Availability dot

Available to book

Retail CEO & workplace culture expert

James Timpson

Transform workplace culture with James Timpson OBE, speaker and retail innovation expert. James works with organisations to implement employee empowerment and upside-down management, delivering proven strategies as CEO of the thriving 2,000-location Timpson Group.

Trusted by Timpson Group

James Timpson, Speaker | Entrepreneur, CEO Of Timpson
James Timpson

James Timpson

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£6–10k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

Get James's availability

Availability dot
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Book James

London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£6–10k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire James Now

Availability dot for speakers
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

James Timpson's biography

At a glance

  • CEO of Timpson Group, managing over 2,000 UK retail locations
  • Advocate for employee happiness, empowerment, and well-being
  • Author of The Happy Index, promoting kindness and trust culture
James Timpson OBE, CEO of the family-owned Timpson Group, manages over 2,000 UK high-street retail locations, including Timpsons, Snappy Snaps, Max Spielman, and The Watch Lab. Beyond his business role, he chairs the Prison Reform Trust and offers guidance in both private and public sectors. Alongside his colleague, Will Lankston, MD of Timpson Direct, James' leadership has seen Timpson thrive against the decline of the high street, prioritising employee happiness and customer service. His book, The Happy Index, reveals the company's strategy of empowering employees, such as offering free dry-cleaning for job interviewees, birthday leave, and autonomy in store management. James also invests in employee well-being, providing holiday homes and appointing a Director of Happiness, fostering a culture of kindness and trust. His approach to business, focusing on empathy, employee empowerment, and community contribution, offers a model for creating a successful, inclusive company culture. James's insights into building a future where companies genuinely care for their teams have made him a respected figure advocating for upside-down management and a more compassionate business world.

James's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

The Happy Index: Lessons In Upside-Down Management
James Timpson's The Happy Index reveals the secrets of upside-down management and doing the right thing. While it may seem straightforward to CEOs, managers, or directors, traditional top-down approaches often result in countless meetings and hours lost on emails and project approvals. This mindset reduces team members to mere cogs in the machine rather than valued colleagues. The Happy Index provides tools and tactics to help you and your team reevaluate business management. James shares insights from his experience running the family business, demonstrating how an upside-down mindset can enhance both financial success and team well-being. Attendees will learn practical strategies for fostering a happier, more effective workplace.

Why we recommend booking James

James Timpson offers your team insights into fostering a thriving workplace through kindness, trust, and empowerment. Learn from a proven leader how to enhance employee happiness, drive business success, and create a compassionate culture that sets your organisation apart in today’s competitive landscape.

Check James's availability

Trusted by Timpson Group

Featured Projects

James Timpson - The Happiness Index book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book James Timpson for my next event?

What is James Timpson's speaking style like?

James Timpson structures his sessions around the framework set out in his book, The Happy Index, drawing on operational examples from running the Timpson Group to illustrate how an inverted management model — where leadership serves employees rather than directs them — produces measurable business results.

What topics does James Timpson specialise in?

James Timpson OBE speaks on upside-down management, employee happiness and well-being, and compassionate workplace culture. He is CEO of the Timpson Group, overseeing more than 2,000 UK high-street retail locations, and author of The Happy Index.

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

How do I book a speaker with PepTalk?

Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.