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ISSUE 3 - SS11

DAMART REPACKAGED! VIP - PINK VEST - STARS - LOOKBOOK - NEW CONCEPT - NEWS - NOTICEBOARD & MORE

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Director’s Column WELCOME JOHN BOTTOMLEY Marketing Director W elcome to another jam-packed issue of TeamSpirit! It’s a busy one – just like our

business! We hope you are making the most of the ‘great’ British summer! OK, well ‘great’ may be stretching it, but the odd glimpse of sun should hopefully be making it easier for those of you who are taking part in our ‘Step Challenge’ to ‘step up and step out’. Not only is it good for your waistline, it’s also good for your pocket as there are many fantastic prizes to win.

This issue features many of the different activities and projects that are currently underway in and around the business. Not only do we want to share these with you, we also want to hear from you! Is there is anything you would like to share with your colleagues?

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this edition. We are always pleased to receive your news as this helps to create a magazine that is truly yours and is a great representation of our business.

To submit your news or ideas, please e-mail the team TeamspiritUK@damart.com.

The Editorial Team

Mark Scurr | Steve Baker Helen L Taylor | Joanne Phipps | Geraldine Vernon

Contributors

John Bottomley Rachael Vallance Rachel Cuckson Lousie Shaw Lorna Simpson Angi Graham Mark Cooper Jeanette Askin Phil Myerscough Stephen Vickers Sarah Sinclair Rachel Wysocki Richard Falkingham Andrea Wright

Denene Capper Leanne Mawson Stephanie Shaw Alison Dunn Michelle Widdop Craig Edwick Andrea Milligan Trina Zyla Mary Branks Jayne Bearder Sandra Garnett Yvonne Hill Kelly Farrar MCG

Thank you to everyone who contributed to TeamSpirit Magazine

Business performance is always of prime concern and key to the success of any organisation. As this is the first edition of TeamSpirit magazine since the end of the 2010/11 financial year in June, I would like to take this opportunity to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone for making this such a successful year. Both seasons started slowly, but the flexibility, hard work and the way each department pulled together resulted in two successful seasons and a business performance that the vast majority of other retailers can only envy.

We have had some great results which have shown yet again that our customers love our products and are very loyal. This business performance is only possible because of the great team we have at Damart. The new VIP Reward and Recognition scheme will help us share and reward these excellent examples of when colleagues have put our values into practice or have ‘gone the extra mile’. See the opposite page for more details of our new reward scheme.

Anyone who knows or works closely with me will know that I love my job and love working at Damart. There are many reasons for this, one of the main ones being the wide range and depth of subjects that we have the chance to experience in our working lives at Damart. The content of this TeamSpirit is a perfect example.

TeamSpirit is a great way of letting everyone know what’s happening, who’s involved and also a great way for us to share our achievements both in and out of the business. This edition has to be one of my favourites so far. There are details of Damart in the media and the way we contribute to the community and charities, both individually and as a business. The very latest news of our ‘Pink Vest’ celebrities (page 4) and a follow-up from the last TeamSpirit on our joint initiative with one of the leading UK design universities, The London College of Fashion (page 8). Read about Damart’s future expansion plans to also appeal to the slightly younger customer group (page 6), as well as continuing to be the leading UK home shopping retailer with our traditional customers… and catch up on lots more exciting news of your colleagues in Team Damart.

LAUNCHING The

new branded Damart packaging has been implemented in Steeton. It was designed

by Rachel Cuckson, Design Manager (pictured left) of the Product Division, and originated from the brand platform project.

Rachel was the leader of the packaging team, (Simon Smith, Rachael Vallance & Diane Smith). The original packaging was plain grey, unbranded and was therefore identified as an area for improvement.

Rachel said, ”Creating the new Damart packaging has been an incredibly rewarding experience. By working with the Brand Ambassadors, we have built on our strengths and created packaging that works with Damart’s brand values, in order to consider the bond with our customers and strengthen their visual experience. I would like to say a big thank you to Rachael Vallcnce (PPD) Picking Packing and Despatch Department Manager at Steeton), for dotting my ‘i’s and crossing my ‘t’s, it was a pleasure working with you”.

