The current geo-political climate in the Middle East has had a marked impact on growth – from the Mediterranean up to the Gulf. The mid-term and long-term effects of this political and social unrest were discussed at length, with industry insiders from the affected markets providing an update on how business picked up in the latter part of 2011.

Innovation was a key theme of programme. A number of sessions examined how all stakeholders can create a brighter future for the business – be it though innovating the product mix, the retail design, the staff’s approach to the customer and even management’s approach to staff.