout their shift to determine how effectively their time is used
• MTM studies break movements down to microscopic detail with predetermined time values, ideal for revealing small improvements
• The right study depends on client needs, existing process knowledge, and desired outcomes
• Successful studies require proper timing, representative sampling, inquisitive analysts, and thorough scoping
• Real productivity insights often come from the frontline colleagues themselves during observation

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Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat about footfall trends. The retail landscape continues to face challenges as May's data reveals decreased footfall and consumer spending across most sectors, with fashion retail experiencing a particularly steep decline of 3.6% year-on-year.

• High street footfall down 2.5% with only retail parks showing a minimal increase of 0.2%
• Overall spending in high streets down 1.8% year-on-year, worse than last May's 0.6% decline
• Non-food retail sales dropped by 1.1% despite overall sales increasing by 1%
• Fashion retail continues its two-year decline, dropping 3.6% in May
• General retail, previously performing well, has now slipped to 0.7% down
• Post-pandemic work patterns have fundamentally changed clothing needs with many consumers now maintaining just one wardrobe instead of separate work and casual wardrobes
• Clothing and footwear experiencing deflation of 0.3% due to heavy discounting
• Economic uncertainty and global geopolitical tensions contributing to consumer caution
• Retailers shifting focus to increasing average transaction value rather than acquiring new customers
• Creative marketing approaches including collaborations and limited editions becoming more important for driving sales

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Sue and Simon explore key retail trends reshaping operations: loyalty-based deep discounts, data-driven opening hours optimization, and the challenges of tech fragmentation for managers. Each trend reveals how retailers are balancing cost pressures with customer experience in an increasingly complex operational landscape. 

• Loyalty programs now offering "deep cuts" exclusively to members rather than broad price reductions
• Promotional displays featuring loyalty prices create inventory management challenges when offers end
• Data science and AI replacing gut-feel decisions about when to open and close
• Managers struggling with fragmented technology, often needing to access five different systems for daily KPIs

Join us for our 10th Productivity Forum on 11th September at Birmingham International Conference Centre. With over 150 registered attendees, innovation showcases, speakers, panels, and networking opportunities, it promises to be our biggest and best event yet.

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Gail, Rethink's Project Coordination Manager, reveals the secrets behind planning and delivering successful productivity projects across diverse industries and time zones.

• Communication, proven planning processes, and a professional team of work-study engineers are Gail's "secret weapons" for keeping projects on track
• Project setup involves three key steps: initial planning with clients, detailed scheduling, and ongoing support throughout the project
• ReThink adapts its core project planning principles across industries from retail and hospitality to pharmacies and cruise ships
• Matching analysts to projects considers previous experience, industry knowledge and geographical location
• Client collaboration is crucial - quality setup conversations, clear communication channels and briefing on-site teams ensures smooth project delivery

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Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat about footfall trends and shopping behaviours from March to April 2025. Consumer confidence has taken a hit as Easter trading results reveal ongoing caution, with the GFK Index dropping from -19 in March to -23 in April 2025. Despite footfall increasing by 7.2% in April year-on-year, the combined March-April period showed minimal growth of just 0.2% when accounting for Easter timing differences.

• Consumer confidence dropped across most age groups except 25-34 year olds
• Retail parks saw 2.7% footfall increase while shopping centres declined by 0.7%
• High street sales dropped 2.2% over the March-April period
• Fashion sales down 5% in the first four months of 2025
• Clothing and footwear prices decreased 0.4% in April, suggesting retailer discounting
• Overall inflation rose to 3.5%, driven by housing, utilities and communication costs
• National Living Wage and NI increases took effect end of April, adding pressure to retailers
• Recent cyber attacks on retailers highlight security vulnerabilities and potential additional costs
• PWC research suggests declining consumer sentiment typically precedes behavioural changes by six months