Sarah Curr & Tracey Rowen, manual packers from the record breaking Steeton packing area (see news section on Damart-Net) were asked what they thought of the new packaging. Sarah said, “The new bags look neater and tidier, they are much easier to pack and the removable strip is far superior to the previous one”. Tracey added, “The new design and logo on the bags makes our parcels look more professional than before, they are much better quality and our customers will love them”.

The Record Breaking Packing Team, L to R

Inga Mosteikyle, June Webb, Christine Greenwood, Waseem Amin, Jane Sykes, Anzelika Paura, Denis Lobacovs, Lukasz Klaman, Dariusz Piekarzewski & Richard Goddall.

Tracey Rown & Sarah Curr

NEW DAMART PACKAGING VALUES IN PRACTICE REWARD & RECOGNITION SCHEME LAUNCHES We're excited to announce the launch of the VIP (Values in Practice) Reward & Recognition scheme across the business.

The scheme will be a great way for us all to recognise and reward our colleagues who demonstrate our values in their everyday work.

Following on from the announcement of the scheme in the last edition of TeamSpirit, where we shared with you some of the great examples and benefits of VIP, we have delivered a number of briefing sessions around the business to share more details about how the scheme works. VIP is available to everyone. It's easy to nominate and just needs you to be able to answer the following - 'Has someone in your department gone the extra mile?' Or 'Have they just been brilliant by going ABOVE and BEYOND the call of duty!' Nominees that go on to win a VIP award will receive a certificate, letter of thanks and a £10 Gift Voucher. In addition to this, winners can choose from a selection of branded VIP gifts:

A4 faux leather folder

Dolomite key ring

Orbit pen set

Golfing umbrella

Bag for life

Cuddly toy

VIP winners will be eligible to be selected as EOM (Employee of the month). All VIP and EOM winners automatically go through to the Big Event awards nomination process.

2011 is the year for Damart to really focus on our company values and build on what we have already achieved, aiming to be 2 x bigger, 2 x better.

Recognising 'U' in our Values

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PINK VEST CAMPAIGN 2011 Gorgeous Coronation Street stars Sally Dynevor and Brooke Vincent, better known as Sally and Sophie Webster, are the faces of this year’s striking limited edition pink vest, helping to raise money for Breast Cancer Campaign.

Previous campaigns included Natasha Kapinsky, Nell McAndrew and

last years model, Beverly Knight. However this year’s models were chosen by Damart colleagues. The Coronation Street stars came out on top in the pink vest model nomination competition. We had over 300 entries with great suggestions such as Davina McCall, Martine McCutcheon, Holly Willoughby, Fern Britton & Fearne Cotton to name but a few ; however Sally ...had the most nominations.

When approached Sally jumped at the chance to be the 2011 face of this year’s campaign. Sally was especially keen to lend her support after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 shortly before she was due to start filming the storyline of her Corrie character’s own battle with the disease.

Sally said: “I know from personal experience just how important it is not only to raise awareness of breast cancer, but also to support research into finding a cure, so I’m delighted to be supporting Breast Cancer Campaign and the vital work done by the charity”. Brooke also had several nominations and when she was asked if she would join her on-screen mum she said “I would be delighted”.

The winner of the pink vest competition, whose name was pulled out of the hat, was Louise Shaw from the Product Division. Louise attended the photo shoot and met the starts as her prize.

This is the ninth year that Damart has supported Breast Cancer, raising over £100.000 for the charity to date. The pink vest will be on sale from September.

Look out for the pink vest displays around the business for further information.

Brooke Vincent and Sally Dynevor, The new faces of the Pink Vest Campaign

PINK VEST

LOUISE SHAW - THE INTERVIEW!

Louise Shaw won the Pink Vest competition by suggesting Sally Dynevor and Brooke Vincent - better known as Sally and Sophie Webster of Coronation Street fame - to be the models. Her prize was to attend the photo shoot and meet the celebrities. After the shoot, we asked Louise a few questions.

