The big business conundrum with Richard Walker, MD of Iceland

Given the choice, most of us would opt for a relatively easy life pathway and if your family business was not involved in servicing the needs of the many, then even better. Not so for the Walker family. Not happy with setting up Iceland, Richard’s mum and dad also ran a fish and chip shop Thurs-Sat so when the day job finished, the evening shift began. That work ethic has moved down the tree and after pursuing a career in property away from the family business, Richard made the not-so-easy decision to roll his sleeves up and join the family fray. Iceland has taken a lead position on many issues around business and supply chain sustainability, and this is not done lightly or without controversy. Sticking a head above the parapet always brings fire, but the industry is lazy in general with business and consumers alike quite addicted to plastic. This lead approach from Iceland has moved the widely-accepted, mainstream positions round to Iceland’s way of thinking. Podcast host Laura Nesbitt relates her personal life touch points with Iceland retail and also the prodigious charitable actions by the retailer including with Surfers Against Sewage, Alzheimers Research and Sepsis Awareness. Links Follow Richard on Twitter Find out more at www.blueearthsummit.com Follow Blue Earth Summit on Twitter Follow Blue Earth Summit on Instagram Follow Laura on Instagram ___ What is the Blue Earth Summit? Blue Earth Summit is a movement. A dynamic mix of communities, redefining how we work and driven by a love for the outdoors. A new way to connect and regenerate our connection to our blue earth. With our eclectic Bristol venue partners the Marble Factory and The Wave, October 2022 will see an extended programme over three days. Two days of inspirational content in central Bristol followed by a final day of activity-led networking at one of Europe’s premier sporting venues. Buy tickets here