UK Greetings Reshapes The Business For The Future

UK Greetings is instigating a company restructure, in order to ensure the business remains inline with customer needs and expectations. 

“The goal of our proposed structure is to reset and build a sustainable business that is fit for the future, delivering maintainable sales and contribution margins,” James Conn, ceo of UK Greetings told PG Buzz.

He stressed that as a key supplier to many of the largest retailers in the UK and Ireland UKG needs “to double down on efforts to lead with product, supported by proactive services it provides.”

Above: James Conn, ceo of UKG (centre) with colleague Jayne Myers, commercial director (far left), Pigment’s Steve Baker (second left) and Gemma’s Tim Rudd-Clarke and Lucy Heath at the recent GCA AGM.
Above: James Conn, ceo of UKG (centre) with colleague Jayne Myers, commercial director (far left), Pigment’s Steve Baker (second left) and Gemma’s Tim Rudd-Clarke and Lucy Heath at the recent GCA AGM.

Currently in consultation with UKG’s employees, all of whom were informed recently of the planned changes, James explained the need to create a “go forward business structure” that will “deliver a profitable business that has healthy relationships with colleagues, suppliers and of course our customers.”

The proposed structural change, which is likely to have ramifications across all departments has come about as a result of a review of the current size of the business, the number of products it creates and the services it provides.

Above: UKG is Asda’s category manager for greeting cards.
Above: UKG is Asda’s category manager for greeting cards.

“As a result we are proposing a significant change to our business structure, redesigning, resizing and reshaping many areas of the business,” confirmed James. Elaborating, he said that the goals the new structure, that is expected to be finalised by end of February 2019, will deliver: ”A sustainable business where employees can thrive and are fully engaged.

A culture that is focused on the customer experience and improve the long term profitability of the business.”

Ceri Stirland, UKG’s customer and channel director (and current GCA president) admitted that instigating a new structure, which is likely to result in unfortunate job losses, is “tough” but it is necessary to future proof UKG for the team and its customers.

Above: UKG’s Ceri Stirland (far left) at the GCA AGM with fellow speakers (2nd left-right) Karen Hubbard (Card Factory), Sue Morrish (The Eco-friendly Card Co), Geoff Sanderson (Moonpig), Sarah-Jane Porter (Moonpig), Amanda Fergusson (GCA) and Jakki Brown (PG/GCA).
Above: UKG’s Ceri Stirland (far left) at the GCA AGM with fellow speakers (2nd left-right) Karen Hubbard (Card Factory), Sue Morrish (The Eco-friendly Card Co), Geoff Sanderson (Moonpig), Sarah-Jane Porter (Moonpig), Amanda Fergusson (GCA) and Jakki Brown (PG/GCA).

“Every time you turn on the TV or read a newspaper you hear about an organisation reshaping and redefining itself for the future and to respond to the changing retail landscape and what customers want.  That’s what we are doing,” Ceri told PG Buzz.

Top: UKG fanfares some of the cornerstones of its business on its website.

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