Q. How did you feel when you were notified you had won the competition?

A. I was over the moon!

Q. What would you normally be doing if not attending the photo shoot?

A. I work as an Assistant Range Manager in the Ready to Wear section of the Product Division.

Q. How did you travel to the shoot?

A. I travelled by train from Bingley to Manchester along with Rachel Cuckson, Designer Manager, also from the Product Division who attended to style the shoot.

Q. How were you introduced to the Celebrities?

A. We arrived at the studio before them, so we were introduced by the PR company on their arrival.

Q. What were Sally and Brooke like?

A. They were both very friendly and down to earth. They chatted with everyone involved and both wanted to know more about Damart’s pink vest campaign. John Bottomley gave them an overview of Damart’s involvement in the breast cancer campaign and they both said they were very happy to be part of it.

Q. Did you help on the day?

A. Yes, when it was time for the actual photo shoot, it was all hands on deck. We all blew up pink balloons and when requested by the photographer, threw them up into the air to create the desired effect.

Q. How long did the photo shoot last?

A. It lasted about an hour and 30 minutes.

Q. What was it like attending a photo shoot?

A. It was interesting to see behind the scenes. The photographer was really good, he talked us through his side of things and explained what was happening when his team were doing the test shots.

Q. Have you attended a photo shoot before?

A. Yes, I attended one at my previous employers (model shoot for catalogue images) so I had an idea of what to expect.

Q. Why did you select Sally Dynevor as a model in the first place?

A. I thought she was a familiar face that Damart customers would recognise immediately because of Coronation Street and I knew that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and that the character she plays had also. I thought that because of this she’d feel strongly about wanting to raise the profile for breast cancer.

Louise Shaw and Rachel Cuckson

BEVERLY KNIGHT - CHEQUE PRESENTATION This is the ninth year that Damart has supported Breast

L-

Cancer Campaign, raising over £100k for the charity to date.

We’re delighted to announce that last year Damart raised £16,704 for Breast Cancer Campaign, through sales of its limited edition pink vest, modelled by soul singer Beverley Knight. At the beginning of June, Beverley took time out of her busy schedule to visit Guy’s Hospital in London and see how the money she helped raise will be used in the specialist breast cancer research project currently being carried out at the hospital. Beverley said: “Breast cancer is a disease that sadly affects a lot of people’s lives, which is why I wanted to help raise awareness and as much money as possible for the charity”. Marketing Director, John Bottomley added: “The work the team carry out in the breast cancer research project at Guy’s is R, John Bottomley, Beverly Knight & Dr Burchell absolutely vital in the fight against this terrible illness.

It’s fantastic to know that the money Damart raised is funding such a beneficial project which will hopefully help millions of people in years to come”. The research project, led by Dr Joy Burchell, is working to uncover the role breast cancer stem cells play in the disease spreading to the bones and is researching ways to predict this occurrence.

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NEW

is

{CHANGING...}

The beginning of something new!

It’s a very exciting time for Damart with lots of innovative changes coming up for our ready-to-wear ranges. One of these changes is the introduction of the new concept range, aimed at the 55+ market, launching in September. This won’t replace our traditional offer, but will run alongside it with a moderate, fresh, new look. There are two reasons why Damart is developing this new concept. Firstly the Damart database is an aging population and in years to come there will be less customers to target, plus people’s attitudes are changing so when potential customers get into their 70’s, they will want something different to what we sell now. However we have to emphasis, this is only a test and the traditional customer is still core to our business.

{BOTH GRAPHS SHOW THE IMPORTANCE OF THE 55+ MARKET ONLINE AND IN THEIR SPENDING HABITS}

The challenge for DAMART....

WE NEED TO DIFFERENTIATE OUR NEW RANGE

We all know that Damart is very successful in the traditional market but to our new audience Damart may be seen as a frumpy brand. When we went out to research the new target audience we received some interesting comments and this is the challenge for us today…how can we change the perception of Damart for these new customers?

“Well, everyone has to change don’t they, but it would have to be a radical change to make me consider buying from Damart.”

Modern, youthful and flattering but not inappropriate

We found that this new audience don’t want to be over dressed. These ladies want to be dressed with style…a style that flatters and suits their age.

They don’t see themselves as ‘over the hill’ but are full of life and confident with their bodies. They know what they want.

“I’m not ready for crimplene and the elasticated waists yet!”

