Blog Series NWBLT Career Insights with Andrew Milne
In the latest of our career insight blogs, Andrew Milne, CEO of Nichols PLC shares his reflections on his career, having a willingness to learn and the importance of responsible business leadership.
Tell us a little bit about your current role?
I currently have the privilege to be CEO of Nichols PLC – home of the iconic Vimto brand. Our business boasts a rich heritage, having started in the North West back in 1908. Many in the UK don’t realise this but we have grown the business to become a global entity, with our largest markets spanning the UK, the Middle East, and Africa.
At Nichols, we are driven by a simple yet powerful purpose: to make life taste better. That purpose guides our decision making and product development, keeping us focussed so that every decision we make and every product we create is rooted in this mission, and building Nichols by doing the right things in the right way.
How did your career start? What one skill/attribute would you say has helped you most during your career?
My career began on the Marks and Spencer graduate training scheme at their Blackpool store. It was a fantastic grounding for someone fresh out of university. I was given responsibility for the bread department, and from day one, I had real line management experience and commercial responsibility. Those early days were filled with lessons — I made plenty of mistakes, but each one was a brilliant chance to learn at an early stage in my career.
That willingness to learn has been something that has taken me through my career. I have always been a great believer you can achieve anything with hard work, determination and an open mind to learn and an ability to recognise what you are good at – and more importantly what you are not good at – then being willing ask for help and finding someone who can do it better than you.
What’s the greatest challenge that you have faced in your career or as a leader?
One of the most significant challenges I face as a leader has been navigating the complexities of recruitment. Making the wrong hiring decision can have a profound impact on the team and the business. Over the years, I’ve learned to trust my instincts when it comes to recruitment. If you’re not completely confident in a candidate, it’s better to wait. A coach once shared this analogy with me: “It’s better to have an empty house than one filled with the wrong tenants.” That’s a principle I’ve carried forward, as the right people can elevate an organisation, while the wrong ones can create significant challenges.
As a business leader, what skills, values, and behaviours are you looking for from your future talent so that Nichols continues to be successful?
When I look for future talent, I like to have a mix of skills and values as that diversity ensures we get a better output. A diverse team brings a richness of perspectives that leads to better decision-making and innovation.
That said, there are some traits that I think are consistently needed in all leaders. First and foremost, good leaders should care about people – it’s impossible to lead effectively if you don’t have a genuine interest in the well-being of those you’re leading.
Second, is the importance of an open mind and a willingness to change and learn. The business landscape is always evolving, and leaders who adapt are the ones who thrive.
Finally, I believe that consistency is important – people should always find you approachable and believe that they can rely on you and not be second guessing your reactions to situations.
What advice would you give to those thinking about their first career steps?
For those just starting out, my advice would be to focus on gaining as many experiences as possible rather than fixating on promotions or job titles. Your early career is a time to explore, and each experience, no matter how small it may seem, will help you to build a strong foundation of skills and experiences. and set you up for long-term success.
As part of the NWBLT you have mentored members of our Rising Stars / Diversity Drivers – what have you learnt from being a mentor?
Mentoring has been an incredibly enriching experience for me. It’s not just about imparting knowledge; it’s also a chance to learn from the fresh perspectives and energy of the next generation of leaders. Through mentoring, I’ve gained insights that have helped make Nichols a more welcoming and supportive place for young talent coming into their first jobs.
Have you had a mentor who has helped you in your career? / Who has inspired you?
I have had many fabulous coaches and mentors who I have learnt a great deal from. The one bit of advice that I got quite early on that has always stuck with me is – “If you don’t seem to really get on with someone, take the time to get to know them, to understand them better”. It’s a reminder of the importance of empathy, seeking to understand people’s drivers and perspectives so that I can treat them how they want to be treated. It a principle I try to adopt continuously and in all of my relationships.
If you could do any other role or work in any other sector, what would it be?
I believe that is really important to be passionate about what you do – I am passionate about football so would love to work in that industry – however I realised at a very young age that I was never going to be a professional player…