A big thank you to everyone who has contributed to this issue!
Contact Us
Marketing Department +44 1534 616 556 marketing@jerseypost.com
Please do get in touch with any feedback on this issue, and any stories for a future delivered or RedNet.
A warm welcome
Hello
colleagues,
Welcome back to the second edition of our new look delivered!
We received a lot of positive feedback on the new format, which was great, thank you. We’re really keen that this is a magazine for the WHOLE company, wherever you work; UK, USA or Channel Islands, so keep the business and people updates coming. The more you let us know what you are up to, the more we can share, and it’s so much more fun to write and produce.
It’s been a busy few months since the last edition with lots going on across the business, which Mark summarised in his latest quarterly update. The next one is planned for early October and I will provide an update on how our strategy is developing.
There’s plenty to enjoy in this issue. We head to the Isle of Wight, where David Groves has opened our new JPGL depot (page 7). Our charity committee gives us an update on their fundraising activities (page 8). Vaiie’s sporting achievements continue (page 11). We chat with Martina McGibney, MD at Woodside, about her diverse career (page 4); and to Jonathan Williams at GePS and APG, about his role as Finance Manager (page 10); and we also say goodbye to some of our valued colleagues who retire (page 25).
Over the last few months I have been reminded of how diverse and widespread a family of businesses we are. In May I visited GePS, our cross-border mail business, in Chicago where I met with Tom and Mimi who lead GePS and APG respectively.
Both businesses operate in a tough market, but are working hard, and it’s good to see the results beginning to emerge, especially in APG, who have a great proposition into Latin and South America. I came away reminded of how important it is that we remember we are part of a wide family of businesses, all of which add value.
The second was a short notice request to source a temporary postbox to host a royal themed knitted topper for the recent King’s visit to Jersey (page 16). I would like to say a personal thank you to all those across the business that helped find, collect, ship and install a temporary postbox from UK to Jersey at such short notice - thank you!
Our next issue will be out in December – do get in touch with the marketing team with any ideas, news and features!
All the best, Tom Wasilewski
I wish I’d known about the Club sooner. It’s a brilliant charity that has made a significant difference in my life.
Mike Taylor
Finding support Mike’s journey with Andy’s Man Club.
Like many of us, Mike Taylor, a warehouseman at the JPGL London Hub, has grappled with mental health challenges. Navigating these issues led him to discover Andy’s Man Club, a peer-to-peer talking group for men that meets every Monday, which Mike has found profoundly impactful.
Initially, Mike found it difficult to open up about his mental health, and the thought of walking through the doors for the first time was daunting. However, once inside, he was welcomed into a space where men share their journeys, struggles, and victories. It was refreshing for him to connect with others who understand his experiences and to listen to their stories, gaining valuable insights and guidance along the way.
One of the most empowering aspects of Andy’s Man Club, according to Mike, is its inclusivity. Race, colour, creed, class, money, sexuality, gender, and religion have no bearing on mental health.
We value mental health and wellbeing at Jersey Post Group. If you ever need to talk, do reach out to our mental health first aiders or your manager.
www.andysmanclub.co.uk
From pastry chef to logistics leader
Martina McGibney, MD at Woodside Logistics, shares her deliciously diverse career journey.
Having grown up in the small coastal town of Donegal, Ireland, Martina McGibney ventured to Jersey where she took up a job as pastry chef. Little did she know this was just the beginning of her varied and fulfilling career.
A local newspaper ad about a managerial position at CI Traders piqued her interest, and then Martina found herself navigating the intricacies of logistics and distribution as it led her into the realm of wholesale and distribution.
So, what brought her to Woodside? “The prospect of applying my expertise in a new environment teeming with potential for growth and innovation felt like the perfect next step,” she says.
She feels the first 8 months with the company have been an intriguing journey, filled with challenges and opportunities. Engaging with the compliance team to reinforce legal and regulatory practices; visiting depots and docks; collaborating with the Data and IT team to enhance technology capabilities; and introducing more robust health and safety standards have all been highlights.
Reflecting on her career, she says she’s had the privilege of working in some fascinating places. “Volunteering for the Chamber of Commerce provided me with valuable insights into the logistics, tourism, and transportation sectors, allowing me to contribute to initiatives aimed at enhancing the local business infrastructure and collaborate with key stakeholders within the government.”
Outside of work, her passion for food takes centre stage. “I love experimenting with new recipes, often influenced by my travels. Whether I’m preparing a simple meal or cooking for family and friends, I immediately relax and unwind, transported to my happy place,” she says.
Group CEO Mark Siviter gives us a business update and reflects on being part of the prestigious Royal visit in Jersey.
I hope you’ve all had an enjoyable summer and had the chance to take some time off.
It’s been another busy couple of months. I’d like to start by saying thank you and farewell to Alan Merry, our out-going Chair. Alan has served three terms as Chair and his advice and guidance has been invaluable since I started as CEO. I’m delighted to welcome Kevin Keen as Alan’s successor. Kevin is already known to many of us, having previously been CEO here, and he is equally knowledgeable and passionate about the businesses. I’m sure you will join me in giving him a warm welcome back.
