This is the area of the event where start-ups have a presence. There is also a stage here, where a selection of start-ups will pitch to groups of retail expert judges across the two days. On day 2 a start-up of the year is announced. 

Confirmed judges: 

• Charlotte Burrows, Global Digital Director, La Perla

• Debra Lees, Senior Director, Corporate Strategy, Asda

• Stuart Ramage, Head of Digital Strategy & Innovation, M&S

• Paula Bobbett, VP & Director, Boots

• Tete Soto, Transformation Director, O2

• Morgan Fowles, Former COO, Spoke