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Discover the intricate costs associated with employee turnover and how they impact your business. Join us as we dive deep into the hidden implications and strategies for retention with Helen Seale founding partner at WH People

• Understanding the alarming rise in post-pandemic turnover rates
• Exploring the hidden costs beyond recruitment
• The importance of effective training and onboarding for new employees
• Strategies for creating a more engaging workplace culture
• The role of leadership in employee retention

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Simon Hedaux, co-founder of Rethink Productivity, shares his expertise on implementing simple, actionable solutions to common workplace productivity challenges. Drawing from over 20 years of experience from the shop floor to productivity consultancy, Simon reveals how businesses can achieve quick wins through data-driven insights and practical process improvements.

• Understanding business operations through accurate, up-to-date data is fundamental to productivity improvement
• Small changes like optimising stock placement or redesigning store layouts can yield significant efficiency gains
• A retailer saved over £500,000 annually by simply redesigning till receipts
• Future productivity advances will focus on "intelligent stock" using video analytics and smart technologies
• The right work must be done by the right role at the right cost - expensive leaders shouldn't be performing basic tasks
• Productivity improvement is an ongoing process, not a one-time project

Listen to Episode 2 and Discover the People Powering Productivity.

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Focusing on the fundamental aspects of successful tech implementations, we explore the importance of team composition, data readiness, and fostering change within organizations with Paul Karnowski founding partner at WH People

• Importance of having a dedicated project manager
• Effective data preparation is crucial for success
• Need for quick decision-making and transparency
• Emphasising collaboration between vendors and internal teams
• Cultivating an organisational culture that embraces change

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Creating a vibrant workplace culture is essential for driving employee engagement and business success. Wendy Muirhead founding partner at WH People discusses the interplay between culture, visibility, and technology, emphasising the need for organisations to invest in their people while simplifying processes through effective Workforce Management (WFM).

• Exploration of workplace culture’s impact on engagement 
• Wendy’s journey in establishing WH People 
• The role of leadership in cultivating organizational culture 
• Challenges of maintaining culture in larger businesses 
• Importance of communication and clarity of vision 
• Benefits of Workforce Management technology 
• AI’s influence on Workforce Management and employee engagement 
• Interrelation between culture, productivity, and retention 
• Investment in people as a strategic business imperative

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Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat about footfall trends and shopping behaviours from February to March 2025, focusing on the impact of Easter timing differences on year-over-year comparisons. The conversation explores how footfall, consumer confidence, and inflation metrics are painting a complex picture of the retail landscape with some sectors showing signs of recovery despite challenging conditions

• Footfall into stores down 5.4% overall and 4% in high streets (comparing non-Easter March 2025 vs Easter March 2024)
• Food and drink spending dropped 6.3% this March compared to a 9.8% increase last March during Easter
• Fashion sector showing signs of recovery with only a 2.7% decline, better than February's 7.4% drop
• Grocery spending decreased by 5.4% versus a 3.5% rise last March due to Easter timing
• Consumer confidence slightly improved from -20% to -19%, with better outlook on general economic situation
• Inflation dropped to 2.6% in March (from 2.8% in February), with clothing at just 1.1% inflation
• Hospitality remains challenging with high inflation at 4.22%, affected by labour costs and minimum wage increases
• Upcoming National Insurance payment increases likely to impact businesses and consumer spending patterns
• Next month's data will show the combined impact of the Easter shift and provide clearer year-over-year comparison

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The ReThink team shares fresh insights from the Retail Technology Show 2025 at the Excel in London, where AI applications in retail have evolved beyond marketing buzzwords to practical implementations in forecasting, computer vision, and data mining.