At JPGL and Woodside, our new depot on the Isle of Wight is up and running, managed by David Groves; and our new Loading Bay 4 is now in use at Rue des Pres. Woodside Logistics have been using it to dock their double decker trailers, which is very impressive to watch! This means we can increase the volumes we move with fewer trucks and journeys – providing both an environmental and financial benefit to the business.
We’ve also added another five electric vans to our Jersey Post fleet, bringing the total number to 79. With the largest electric fleet on the island, we’re making great strides in reducing our carbon emissions on our sustainability journey.
Congratulations to Vaiie, who have secured their first customer, Rock Accounting, for their full “Onboarding” product. The team have also refreshed their website, with new design and content. Do take a look at www.vaiie.com.
Tracy’s team has been doing some great work internationally – APG recently won a Temu contract to deliver all their parcels into Uruguay, and will soon be expanding into other countries in the region.
Our charity work is very important to us and I’m thrilled that our committee has raised over £10,000 so far for Family Nursing & Home Care.
I’m proud to say we will be sponsoring the JEP’s Pride of Jersey Awards for a third year running. Community is everything to us and these awards recognise all those individuals who go above and beyond for our island. Maxine Dunn, our CFO, will be representing us on the judging panel, and the winners will be announced in October.
Our HR team is launching an employee survey shortly to find out what you like about working for the Group, what you don’t, and how we can improve. Do keep an eye out for it. Your feedback is very important to us.
It was a privilege to receive an invitation to the special States Assembly when Their Majesties visited Jersey. It was a truly historic event for our community, and I felt humbled to be part of it. I loved seeing people waving our Jersey Post flags as the King and Queen arrived, and spotting some of our colleagues in the crowd.
I must finish with a big thank you to each and everyone of you. You all play a vital role in our continued success and growth. Your commitment, dedication and hard work for the Group and for our customers is very much appreciated.
Meet Richie, our driver at Nelson
Richie Baillie has been at Woodside for five years, working out of our Nelson depot as one of our drivers. He’s also the very first person to be employed at Woodside in the UK.
“We started with one truck at Chichester, loading two to three trailers a day, before we moved to a larger warehouse in Portsmouth. We’ve evolved into a bigger shipping company,” he says.
Richie drives a 44 tonne DAF CF artic truck, and has transported all sorts of freight from livestock and agricultural machinery to hazardous goods. There’s a great team at Nelson he says, and he enjoys the daily challenges that go with shipping.
Shaun Pattinson, our UK Operations Manager at Woodside, says: “What an absolute pleasure it’s been to have met Rich and to work with him. He’s a real credit to this company and a smashing friend and colleague.”
Richie is very happy at Woodside. “I would like to think I will end my working career here,” he says.
Our
We enjoyed an evening of food and drink with our post office teams from across the island.
We were joined by Mark Siviter, CEO and Julie Thomas, MD, who said a few words. It was an opportunity to say thank you to counter teams for all their hard work and for them to ask any questions.
It was great to get together in a relaxed atmosphere and we look forward to the next social!
Island freight specialists: JPGL launches in the Isle of Wight
We meet David Groves, our new Head of Area Logistics at JPGL, as he launches our Isle of Wight depot.
I was first approached back in February about joining JPGL, when Charlie Gallichan invited me out for lunch to run an idea past me. Very quickly we realised that we both had the same vision - to fill the void that was left when Steve Porter Transport ceased trading on the island.
Suddenly the fire was back in my belly and within a couple of weeks I shook Charlie’s hand and the journey began.
Predominantly working on my own to build a framework, business plan and put the infrastructure together, my first task was to find a site, strategically positioned on the Isle of Wight.
To get to the point of officially launching the business makes me extremely proud, when I look at what we have achieved in a very small space of time, it’s remarkable.
When the carpet was laid in the office on Friday 12th July and the contractors had left, I took a moment to look around and think to myself “I’ve done this”.
David
(right) with Leigh Mackenzie, Depot Manager.
Then I looked back to the two weekends that my partner Debbie and I had spent cleaning and painting the portakabin (my two children, Tom and Emilie declined the invitation to help).
The first weekend was made slightly easier, as we were listening to the Isle of Wight Festival, which was taking place just across the river from our depot, and I was dad dancing with a paint roller in one hand to Jessie J, singing “Bang Bang”!
I’ve got over 39 years of experience in the transport and logistics industry, including over 20 years on the Isle of Wight. My vision for JPGL is to be the biggest, best, friendliest and most professional transport business on the Island, putting our customers first whilst working with local suppliers to support local businesses.
The feedback from local businesses has been very positive, as the Island is screaming out for an alternative transport provider to fill the gap left by Steve Porter Transport.
I want to be standing at a vantage point in three years’ time looking at the empire I helped build from ground zero.
Well done to the JPGL freight forwarding team at Quadra on the recent great customer feedback!
