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Kate Hardcastle MBE

Global go-to consumer specialist, Kate is a multi-award-winning international business consultant, broadcaster,  author, keynote speaker and event host.

In Person

£6500 - £10000

Price based on UK delivery

Virtual Event

£5500 - £7000

Categories

Business Event Hosts & Facilitators Future Innovation & Tech Inspiration & Motivation Sales Women in Business

Topics

Adversity Artificial Intelligence Brand Business Change Communication Consumer Behaviour Creative Thinking Digital Entrepreneurship Future Trends Innovation Marketing Strategy Technology Women in Business

Globally renowned and respected, Kate Hardcastle MBE is the ultimate authority on consumer insights—a trusted voice and leading advocate known as the “Customer Whisperer”™. With a career spanning three decades, Hardcastle has pioneered the way in which brands connect with their audiences, shaping strategies for some of the world’s most iconic names, including Disney, Marks & Spencer, and American Express. Drawing on direct insights from panels of consumers every month across multiple sectors, she crafts unparalleled strategies that elevate customer engagement, building genuine respect and authenticity between consumer and business. 

Hardcastle’s influence has cemented her as an advisor who takes businesses from good to great, transforming them through enhanced consumer connections and actionable insights. Her impact extends to the world’s biggest stages as a respected keynote speaker and host, captivating audiences at events such as The Retail Tech Show, Cannes Lions, Seamless, and Shoptalk across the spectrum of industries, including retail, consumer trends, and fintech. 

As a formidable media commentator, she has made over a thousand contributions on major networks worldwide, including BBC, Sky News, CNN, CNBC, and NHK Japan, bridging consumer insight with practical, transformative advice. Hardcastle also launched a successful podcast, bringing to life the business lessons from the music industry. 

Throughout her career, Hardcastle has been recognised with more than 25 national and international awards, including an MBE from Her Majesty The Queen for services to business and entrepreneurship. As the founder of the Buy Smarter, Buy Greener campaign, she is a passionate advocate for sustainable consumerism, championing responsible practices that resonate with today’s growing conscientious buyer. 

Known for her down-to-earth, realistic, and impactful approach, Hardcastle has worked at every level of business, from production floors to boardrooms, ensuring her insights are both grounded and transformational. Looking ahead, she is set to launch her first book, “The Science of Shopping”  in 2025, further expanding her influence and reach as the ultimate consumer champion. 

Kate’s Keynotes:

  • The Unstoppable Advancement of  Digital Commerce
  • Activating a Borderless Economy
  •  Omni-channel Retailing 2020-24: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly
  • Meeting Consumer Expectations Around Convenience
  • Upcycled products & the Circular Economy
  • Building a Modern Brand
  • Meeting Heightened Consumer Expectation
  • Building Unified Retail Experiences
  • Strategic Alliances & Partnerships
  • The Human Touch in a Digital World: Reimagining Retail in the Age of AI
  • Reinventing Customer Experience Through Unified Retail 
  • The Evolution of Trust: Building Consumer Loyalty Through Transparency and Tech 
“ We have many emails from delegates, staff and local businesses, telling us that they really enjoyed listening to Kate and found her inspiring. She helped us put on a fabulous conference.”
“Kate’s dynamism when hosting our events has helped engage the Fragrance Foundation in a new way to its members, her knowledge, passion and expertise has helped to elevate our offering.”
“Kate was a brilliantly inspirational and thought-provoking speaker for our ITV Marketing Dinner, with amazing feedback from senior marketers across a number of sectors. Listening to customers has never been more important and Kate’s insights into how brands are adapting and evolving across the globe gave a fresh perspective on how brands can thrive in an increasingly changing world.”
“Kate’s unique insight into the retail landscape was timely and on target to help our community understand the challenges ahead. Kate’s presentation and speaking style are both very natural and professional and she combined personal anecdotes, practical concepts, tools and advice with sage advice that was interesting, insightful and relevant.”
“Kate is the ultimate professional. With a serious amount of knowledge, coupled with the ability to debate the industry’s biggest trends and challenges, she was the perfect host for Seamless Europe this year.”
“Working with Kate Hardcastle for our first London event was an incredible experience. What truly stood out was her ability to speak with such depth and clarity about retail and consumer trends. Her absolute passion for the subject shone through in every word, making the discussion both insightful and inspiring.”
“Kate’s expertise and genuine enthusiasm carried across throughout the entire session, captivating both the audience and the panel. Beyond her knowledge, she was approachable, professional, and an absolute pleasure to collaborate with. We couldn’t have asked for a better expert to join our panel and are already looking forward to working with her again!”

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Kate Hardcastle MBE

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