Ian Jackson (above right), managing director of Polytint is joining the board of directors of Simon Elvin Ltd this month.
Simon Elvin, who co-founded the eponymous greeting card publishing empire with his wife Janet some 40 years ago is continuing at the helm, with no immediate plans to retire.
Simon Elvin acquired Polytint, which specialises in producing own brand and bespoke greeting card ranges for retailers, several years ago and Ian (who’s father started the business) has remained with the company.
“Ian has done a fantastic job in developing Polytint. His knowledge, whole approach to business and ingrained ethical values makes him a great addition to the board,” says Simon.
While Simon has no immediate intention to retire, he has intimated that Ian would be an ideal successor becoming managing director in due course, but “that time is certainly not yet,” he told PG Buzz..
“I am not ready to step down; I am still enjoying it and feel OK, but Ian joining the board gives our staff and customers reassurance that we do have a succession plan in place,” Simon revealed.
Simon, a true champion of the greeting card industry has remained ever steadfast in raising the bar of wholesale greeting cards. While Simon’s commitment to the industry extends to the other companies in the ‘Simon Elvin group’, namely Paper Rose/The Art Group, Nigel Quiney Publications, Glick and Polytint, the wholesale card publishing business that bears his name remains understandably very close to his heart.
When PG Buzz suggested that Simon might like to follow the path of Dean Hoyle (founder of Card Factory) who owns Huddersfield Town FC and buy a football club, Simon (a longtime supporter of Watford FC) said that he would rather “stay with greeting cards,” but would continue to “scream his frustrations” at his beloved football team!
