Co-op-store

Co-operative Group

“I have helped the Co-op on a number of occasions across a variety of their businesses and functions.” 2 major assignments with the Co-op were leading their supply chain transformation programme following the acquisition of Somerfield and leading their cultural change programme to support the relaunch and rebranding of the group. Programme Director – Supply Chain[…]

Arco

“I’ve supported Arco, the B2B safety products retailer, on a number of assignments including a period as interim Change & IT Director” Arco is the UK’s number one provider of workplace safety products & services.  With over 60 stores and sales offices across the UK, this family-owned B2B retailer turns over around £300m each year (as at 2015).[…]

Reference from HR Director at Arco

Iain joined the Arco operations board at a critical time in our business development process. His ability to quickly assess the organisations complexities and make sense of the key priorities is truly impressive. He is able to blend strategic insight and operational requirements to develop business strategies that differentiate and deliver real value. I really[…]

Reference from Managing Director at Arco

Iain did a superb job for us, far exceeding our expectations. He was engaged for 9 months to help us 1) formulate an IT strategy, 2) lead the IT/Change function with over 50 colleagues and land the required organisational change, 3) support the E-commerce Director and 4) support/develop his permanent replacement in the role. This[…]

Morrisons

“I consulted with Morrisons on a variety of digital initiatives, including leading the design & delivery of a major CRM programme.” Morrisons is the 4th largest supermarket in the UK with a turnover in excess of £15bn pa and around 500 stores.  Following acquisition of Safeway in 2004 and the ensuing integration and changes in[…]

Reference from Customer Director at Morrisons

Iain has remarkable energy and tenacity. He created an excellent foundation for me in Morrisons, building the CRM capability. His knowledge and expertise in these matters is very strong, he served Morrisons well. I was very worried when he said that he had been consulting for us rather too long (over 2 years) and would[…]

E.ON

“I’ve worked with E.ON on a large number of consulting, coaching and interim assignments over a period spanning several years.” E.ON UK is the UK business of the global power and gas business, is the second largest electricity retailer in the UK with a 24% market share. E.ON sells electricity and gas to consumer and business[…]

Reference from IT Director at WHSmith Direct

Iain joined WH Smith Direct a few weeks before me. He quickly grasped the business and key issues and developed business plan initiatives. Iain is an exceptional team player and worked very hard to develop the team ethos within the management team and the wider business. Communications on KPI’s and performance improved considerably and each[…]

Reference from Managing Director, E.ON UK

Iain joined me early in 2006 on the Consumer Leadership Team at Powergen, as interim Head of Change, following acquisition by E.ON AG, the global energy group. This was at a time of increasingly competitive conditions in the Energy markets, with retail margins under significant pressure. Iain brought a wealth of senior-level experience from low-margin[…]

Reference from Managing Director at NHS Shared Business Services

Iain Spence joined us as interim Change Director at a very challenging time in our business’ history. With our business forecast to grow by more than double in the next 12 months, we had to develop a clear strategy and plan to handle that type of growth in a tightly controlled way. Iain’s expertise in[…]

WHSmith

“I led WHSmith Direct through the most significant period of business change in its history, delivering step change improvement in sales and profit performance”   In April 2003, I was engaged to lead WHSmith Direct through this period of significant business change and opportunity. This would allow the main board director responsible for the business to focus[…]

Reference from Director at WHSmith

I provide this reference in the sure knowledge that Iain can make a significant contribution to your own organisation, in a wide variety of ways. Iain’s significant track record in retail, and in particular his wide experience in online businesses, was the driver for us asking him to take on the role of Chief Operating[…]