“I don’t want to look like mutton dressed as lamb!”

Our Aim –

CUSTOMER COMMENTS!

is to be as successful in the 55 - 65 year old market as we are in the traditional market.

There are approximately six million potential customers out there, and we want a slice!

The plan is to: • Offer a more moderate product range • Show newly styled and appropriate photography • Send out a new-look catalogue, backed up by an exciting user-friendly website

“We’re a different generation, we’re more positive and purposeful”

“I don’t know how old I’ll be before I think of myself as old - it’s a long way off”

“I’ve got a very youthful attitude”

“Sixty’s the new fifty”

“I used to think you were old when you were 60 but now I think it’s more like 80”

“I remember my Mum when she was 50 and her dress style looked old, but it’s not like that now”

{CONCEPT} team | the NEW {CONCEPT} team | the NEW {CONCEPT} team | the NEW {CONCEPT} team | the NEW {CONCEPT} team | the NEW {

Rebecca

John

Rachel

Paul

Jessica

Portia x

Yvonne

Phil

NEW CONCEPT

introducing NEW

Our New Audience.........

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{CONCEPT}

Since May 2010, we have been carrying out extensive research to get to know our customers, who are between 55 to 65 years old to make sure the new concept range is exactly what they’re looking for. We trawled the shops, looking at what the competition had to offer, we conducted one on one research with different women across the country to really understand what makes them tick and we even got to look in their wardrobes! And finally we held focus groups to get hours of qualitative research on the style of catalogue, tone of voice and the offers they would like to receive.

To incorporate this new audience into the business the pen portraits have been updated. Before there were 6 magazine cover style pen portraits. They have now been brought into the 21st century and are now Facebook profiles.

To make it easier, there are now only 3 customer groups to focus on: Lily, Betty (a combination of our previous 6 profiles) and our new concept profile, Carol.

Lily is our core traditional customer that we will continue to focus on. She is a loyal customer who buys traditional clothes from Damart, likes to knit and read, and also goes to bingo. She also likes Strictly Come Dancing.

Betty is our trans-generational customer who buys a mixture of moderate and traditional clothes from Damart. She is a bit more active than Lily and likes to garden and bake, she’s a member of the Women’s Institute and likes to go on cruises for her holidays.

Carole is our new customer. She’s 56 and married. She baby sits for her first granddaughter when she’s not working part time. She’s very active, has a busy social life, likes going to Zumba and walking with friends. She holidays abroad and she also shops at M&S, Next and Debenhams.

The New Catalogue Proposition....

DAMART IS {A UNIQUE COLLECTION OF INTELLIGENTLY DESIGNED CLOTHES FOR BETTER LIVING} That delivers –

contemporary style that is a delight to wear; clothing

that does more, whether it is translating the latest trends, providing genuine comfort solutions, flattering the figure or just giving that extra attention to detail. Ground breaking, innovative fabrics provide benefits above and beyond standard clothing.

To –

active and discerning 55+ women who know what they like and are confident in their own skin. They are looking for the ‘holy grail’ of style with comfort and are determined not to ‘fade to beige’ as they get older.

So that –

they can do everything they want to do in their busy lives, confident that they not only look great but that they feel great too.

{CONCEPT} team | the NEW {CONCEPT} team | the NEW {CONCEPT} team | the NEW {CONCEPT} team | the NEW {CONCEPT} team | the NEW {CONC

Jonny

Nicola

Lynn

Lorna

l

Zenna

James

Liz

Victoria

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LOOKBOOK AUTU

LOOKBOOK FEATURE

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At the start of 2011 Damart was lucky enough to link up with the London College of Fashion, one of the world's leading fashion education centres, and work closely with final year fashion students who will be shaping the fashion industry in years to come.

Starting with a design project, students from the London College of Fashion were asked to style a brand new look for the current collection. The results, which were featured in the last edition of TeamSpirit, were astonishing and as a result, Damart asked two of the final year students, Justyna and Krishna to style and shoot the new AW11 Look Book. The Lookbook is used to promote Damart's new collection using key pieces, so fashion journalists and bloggers can refer to it throughout the season.

