Tesco uses its scale for good

04 November 2013

Judith Nelson, UK Personnel Director of Tesco PLC, outlined the retail giant’s philosophy of making what matters better together and using it’s scale to make a real difference in the local communities it serves at the most recent Business Leaders Series event hosted by Nottingham University Business School

Judith’s career with Tesco started in 1993 when she ‘blagged’ her way on to the graduate training programme to prove to her sister that she could get a job with the retailer. A spectacular rise through the ranks is a reflection of her obvious passion, skill and loyalty but also owes a debt to the company’s demonstrable commitment to developing staff, an ethos that in turn drives Judith’s own devotion to creating opportunities for young people in her current role.

Addressing an enthusiastic audience of business associates; alumni; students; staff and members of the local community, Judith described a shifting strategic emphasis that will see Tesco focus on delivering improved service and value for both customers and staff over the coming decades, whether in-store or online.

“Our core objective is to enhance the shopping experience and reinvigorate what people have loved about Tesco for the past ninety years”, enthused Judith.

She went on to explain that bigger is no longer necessarily better and how rapidly changing customer demographics and buying habits mean that future growth will come from fewer new big stores and more smaller stores, alongside continued investment in existing outlets and competing harder online. Judith also reinforced Tesco’s commitment in tackling some of the issues of greatest concern to consumers in the UK and around the world including obesity and food waste.

Judith is pragmatic about the unprecedented challenges facing organisations following the global recession, arguing that it has required them to focus on core activities and examine their intrinsic culture and business beliefs, which can only result in positive long term outcomes. Acknowledging that the Tesco brand had become increasingly ‘cold’ over the past few years, Judith indicated that a return to the company’s traditional defining values will dominate going forwards.

Greater emphasis on key business areas such as range, quality, price and value are all part of rebuilding the Tesco brand. Similarly, greater investment in staff and customer service is seen as fundamental to future success. “Building a multi-channel business offering a broader range of services to customers is our priority.”

Indeed, despite Tesco’s size – it is the world's third largest retailer with around 6000 stores employing over 500,000 people - the company remains faithful to a core belief that it can make a difference to individuals and local communities. The 'Every Little Helps' mantra seems to perfectly capture the essence of the company i.e. small things that add up to make a big difference.

More about the Business Leaders Series

In addition to providing valuable networking opportunities for people from the University and local business communities, the Business Leaders Series aims to bring high profile speakers to Nottingham University Business School to offer unique and inspiring insights into the careers and experiences of leaders in their fields. Judith’s visit follows in the wake of an illustrious cast of guest speakers over the past few years including global fashion icon Sir Paul Smith; Andy Hornby, Chief Executive of Coral; and Willie Walsh, CEO of International Airlines Group.

View/download photographs of Judith Nelson’s talk from our Facebook site