Manchester Metropolitan University, in partnership with CMI and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce announce our latest Business Masterclass, 'Vimto, a local to global brand', delivered by Marnie Millard, Group Chief Executive for Nichols PLC.

The Masterclass

21st century globalisation has opened the gateway to new and exciting international markets. Leading in this global environment brings its own complexities when dealing with regional and local regulations and the cultural, attitudinal and behavioural diversity of global business.
Marnie Millard, Group Chief Executive for Nichols PLC will present a brief history and the iconic growth of the global brand of Vimto. She will talk about the positioning of the brand in different countries, how the product adapts to local markets and the challenges of marketing the product to appeal to international markets.

Marnie will share some personal insights into the agile, flexible and adaptable business approaches required to fulfil diverse global, cultural needs and trade successfully on a global scale.

Who is Marnie Millard?

Marnie is Group Chief Executive for Nichols PLC. She joined the company in 2012 as Managing Director of the UK Soft Drinks Division and was appointed to her current role in May 2013. Marnie previously held senior roles at Refresco Gerber and Macaw Soft Drinks.

Nichols plc is the home of Vimto, a soft drink, which was established in 1908 by John Noel Nichols and today has a retail brand value of £70m. The business operates internationally and turnover for the group is almost £110m. Vimto is represented in more than 85 different countries.

As well as her Executive responsibilities, Marnie is a non-executive Director for Finsbury Foods and is the Chair for the North West Region of the CBI. She is also a member of the Executive Council and Management Board for the BSDA (British Soft Drinks Association).

Nichols PLC supports Warrington Youth Club in their aim to support and inspire young people to achieve their goals and dreams. To support this tremendous charity Marnie and a group of 11 ladies from Vimto climbed Kilimanjaro in March and raised over £50k

Programme

17.30 – 18.00 Registration and refreshments. Meet tutors, staff and other attendees over light refreshments.
18.00 – 18.15 Welcome from Professor Julia Clarke, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Faculty of Business and Law
18.15 – 19.15 Masterclass: Marnie Millard, Group Chief Executive for Nichols PLC
19.15 – 19.30 Question and Answer Session
19.30 – 20.00 Drinks - Buffet - Networking