Wendy Hallett, Founder of Hallett Retail Services: Focus on the financial health of the business

Tuesday, 05 March 2019

Wendy Hallett spent 13 years at Arcadia before starting her own business, Hallett Retail Services in 1999.  Hallett Retail offers a unique concessions concept pulling together fashion, accessory and jewellery brands under one concession umbrella. Today, Wendy works with over 100 brands and many of the High Street’s top retailers, instore and online, including Debenhams and House of Fraser. Hallett Retail brands can be found in over 600 sites across the High Street and collectively Hallett Retail and Hallett Retail logistics employ over 600 employees.

Wendy is committed to the enhancement of women in business.  She is an everywoman Modern Muse and works with schools, colleges and women’s groups to inspire the next generation of working women.  She is on the Women’s Business Council, a Government body that aims to find better opportunities for women to contribute to the economy.  

In 2011 Wendy won the NatWest Everywoman Award and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Business from the University of East London in 2012. In 2013, Wendy was awarded a MBE for services to diversity in the retail sector.

“I set up my business because I could not find a job giving me the flexibility I wanted as a mum. I am passionate about supporting women to set up and grow businesses to help them achieve success and satisfaction while giving them the freedom to have balance within their lives”

Wendy’s Top Tips

• Always keep focused on the financial health of the business placing this at the heart of decisions. Never shy away or delay taking difficult decisions in order to protect the business as a whole.
• I invested relatively early in PR support. I attended high profile events and became involved with influential organisations and charities which helped to lift the profile of the business while giving me the introductions I needed.