I’ve been very impressed with your communication.
That’s incredible, thank you. You are so helpful and professional as usual. You’ve made my day.
Fundraising for FNHC
This year we’re supporting Family Nursing & Home Care in Jersey. Thank you to everyone who has donated or taken part in our charity events. We’ve raised a massive £10,400 so far!
FHNC Colour Festival
West Park was a riot of colour as we took part in a 5km fun run. We were one of five stands, armed with paint, which we enthusiastically threw as colleagues, friends and family ran past. It was expertly run by Ruby Scott, Jasmine Thompson, Hayley Vardon, Robyn Pestana, Becky Cook, Adam Coleman, and the incredibly stylish David Lawrence, who came dressed in his finest 70’s-inspired gear!
The atmosphere at the Jersey Post stand was unmatched, with lively music playing and a disco dancer energising the runners! It was amazing to see members of Woodside, Vaiie, and Jersey Post all down at the Colour Festival, running (or walking), creating a vibrant, supportive, and unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Thank you as well to Paul Belhomme and his team, who organised the distribution of over 1500 Colour Festival t-shirts to participants all over the island.
Mystery
boxes
From air fryers to Scalextric sets, some great prizes are to be won in the monthly mystery box fundraiser! On the last Friday of the month, Jersey employees have the chance to buy a mystery box and win some awesome prizes!
Sorting office tours
We opened our sorting office to public tours. Tickets were free, with a donation to the charity.
Used stamps
We encourage the public to donate their used stamps at our collection points in post offices. We sell these stamps to collectors in the UK, and donate profits to our chosen charity.
Van wrap
We wrapped the back of one of our vans free of charge for the charity.
Tickets were free, with a donation to the charity.
offices. We sell these stamps to collectors in the
Sorting office tours
Thank you to everyone for your generosity so far. Your support enables FNHC to continue delivering their invaluable services to islanders, a commitment they have upheld since 1899. We warmly invite anyone with fundraising ideas to come and speak to us.
Toby Clyde-Smith Head of the charity committee
Race night
And we’re off! Colleagues came together for an exhilarating evening of gambling, suspense, and laughter at our ‘Night at the Races with Jersey Post.’
A massive thank you to the incredible Stephen Palmer for expertly compering the event, making it truly unforgettable.
Special recognition goes to Cristian Constatin, who undoubtedly stole the show with his fantastic blow-up cowboy outfit!
What’s coming up?
• Slime your supervisor
• Quiz night
• CEO for a day
• Details to be announced shortly!
Target: £15,000
5 Minutes with Jonathan Williams
Jonathan is our Finance Manager at GePS and APG. He’s based out of our Illinois office and has worked for the company for three years.
What does your role involve?
I look after the company’s finances, which includes everything from budgeting to audits and tax prep; managing our relationship with our payroll provider; preparing accounts for the Group; training and mentoring our accounts department and much, much more!
What are you most proud of?
Prior to me joining APG, the monthly results had been delayed by two months. With the hard work of the APG team, we were able to get back on track and submit the monthly results within 10 business days, which is a huge accomplishment. At GePS, I’m the third most tenured employee behind Tom Alfonso, the Managing Director, and Tommy Alfonso.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Besides the aspect of accounting, which I personally love, I enjoy learning new aspects and idiosyncrasies of difference industries. Tom Alfonso has been a great mentor in helping me develop a deep knowledge of the ETOE/freight forwarding industry. Mimi Ramos, the Managing Director of APG, has introduced me to the fast-paced culture of LATAM and strengthened my knowledge within the region. I just have to learn Spanish now!
And what about at the Group?
The culture within the Group is amazing; I can jump on a call with Max (Dunn) if I ever need support and I truly feel I can reach out to anyone within the organisation if I have any questions or concerns.
Jonathan Williams (pictured far right)
Vaiie’s Ironman!
Joe Harvey completed the 70.3 mile Ironman race in June in Sables d’Olonne, France.
The race consists of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile cycle, and a 13.1-mile half marathon. Joe finished in 5:16:24, improving by 2:56 minutes from the previous year and placing 930th out of 2600 athletes.
Joe was pleased with his swim and, despite the torrential rain during this segment, satisfied with his bike time. Unfortunately, he didn’t manage his fuelling half way through correctly, leading to ‘bonking’ on the run, resulting in a slow and challenging final 6 miles. He felt extremely fatigued, nearly falling asleep on his feet, and even ran with his eyes closed at some points.
Despite the challenges, Joe plans to participate in another Ironman 70.3 in the future, with Antalya, Turkey, or Poreč, Croatia as potential options in 2025. Before that, he hopes to complete the 53km Swim Run Jersey from Gorey Castle to Portlet in September.
OFFICIAL FINISHER
Preparing for battle
Thank you to the team of volunteers from Jersey Post and Woodside who helped out at the Battle of Flowers.
The team scanned tickets, manned the Petit Train, and assisted visitors during the parade. Victoria Avenue was a sea of colour, and the atmosphere was electric.