• AI usage becoming more sophisticated with specific applications rather than just marketing claims
• Computer vision technology now identifying shoplifting, tracking store traffic, and creating heat maps of customer movement
• Surprising amount of cash handling technology despite declining cash transactions
• RFID innovations eliminating manual scanning with fixed readers tracking merchandise throughout stores
• Footfall tracking systems can detect mobile phones even when powered off
• Stock management systems now prompting intelligent markdowns to reduce waste
• Employee communication platforms continuing to evolve for frontline worker engagement
• Notable absence of customer experience measurement technologies and concrete ROI metrics

Join us for our upcoming forum on September 11th in Birmingham featuring an innovation lounge with exciting tech partners, and catch us at NRF Europe in Paris the following week.

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This episode of ReThink revealed focuses on how workload modelling can empower businesses to optimise their workforce effectively. 

• Introduction to workload modelling and its significance 
• Karen’s journey in becoming an expert in the field 
• Importance of accurate data in building a successful model 
• Real-world examples showcasing the impact of labour models 
• Karen’s top tips for maintaining workload models 
• Introduction to ReBudget: A new cloud-based solution for modelling 
• Differences between Excel-based and cloud-based approaches 
• Empowering clients through continuous learning and support

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Sue and Simon discuss Chapter 11 - AI from their book "Every Second Counts: How to Achieve Business Excellence, Transform Operational Productivity, and Deliver Extraordinary Results."
Don't forget to register for the Productivity Forum 2025

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Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat about footfall trends and shopping behaviours

Consumer spending remains cautious as footfall stays flat across UK retail channels, rising just 0.2% in February compared to last year. Retail sales grew by only 1.1% while in-store non-food sales actually declined by 1%, revealing continued economic uncertainty despite some positive indicators.

• Retail parks performed best with a 2% footfall increase, while high streets and shopping centres saw just 0.1% growth
• All five major high street sectors (fashion, food/drink, general retail, grocery, health/beauty) experienced sales declines in February
• Fashion continues struggling with a 7.4% sales drop, while household goods showed improvement with 4.7% growth
• Fewer people are shopping (transactions down 8.1%, customer numbers down 6.7%), but those who do spend are spending more per visit (ATV up 2.9%)
• Consumer caution likely driven by lingering economic uncertainty, interest rates, upcoming National Living Wage increases, and global political factors
• Savings rates reached 10% - highest since the pandemic - despite wage growth of 5.9% outpacing inflation
• Upcoming holiday season may further impact retail spending as consumers prioritize leisure experiences over material purchases

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This is what happened when I gave Notebook LM a copy of our book 'Every Second Counts' and used the interactive mode to be part of the conversation 

Simon thinks it is amazing, have a listen 

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Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat about footfall trends and shopping behaviours

As the economic landscape shifts, we explore the paradox of increasing footfall yet declining sales in retail. With consumer confidence waning amidst inflation concerns and upcoming wage increases, businesses must adapt creatively to thrive in uncertainty
• Retail footfall rises by 6.6%, but sales fall by 3.2%  
• Consumer confidence drops to minus 22 index score  
• Inflation currently at 3%, affecting food and hospitality sectors  
• Anticipated increases in National Insurance could impact businesses  
• Average transaction values rise despite lower foot traffic  
• Focus on innovation over cost-cutting for retail success  
• February typically a slow month; preparing for changes needed  
• The importance of retaining loyal customers emphasized

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Sue and Simon discuss Chapter 10 - How can I budget better? from their book "Every Second Counts: How to Achieve Business Excellence, Transform Operational Productivity, and Deliver Extraordinary Results."
Don't forget to register for the Productivity Forum 2025

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Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat about footfall trends and shopping behaviours. They cover:

• Footfall trends from November to December 2024 covering the big festive period
• A review of 2024
• A look at the year ahead

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Discover the future of retail with Simon Shankster, Director of Sales for EMEA at Focal Systems. With a keen focus on computer vision and AI, Simon shares his passion for enhancing efficiency through cutting-edge tools such as battery-powered on-shelf cameras. Hear how these advancements are not only bridging stock gaps but also revolutionising inventory management, all while upholding privacy standards. Simon provides an insider's look into how Focal Systems is reshaping the retail landscape by addressing key challenges such as loss prevention and staffing, paving the way for a more efficient and productive retail environment

