As we prepare for this year’s Gala Dinner, we caught up with Sally Rochester who will be interviewing Queen of the High Street, and co-chair of the Better Business campaign, Mary Portas.

Ahead of their fireside chat on 14 November, Sally shares her thoughts on why she’s eager to meet the business icon, what she plans to ask, and why Mary’s message is more relevant than ever.

Why are you excited to meet Mary Portas?

“Mary is such an iconic figure, well known from her TV shows and her role advising the UK government – I said yes immediately when I asked to interview her” Sally admits. “But what intrigues me most is her personal commitment to the idea of a Kindness Economy, it’s a philosophy that speaks to me. Who wouldn’t want to sit down and ask questions of someone who’s had such a varied and successful career? I’m hoping our fireside chat will give her a chance to share the life lessons that have shaped her current approach to business and wellbeing.”

What are you most looking forward to asking her?

“I can’t wait to ask her about the untapped potential of our high street. Mary has been championing the role of the local retail in building community.

I’d love to hear her thoughts on how our high streets can evolve beyond just retail, and how they can better serve and connect with our communities.”

How does Mary’s approach resonate with the Chamber’s People & Planet theme?

“Mary’s journey is one we can all relate to,” Sally explains. “She started her career at John Lewis and quickly rose to Creative Director at Harvey Nichols, utterly focused on driving consumption. But over time, she’s reflected deeply on how rampant consumerism is damaging our planet. As she notes in her book, we’re on track to need three planet Earths to sustain current lifestyles by 2050.

We all know business as usual isn’t sustainable, but what we don’t always know is how to change course. Mary offers concrete ideas for how we can start limiting the environmental damage.

What message do you hope people take away from the evening?

“I hope Mary leaves us with a message of reinvention, and one of hope and kindness. Her life has been characterised about learning from the past and finding a new, better way forward.”

What has helped you understand Mary better?

“In preparing for this interview I’ve really enjoyed watching her C4 programme The Great Climate Fight and reading her 2023 interview in The Guardian. That article was brutally honest—she speaks openly about her personal struggles, including divorce and loss, and how she’s reinvented herself time and again.

It’s rare to see someone with such a high profile be so raw and reflective. Anyone who’s willing to be that honest deserves our attention.

“I can’t wait to take the interviewer’s seat on 14th November.”