Life In Lockdown: Paul Woodmansterne, chairman of Woodmansterne Publications

None of us will ever forget this period and the upheaval it has caused to our personal and business lives, from our mental wellbeing to our financial situation. While ‘it’ is far from over, with lockdown easing slightly thoughts can turn to what the new normal may look like.

Paul Woodmansterne, chairman of Woodmansterne Publications shared glimpses into how the company has been run during this period, his personal lockdown life as well as his hunch on what the future will bring.

What has life in lockdown been like for you?

Personally: “Lockdown life at home in probably the kindest Spring we’ve ever known. It has meant supporting my wife’s gardening obsession, while eating far too much chocolate from M&S.”

Business wise: “Helen (our finance manager), Seth (Woodmansterne mdand I spent much of March persuading the bank to lend us eye-watering sums of money to keep the business afloat. We’ll all be working tirelessly for at least a decade to service the debt!”

What has been the best thing about it? “Having the time to really get into my cello-playing. It’s like falling in love again.”

Above: Paul Woodmansterne’s cello playing during lockdown has been one of the pleasures.
Above: Paul Woodmansterne’s cello playing during lockdown has been one of the pleasures.

What has been the worst thing about it? “Putting on much of the weight I’d managed to lose last year through Slimming World.”

Do you have any new-found skills/guilty pleasures? “On a private boat trip up The Nile in February (guests of a very generous friend), I started sketching faces for the first time. During lockdown I’ve been attempting more of friends and workmates.”

Above: A sketch by Paul of his colleague Adam Osbourne and one of a good friend’s cat.
Above: A sketch by Paul of his colleague Adam Osbourne and one of a good friend’s cat.

What role do you think greeting cards have played in this period? “Online sales of cards have rocketed, and those few retailers that have been allowed to open and keep their card aisles stocked have reminded us how much people value keeping in touch in the very special way we understand. You’d expect that it is sympathy that is required, but most people seek relief from boredom and isolation with a cheery smile and a bit of a laugh.”

Above: The Woodmansterne Instagram page has been ‘fed’ regularly with fun posts, including this Fred design that will resonate with many trying to make an online grocery order.
Above: The Woodmansterne Instagram page has been ‘fed’ regularly with fun posts, including this Fred design that will resonate with many trying to make an online grocery order.

How are you approaching the loosening of the lockdown business wise? “We have kept a skeleton crew throughout to support those retailers who can sell, and we’ve been continuing to print Christmas cards in Croxley (in the hope that “there’ll always be a Christmas!”). Now, we’re just watching to see who’s opening and gradually unfurlouging staff when needed. We so admire Windles’ initiatives to make PPE. Well done Bruce!”

What do you think the new normal will be like in the coming months for our sector – the key challenges and opportunities?

Above: A Woodmansterne design that looks to the future.
Above: A Woodmansterne design that looks to the future.

“It will be long; it will be hard; and far slower than people imagine. Browsing has become a taboo, which is the whole point of shopping isn’t it? Retailers need to remind government, that the spirit is as health-critical as the body.”

 

Top: Paul Woodmansterne (right) with his son Seth, managing director of the company.

MORE NEWS
Ofcom meeting Feature Image
 
Cardology’s David Falkner didn’t miss a trick on panel discussing Royal Mail and USO...
JL good news Feature Image
 
Greetings department reveals strong start to year as retailer reveals good results...
UKG oscars Feature Image
 
Publisher’s social posts turn cards into Academy Awards glitz and glamour...
Moonpig update Feature Image
 
Trading statement reveals volume growth over Christmas, Valentine’s and Mother’s Day...
Gould retirement Feature Image
 
Gould Paper Sales’ greetings expert steps down after 40 years...
shop theft Feature Image
 
Research shows five-fold increase in theft and violence against shopworkers doubles...
Get the latest news sent to your inbox
Subscribe to our daily newsletter

The list doesn't exist! Make sure you have imported the list on the 'Manage List Forms' page.