In a world where effective stock management is crucial, our conversation dives into the competitive edge technology can provide to retailers. Learn how savvy tech solutions can boost shelf availability and drive sales while minimising waste, as proven by successful implementations in UK supermarkets. Simon outlines a vision of streamlined operations and rapid scalability, offering a glimpse of a promising, tech-enhanced retail future

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Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat about footfall trends and shopping behaviours. They cover:

• Footfall trends from October to November 2024

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Sue and Simon discuss Chapter 9 - Is the projected saving real? from their book "Every Second Counts: How to Achieve Business Excellence, Transform Operational Productivity, and Deliver Extraordinary Results." 

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2 months on from the first attempt of feeding Notebook LM 2 ReThink documents to produce its Podcast, we are back with number 2. We wanted to see how the technology had progressed. Let us know what you think

This whole episode was generated by AI using Notebook LM. No more info than that, listen and be amazed 

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Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat about footfall trends and shopping behaviours. They cover:

• Footfall trends from September to October 2024
• Outlook for the next few months

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Sue and Simon discuss Chapter 8 - How do I find my next set of Productivity improvements? from their book "Every Second Counts: How to Achieve Business Excellence, Transform Operational Productivity, and Deliver Extraordinary Results." 

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Unlock the secrets to navigating the recent economic shifts with us as we dissect the impacts of the recent budget. Discover how the 6.7% rise in national minimum wage, cessation of Covid-era business rate relief, and increased employer national insurance contributions are rewriting the playbooks for retail and hospitality industries. These sectors, which are heavily reliant on national minimum wage workers, face a unique set of challenges. Businesses are bracing for recruitment slowdowns and inflationary pressures, with major players already strategizing to tackle billions in additional costs. We share valuable insights into salary sacrifice schemes and other proactive strategies to help mitigate these financial burdens

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Discover the secret to making businesses more human with Chin Teik, a renowned Senior Executive and Neuro Leadership Coach. Chin passionately challenges the status quo of robotic work environments, urging leaders to embrace the science of Neuro Leadership to drive genuine transformation rather than mere change. Learn how understanding the brain can help prioritize tasks, form new habits, and establish supportive systems to create a more human-centric workplace. This enlightening conversation explores the pitfalls of being "busy for nothing" and equips leaders with strategies to lead meaningful change

Podcast and YouTube channels:

Chin Teik Podcast

Chin Teik YouTube

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Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat about footfall trends and shopping behaviours. They cover:

• Footfall trends from August to September 2024
• Outlook for the next few months

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An unscripted interview on Productivity with ChatGPT
Step into the future of retail productivity with us as we welcome ChatGPT, a unique digital guest, to unravel the revolutionary transformations shaping the UK retail landscape. Discover how the fusion of digital transformations and e-commerce is rewriting the rules of efficiency and customer engagement. From advanced point-of-sale systems to the wonders of augmented reality shopping experiences, we explore the technological innovations that are not only streamlining operations but also enhancing the overall customer journey. Prepare to envision a 2030 retail world enriched with AI assistance and virtual realities, while also contemplating the nostalgic allure of human interaction and local products

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Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat about footfall trends and shopping behaviours. They cover:

• Footfall trends from July to August 2024
• Outlook for the next few months

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A whole episode generated by AI. No more info than that, listen and be amazed

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Join Simon, James and Sue as they review the ReThink Forum 2024. They talk through the themes of the day and hot topics of conversation

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Bob Neville a leader in the retail industry with a wealth of experience from worldwide footwear brands, takes us on a journey through his impressive career, sharing invaluable insights into the cause-and-effect relationship between consumer engagement and purchase behaviour. He also delves into the intricate balance between leveraging technology for data-driven decisions and the indispensable role of human judgment

