>>nominated this month

DUDLEY COOPER

Cooper began his career as a merchandiser for Costcutter, rising to area manager and finally category manager. He joined Morrisons in 2001 as a trainee buyer for crisps and snacks and was promoted to buyer in 2002. He has developed ranges and was involved in cutting salt in own label crisps by 25%.
LAURA SHEARS
BUYING MANAGER, WORLD FOODS, ASDA

Shears began her career in the car industry with roles at Peugeot and then Motaquip. She moved to Boots in 1997 as an assistant product manager and progressed to ethical buyer for dispensing medicines. She moved to Asda in 2001 as buying manager for European sourcing before assuming her current post.

CLARE COX
BUYER FOR CRISPS AND SNACKS, ASDA

Cox joined Asda on the graduate scheme in 1997. She was a department manager for two years, then became home and leisure manager at Asda’s Golbourne store. She progressed to buying assistant for baby products in 1999. She became buyer in 2000, then was buyer for health and beauty before moving to her current post.
IAN TIDMARSH
BUYING DIRECTOR, JULIAN GRAVES

Tidmarsh joined Julian Graves in 1991, after working in hotel and foodservice management. He has held his current post since 2001. His previous roles included buying assistant, involving production management, and senior buyer. His key responsibilities include driving NPD and sourcing products from around the world.
SIMON MILLS
CATEGORY BUYER, BOOKER

Simon started his career at Booker nine years ago in the finance department, before moving across to trading. His first buying role was in beer & cider, moving to spirits and then traditional grocery. He has managed crisps & snacks buying for two and a half years, working with Booker and suppliers to develop the category.
CHRIS WALL

TRADING CONTROLLER,
NISA CENTRAL BUYING CONSORTIUM

Wall joined Nisa-Today’s three years ago from United Norwest Co-op, where he was a senior buyer with particular responsibility for confectionery. In his current role, he negotiates the best cost-price structure, reducing the price disparity between major multiples and independent retailers.