If you’d like to get involved next year, drop the marketing team a line.
Guernsey team support customer in marathon
The team at Woodside Guernsey are helping to raise awareness and are making personal donations to support the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Jeremy Rowe, Head of Operations (Channel Islands), explains: “One of our longstanding customers in Guernsey, Capelles Building Stores, has tragically lost another member of their family to motor neurone disease.
Steve Le Flem, Director of Capelles, is running the London Marathon next year to raise money for this important cause. Capelles have been a customer of ours since Woodside opened in Guernsey. Steve’s cousin Mark unloaded thousands of pallets delivered by Woodside. He was known by all of us.”
Any donations are welcome – head to the Just Giving page and search for “Steve Le Flem” for more info, or contact Jez for more details.
Our eco journey
Our goal is to be net-zero by 2030 on Jersey – and by 2040 in our global operations.
Our sustainability journey
Replaced 2 boilers with eco electric heating, offset all marketing printing and rolled out eTag to cut paper notifications.
for
electric vans taken home daily.
50% of households signed up to Secure Drop, reducing delivery fails and travel.
This is an ambitious target, so we’ve set up a new Eco team of colleagues. The team consists of Tom Wasilewski, joined by Darren Moon, Amy Pearce, Annare Dougherty, Charles Robertson, Patrick Dickson, Toby Clyde-Smith and Marcin Bogusz.
We’ve made significant reductions in carbon emissions over the last eight years. We have the largest electric fleet on the island (and we recently added five more to our fleet), and use bio fuel in all our larger vans. Working with Woodside, we’ve installed loading bay 4 at Rue des Pres, which accommodates double decker trailers. These trailers can handle more freight, which helps to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
Switched
Placed recycling points around offices
Switched to biodegradable elastic bands for post
We also encourage customers to sign up to our SecureDrop service – 50% of households now have this on the island. Each item that we deliver to a customers’ secure location is one less return journey to Rue des Pres.
We are currently working on Jersey Post’s 5 year plan to reduce our Scope 1 and 2 emissions in Jersey to zero by 2030. Between 2021 and 2023, we reduced the direct emissions from our operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 66%!
All of us all need to play a part and you’ll be hearing more on this about the changes we can collectively make that will make a big difference. We’re kicking off with Cycle September – to encourage us to reduce our carbon emissions from travelling to and from work. Travel is the largest contributor of carbon emissions on Jersey so an important one for all islanders to focus on.
Farewell from Alan Merry, our outgoing Chair
“It has been a privilege to have served as Chair of Jersey Post Group and, as my term comes to an end, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the journey.”
The business has changed beyond all recognition since I joined in 2015. From being a traditional mainly ‘letters’ business based in Jersey, now most of our time locally is focused on handling parcels rather than letters. We own a vibrant logistics business in Woodside, have a maturing digital business in Vaiie, and operate internationally through our various businesses in the UK and the USA.
It’s been a bit of a roller coaster ride. We had the excitement of growth and international development until 2020, to having to respond to the impact of COVID and then, for the last couple of years, fighting for our economic survival during the financial crash. As the saying goes, never a dull moment!
Through the good times and the bad, I have taken most pride in the skills, creativity and tenacity of the brilliant team. Our people are a credit to the business and to what Jersey Post Group stands for. I am very pleased to be handing the reins to Kevin Keen, who knows both the business and the Island well, and is passionate about the importance of the role we play in serving the people of Jersey.
The future holds both opportunities and challenges, and I’m confident that we have the team in place to take the business forward. So, its farewell from me, albeit it will be no surprise to those that know me, that I will continue to take a keen interest from the sidelines.
Our Jersey Stamps team take us through a busy few months, filled with launches, events and a goodbye.
We’ve launched more stamp issues!
Jersey’s WETLAND BIRDS
I’m particularly proud of Wetland Birds. It’s the first issue I commissioned an artist for. Elvenso Illustration uses a bold digital line drawn style and a reduced palate, the effect is eye catching.
Jersey Women of Achievement Debussy In Jersey
Fruits of Jersey
Europa nomination
Thank you to everyone who voted for our flat periwinkle £2.15 stamp in the ‘EUROPA: Underwater Fauna and Flora’ competition. We’ll know the result by the end of the year!
Philatelic & Marketing Research Executive, Roxanne Le Voguer
SEPAC conference
The Small European Postal Authority Commission hosted a conference in Liechtenstein to discuss the changing landscape of Philately and the collectables market. Sam Fleming attended, with representatives from all over the world including Åland Island, Gibraltar, Greenland, and Faroe Island. Despite the challenges faced by the collectables market, it’s encouraging to see the many new ways that small jurisdictions are diversifying with technology such as Crypto and gamification models.
RNLI ball
The gala ball celebrated the RNLI’s 200th anniversary. We had a great time, and were joined by Tom Wasilewski, and Julie Thomas, MD, along with partners. One of the stories that came up is featured within our issues’ prestige booklet. We found it particularly touching to hear it from a first person perspective.
