How COOK Became a £150 Million Food Retailer with James Rutter

In this episode of the eCommerce MasterPlan podcast, host Chloe Thomas interviews James Rutter, Chief Strategy Officer at COOK, about the company's strategic approach to growth. James outlines COOK's three essential ingredients for long-term success: strategic clarity, cultural energy, and brand vitality. The discussion covers the importance of culture as a competitive advantage, demystifying strategy, and creating brand vitality by connecting with customers on an emotional level. James provides practical tips for building these elements into any business, emphasizing honesty, trust, and the power of storytelling. The episode concludes with James's top book recommendations, marketing advice centered on email, a unique tool tip involving handwritten postcards, and a carbon reduction strategy focused on reusing packaging.