The Rest Is Money
28. Are the Tories bad for business? Richard Walker on leaving the Tory party, running Iceland, and emerging from his dad’s shadow
Feb 2, 2024
Richard Walker, executive chairman of Iceland, discusses leaving the Tory party, running Iceland, and emerging from his dad's shadow. Topics include UK supermarkets coping with the Red Sea crisis, making green business choices affordably, and the speaker's disillusionment with the Tory party and support for the Labour party.
43:06
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Quick takeaways
- Richard Walker's humble beginnings and understanding of the business from the bottom up allowed him to take over and steer Iceland's growth and success.
- Richard Walker advocates for affordable green business choices and addresses the struggle of customers to afford basic necessities.
Deep dives
Richard Walker's Childhood and Iceland's Beginnings
Richard Walker reflects on his childhood growing up around Iceland, the supermarket chain his father started in 1970. He discusses his father's entrepreneurial journey, from working at Woolies to setting up a fish and chip shop and eventually starting Iceland. Richard explains how the business grew rapidly, acquiring a rival frozen food chain Bee Jam and floating on the stock market. He also highlights the importance of his mother's role in naming the business and reveals the humble beginnings of their success.
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