Gerald Ratner is best known as the former millionaire chief executive of the major British jewellery chain Ratners Jewellery, when he achieved notoriety after making a speech which caused the company’s bankruptcy. Gerald Ratner based his philosophy of business on his experiences as a boy in Petticoat Lane Market. He... Read more
Gerald Ratner is best known as the former millionaire chief executive of the major British jewellery chain Ratners Jewellery, when he achieved notoriety after making a speech which caused the company’s bankruptcy.
Gerald Ratner based his philosophy of business on his experiences as a boy in Petticoat Lane Market. He observed that “the people who shouted the loudest and appeared to give the best offers sold the most”. On this basis he built up an extremely successful chain of jewellers during the 1980s, Ratners Jewellery, of which he was chief executive. The shops shocked the formerly staid jewellery industry by displaying fluorescent orange posters advertising cut price bargains, and by offering low price ranges.
Gerald Ratner took over the family jewellery chain in the mid 80s, becoming one of Britain’s best known businessmen. He transformed it from 130 stores with sales of £13m to a public company with 2,500 stores and sales of over £1.2bn. By 1990, Ratner’s was the world’s largest jewellery retailer with profits in excess of £120m.
Following a widely reported gaffe in which he compared his products to M&S prawn sandwiches, Gerald was forced to sell the business. Reduced to virtually nothing and shunned by banks and prospective employers, he eventually picked himself up and clawed his way back. The internet jewellery business is now the largest in the sector, perhaps presaging a return to the high street. Subsequently Ratner has set up new, much smaller businesses including a health club and an on-line jewellery store collaboration called Gerald Online.
After turning around his fortunes, Gerald talks with typical candour and a great deal of humour about the rollercoaster journey. He even raises a smile when he produces The Sun’s list of the ’50 biggest mistakes of all time’ – in which his is ranked top!
He now runs, the UK’s largest online jewellery business Gerald Online.
Feedback:
“A fascinating display of resilience, self-deprecating humour and lessons in ‘what not to do’. Gerald surpassed all our expectations.”
-KPMG
“Gerald was excellent. We have no hesitation in recommending him.”
-Toyota
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You can book Gerald Ratner through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Gerald's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
Gerald Ratner's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Gerald tailored to your event.
Gerald Ratner speaks on a range of business, leadership and industry subjects. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Gerald to align the content with your delegates and goals.
London Speaker Bureau can book Gerald Ratner for events worldwide, subject to Gerald's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Gerald Ratner is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Gerald can accommodate.
London Speaker Bureau will brief Gerald Ratner on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Gerald can offer.
Gerald Ratner delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
Gerald Ratner's areas of expertise include a range of business, leadership and industry subjects. To get a clear sense of Gerald's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.
Gerald Ratner can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in a range of business, leadership and industry subjects is relevant. Details of Gerald's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.
Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Gerald Ratner is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Gerald Ratner, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Gerald's current availability for your dates.