In my role as Product Learning and Development Manager at Next, I am responsible for the training and development of all our graduate trainee and assistant buyers, merchandisers, designers and technologists. I have over 20 years experience in the fashion industry within fashion buying, project management, entrepreneurship, univerisity lecturing and programme leadership. In addition to my current role, I am an author, PhD supervisor, retail commentator, OFQUAL fashion buying and merchandising subject matter expert and external examiner for London College of Fashion's BA(hons) Buying and Merchandising programme. I also consult and advise on new programme design and re-validations for fashion courses at several UK universities. I’m passionate about learning and development in the fashion industry and giving graduates the very best learning experience at Next, both through my own experience within the industry, and through effectively leading our amazing product L&D team. I have a love of fashion innovation and have co-written a book called 'creativity and innovation in fashion', published by Routledge. As a retail commentator and expert, I have appeared as a guest on BBC Radio Four’s Woman’s Hour, BBC Radio Five Live’s Money programme, BBC World Service, several regional BBC stations and BBC Radio 4’s Today programme discussing a diverse range of topics around fashion, business and global retailing. Continuous professional development is hugely important to me. I am a fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts with a PGCERT in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education and a Masters degree in Design Management and entrepreneurship.