Fond farewell
We said goodbye to Chris Elligott, after 11 years as Production & Design Manager. He had an array of knowledge and stories, including being sworn to secrecy over Henry Cavill’s visit in 2013, following the Man of Steel issue. He was also very proud of putting together ‘The Birth of Formula One – 75 Years: The British World Champions Coffee-Table Book’, which he worked on alongside various F1 experts and award-winning artist, Keith Burns.
Talk for the Rotary Club
Roxanne
Le Voguer did a presentation for Rotary
Club members.
She talked through the design, printing and marketing processes, as well as Royal approval, and took questions from guests. The Rotary Club stamp issue launched in June and commemorates the work and projects conducted by the Club over the last century.
Royal visit
The Bayliff’s office presented a letter and a gift of our most recent Royal-related issues to Their Majesties on behalf of Jersey Post.
Our website also had a Royal visit takeover; and we designed a Royal display featuring a collection of King Charles III stamp issues, a floral arrangement and life-size cutouts of Their Majesties, which was a fun talking point at our Broad Street branch.
Three cheers for the King!
A couple of very special thank yous!
To Dave at Rue des Pres and Ben at Broad Street for all their creative help with the bunting - and to Jez and team for decorating their trucks in Guernsey!
To Darren Moon and the facilities team and Shaun Pattinson for delivering the postbox safely. To Mariusz in the canteen for ordering all the delicious scones and to Bernie for sourcing the bunting.
We welcomed Their Majesties to Jersey and Guernsey this summer! As it was the first visit of a reigning monarch to the Channel Islands since 2005, there was much to celebrate.
We designed eco-friendly paper flags for our post offices to hand out free-ofcharge to our customers, and decorated our branches and canteen with bunting. We also took a wonderful photo of our posties in the sorting office waving flags to welcome the Royals to the Island for our social channels and website.
Working with the Bayliff’s office, we were also given an incredible opportunity to have a postbox in the Royal Square, where a special States Assembly sitting was taking place with the King.
As we didn’t have a spare postbox in storage - and we couldn’t move an existing one due to their weight and being set in concrete many metres into the ground – we hired a fibreglass one from a film prop company in the UK, and weighted it down with sandbags inside!
The team had also secured a fun postbox topper featuring the King and Queen – which was mysteriously stolen a few hours before it was due to be moved to the
Royal Square. A manhunt on social media and on local TV news ensured its safe return in time for the big event.
Our CEO was invited to attend this sitting – a momentous occasion, even if it was a bit wet!
Three of our team also took part in the Jersey celebrations. Paul Noel, Acting PM Processing Manager, who recently received a King’s Coronation Medal, was involved in the 21 gun salute. Paul Insley, one of our posties and training officers, is also a Lance Corporal in the Jersey Field Squadron, from the Royal Monmouthshire Regiment, and was in the King’s Parade in front of the Pomme d’Or. It took him 9 hours to get his uniform ready – including 4 hours polishing the shoes! Lisa Stubbs, our Operations Manager, is also a Centenier for the Parish of St Clement, and worked with the States of Jersey police and the King’s security team to ensure there was law and order on the island.
We came together the day after and enjoyed scones in the communal areas at Rue des Pres, Broad Street, St Peter, and New North Quay in Jersey, and at our Woodside depot in Guernsey. Afterall, there’s nothing more British than afternoon tea!
From academia to innovation at Vaiie
Anna Mallet has recently joined the Vaiie team
Before joining Vaiie, I did my A-Levels at Jersey College for Girls and then went to university. I spent a year studying Fashion Media at the London College of Fashion, which was a great experience. However, I realised it wasn’t for me, so I decided to jump straight into work.
I’ve really enjoyed my time at Vaiie so far. It’s a fantastic place to work, and everyone has been super welcoming. Switching from university to full-time work was a big change, but it’s been great!
The most interesting part of my job has been working on our new website, which went live a few weeks ago. It was awesome to be involved in the project and see all the teams’ hard work come to life.
Eugene retires from Quadra
Eugene Attridge retires after 18 years as Operations Co-ordinator at our JPGL Quadra depot in Portsmouth.
He got the job on a night out with one of the managers and has really enjoyed his time here. He says: “I’ve often left work with a chuckle and thought we’ve had a really good laugh today.”
Eugene coordinated road freight to and from Quadra. He says: “It was always good delivering our customers goods as they requested. And getting their thanks. The vast majority of the customers that I have dealt over the years have on the whole been exceptional. Since I announced my decision to retire I’ve had some wonderful emails from a lot of them wishing me all the best for my retirement. They’ve made my bottom lip wobble.”
As for his favourite memories of his time here? “I have quite a few, but nothing you can put in print”, he laughs.
He’ll miss his colleagues, but Eugene is looking forward to having more time. “I’m happy that my wife and I both decided to retire on the same day. While we are still relatively ‘young’ enough and fit enough, we will be able to do the things we want to do before we can’t. We’re also both looking forward to having more time to ourselves without work interfering! The sad part is saying goodbye to my work colleagues, and I do hope I will still be able to keep in touch with them.”
