University of East London Homepage

North London entrepreneur receives honorary award

Tuesday 27 November 2012

Wendy Hallett

Wendy Hallett, an award-winning entrepreneur, was today awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Business from the University of East London (UEL) at The O2.

Wendy set up East Finchley-based, Hallett Retail, from home, although the company has now grown to 1,300 outlets across Europe. Following a management placement at Marks and Spencer, Wendy decided to apply for graduate programmes in the retail industry – taking a place with the Arcadia Group.

During her 13 years with the company, Wendy quickly progressed to manager of the flagship Oxford Street Topshop store. She had her first child in 1994 and continued to work full-time until the birth of her second. Shortly after moving to a head office role, Wendy was made redundant. Undeterred, she saw this as an opportunity to achieve greater flexibility – fulfilling her role as mother without giving up her career.

Due to a lack of suitable part –time roles, Wendy set up as a consultant, creating a concession company to bring together fashion brands that were too small to operate independently.

In 2011, Wendy was named overall winner at the everywoman NatWest Awards. In the same year, Hallett Retail won the Growing Retailer Category at the Drapers Fashion Awards, and in 2012, the Oracle Retail Week Awards. But these accolades were not won without challenges – Wendy was diagnosed with cancer in 2004, but made a full recovery and kept the business running.

Speaking at today’s ceremony, Wendy said: “I am delighted and proud to accept this Honorary Doctorate of Business from the University of East London. I am an amazingly fortunate person to receive honours and accolades for my achievements working in an industry I love so much. 

“I am also fortunate to be in a position to be able to inspire, influence and advise young people on their career potential and help them realise that through hard work and commitment they can fulfill their career potential.”

Wendy supports UEL’s Centre of Excellence for Women’s Entrepreneurship (CEWE).

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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