Colin Porter

Steering Joules through its 30th year, CEO Colin Porter has spearheaded a customer-centric strategy that has enabled the brand to see off the challenges of a volatile market and maintain its strong position in the lifestyle sector.

Porter left Joules on 30 September, after eight years at the business and four years at the helm. His leadership has led to a 17.2% increase in revenues to £218m for the year to 26 May 2019, and underlying profit before tax rose 19.4% to £15.5m. While staying close to the customer, Porter has led Joules to explore new categories – including sofas and dog accessories – ramp up international growth, and pursue an omnichannel approach.

But it has not been without its challenges. In November, Joules was forced to seek a discount on spring 20 stock from its suppliers to help alleviate the impact of 25% US tariffs imposed on UK exports and the drop in the value of sterling.