Taking sole responsibility for the creative, design and final images, the two students soon set to work researching future fashion trends, sourcing unique and interesting props and studio backdrops that would bring the shots to life and give them a real fashion edge.

After a busy few weeks bringing everything together, the project culminated in a two-day photo shoot with endless outfit changes, lots of hair spraying and quick set changes to make sure each shot was just right. The final images were selected and collated in to the new lookbook. The images are beautiful and certainly something a little bit different for the new collection.

If you would like to have a closer look at the e-Lookbook link on Damart-Net or you can view lookbook in the canteen display areas.

We hope you like them!

SE N KNW I T TAIL S/ OR COA LUX TS /ED FAUXURY NEU FUR BASETRAL / TO MIXNES/ TEXTED CO URES R U / WOU VET N RE

UMN/WINTER 2011

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AUTUMN /WINTER 2011 FASHION SHOW

The Damart AW11 fashion show gave a very exciting preview of the new Damart collection.

D amart is offering to its customers the largest range ever with over 1500 styles

across all areas from ready-to-wear to underwear. The show previewed some exiting developments showing the new thermal underwear in luxury blends with lounge wear coordinates and fashionable Thermolactyl ready-to-wear and the perfect fit range. Our knitwear range has grown alongside blouses and tunics in line with high street trends.

Portia Williamson, Head of Design and Product said “There were some unique styles shown at the fashion show this season, with some of them only being exclusively available via the Damart website. The new styles and collection really show how we as a business are moving forward. It was great to finally reveal our designs for the new concept catalogues which will be sent out to customers in September”.

Clever (innovation) clothes were also previewed at the show, showing Damart’s new unique brand identity, making us stand out form the competition, clever clothes also build on our heritage of fabric technology.

The preview of the new catalogue showed a new style layout with clear still life cut outs and punchy colour palettes showing accessories and shoes on the pages, giving the new look catalogue a much more modern magazine look and feel.

The show was organised by Angi Graham and the Product Division team and we think they surpassed themselves. The feedback says it all:’ Fantastic, professional and well organised’, ‘Best show ever!’, ‘Fabulous, really enjoyed it!’, ‘What a fabulous Fashion Show ... really enjoyed it!’, ‘Great fun to watch!’

The show was a great success and demonstrated how incredibly hard the team had worked, Well done! We all look forward to seeing what the guys come up with at the SS12 and Big Event 2012 shows.

Look out for the video of the fashion show running in the canteens.

A big thank you to all the damart models, especially our colleagues from the Contact Centre. Pete Jennison, Leanne Mawson, Lindsey Mawson, Ruth Emmott & Janet Copping, You all gave the professionals a run for their money!

NEWS

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Damart sp ns rs CR MPARK CRICKET CLUB Crompark Cricket Club is the latest sporting club to benefit from Damart sponsorship. The club was originally formed as the company team of the Crompton Parkinson works in Guiseley. Sadly the works closed for business in 2004, however the club remained and retained the “Crompark” name to remain faithful to the original company.

Crompark was one of the founding members of the Dales Council Cricket League back in 1956 and started an under 9’s team just last year. It now has 17 members and next season will also run an under 11’s team. Having a reasonable amount of junior members gives the 4 qualified coaches more time to spend with each player, which in turn will hopefully benefit them for the future when they play for one of the senior teams. The under 9’s (pictured left) in their new Damart branded kit, currently play in the Airedale Junior East League against teams like Green Lane, Carverley and Guiseley. Mark Cooper from the “Product Division” who applied for the sponsorship said “The shirt sponsorship will help the club move forward and help to promote both Crompark as a junior cricket club and Damart as a local company supporting local clubs.” If you’re interested in either playing junior or senior cricket - please contact Mark Cooper or visit the website at www.crompark.co.uk If you would like to apply for the sponsorship fund, please contact Jo Wood in HR on ext 6372 for further information.

DAMART GETS TREKKER WARMED UP WITH THERMALS Damart has donated some of its famous thermals to trekker, Paul Parkinson, to keep him warm as he takes on the challenge of climbing Mount Everest.

Paul will be leaving the UK early next year on his challenge, taking the West Ridge/Hornbein Couloir route - a route that has never been summited by a British climber.

