20 Minutes With… Michael Lorimer, CEO of DCS GroupMichael 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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21:41
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21:41
MICHAEL FLETCHER
In this episode, Eimear Andersen is joined by 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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30:36
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30:36
DAVID WALKER
20 Minutes With… David WalkerIn 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 supplycut costs and redeploy teams into value-adding rolesspeed up promotions and increase turnover through real-time insightslay the essential foundations for the future use of AI in the industryDavid 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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27:44
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27:44
STUART HOLMES
20 Minutes With… Stuart HolmesIn 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 pandemicwhy premiumisation and sustainability continue to shape the coffee marketwhat makes a brand stand out in an ultra-competitive sectorthe power of people and culture in driving long-term successHe 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.
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22:08
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22:08
TRAILER - 20 minutes with...
First full episode coming on Friday 12th September. Click on subscribe here to be notified as soon as it is published. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
20 minutes with … is a new podcast series where Eimear Andersen chats with leading voices from across convenience, wholesale and grocery in a relaxed, insightful format. No agenda, no curveballs, just space to share stories, priorities and perspectives shaping the sector. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
UK