For more than 30 years, Debbie Robinson has helped shape UK retail, leading major high-street names while championing people, communities and sustainability. In this episode, she shares how purpose and values guide her leadership as CEO of Central Co-op, which is one of the country’s largest independent co-operative societies.

Debbie talks about:

• How a Saturday job led to a lifelong career in retail
• The purpose behind Central Co-op’s mission to create “a sustainable society for all”
• Why fair reward, training and respect for colleagues are vital to a healthy sector
• Tackling retail crime and building stronger community ties
• The meaning of membership, from democratic decision-making to local impact
• Central Co-op’s renewable energy push and ethical sourcing projects in Malawi
• Chelmsford Star Co-op joining Central Co-op and how it strengthens both societies
• Why young people should “ask for forgiveness, not permission” as they grow their careers

A conversation about purpose-driven leadership, community resilience and why people remain at the heart of every great retail story.

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Eimear Andersen is joined by Mike Severs from Volumatic. Mike has spent more than a decade making cash handling simpler, safer and smarter for retailers of all sizes.

They explore why cash is still vital in a digital-first world, how retailers can balance efficiency with customer choice and the technology that’s helping frontline colleagues feel more confident at the till.

You’ll hear about:

• The myths around cash and why it’s here to stay
• How “smart cash” tools are changing retail operations
• Why younger generations are rediscovering the value of notes and coins
• The global opportunities shaping the future of payments

Mike also shares why he’s convinced cash will still matter decades from now and why retailers ignore it at their peril.

Follow the show for more conversations, and if you enjoyed this one, a quick review and rating makes all the difference and would be hugely appreciated.

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20 Minutes With… Michael Lorimer, CEO of DCS Group

Michael Lorimer leads one of the UK’s most remarkable distributor success stories. In this episode he talks about balancing global brands with a thriving own label and how people, values and community sit at the heart of DCS’s growth.

He reflects on 31 years of consecutive expansion at DCS Group, moving into food distribution and the vision behind their new customer innovation centre. Along the way he shares candid views on government policy, sustainability and why developing talent will shape the company’s next chapter.

It’s a clear snapshot of where the business is going — all in just 20 minutes.

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In this episode, Eimear Andersen is joined by SPAR UK MD, Michael Fletcher, a leader who has shaped the UK grocery and convenience sector for more than three decades. 

From starting out at Tesco in the 1990s to now guiding thousands of independent stores across the country, Michael brings a wealth of experience and a passion for retail that shines through every conversation.

Michael shares:

• How he first stumbled into retail and why he still considers it the most fun industry to work in.
• The unique opportunity and challenge of working with SPAR’s five shareholder businesses while protecting their independent spirit.
• Why customer focus always beats shareholder focus — and why every senior leader should spend time working on the shop floor.
• What today’s convenience shoppers really want, from value and promotions to food for tonight solutions.
• The critical role of own label in driving value and competitiveness.
• How independent retailers can balance local autonomy with the strength of a national brand.
• The innovations, challenges and opportunities shaping convenience retail, from gamification and loyalty to food-to-go, own brand and digital engagement.
• His advice to retailers and brands entering the sector: pick the right site, stock for your local community, surround yourself with great people and choose the right partner.

This wide-ranging conversation is full of practical insights and big-picture perspective from one of the sector’s most experienced voices.

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20 Minutes With… David Walker

In this episode, Eimear Andersen is joined by David Walker, tech and data specialist and CCO of Cerve. David is helping the food and drink industry unlock the power of real-time insights – cutting waste, saving costs and reimagining how supply chains operate.

David explains how APIs – the digital “pipes” that allow data to flow seamlessly between systems – are transforming purchasing, selling and compliance for wholesalers, manufacturers, retailers and operators. By replacing outdated manual processes with accurate, automated data, businesses can free up people, reduce errors and focus on growth.

He shares how smarter data use can:

reduce food waste by giving startups and operators better visibility of stock and supply

cut costs and redeploy teams into value-adding roles

speed up promotions and increase turnover through real-time insights

lay the essential foundations for the future use of AI in the industry

David also demystifies AI for food businesses, emphasising that “perfect, accurate data must come before AI”. He offers practical advice on how businesses can start small – by mapping their current processes and using simple tools – before diving into more complex strategies.

Looking ahead, he predicts a revolutionary shift: manual tasks replaced by AI agents, admin teams evolving into growth-focused roles and data seamlessly connecting the entire food system from farm to fork. His closing advice to industry leaders: don’t chase shiny solutions – take stock, review where you are and build carefully towards “food 2.0.”

A fascinating conversation that highlights the scale of opportunity – and the urgency – for food and drink businesses to embrace data and technology.

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20 Minutes With… Stuart Holmes

In this episode, Eimear Andersen sits down with Stuart Holmes, who has spent more than 25 years in the drinks and coffee industries with brands such as Bacardi, Campari and Illy, before stepping out to create his own consultancy.

Stuart shares his journey from corporate life to founding The Power of Five, a consultancy designed to help FMCG businesses – from founder-led start-ups to SMEs – find clarity, focus and sustainable growth. He reflects on the challenges brands face when trying to scale, from moving too fast and burning cash, to holding back and missing opportunities.

Drawing on his years at the helm of some of the world’s best-known spirits and coffee names, Stuart gives practical insights into:

how consumer behaviour shifted during and after the pandemic

why premiumisation and sustainability continue to shape the coffee market

what makes a brand stand out in an ultra-competitive sector

the power of people and culture in driving long-term success

He also talks about his role in creating a consultancy cooperative – a supportive network that connects FMCG consultants, combining niche expertise with real-world, recent experience.

Looking ahead, Stuart highlights exciting developments in the low- and no-alcohol space, the influence of health-driven brands, and the role of technology – including AI – in shaping the FMCG landscape. His advice to founders is simple: keep your plan clear and adaptable, surround yourself with the right people, and act with authenticity.

A conversation rich with perspective, this episode offers encouragement and practical takeaways for anyone navigating the food and drink sector today.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.