Available to book

Retail CEO & workplace culture expert

James Timpson

Emotional Intelligence

Empathy

Happiness

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.

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Trusted by Timpson Group

James Timpson

London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£6–10k

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London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£6–10k

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+44 203 835 2929

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James Timpson's biography

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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.

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Trusted by Timpson Group

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How do I book James Timpson for my next event?

Email james.timpson@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience. As speaker agents, PepTalk can secure James Timpson for commercial and corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity brand endorsements & partnerships, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about James Timpson's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. Please note, for media interviews, autographs, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting James Timpson directly.

What is James Timpson's speaking style like?

James delivers with empathy and warmth, focusing on employee empowerment and well-being. His approachable style fosters trust, kindness, and inclusivity, inspiring teams to thrive and contribute positively.

What topics does James Timpson specialise in?

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