In the Summertime...

Hi there, I hope you are enjoying some fine weather wherever you may be reading this. Here at the RLI office we are currently experiencing something of a heatwave outside our building, well, a heatwave by UK standards anyway!

I have gradually been finding my feet again over the last few weeks, and have had some time to digest the fantastic response we received from our inaugural RLI Connect event. Due to the overwhelming success and the amount of requests for an extension, I am pleased to announce that the World's First Global Retail & Leisure Property Deal-Making Forum will return next year and take place over two days on the 4 and 5 June 2014 at Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea Football Club. We will also be holding this event alongside the highly anticipated ninth Global RLI Awards that will take place in the evening of the 5 June. This two day, two event spectacular is set to be the highlight of the networking calender, so make sure you do not miss out on either event, book a place at both events now by emailing jayne.rafter@rli.uk.com or by ringing +44 (0)1706 212200

The July/August issue of RLI has now hit CEO's desks worldwide, and we have a summer blockbuster of an issue for you to feast your eyes upon. There are features galore, an exciting cover story and an exceptional insight into retail from around the globe in our Voyager section. Add to this the latest news from across the world, a review of our RLI Connect event, an RLI special feature on Tourism and a Winner's brochure from our RLI Awards 2013, and you have an issue that as always is bursting to the seams with news, features and comments on world retail and leisure.

On top of everything else included, the July/August issue is only the second magazine where we have used a new style for the front cover. The main picture on the cover now spreads to the entire page, the title and information included on every cover is now simply incorporated around the main artwork. Here at RLI we think it is a subtle but noticeable change, we hope you all agree.

The cover story for this months issue focuses on Aedas International, and the worldwide success they are finding with the continued growth of its landmark retail and entertainment destination, Starlight Place. RLI spoke to Keith Griffiths, Chairman of Aedas International, the Project Architect for Starlight Place in China, which recently won the Global RLI Award for International Retail & Leisure Destination 2013. For a preview of this excellent article go to www.rli.uk.com

In this issue we have a feature on the Netherlands-based lingerie specialist retailer Hunkemöller, which is currently experiencing a period of accelerated growth and expansion. As part of the article RLI sat down with the company's CEO Philip Mountford as he talks about the company's plans for the future, and how they intend to fulfil their aim to be the number one lingerie specialist throughout the world.

There is also a feature on Private Selection Hotels, who operate in six European countries and strive to ensure they maintain the highest possible standards of quality and service. RLI talks to the company's President Olaf Reinhardt to find out more about its successful growth and commitment to guest satisfaction.

There are more features throughout the magazine, but I cannot give away all the details of what really is a bumper issue! However, the features mentioned above are just the start of what is included in this July/August issue. Carrying on the Voyager section that has been included in the previous two issues of RLI, this edition zooms in on Africa and the retail market that is currently there and what is in store (excuse the pun) for the future.

Now that we have had time to reflect on our inaugural RLI Connect we have included a review of the day, explaining what happened on the day, what the advantages of this event are and what we have in store for next year to make even more deals take place under one roof. For more information visit www.rliconnect.com

Now, as this was a summer issue, we could not let it slide by without including The Global RLI Awards 2013 Winners brochure along with the magazine. This 52-page brochure has a section on each of the categories included on the awards, highlights the winners and portrays an evening of style and celebration through the photographs included. Preparation is already well underway for our ninth annual awards ceremony next year at the Natural History Museum in London.

Looking ahead, we have a fantastic September issue lined up, mentioned in the previous blog entitled Getting Back to Business. Also, the manic month that is November is drawing ever closer and with it will bring the biggest edition of RLI yet.

The future looks an exciting time for RLI, as we continue to build on the success of RLI Connect, as we look to bring our ninth annual awards to fruition and making it the must attend celebration of the year, and as always, we look to bring you month after month the best guide to global retail and leisure.

Till next time...