‍In brief, what does your company do or what’s its Unique Value Proposition, if the first is obvious?

“Cordings is a British heritage brand that has been kitting everyone from rock stars to royalty in country clothing since 1839. ”

What’s your role in the company?

“I am the Marketing Director, and part of my remit is to manage and evolve the online business.”

What’s the best part of your job?

“I have always been really passionate about the brand; even before I worked for Cordings I was aware of it and regularly visited the store. It was always viewed as ‘the real deal’ and it is great to work for a brand whose products you know are worth shouting about.”

What’s the toughest part of your job and how do you deal with it?

“Online retailing is a 24/7 experience – the store never closes, and that can bring its challenges. It is a truth universally acknowledged that if something is going to glitch it will always be on Christmas Day and you have to be prepared to stop stuffing the turkey and deal with it.”

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received?

“It is such a cliché but I firmly believe in the adage ‘the customer is always right’. Their viewpoint and experience should be at the fore of any decision you make. We area small enough team that we all get ‘face to face’ time with customers and it just helps inform your direction. I learn so much from speaking to a customer for five minutes about what is working and what needs improving on the website..”

What three tech things can’t you live without?

“For work its iPhone and Photoshop. When I am not working I don’t want to be looking at a screen so its Spotify and my Bose speaker (can I have that as one choice?)”

What inspires you in your day to day working life?

“The people I work with, the customers, the product and the heritage of the brand.”

What particular challenges is your business currently facing and how are you addressing them?

“Our flagship store is currently undergoing essential building work, so has had to remain closed whilst this is carried out. It is unbelievably frustrating not to be able to welcome back customers, but we are working harder than ever to give them the same level of service online as we do in the store. ”

What opportunities do you anticipate coming out of the COVID pandemic for your business and how are you planning for it?

“I personally am not convinced about the words ‘opportunities’ and ‘pandemic’ in the same sentence. British retail and manufacturing is dealing with an unprecedented situation; we are small and relatively niche and we are so lucky to have loyal customers. I would rather highlight the work done by the British mills and makers who put their production lines over to making scrubs and PPE, I think we as a country should be celebrating them.”