20 minutes with...

Eimear Andersen
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. GroceryAid

    4 HR AGO

    GroceryAid

    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 April Website: groceryaid.org.uk 24/7 Helpline: 0808 802 1122 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min
  2. KIRSTY HENSHAW

    26 JAN

    KIRSTY HENSHAW

    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.

    27 min
  3. JONATHAN JAMES

    07/11/2025

    JONATHAN JAMES

    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.

    27 min
  4. VICTORIA LAWSON

    31/10/2025

    VICTORIA LAWSON

    Victoria Lawson – Making form-filling a distant memory Sometimes 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 Wholepal Why 99% of new-line forms come back inaccurate or incomplete How AI and machine learning can transform efficiency without replacing people Overcoming fear of change in a relationship-driven industry Building a tech team based on talent and fit, not gender, in a traditionally male space Facing personal and professional challenges on the road to growth And her mission to make form-filling a distant memory for good A 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.

    26 min
  5. KEVIN HUNT

    24/10/2025

    KEVIN HUNT

    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 13 The hard work and risk-taking that have defined three generations of Hunts How supermarkets threatened their survival in the late 70s — and how the family fought back Why constant reinvestment and local identity are essential to staying relevant The partnerships with local butchers that transformed his stores The human side of leadership: valuing 500 employees, visibility and loyalty And 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.

    30 min
  6. JAMES LOWMAN

    17/10/2025

    JAMES LOWMAN

    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 era Early policy battles and what’s really changed (and hasn’t) in how government works with retailers Why influence is an art, not a science — and how to make people listen and act What sustained leadership looks like after two decades in the same role How data transformed ACS’s credibility and voice with government The human side of the job — from building community to surviving the intensity of the pandemic years And 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.

    34 min
  7. DEBBIE ROBINSON

    10/10/2025

    DEBBIE ROBINSON

    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 careers A 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.

    26 min
  8. MIKE SEVERS

    03/10/2025

    MIKE SEVERS

    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.

    21 min
See All (13)

Trailer

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Eimear Andersen
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Eimear Andersen
  • Show Website
    20 minutes with...