20 minutes with...

Building a global food supply chain business from a standing start might sound like a carefully planned journey. For Dean Attwell, it began with survival.In this episode, Dean joins Eimear Andersen to share the story behind Oakland International, from the collapse of the family farming business to spotting an unexpected opportunity in frozen storage and building from there.He reflects on how the business evolved without a clear strategy in its early years, why identifying gaps in the market became central to growth and the lessons learned from both success and failure, including early international expansion and costly missteps.The conversation explores leadership, culture and decision-making from taking calculated risk, the importance of failing fast and learning quickly, and why creating an environment where people feel trusted and supported is critical to long-term success. He also discusses the role of innovation, the changing dynamics of the food supply chain and the opportunities emerging for smaller producers and direct-to-consumer models.A conversation about building from nothing, reinvention and how opportunity often emerges when there is no plan at all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Retail technology is evolving quickly, but for many retailers the challenge is knowing which tools genuinely add value - and which simply add complexity. For Darren Nickels, that balance has shaped more than two decades working at the intersection of retail and technology.In this episode, Darren speaks to Eimear Andersen about the origins and growth of Henderson Technology, a business built from the practical needs of retailers within the Henderson Group in Northern Ireland. He explains how systems such as EPOS platforms, self-checkouts and electronic shelf edge labels have evolved from simple operational tools into critical parts of how modern convenience and forecourt stores manage efficiency, pricing and customer experience.The conversation explores how retailers should approach major technology decisions, the importance of choosing long-term partners rather than short-term fixes and why integration between systems is essential if retailers are to realise the full benefits of automation. Darren also reflects on emerging trends, from digital engagement and loyalty to the growing role of robotics and artificial intelligence in stores.A discussion about complexity, partnership and why the best retail technology is often the technology customers never notice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Margins are tightening, customers are more price-sensitive and costs continue to rise across the retail supply chain. In that environment, pricing has become one of the most important - and often misunderstood - decisions retailers make.In this episode, Caroline Cookson speaks to Eimear Andersen about the psychology, strategy and practical realities of pricing in today’s retail landscape. Drawing on a career that spans finance, strategy and commercial leadership at global spirits company Brown-Forman, Caroline explains why many businesses fall into the trap of chasing volume rather than protecting value and why cutting prices too quickly can often damage profitability.The conversation explores how retailers should think about value versus price, why premium pricing can sometimes increase trust and where hidden profit often sits within a product range. Caroline also discusses the idea of “reassuringly expensive” pricing, the role of promotions and how understanding customer behaviour should sit at the centre of every pricing decision.A conversation about pricing strategy, customer psychology and why the most successful retailers focus on value rather than simply being the cheapest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Technology, data ownership and the race to control the last mile are reshaping how retailers reach their customers. For Ricardo Amorim, that shift has been more than a trend.In this episode, Ricardo speaks to Eimear Andersen about the evolution of Stuart, the B2B last-mile delivery specialist operating across the UK and Europe. He explains how services such as Iceland’s in-store “cart drop” model are blending physical retail with rapid delivery, allowing customers to shop in person and have groceries delivered within hours. As delivery moves from a “nice to have” to a core strategic function, Ricardo argues that retailers must retain ownership of their customer data and delivery channels to remain competitive.The conversation also explores compliance, including Challenge 25 age-restricted sales, and how improved technology and process design can significantly raise audit pass rates. Ricardo reflects on trust, sustainability and the growing expectation of speed — alongside emerging questions around drones and future infrastructure.A discussion about control, customer promise and why last-mile delivery is no longer optional for modern retail. