Up On The Farm
Farmers and their suppliers have rarely had it so good, but who will be left holding the baby? The owners of John Deere, the world famous brand of tractors and…
These articles illustrate why leadership matters. Few great businesses are built without inspirational leadership and we can all learn from the people in the news who are doing this well. What can you learn from the people described in the articles below?
Hang Onto Your Margins!
“Excessive margins always come with a sell-by date.” The mobile industry is an interesting place at the moment. Blessed with license-based market protection, not available even in the wildest dreams…
Piggy in the Middle
“The same technological changes that have allowed disintermediation of the traditional supply chain have created an industry of intermediation on the demand side.” In economics, disintermediation is the removal of intermediaries in a supply…
Memento Mori
“One market changing technology is bad enough for market leaders, but what would you do if two came along at once?” I’m not sure if you can buy a…
Deal or No Deal?
“Why my neighbour, Premier Foods, has had to go back to basics.” I live across the road from the headquarters of Premier Foods, owners of Hovis, Mr Kipling, Ambrosia,…
A Day Is a Long Time in Politics
“Don’t wait until you have a crisis to think strategically.” The public administration select committee has said that David Cameron doesn’t have a strategy for the country. Consequently, it’s…
How On Earth Did They Do That?
“How has Aquascutum gone bust when every other luxury brand is rolling in cash?” Sadly, Harold Tillman’s attempt to save the classic Aquascutum fashion brand has come to nought…
Late Learning Centre
"Look what happens when great brands do nothing as the world changes around them.” One of my fundamental building blocks of a great business is to “stay different”. This implies…
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The Best Buy Uncertainty Principle[1]
"You can’t sustain profits whilst investing in radical change." Having just spent the last two weeks in the United States, where I am working with clients and also starting an…
The Future of Retail
“The appointment of an American CEO is a very good move for Argos, as long as they listen to what he has to say.” Although Argos is the largest…