By Stan Millar, Marketing & Communications Intern
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Simon Tully, the Digital and Technology Director at COOK, the well-loved frozen ready meal company that prides itself on making food just like you would at home. You might know them from their bright shops or their website, www.cookfood.net — but what’s perhaps less visible is the technology that makes it all run so smoothly. That’s where Simon comes in.
From Home Computers to COOK’s Tech Director
Simon’s fascination with technology began early — around age 12, when he first got into home computing. He quickly realised that this wasn’t just a hobby; it was a lifelong passion. Throughout school, A levels, and university, he nurtured this interest, always thinking about how technology could support and improve business.
After studying Computer Science at university, Simon joined management consultancy company accenture, which gave him a solid grounding in the business world. He then worked in financial services industry before taking on the role of IT Director at COOK in 2018, bringing together his twin passions for business and technology.
A Day in the Life of a Digital Director
When I asked Simon about a typical day, he laughed — because in a fast-moving food business, there are no “typical days”; no two days are the same.
Mondays are all about tracking the weekend’s trading performance — analysing sales, checking how the numbers compare to budgets, and reviewing shop, concession, and website data. It’s an office-heavy day focused on performance and planning.
The rest of the week tends to be a balance of long-term digital projects — like improving COOK’s website and customer experience — and tackling any urgent tech issues that come up. As Simon put it, “I’m always thinking ahead — how can we make things better, smarter, and more useful for the people using our systems”
Skills and Mindset: What It Takes
Simon believes that success in tech isn’t just about being good with computers. “You need a genuine interest and skill in IT,” he said, “but you also have to understand what the business needs from the technology. It’s not tech for tech’s sake — it has to be useful, meaningful, and connected to what the business and the customer want.”
At COOK, that also means having an interest in food and a real empathy for the end customer. It’s a reminder that even in a digital role, everything comes back to people — and purpose.
Overcoming Challenges: COOK’s Cyber Incident
One of the biggest tests of Simon’s career came around four years ago, when COOK faced a major cyber incident. It was, as he described it, “an existential threat — it could have destroyed the business if we hadn’t recovered.”
Simon and his team worked around the clock, taking careful, calculated steps to restore systems. They didn’t lose any data or pay any ransom, though it did mean shutting down Christmas orders and dealing with some stock issues. The experience tested every skill Simon had — leadership, project management, and sheer resilience.
The outcome? COOK came out stronger, wiser, and more secure. “You never want to face something like that,” Simon told me, “but it showed just how capable the team was under pressure.”
Passion, People, and Purpose
Before settling into his tech career, Simon once dreamed of being a professional cyclist — and though he admits he “wasn’t quite good enough,” his passion for cycling never left him. He’s even used it to do fundraising challenges for Lily’s Social Kitchen, including the Bike Ride While You Work challenge.
Simon first connected with Lily’s through our chairman, who admired his “spreadsheet wizardry.” Since then, COOK has been a tremendous supporter — from helping with labelling and HR, to Tomasz from Simon’s team helping us set up our Monday board.
Simon himself now serves as Lily’s Treasurer, aligning perfectly with his values. “COOK and Lily’s share something special,” he said. “We’re both about food, community, and purpose. Food brings people together — it’s a wonderful vehicle for connection.”
A Few Fun Facts
When he’s not overseeing digital transformation or saving the day from cyber threats, Simon enjoys rugby (usually while doing the ironing, he joked). And if you were at the Christmas switch on in Canterbury on the 14th November 25, you might have seen his son’s band, Purple Harts, playing at our Christmas light switch-on fundraiser.
Final Thoughts
What struck me most about Simon is his mix of technical expertise, business savvy, and human warmth. He’s proof that technology isn’t just about systems — it’s about people, relationships, and purpose.
We’re lucky to have Simon as part of Lily’s story — both as a supporter and as someone who truly understands how technology and community can work hand in hand to make good things happen.