The Conversation

The Conversation is an independent source of news and views, sourced from the academic and research community and delivered direct to the public.

Professional editors work with university and research institute experts to unlock their knowledge for use by the wider public.

Access to independent, high quality, authenticated, explanatory journalism underpins a functioning democracy. The Conversation aims to allow for better understanding of current affairs and complex issues. And hopefully allow for a better quality of public discourse and conversations.

All authors and editors sign up to an Editorial Charter. All contributors must abide by the Community Standards policy. The Conversation only allows authors to write on a subject on which they have proven expertise, which they must disclose alongside their article. Authors’ funding and potential conflicts of interest must also be disclosed. Failure to do so carries a risk of being banned from contributing to the site.

The Conversation launched in Australia in March 2011 and in the UK in May 2013. Since then I have written a number of pieces for The Conversation:

UK shoppers are choosing bricks over clicks right now, but here’s why it isn’t the end for online retailing (Feb 21st 2023)

Cost of living crisis: why it’s been a happy new year for UK retailers keeping up with changing shopping trends (Jan 12th 2023)

Shopping: the cost of living crisis is hitting people “urgently and directly” – retail expert Q&A (June 24 2022)

High street recovery will take more than street parties and more bins (Aug 3 2021)

Britain’s ruthless high street leaves no room for straglers like BHS (April 25 2016)

What is going on in Tesco? (Apr 22 2015)

Tis the season to spend, spend, spend… or so retailers would have us think (Dec 2 2014)