This month marks Simon Martin's one-year anniversary as General Manager of Midsummer Place, a milestone he reflects on with pride as he shares his experiences, challenges, and future plans for the Milton Keynes shopping centre.
Over the past year, Simon has found leading a highly skilled centre team and collaborating with retail partners and stakeholders within the local community to be the most rewarding aspects of his role. "It’s been fantastic to engage with such a dedicated team and passionate partners who are deeply invested in our community," Simon said.
Upon taking on the role, Simon faced the challenge of navigating the complexities of the shopping centre industry, including managing relationships with owners, leasing agents, and tenants. Through frequent visits to other shopping centres and leaning on his team’s expertise, he has successfully adapted to the intricacies of the industry.
Under Simon’s leadership, Midsummer Place has seen significant growth and transformation. “We’ve focused heavily on retail partner engagement, which has led to positive feedback and stronger relationships. This, along with enhancements to heating, lighting, and communication within our team, has created a more dynamic and supportive workplace culture”, Simon explained. These efforts have paid off, with Midsummer Place being ranked the third most improved centre within the Savills network.
The Midsummer Market has also flourished under Simon’s guidance, with the opening of exciting new stores and events. "From the expansion of the Apple Store to the arrival of Wingstop and the much-anticipated opening of Flannels and Lane7 Bowling, we’ve seen remarkable growth,” Simon said. “Our marketing team has also played a crucial role by hosting events such as fashion shows and live music performances, helping to drive foot traffic and engage the community.”
Among Simon’s most memorable experiences was bringing back a life-size orange woolly mammoth named “Milton” from a visit to another centre. " The team thought I was mad, but Milton is now part of our Midsummer family,” Simon shared with a laugh.
Looking ahead, Simon is focused on enhancing the visitor experience at Midsummer Place. Exciting future developments include new brand partnerships and the creation of a well-being hub to support the local community. Leisure offerings will also continue to expand, with regular entertainment set to bring energy to the Midsummer Place boulevard.
Simon has made community engagement a priority during his time at Midsummer Place, working with local organisations like the hospital, YMCA, and Willen Hospice. He has also built strong connections with small businesses, helping them showcase their products through initiatives such as the Midsummer Market.
As the retail industry shifts toward a greater focus on leisure and experiences, Simon is leading Midsummer Place in evolving its offerings to meet customer expectations. “Customers now seek a balance between dining, entertainment, and retail," Simon explained. "Midsummer Place has adapted by evolving our boulevard and introducing new leisure offerings like the upcoming bowling alley, while continuously gathering feedback from focus groups to meet visitor needs."
Maintaining a balance between well-known brands and independent businesses is a priority for Simon. "We work closely with our board and leasing agents to ensure the right mix of retailers, providing variety for our customers and supporting smaller businesses."
Looking forward to the future, Simon is particularly excited for the upcoming holiday season. “Christmas is always a highlight, with increased footfall, festive markets, and the Christmas tree light switch-on in November. I can’t wait to see the centre come to life during this special time of year."
