Culture that scales
How Pret holds its values consistent across hundreds of locations, and how to keep yours intact as you grow.
What to expect
Step into the heart of the business
The day begins with an early morning start in one of Pret’s operational shops. You’ll be welcomed by the team, given your apron, and thrown into the rhythm of a working store.
From making food in the kitchen to serving customers and even trying your hand as a barista, this is a rare opportunity to gain firsthand insight into how culture, standards, and customer experience are embedded on the frontline.
You’ll quickly get a feel for the ‘Pret Culture’, the energy and positivity that Pret is famous for – and understand how recruitment, training, and systems are designed to foster this unique environment across hundreds of locations.
What to Expect
Explore the leadership journey
Following your time in-store, you’ll be joined by members of Pret’s senior leadership team for a candid and wide-ranging session exploring the company’s history, growth, and evolution.
You’ll hear how Pret was founded in 1986 by college friends Julian Metcalfe and Sinclair Beecham, how it expanded globally to over 500 stores, and the challenges faced when the pandemic struck, wiping out a decade of growth in a matter of weeks.
Rather than retreat, Pret used the crisis as a catalyst for change: embracing innovation, launching new business models, and protecting the integrity of its brand and culture.
Expect open discussion, honest reflections, and practical insights into what it takes to lead a high-profile brand through uncertainty while staying grounded in purpose.
What to Expect
Reflect and connect
The day will close with a facilitated debrief session: a chance to reflect on what you’ve seen, heard, and experienced, and explore how these insights can apply to your own leadership context.
You’ll have the opportunity to share takeaways with fellow participants, ask further questions, and leave with tangible ideas for strengthening your organisation’s culture, performance, and resilience.
What your leaders take away
Purpose people can feel
Practical ways to embed purpose at every level, so it shapes daily behaviour rather than sitting on a wall.
Resilience under pressure
What it takes to lead through disruption, reinvent the model, and come back stronger.
The frontline advantage
Why the people closest to your customer should shape your biggest leadership decisions.
Our Global Eco-System