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Family retail heritage, fresh food innovation and a growing obsession with AI might not seem like an obvious combination. For David Sands, they are all part of the same story about how independent convenience retail is evolving.In this episode, David speaks to Eimear Andersen about growing up in a fifth-generation retail family, launching David’s Kitchen in 2014 and reshaping the traditional convenience model around food-to-go, in-store production and constant experimentation. With more than a third of sales now coming from products made within the business, he explains the commercial opportunities, and the operational challenges, of scaling fresh food profitably.David also reflects on leadership and longevity in retail. He talks candidly about lessons learned managing people, the importance of community and local suppliers and why independent retailers still have an edge when they adapt quickly and stay close to their customers.Technology is an increasingly central part of that evolution. From analysing sales data to shaping new product ideas, David describes how AI is now influencing decisions across his business. A conversation about building profitable fresh food, backing your instincts and why there are still huge opportunities ahead for independents willing to rethink what convenience retail can be. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Surviving a catastrophic plane crash and building a global technology platform to reduce food waste might seem like very different stories. For entrepreneur Mike Osborne, they are deeply connected.In this episode, Mike speaks to Eimear about how his long-term recovery shaped his sense of responsibility, resilience and purpose, and how that mindset now drives his work with Gander, a technology platform helping retailers sell reduced food in real time rather than throw it away.Gander takes data from in-store price reductions and delivers it directly to consumers within seconds, enabling supermarkets to clear short-dated stock more efficiently, improve margins and significantly reduce waste. Now operating in multiple countries, the platform is tackling a global issue that affects retailers, suppliers and the environment alike.Mike reflects on the scale of food waste worldwide; the technical and cultural barriers retailers face and why better use of real-time data could transform both profitability and sustainability. He also speaks candidly about recovery, personal responsibility and the experiences that shaped his approach to leadership and innovation.A conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience and the practical steps needed to waste less food in a rapidly changing retail landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Eimear Andersen sits down with Mandi Leonard, Welfare Director and Megan Harrison, Marketing Director of GroceryAid, to explore how the charity is breaking down barriers and reaching people when they need it most.Mandi explains the breadth of support available to anyone working in the UK grocery sector—from manufacturing and warehousing to independent retailers and convenience stores. With three pillars of support—financial, emotional, and practical—GroceryAid offers everything from non-repayable grants and 24/7 counselling to legal advice and debt support. The service is free, completely confidential, and available not just to grocery workers but to their families too.Megan discusses the charity's fresh rebrand and why tackling stigma is at the heart of their new campaign. She explains how they are using real grocery and convenience workers in their communications to show a friendly, human face that people can trust, encouraging them to ask for help earlier before reaching crisis point. The conversation covers the unique pressures facing independent retailers, why early new year can be particularly difficult and how businesses across the sector can spread the word about this vital support.Whether you are a grocery worker, a family member or an employer wanting to support your team, this episode makes clear: no problem is too small and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.GroceryAid Day: 30th AprilWebsite: groceryaid.org.uk24/7 Helpline: 0808 802 1122 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 20 minutes with, Eimear Andersen speaks to Kirsty Henshaw, founder of Kirsty’s, about building one of the UK’s most trusted free-from food businesses.Kirsty shares how the company began after her son was born with multiple severe food allergies, at a time when free-from options were limited and uninspiring. She reflects on pitching on Dragons’ Den, the realities of scaling a specialist food brand and why free-from is not a trend but a responsibility rooted in trust and safety.The conversation explores how retailers’ understanding of free-from has evolved, the complexity of allergen control, and why owning a dedicated factory has been a critical advantage. Kirsty also discusses innovation across ready meals and takeaway-style products, her partnership with Myprotein and the importance of balancing commercial growth with genuine social impact.A grounded look at leadership, resilience and what it really takes to build trust in food retail. