Chief executive, M and M Direct

M and M has proved that the off price model really works online and is now being followed into the online discount market by several players including TK Maxx, which is ramping up its online presence and eBay with its Fashion Outlet.

Robinson made a name for himself as a leading online thinker at Tesco, where he built up its Tesco Direct business. The business he runs in Herefordshire is now looking abroad for growth opportunities. M and M now has a European website that offers to several markets including Germany, France and Holland.

M and M was bought by private equity group TA Associates in 2007 and has been tipped as a company that may look at a sale or float in the near future.

Robinson is a big advocate of etail and is often a speaker at online commerce events with his vast knowledge of multichannel built up at M and M and in his previous roles at Tesco and Argos, which have given him great insight into how consumers are shopping online.

M and M’s real challenge is to stay ahead as the competition grows but it is a brand with a loyal customer base and a team that really cares about the business and want to work hard for it.