The team at Quadra gave Eugene a wonderful send-off, with a presentation, cakes, gifts and even a sash and tiara to wear!
It also has to be said that all the people that work at JPGL at Quadra are an absolute credit to the whole Jersey Post Group. And may I wish them all continued success and all the very best for the future.
Eugene Attridge
Pat’s ride-along
Our new Product Manager, Patrick Dickson, goes on a postie round and visits our UK sites.
I joined Jersey Post in May as a Product Manager having previously worked in similar roles in the finance industry. My background is customer service.
After a couple of weeks learning about the business, I got the opportunity to go on a postie round, and I joined Nik on his St Mary route.
We started by loading the van – which also included a kitchen sink! We were both very keen to see who’d ordered this. It turned out to be one of Nik’s well-known customers – of which you could probably include just about everyone in St Mary. The sink was delivered in perfect condition – even though it had travelled unwrapped!
Nik was also very pleased to be the guy who got a customers’ Glastonbury tickets to her. He is a proper pillar of the community in St Mary. He knows everyone and used his hard won position to deliver top tier banter to his customers. I felt privileged to see the relationship that Nik has with his customers. It was a pleasure to have a change from office work by doing something outside and faceto-face with our customers. I felt connected to the Island community and part of something important. The posties are the heart of our business and I would recommend to anyone who hasn’t, to get out on a ride-along.
A couple of weeks later, I also got the opportunity to visit our UK operation. The Quadra warehouse was interesting, filled with giant wooden storage boxes. These housed replacement parts for swimming pools and commercial shipping. Items that aren’t needed all the time, but when they are, they’re needed fast. Most of the pool pumps were destined for premiership footballers!
I also visited Fareham Reach where the world famous TaylorMade golf clubs are distributed from. The health and safety talk we got was genuinely interesting as it was brought to life by Bryant, an ex-US Army and Navy man, (page 20) whose continued existence pays tribute to his ability to manage health and safety in an effective and engaging way.
He proudly showed us the processes and rules he had created or brought over from the military.
We also met the hardworking team at Ship2me, who showed us how they operate out of their depot at Nelson. We learned so much and came back to Jersey with lots of improvements, all with the end customer in mind. There’s a lot we can do to raise Ship2me’s profile and make things easier for colleagues.
Patrick with his team
Our door is open!
Karen Pierce and Magda Soares have over 17 years’ experience between them working in the Finance team at Jersey Post Group. They give us an update on team changes and events.
The Finance team has gone through plenty of upheaval within the last two years, with changes to both the team and systems. This has not been without its challenges, but we feel that we’re now making headway, and entering a period of stability.
One aim we have is to provide timely accurate data to the business teams, to help them monitor their areas and subsequently drive their decision making. Historically this has been a very labour-intensive manual process for us, from several systems. You would regularly find the Finance team at their desks, with heads down, quietly focused on various excel spreadsheets.
There is never a quiet day in Finance, but our workload increases during the first 10 days of each month, where it is all hands-on deck to ensure all billing is captured and invoiced on time. The reporting process then begins in earnest by collating each business units information, then liaising with the heads to provide them with an up-to-date picture of their contribution to the business.
During the second half of 2024 we want to produce data from our “single source of truth”, Business Central, by further utilising the IT systems available to the business for reporting, most notably, Power BI. This will allow us to reduce the number of spreadsheet-based reporting we currently produce to a more automated, reliable PBI platform reporting. We’re hoping this will be a game changer for everyone.
The Finance team welcomed two new starters - a new Financial Controller, Jimmy McCormack, and Robert Fernandes in a management accountant role. These additions now allow us to reshape the team to better serve the Group. Magda moves into a supervisory role, and will be responsible for all aspects of the sales and purchase ledger, including sub-ledger systems such as Yooz. Karen will be moving into an Assistant Financial Controller role.
We were delighted that the 2023 annual audit for the Group was a resounding success, and to quote the audit firm –“it was the cleanest audit within the last 7 years”.
There is never a quiet day in Finance, but our workload increases during the first 10 days of each month, where it is all hands-on deck to ensure all billing is captured and invoiced on time.
Karen Pierce
While this encourages us further within the team, it more importantly demonstrates that Finance have processes and procedures in place to safeguard the business assets.
We hope going forward we get more feedback back like this, and that Finance can continue to add value to the business. Our doors are always open, why not pop in!
Health and safety at Fareham
Bryant Cramer is our Safety & Training Coordinator at Fareham
I’m originally from Texas, USA, and I served for 10 years in the US Air Force as a Logistics Specialist. For the last 20 months, I’ve been residing in the UK with my wife. Currently, I’m the Safety & Training Coordinator for JPGL Fareham Reach. In this role, I oversee forklift training across all JPGL sites and manage the workplace health and safety program for Fareham Reach.
