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Catherine Erdly

Speaking and Press

UK small business independent retail expert, consultant, speaker and writer available for select publications, podcasts and events

Forbes contributor
Covering starting and scaling a product business, I have written for Forbes since 2020.
Keynotes & workshops
I love creating and delivering talks and workshops on both industry trends and practical advice.
Podcasts & private events
I am passionate about podcasting and have featured on many retail and small business podcasts.
Meet Catherine Erdly

Independent and small business retail trend expertise and opinion

Hi, I’m Catherine Erdly, a small business independent retail expert with over 21 years experience in the retail industry.

Having spent 17 years working for high street names, I now work exclusively with start-up and independent brands and retailers helping them grow their sales and profits.

I am an experienced commentator, key-note speaker, presenter, panel moderator, interviewer, awards judge, podcaster and workshop facilitator, having worked extensively both online and in-person.

Working with me

Small business and independent retail expert and commentator

I love writing and giving commentary on industry news, shifts in the retail industry and consumer and retail trends. In particular, I am fascinated with the ways in which small businesses are growing and changing the face of the retail industry.

I am proud to be a Forbes.com contributor covering starting and scaling a product business.

In addition I am a regular commentator on small business retail, featured on the BBC, the Times and Times Radio as well as a number of other publications and websites such as Yahoo Finance, New Natural Magazine and Real Business.

I am on the editorial board for Modern Retail and a contributor to other industry publications such as Stationery Matters and Craft Focus. I have been invited to give expert comment on a number of retail issues by Retail Gazette and other national publications.

In the press

A selection of publications I have been featured in

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My experience

What it's like to work with me

What previous clients have said about working with me as a speaker and writer

Speaking & Press
Catherine is a fantastic speaker and her approachable nature combined with knowledge and experience of the retail industry offers the audience real value. She delivers engaging content every time, and is always in tune with the current trends and climate.
Shareena Thantry
Marketing Manager
Speaking & Press
Catherine has led a number of workshops and masterclasses for our small business members. She always brings expertise, clarity and leadership and I hear nothing but positive feedback.
Diana Bardega
Founder
Speaking & Press
Catherine is a regular contributor producing articles on ways independents can increase gross margin and improve that crucial bottom line. She has a terrific grasp of what’s important to retailers and has a knack of pinpointing the tasks and planning that many retailers seem to struggle with.
Alistair Forrest
Editor
Speaker, facilitators & workshop host

Exceptional retail trend expertise and opinion

I bring energy and passion to all of my speaking engagements, with a focus on inspiring, uplifting content.

I have spoken at a number of trade shows, both online and in person, such as Make It British, Top Drawer, Harrogate Home and Gift, Fashion SVP, Retail Expo and The Stationery Show.

I have also spoken as an expert on retail strategy and profitability as part of many communities such as Enterprise Nation and Small Business Saturday as well as running workshops for communities and organisations such as The Prince’s Trust and The British Library.

Speaking & facilitation engagements

Proud to have worked with

Make It British

Fashion SVP

London

Just A Card Campaign

London

London Business Hub

London

Association for Cultural Enterprises

Bishop Auckland

School for Social Entrepreneurs

London

Amazon Seller Support

University of Brighton Entrepreneurship Support

Brighton

Harrogate Home and Gift

Harrogate

Top Drawer

London

Small Business Britain

London

Enterprise Nation

British Library

London

The Princes’ Trust

London

London Stationery Show

London

The Mamahood

London

New Natural Business Magazine

My mission as a speaker

I'm passionate about empowering entrepreneurs

I believe that every person who starts a business does so because they want more freedom and flexibility in their life.  It’s certainly the reason that I started mine.

But let’s be honest, it’s hard to have that freedom and flexibility without your business making money. 

I have over 20 years experience helping businesses make money from creative ideas, and sharing that knowledge is my mission as a speaker.

Small businesses are the life-blood of the economy, and now, more than ever, they need to be equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to understand and improve their business skills.  

Need an expert?

Let's work together

I love to work with organisations to create the talk, workshop, podcast episode or article that fits your needs perfectly.

Frequently asked questions

Want to know more about hiring me?

Don’t see your question here?  Why not drop us a note and we’ll get right back to you.

I am incredibly passionate about speaking and teaching entrepreneurs how to be more strategic, productive and profitable in their business.  I have run workshops and talks for numerous organisations including The Princes’ Trust, The British Library, Small Business Britain, Enterprise Nation, The School For Social Entrepreneurs, The Association of Cultural Enterprises, the University of Brighton and many more.

Please get in touch and let me know the topic you’d like to cover, whether it’s online or offline, desired date, number of attendees and your budget and I’d be happy to discuss this with you further.

I am a huge fan of podcasts, with over 100 episodes of my own podcast The Resilient Retail Game Plan under my belt and I am the proud owner of a professional podcast microphone!  I love being a guest on podcasts, so do please get in touch.

I have a variety of topics I can cover from retail and industry trends to practical tips for product businesses, all with a positive and inspirational spin on them.

Yes, I have written guest articles and blog posts for a variety of publications including Modern Retail, Specialty Food, Craft Focus, Bridal Buyer, Stationery Matters,  New Natural Business and many more.

Please get in touch with your preferred topic, who your audience is, word count, deadline and budget and I’d be happy to discuss this with you further.

Yes, I am very experienced in online workshops and talks of all sizes, from audiences of hundreds to facilitating small groups.

I am happy to speak in-person at events based in London.  I can sometimes travel depending on the event/location, so it’s worth asking.  Please get in touch with the date, location and your budget and I’d be happy to discuss in more detail.

News you can use

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