Retail Worlds - Derek Buchanan, CEO, Episys
Retail Worlds - Derek Buchanan, CEO, Episys
Retail Systems: How did you get into retail?
Derek Buchanan: On joining Episys as CEO in March 2003, where I established that our products were very much at the heart of how retailers communicate their offer both through external channels and inside the store itself.
RS: Who has been the biggest influence in your career?
DB: I have been fortunate to work with some incredibly talented people throughout my career but significant messages that I received very early on, whilst at McDonnell Douglas was from an experienced executive at that time, Graeme McNab. I in turn now encourage people all around me to adhere to the same messages: be on time, make a commitment only if you can fulfil it and manage or be managed.
RS: What advice would you give to someone considering a career in retail?
DB: Focus always on the quality and consistency of your messaging whether that is presented verbally, electronically, through multi-media or on paper to your most important asset, your customers.
RS: Could you take us through a typical working day?
DB: Each day I focus with the team on the key influences on our success, confirm client projects are on plan, progress sales activity, ensure we track our resources of cash flow and expense management and on the overall direction of the company.
RS: Who in retail inspires you and why?
DB: Many candidates here. However, John Lewis, in terms of their quality of product and people. Also, their culture of employees sharing in the success of the business through their individual efforts and focus on the customer. This is something I support and have implemented within Episys.
RS: What do you like most about retail?
DB: It’s such a visible subject with everyone in life encountering it and having an opinion on it in so many different ways.
RS: Is there anything that you dislike or that frustrates you about the business?
DB: When I see inconsistency of messaging, shelves without stock or poor customer service. All areas that today the solutions and processes are there to resolve this.
RS: What has been the biggest challenge of your career?
DB: Throughout my career to date without doubt, both personally and for others not to make decisions under pressure and always focus on, worry about and deliver the commitments you make.
RS: What are your ambitions for the next five years?
DB: I look forward with Episys to moving us into a new phase continuing to grow the business internationally with established products proven to reduce retailers costs that ensure consistency of messaging, improve sales and enhance the customer’s experience.
RS: How do you relax?
DB: I relax with my family and friends. As a Motherwell supporter and a Scot it’s a case of the exciting build-up in what tends to end, unfortunately, in glorious sporting failure.
RS: What was your last purchase both online and in the High Street and were they positive experiences?
DB: Online my last purchase was a book from Amazon by John O’Farrell “An Utterly Impartial History of Britain”. In the High Street, a dressing up outfit for my daughter Amber, from Woolworths.
