Leicester’s monthly Fashion Forward meetings will present a broad range of industry speakers that will encourage and support new business ideas and strategies.
On Tuesday 30th September from 2pm, one of the confirmed speakers is Russell Hammond, he will discuss “Four Areas That Unlock Growth”, providing a deep dive into Data, Analytics, Process, and People – and how to optimise each to fuel sustainable growth.
Here Russell talks about his industry experience and the topics he will discuss…
For the past 25 years, I’ve been working with fashion companies to improve their operational efficiency and unlock sustainable growth. From my early days at Burberry to founding The Scaphan Network, I’ve seen first-hand that when a business is struggling to scale, the challenges almost always come down to four core areas: Data, Analytics, Process, and People.
My Journey in Fashion Operations
My career began at Burberry, where I managed operations for the womenswear division. It was here that I first learned the importance of structure and process in delivering creativity at scale.
I then moved to Temperley London, where I spent three years implementing best practice processes to enhance both delivery and margins. Later, as Merchandising Director at Aquascutum, I helped restructure operations and streamline workflows during a pivotal moment for the brand.
In 2009, I founded The Scaphan Network with a simple goal: to bring this operational expertise to a wider set of businesses. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the most exciting names in fashion, including Mary Katrantzou, Self-Portrait, Marques Almeida, Huishan Zhang, and others.
Four Areas That Unlock Growth
1. Data
A fractured IT landscape can hold brands back. I help companies review their tech stack, select the right applications, onboard new tools, and ensure data flows seamlessly between them — building a digital infrastructure that supports growth today and in the future.
2. Analytics
Too many businesses still rely on reactive “data dump” reports. I work with teams to move towards AI-driven KPI reporting — where alerts flag issues as they happen. This often means optimising existing tools, or in some cases, implementing my PowerBI data model to give decision-makers the insights they really need.
3. Process
Legacy operations and inefficiencies quietly erode margins. I review business processes to identify overlap, rebuild workflows around growth plans, and embed the best of today’s technology — including AI — into daily operations. Change management is critical here: ensuring teams adapt and talent is used to its full potential.
4. People
Ultimately, growth depends on people. I help businesses review their organisational structure to make sure responsibilities, reporting lines, and career paths are clear. I also support leadership in managing managers — ensuring everyone in the business feels supported, safe, and challenged.
The Bottom Line
Whether I’m working with an emerging designer or an established global brand, my role is to ensure that their data, analytics, processes, and people are aligned with their ambitions. With the right foundation in place, creativity and growth can thrive side by side.
If you’re scaling a fashion business and want to explore how to build stronger operations without losing your creative edge, I’d love to connect.
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Join Russell on Tuesday 30th September, alongside The Fashion Guild & Peter Gallagher-Witham and Kelly Yiu & Miles Anderson from Midori.
This is a free, 3-hour session open to all Leicester based suppliers, designers and creatives to:
- Connect with Leicester’s fashion network on a monthly basis
- Gain actionable insights from industry leaders
- Explore affordable tech and retail tools
- Learn how to future-proof your fashion business
Date: Tuesday, 30th September 2025 Time: 2:00 – 5:00pm
Location: LCB Depot, 31 Rutland Street, Leicester, LE1
Spaces are limited – Register via eventbrite here