“There is no way any of us could have foreseen the immense upheaval which this horrid Covid-19 has and is causing to people’s lives, livelihoods and businesses,” said Jackie Collins, managing director and owner of Cherry Orchard Publishing. “I had envisaged Team Cherry Orchard would have been celebrating Cherry Orchard’s 25th anniversary year, not having to restructure the company to safeguard it for the future,” Jackie added, having just undergone a consultation process with all members of its sales team which has resulted in all of its employed sales team being made redundant, but with all five individuals collectively approaching Jackie with their proposal to continue working for the Tewkesbury-based publisher, but as independent sales agents.
The company has been represented in Scotland by two sales agents since February, following the retirement of sales representative, John Clark.
In addition, Fi Douglass-Gibson, the company’s sales director for the last three years has taken redundancy, but is hoping to remain working in the industry, sharing her 32 years of experience.
Paying tribute to Fiona, Jackie commented: “Fi is an absolute gem, I cannot thank her enough for everything she has done for Cherry Orchard, building wonderful relationships with all the team at Cherry Orchard and Cherry Orchard’s customers. It is with a very heavy heart that we have to lose her and will miss her immensely. I wish her all the best.”
Of the proposal Jackie received from the Sales Team to become agents following their redundancy, Jackie said that this solution means that “a sense of continuity will prevail. It means that our retail customers will be able to continue their relationship with members of our wonderful sales team, as they transition to become agents. I am very touched how everyone has been so supportive and committed to Cherry Orchard,” added Jackie.
Above: Jackie Collins, owner and managing director of Cherry Orchard Publishing has restructured the company to futureproof it.