myBBC

BBC executives have often mused about following the John Lewis operating model. The partnership, with a handy store just the other side of Cavendish square from Broadcasting House, seems to have happy, polite and motivated staff, balanced books and a good relationship with customers - and that makes the Beeb suits jealous.

It is, however, possible, there's a reverse take-over on the way. The latest 48-page edition of Waitrose Weekend features the writing talents of Fi Glover, John Humphrys, Jonathan Agnew, Sue Perkins, Eleanor Oldroyd, Mark Kermode and Stuart Maconie. Many of the other contributors owe the BBC for some or all of their reputation - Alan Titchmarsh is on the cover, and has a four-page pull-out, there's food stuff from Michel Roux Jr, travel from Simon Calder and weather from Rob McElwee.

Alongside, we have a Waitrose YouTube channel, a Delia Smith Online Cookery School, and a website updated daily. Essential.