What I find most fulfilling about my position is educating my colleagues on safe working practices, knowing that this training could potentially save lives. I am very committed to my future at JPGL and aspire to use my health and safety experience to enhance my education. Ultimately, I aim to be qualified to extend my training programs to the broader JPGL community and Jersey Post.
Banter with the Royal Marines band
Glyn Jones is Warehouse Supervisor at Quadra Point and helps transport the Royal Marines instruments around the country.
My role as Warehouse Supervisor consists of overseeing the day-to-day operations in the warehouse at Quadra Point, including the loading/unloading of deliveries and picking of stock from the racking. I love the freedom of being able to do the daily work given to us by the office at our own pace, unless it’s urgent!
Working for JPGL is like working with your family, because of how we all get on well together (most of the time). Also the benefits are great, such as Denplan, cheap rate Village hotel stays, gym membership to name a few.
I also get out driving, either in the 18T doing local deliveries and collections when covering holidays, or possibly doing the same in one of the artics.
We also have a contract to work with HM Royal Marines band, collecting their musical instruments then driving to concerts, semi-roadie style, around the country. Then returning back to their base. Working with them is great fun as being exmilitary myself I get on very well with all of them. Especially the banter!! The best part of this is getting to listen to their concerts for free! All in all great work.
Our new canteen chef
Mariusz Karbownik keeps us fuelled throughout the day at Rue des Pres!
What is your favourite cuisine?
Mediterranean cuisine is my favourite, especially Italian. The abundance of products, diversity, and culinary identity are unmatched. Pasta, pizza, seafood, olives and local cheeses such as mozzarella or parmesan. Toasted Italian ciabatta with Parma ham. My favourite coffee? Of course, double espresso served
If you were a food, what would you be?
If I were a food, I’d be a dessert. Desserts are the grand finale of a meal, and everyone remembers them. I’d choose to be creamy ice cream with salted caramel and chocolate saucecold, sweet, and salty with a rich chocolate touch. Haha, yes, that would be perfect!
Mariusz’s Marvelous Banana Bread
Ingredients (Serves 10)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 200ml vegetable oil or 200g butter
• 4 ripe bananas
• 2 ½ cups wheat flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1tsp baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup chopped nuts (your choice)
• 1 cup coconut flakes (optional)
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C.
- Crack the eggs into a bowl and mix or beat them.
- While mixing, add sugar, vegetable oil or melted butter, and finally the mashed or blended bananas with a blender.
- In another bowl, mix flour with baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the banana mash and mix.
- Add finely chopped nuts and coconut flakes, if using them, and combine the ingredients.
- Place the dough on a large oblong cake tin to be lined with baking paper and bake for approx. 1 hour or until a stick comes out dry.
- While the foundation of Mariusz’s banana bread remains true to the traditional recipe, the magic lies in the details.
Here are a few secrets to make it truly special:
• Instead of 1 long one, you can use 2 shorter tins and bake them for approx. 50 - 55 minutes.
• Instead of nuts and coconut flakes, we can use other ingredients, e.g. almonds, chopped dried plums.
• You can also cover the cake with chocolate icing.
Strike a pose
You may have noticed Jersey Post’s fresh new-look photos on our website, social media and posters.
The Marketing team recently worked with the super talented photographer, Andy Le Gresley. We wanted our new images to show the many different faces of Jersey Post, particularly as our posties and counter teams are much loved by islanders
All our models were amazing – giving up their time to help us when they were very busy on their rounds and serving customers. Some even helped us source locations, whilst others were art directing. It was a day filled with laughter – and the sun even shone on us too.
A big thank you must also go to Paul, Thomas, Darren, Lisa, Bluette, Karin and Denise for all their help behind the scenes.
Linda Haran
Carl Frankum
Nik Miller
Alice Palmer
Emanuel Faria
Wendy Meade
Mark Mitchell-Gosselin
Jacek Zapala
Mark Sallai
Kim Vallance
Kevin Crowther
Remembering our colleagues
We sadly lost one of our posties, Dave Birrell (right), who passed away in July. Dave worked for Jersey Post for five years, working out of Commercial Street, and was a much loved member of the team.
A lifelong Liverpool FC supporter, Dave was a family man. He loved playing golf and watching cricket with his sons, one of whom represents the Jersey cricket team, something the family are very proud of. He also enjoyed spending time on his allotment.
Over 20 colleagues attended the funeral. Dave’s family were very grateful for the card and condolence book from Jersey Post, as well a collection raised by colleagues. Jersey Post also made a donation to Dave’s grandchild, who he was very close to.
Rupert Gibaut, one of our parcels team, and Mariusz Michalczyk, a Saturday JEP delivery driver in St Ouen, have also sadly passed away. Both had been with Jersey Post since February this year. Our thoughts are with their families.
JPGL set for growth as we join Pallet-Track
Goodbye Marcus and Mark - and thank you!
We marked the retirement of two of our Woodside Jersey colleagues with a special celebration at New North Quay. Over cakes and cold drinks, we said goodbye to Marcus Job and Mark Le Brocq.