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this final episode of Series 1 (we’re back with Series 2 soon!), Eimear talks to Jonathan James.From a small farm shop in a disused barn to a thriving multi-site retail estate spanning the country, he has built quite the journey in convenience retail.In this episode, host Eimear Andersen sits down with Jonathan to explore what it’s really like running a family business alongside his wife Rebecca and their children Joshua and Emily, where family dinners often double as business strategy sessions.Jonathan reflects on navigating major industry changes, the challenge of moving from a hands-on retailer to a corporate leader and why community engagement matters more than ever.He also shares why a few quiet hours on his tractor are his version of agri-therapy, his pride in chairing Soham Town Rangers FC and the piece of advice from his grandmother that still guides him today: “Every day is a school day.”With warmth and candour, this is a conversation about resilience, family dynamics and why independent retailers are truly in a league of their own.This episode marks the final one for Series 1 of 20 minutes with … but we will be back very soon with Series 2 with more inspiring conversations. Make sure you click on Follow to be notified when the next episode comes out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Victoria Lawson – Making form-filling a distant memorySometimes the simplest ideas are the most transformative. Victoria Lawson, Founder and CEO of Wholepal, has created a platform that’s quietly revolutionising how suppliers and wholesalers share product data — removing the spreadsheets, the errors and the hours of wasted time that once defined the process.In this conversation, Victoria shares her journey from FMCG account manager to tech founder — and how a single frustration sparked an industry-changing idea. Victoria talks about:How a daily admin headache led to the creation of WholepalWhy 99% of new-line forms come back inaccurate or incompleteHow AI and machine learning can transform efficiency without replacing peopleOvercoming fear of change in a relationship-driven industryBuilding a tech team based on talent and fit, not gender, in a traditionally male spaceFacing personal and professional challenges on the road to growthAnd her mission to make form-filling a distant memory for goodA fresh, inspiring and practical discussion about innovation, resilience and why the human touch will always matter — even in an AI-powered world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kevin Hunt – The Reality of Retail in 2025Fourth-generation retailer Kevin Hunt leads a family business that began in 1946 and now runs 23 local community SPAR stores. In this powerful and often candid conversation, he shares what it really takes to keep an independent business thriving nearly 80 years on. Kevin talks about: Growing up among shelves stacked with sugar and joining the family firm at 13The hard work and risk-taking that have defined three generations of HuntsHow supermarkets threatened their survival in the late 70s — and how the family fought backWhy constant reinvestment and local identity are essential to staying relevantThe partnerships with local butchers that transformed his storesThe human side of leadership: valuing 500 employees, visibility and loyaltyAnd the growing crisis of violence and abuse in convenience retail and his message to government about the need for real deterrence A grounded, heartfelt episode about resilience, community and what it truly means to be an independent retailer in 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For nearly 30 years, James Lowman has been at the heart of the Association of Convenience Stores — 19 of them as Chief Executive. He’s steered the organisation through major change, from the rise of convenience retailing and new government regulation to the turbulence of COVID.In this wide-ranging conversation, James reflects on his journey from public affairs manager to CEO and the evolution of the UK’s thriving convenience sector. He talks about:The moment he joined a fledgling ACS in 1996 — and how the convenience sector defined itself for the modern eraEarly policy battles and what’s really changed (and hasn’t) in how government works with retailersWhy influence is an art, not a science — and how to make people listen and actWhat sustained leadership looks like after two decades in the same roleHow data transformed ACS’s credibility and voice with governmentThe human side of the job — from building community to surviving the intensity of the pandemic yearsAnd why he believes local shops aren’t a thing of the past, but “absolutely part of the future.”A thoughtful, grounded and very human look back at a career spent shaping one of the UK’s most important retail sectors — and a rare moment of reflection before James moves on to new horizons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 retailThe 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 sectorTackling retail crime and building stronger community tiesThe meaning of membership, from democratic decision-making to local impactCentral Co-op’s renewable energy push and ethical sourcing projects in MalawiChelmsford Star Co-op joining Central Co-op and how it strengthens both societiesWhy young people should “ask for forgiveness, not permission” as they grow their careersA conversation about purpose-driven leadership, community resilience and why people remain at the heart of every great retail story.** Please do leave a rating and, if you have time, a little review - it really does help the word get out ** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 stayHow “smart cash” tools are changing retail operationsWhy younger generations are rediscovering the value of notes and coinsThe global opportunities shaping the future of paymentsMike 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.