S5 | Ep 44 | From Loyalty to Literacy: Using Data for Good with Nick Blewden, Director of Data at Co-Op

In Episode 44, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom was joined by Nick Blewden, Director of Data at Co-Op where they explore how one of the UK’s most recognised brands is harnessing data not just to improve performance, but to deliver meaningful social impact.

Nick shares how the Co-op’s member-owned model shapes its approach to loyalty, personalisation and ethics, why balancing commercial success with social good is central to its strategy, and how initiatives in data culture, literacy and governance are helping to build trust at every level of the business. The episode explores;

• Why consulting experience equips many data leaders for senior roles in industry.
• How the Co-op’s unique member-owned model drives its approach to data and decision-making.
• The importance of aligning commercial success with social good.
• How partnerships with universities have unlocked new insights into health, nutrition and deprivation.
• Why ethical guardrails and clear consent are critical to building trust in personalisation.
• How loyalty and membership schemes powered by data science deepen customer engagement.
• Growing membership from 4 million to nearly 7 million and he role that data played.
• How personalisation is used to encourage healthier lifestyle choices.
• Why balancing valuable personalisation with privacy concerns is one of retail’s biggest challenges.
• How the Co-op uses its member councils, youth councils and surveys to shape data-driven initiatives.
• The role of rapid delivery and quick commerce data in reshaping retail behaviour.
• How they equipped front-line staff with data products to transform decision-making.
• Why building data literacy depends on addressing both “will” and “skill” across teams.
• How embedding ethics and governance early safeguards impact and reputation.
• Why leadership engagement strengthens confidence and trust in data.
• How evolving operating models keep data teams aligned with fast-changing business needs.

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