Marcus has been our Jersey Operations Manager for the last four years – although he’s known Group Freight Director, Charlie Gallichan a lot longer.
“I worked with Charlie for 12 years at Woodside Farm, before I went into the freight industry for 15 years. Charlie approached me a couple of years ago to work at Woodside – and foolishly I said yes! I’ve loved working with him again, and there are other team members who have also joined us from the Farm. It’s a great community”
He says he’s enjoyed watching the company expand.
“We’ve doubled in size over the last two years, which has brought challenges but it’s also been rewarding.”
Marcus will be heading off island shortly with his wife.
“We’re going travelling whilst we’re still able to,” he says.
“My wife is retiring as well – I told her she had to, otherwise I’d go on my own! We’ve rented out our house, and we’re heading off in our motorhome.”
Mark Le Brocq retires after 28 years in logistics – the last four of which he’s been with us.
As Transport Manager, Mark has been responsible for the fleet across three depots. This includes keeping fleet legislations up to date, and planning all ‘out of gauge’ load deliveries that require special permission. He says: “I’ve loved helping the company to grow – we now have over 100 trailers.”
Mark was also involved in delivering Loading bay 4 at Rue des Pres. He says: “I really enjoyed finally getting this across the line and delivered.”
Retirement sounds busy for Mark. “I’m going to enjoy my hobbies,” he says. “I’m big on jet skiing, and I’m also into old motorbike and car restorations.” He currently has two bikes to complete.
But first a holiday. “I’m going to take some time out and will go to Canada to see relations.”
Thank you Marcus and Mark from everybody at the Group and enjoy your retirement!
Mark Le Brocq
Marcus Job
A varied job for Victor
Victor Lindsey, our Group Security & Compliance Manager, worked with us twice, from 2001-2007 and again from 2012 until he retired in June. He says he’s loved the varied work here and being part of a community.
And the work has certainly been varied. As well as his day-to-day job, Victor took part in the infamous Jersey Post calendar – cycling up a hill in Rozel – and in a white collar boxing event. He says: “Jersey Post offered to sponsor me by putting their logo on the soles of my shoes. They were probably right to do this as I didn’t win my round!”
Victor will be making the most out of his retirement. He’s off on the Camino walk, spanning 500 miles from France to Spain, stopping in Santander and Bilbao.
As a keen motorcyclist, Victor was presented with a framed stamp collection of the ‘100 Years of the Jersey Motorcycle & Light Car Club’ to celebrate his retirement.
Retiree postie dinner
Each year we host a dinner for retired posties who have served 20 years or more at Jersey Post.
This year over 50 retired posties joined us. The buzz was awesome with everyone catching up with old friends and reminiscing about the good old days at Jersey Post.
Mark Siviter, our CEO, gave the guests a warm welcome and a brief update on how Jersey Post is doing. We then served dinner and the drinks were flowing. One table had 282 combined years of service alone! There was so much of Jersey Post’s heritage in one room.
Thank you to our helpers who gave up their Saturday evening to serve our retired posties dinner and drinks – Paul Belhomme, Saskie Kornerova, Amy Pearce and Robyn Pestana.
David Vautier, one of our retirees shared his thoughts on the event. “Each year Jersey Post arranges a wonderful evening for all its retirees with a delicious buffet and a bar at the Jersey Bowls club. I have attended for a number of years and it is always a memorable and enjoyable night.
“One of the best things is being able to catch up with my previous workmates and share stories and photos of our working lives and the many characters we knew. There is lots of laughter and I always come away feeling what a special night it was. I look forward to many more hopefully and I’m thankful that Jersey Post continues to provide this annual evening for its retirees. Long may it continue as it means so much to us all.”
David Vautier (second from left)
Thank you for your service
Our long servers
25 years
Winston Gaudoin, Customs Broker, JPGL
20 years
Christopher Davey, Postal Worker, Jersey Post
Jane McLoughlin, Postal Worker, Jersey Post
Jane Balducci, Sales Director, JPGL
15 years
Michelle Elcombe, Office Manager, JPGL
10 years
Steven Fitzmaurice, Postal Operative, Jersey Post
Wendy Meade, Retail Operations Assistant, Jersey Post
Jake Ropers, Business Development Manager, Jersey Post
5 years
Richard Baillie, Driver, Woodside Logistics
Victor Saull, , Warehouse Operative, Woodside Logistics
Barry Stokes, , Warehouse Operative, Woodside Logistics
A very special thank you and happy retirement to Gary & Michelle Le Blond for a combined 52 years of service at Jersey Post!
Eugene Attridge, Operations Co-Ordinator, JPGL
David Gibaut, Postal Worker, Jersey Post
Gary Guilleaume, Postal Operative, Jersey Post
Marcus Job, Jersey Operations Manager, Woodside Logistics
Mark Le Brocq, Transport Manager, Woodside Logistics
We welcomed to the Group:
Elsa Alves, Counter Operations Assistant, Jersey Post