We discuss the critical role of staff scheduling in achieving operational efficiency, especially in assisted and semi-assisted sales environments. Bob emphasises the need for clear communication and alignment within organisations, driven by technology, and highlights the importance of maintaining an entrepreneurial mindset to stay agile and competitive. Don’t miss Bob’s timeless advice on the necessity of continual evolution and strategic revolution to remain ahead in the market

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Ever wonder what it takes to pivot from high-profile corporate roles to launching successful media platforms in the retail industry? Join us as we sit down with Alex Rezvan, the mastermind behind The Retail Podcast and RetailNews.ai. Alex shares his fascinating journey from pivotal careers at Verizon and Microsoft to the global conference circuit, including NRF in New York and the Retail Technology Show in the UK. Get the inside scoop on valuable industry insights

Listen as we discuss the shift from traditional loss prevention methods to enhancing customer experience through AI and machine learning. Alex also provides a comparative analysis of retail innovations between Western and Asian markets, the rising importance of ESG and corporate social responsibility, and the implications of technological advancements amid economic pressures like minimum wage. Tune in to discover what the future holds for the retail industry and how upcoming events could influence these trends

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Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat about footfall trends and shopping behaviours. They cover:

• Footfall trends from June to July 2024
• The recent riots
• Outlook for the next few months

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Get ready to increase your understanding of artificial intelligence with insights from Ed Hogg, CEO of Solved by.AI. From his beginnings as a Formula One engineer to setting up Solved by AI. You'll learn about the fundamental distinctions between AI and machine learning, and how high-quality data is the linchpin in achieving accurate AI results. Plus, Ed discusses the incredible complexity behind advanced AI systems, including groundbreaking examples like the development of the COVID vaccine.

We also dissect the leading AI chat models currently shaping the industry. Discover what sets ChatGPT from OpenAI, Gemini from Google, and Claude from Anthropic apart, as Ed highlights their unique strengths and the ongoing advancements that promise even greater capabilities. Whether you're looking to leverage AI in your business or simply curious about the future of technology, this episode offers a compelling, accessible exploration of the AI landscape.

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Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat about footfall trends and shopping behaviours. They cover:

• Footfall trends from May to June 2024
• The key risers and fallers

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Sue and Simon discuss Chapter 7 - I've added new services, how can I make them more efficient? from their book "Every Second Counts: How to Achieve Business Excellence, Transform Operational Productivity, and Deliver Extraordinary Results."
Don't forget to register for the Productivity Forum 2024

For those that have never seen it link to the Do It All advert below (enjoy)
DO IT ALL VIDEO

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Sue and Simon discuss Chapter 6 - What can we stop doing to free up our people? from their book "Every Second Counts: How to Achieve Business Excellence, Transform Operational Productivity, and Deliver Extraordinary Results."
Don't forget to register for the Productivity Forum 2024

 #theproductivityexperts
Download a copy of the ReThink Productivity Retail Report
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Diane Wehrle CEO at Rendle Intelligence and Insights joins Simon for their monthly chat about footfall trends and shopping behaviours. They cover:

• Footfall trends from April to May 2024
• The key risers and fallers
• The upcoming General Election

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Unlock the secrets to a thriving business with our latest episode, where we sit down with workforce wizard Gary Makredes of Simms & Associates. With a career spanning over two decades in workforce management, Gary shares his invaluable insights into the transformative shift from customer-centric to employee-focused strategies across industries. We delve into the real-world benefits of prioritizing employee experience, and Gary highlights how this focus not only boosts immediate financial performance but also fosters lasting staff retention and customer satisfaction

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Sue and Simon discuss Chapter 5 - Is my leadership structure right? from their book "Every Second Counts: How to Achieve Business Excellence, Transform Operational Productivity, and Deliver Extraordinary Results."
Don't forget to register for the Productivity Forum 2024

 #theproductivityexperts
Download a copy of the ReThink Productivity Retail Report
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