Head of Technology & Innovation
Richard Burnett
Joined
Jan 2014
I have worked at James Cropper for 10 years, moving from Sales to Marketing, then Operations and now in the Centre for Innovation.
JS
Tell us about a typical day in your role at James Cropper:
RB
No two days are ever the same here. At the Centre for Innovation we look to identify and develop step change projects for the business. This includes talking to universities, technology suppliers and other businesses both within and outside of our industry, and of course our colleagues here. We also spend a lot of time as a team figuring out what problems need to be solved on a large scale, so understanding megatrends (for instance climate change & demographic shifts) is really key. Our team is relatively small which allows for some lively debate in the office.
JS
During your career at James Cropper, what has been your most memorable highlight?
RB
It’s a little while ago now, but the launch of CupCycling back in 2017 stands out as a highlight. The capability of a process that we had designed a few years earlier combined with development of a supply chain for collection of used cups that I developed with a number of the leading coffee chains in the UK led to a live broadcast by the BBC at our site. It went crazy for a few weeks, including more interviews for TV and even the New York Times.
JS
What work are you particularly proud of at James Cropper?
RB
I’m proud of lots of things that we do at James Cropper, but for me it’s that we’re not afraid to challenge and do things differently. Additionally, working on Innovation projects that take a long time to come to fruition, you have to recognise and appreciate the small victories that you achieve on a weekly basis.
JS
Which three things would you take to a desert island?
RB
1. A guitar. I’d finally get time to teach myself to play!
2. A coffee machine with coffee. I’d still need caffeine on a desert island.
3. A device to stream music.
2. A coffee machine with coffee. I’d still need caffeine on a desert island.
3. A device to stream music.
Explore industry insights from Richard
01 / 015