For the first time in six years, Carte Blanche has undertaken how it serves the independent retail channel. As a result the Sussex-based card and gift company has restructured its independent sales force, while at the same time bolstered its sales support team at its HQ. While the restructure has seen a loss of five jobs ‘on the road’, six roles have been created at Carte Blanche’s Sussex office in sales support and product development areas of the business. Additionally, recruitment is underway on the product development front to further strengthen Carte Blanche’s product creation on the greeting card and gift sides.
In a statement, Alister Marchant, ceo of Carte Blanche stressed that customers’ needs were at the heart of the company’s sales force restructure.
“Following a recent review of our independent channel we have restructured our salesforce and increased resource in sales support, product development and brand management, with the aim to improve our customers’ experience, both in terms of the service they receive and the products we offer.”
As Grace Elphinstone, marketing manager of Carte Blanche explained that upping the head count of the office-based customer service functions means that the field-based members of the sales force “will have fewer administration tasks, thereby freeing up more of their time to spend with their retail customers”.
The review involved an official consultative process with agreements now reached with all those who lost their jobs in the restructure.
“We are sorry to have lost some good people in the restructure, but as a business we need to ensure that we are the right shape for the future,” adds Grace.
The company is currently gearing up for a major refresh of its plush portfolio.
Top: Aister Marchant, ceo of Carte Blanche Group says that the new structure is in line with the business needs.
