John Timpson
John Timpson is the chief executive of Timpson Ltd, the UK's leading chain of shoe repairers and key cutters. He and his son James currently preside over one of the most respected names in British retailing.
John has been a regular contributor to Real Business magazine for more than seven years. During that time, we have worked with him to publish two books - Dear James and Cobbled Together.
You can also visit http://timpson.co.uk
Ask Timpo: should I get my suppliers to repitch?
Q: One of my peers suggested I ask my suppliers to re-pitch and bring new suppliers into the tender process. This sounds like a great way to improve service levels and potentially cut costs – but is it worth the backache?
Published 6 days ago by John Timpson.
Ask Timpo: My marketing director drinks too much
Q: She's reliable, full of wonderful ideas and has been with the company for years. Only problem is: she drinks too much at events and behaves inappropriately. What to do?
Published 66 days ago by John Timpson.
Ask Timpo: How often do you change auditors?
Q: There is much insight to be gained from a good audit firm, yet we often end up with the junior dogsbodies and very little added value. Should I look for a new audit firm?
Published 69 days ago by John Timpson.
Britain's too obsessed with ticking boxes
"Our country isn’t run by the government or its civil servants. We are controlled by consultants"
Published 80 days ago by John Timpson.
Never underestimate your support team
Behind every successful business leader is an unsung hero who deserves some credit.
Published 114 days ago by John Timpson.
Charities can solve fiscal debt crisis
With social services bound and gagged by red tape, local charities are stepping in to pick up the slack.
Published 178 days ago by John Timpson.
Ask Timpo: Help! How do I deal with a colleague having an affair?
Q: My star divisional managing director has been caught having a fling with my financial director's wife just weeks before completing the biggest deal of his life, which could make our company a fortune. My FD says his colleague should be fired (he says it is either him or me). What should I do?
Published 183 days ago by John Timpson.
Ask Timpo: How do you encourage innovation?
Q: Innovation and collaboration are cited as two of the key features of the post-recession economy. How do you encourage innovation in your business? Do you have a director of innovation?
Published 211 days ago by John Timpson.
Ask Timpo: What's the best way to keep my employees in the loop?
Q: Is there a role for "all-staff" emails from the chairman? I am considering a weekly internal communication to my 480 staff, but want it to make the right impression and not appear like a tablet of stone from on high?
Published 219 days ago by John Timpson.
Ask Timpo: How can I attract customers?
Q: How can a business make a powerful impact on customers this year, encouraging them through the doors?
Published 224 days ago by John Timpson.
