Following on from the success of our buying and merchandising (B&M) speed mentoring event with our partner schuh in 2025, we’re excited to be joining forces again on March 18th, with another opportunity to support your journey into industry. 

This event will remain focussed on specialist roles in B&M but will also be open to those who aspire to work in PR and Marketing, so whether you’re a fashion student nearing the end of your course, or if you’re actively applying for roles in these areas of the business, we want to welcome a diverse group of individuals to the table. 

Complete your application below to be in with the chance to join us at the schuh head office in central London where you’ll have the opportunity to speak with a member of the B&M or PR & Marketing teams about your career aspirations, the steps that you can take to get there, or even to ask about any up-coming roles at the award-winning business.

Please follow this link and complete the application form by midnight on March 8th.

All selected applicants will be contacted by March 11th to notify you of our decision and to provide you with further information about how to prepare.

Who are our guest professionals?

Stephanie O’Reilly – Head of Community

Stephanie is Head of Community at schuh, overseeing PR, Talent, and Community building. She spent 13-years at ASOS, contributing to the brand’s growth.

Stephanie joined schuh four years ago as Head of PR and is now Head of Community.

A big priority for her team is how schuh can engage and connect with the youth audience and really bring to life who we are as a brand and what we stand for through community-building initiatives.

Francesca Hearn – PR & Talent Coordinator

Francesca Hearn is a PR and Talent Coordinator at schuh, with three years experience at the brand overseeing all talent activity.

She works closely with creators and partners to deliver impactful, culturally relevant campaigns.

Prior to schuh, Francesca worked in PR roles at River Island and MADE.com, building a solid foundation across fashion and lifestyle.

Ursula Shapiro – PR & Talent Officer

Ursula Shapiro is a PR & Talent Officer at schuh, having previously worked across global PR at THE OUTNET.

Ursula works with people at the intersection of fashion and culture, leading Irish PR as well as PR for schuh’s in-house range, and supporting seasonal campaigns, press releases, events, talent partnerships, and overall PR strategy.

Robert Cobbina – Purpose Marketing Manager 

Robert works on all of schuh’s social impact activities and charity partnerships. He began this chapter of his career at The King’s Trust the UK’s largest youth charity as a fundraiser developing partnerships with businesses (including with schuh).

Robert held a similar position at Natasha Allergy Research Foundation prior to joining schuh, where he developed the companies social impact strategy.

Hannah Belson – Merchandiser

Hannah is a Merchandiser at schuh, bringing over 15 years of experience in the footwear retail industry.

With two years at schuh, she thrives in fast-paced environments and has a strong passion for using numbers and insights to drive sales and product performance.

Prior to schuh, Hannah held merchandising roles at Office and Offspring, building a deep understanding of product strategy, trends, and customer behaviour.

Ellie Garrett- Buying Admin Assistant

Ellie is a Buying Admin Assistant at schuh assisting across Ladies, Men’s and Kids own brand ranges. She also oversees wholesale working with brand partners ASOS, NEXT and Very.

She has been in the role for two years and began life at schuh working in store as a sales assistant.

Jade Abernethy – Junior Buyer

Jade is a Junior Buyer at schuh, sourcing and developing product for Men’s & Kids own brand with previous experience in Ladies.

With nine years of experience within buying, with four years spent at schuh and previously working at Office where her career started in the industry.

Jade is also part of the wholesale team looking after and selling schuh own brand to partners like ASOS, NEXT & Very.

Sonia Manzi – Buyer

Sonia Manzi is a Buyer at schuh, who sources and develops the Ladies own brand ranges.

She has over 10 years’ experience in the industry, 6 of those spent at schuh while previously working at Office where she originally started as a sales assistant.

Sonia also looks after the wholesale accounts, selling schuh products to their partners ASOS, NEXT & Very.

What is the format?

6pm Guest arrival and welcome drinks

6.25pm Welcome and introduction

6.30pm Speed mentoring session one begins

7.15pm Peer networking over drinks and snacks

8pm Event close

Things to know

• As with all of our events, the session is aimed at a diverse pool of talent, in particular, those who come from underrepresented communities. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Identify as being from a lower socio economic background OR 
  • Have received free school meals OR
  • Identify as being from a marginalised community i.e. ethnic minority, LGBTQ+, have a disability etc

• This event is intended for people aged 18+ and you will be required to provide proof of age should we request it upon your arrival

• Please note that this event will take place at a venue which is not owned or managed by Minority Report Ltd, and should you have any accessibility needs or any other special requirements to attend the workshop, please contact us at info@fashionminorityreport.com, and we will happily discuss any reasonable adjustments with you

• Attendees will be provided with complimentary refreshments during the event