Damart’s Marketing Director, John Bottomley, said: “We wanted to lend a practical hand to Paul and as we are the thermal specialists it made sense to help him in his challenge. It’s going to be exceptionally cold as they near the summit so the high grade thermals will be invaluable for him and his team. We wish him the best of luck on his journey; he’s following in famous footsteps, including Sir Ranulph Fiennes who wears Damart thermals”.

PRODUCTS IN THE

MEDIA

Paul Parkinson receives his thermals from John Bottomley

Now that we are at the end of the summer, Damart’s Spring Summer collection proved to be extremely popular. The selection of bright colours, eye-catching prints and statement jewellery has been a real hit amongst journalists and fashion bloggers alike.

Our gorgeous brown shelled necklace appeared in women’s glossy magazine, Prima, in a feature on the best accessories to transform your wardrobe. Along with many other media features, fashion blogger StyLaurista took up a ‘Damart style challenge’, wearing items from our SS11 collection for a week to get readers to think again about the places that they shop. And with our AW11 collection on the horizon, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for upcoming coverage and keep updated with all latest product news on the Damart Blog and Damart-Net.

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HEALTHY HEART CAMPAIGN

Heart Research UK is a fantastic charity that is pioneering the treatment of heart disease. Damart are proud to support and work in partnership with them by promoting lifestyle advice throughout the business. The Healthy Heart team has visited each department to give an update on what’s coming up and to let everyone know how they can get involved. We would like to thank you all for your fantastic feedback so far. Keep an eye out for the new ideas that are coming up this autumn/ winter.

The annual BUPA Great North Run is the

world’s biggest half marathon, attracting around 54,000 runners. It starts in Newcastle upon Tyne and ends in South Shields on Sunday, 18th September, covering a total distance of 13.1 miles (22km). Running The Great North Run is a hugely popular event for all types of runners which come from all over the world to experience this iconic event.

Damart’s Great North Runners have had amazing support from their colleagues who have helped the team achieve their target of £4,000 already! The team reached this

goal through external sponsorship forms and lots of in-house events such as cake sales, a strawberries and cream sale, a Wimbledon sweepstake, a Steeton 5-a-side football match and even dancing during lunch breaks.

Diane Smith, one of the 13 runners, said “We have been overwhelmed by people’s support and donations. We couldn’t have achieved our target without their help”.

All the runners have been training extremely hard in preparation for the big day. Chris Aitken and David Smith have been out running every other evening. Diane Smith, Kaye Leatham, Alex Ryan and Jeanette Askin

have been out in the evenings running 12km three times a week and anyone who follows Phil Myerscough’s Twitter feed will be very aware of the hundreds of kilometres he has clocked up during training.

Although the team has reached its target, there’s still time to sponsor our fantastic Great North Runners. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to give over and above what has already been pledged for their hard work and make it an even bigger success for such a great charity? To make a donation, please visit the Just Giving website http://www. justgiving.com/DamartHealthyHeart

The Healthy Heart Campaign is a scheme for everyone and we want to hear how we can help each other get our hearts active. If you have any suggestions for future Healthy Heart activities, send your ideas to UKhealthyheart@damart.com

Runners LEFT to RIGHT Jeanette Askin Alex Ryan Kaye Leatham Phil Myerscough Gemma Smith Sarah Wright Keith Whyte Chris Aitken David Smith Steve Crossland Diane Smith Damian Northrop Andy Ingham

Damart Charity Bike Ride

On the 1st to the 3rd September, six of our UK colleagues (Andy Hill, Stuart Creeley, Andy Beadle, Brent Carr, Stefan Macina and Andy Jenner) and two colleagues from Afibel, France (Loic Delecroix and Bruno Tessier) cycled for charity. The team are raising money for Cancer Research UK and are looking for your support. They cycled from Ilkley to Hull (85 miles), where they caught the ferry to Zeebrugge in Belgium and then cycled all the way down to Lille in France (65 miles). It was a lot of hard work for a very deserving cause, so why not donate via the intranet or on their JustGiving page, the link can be found on Damart-Net or by visiting http://www.justgiving.com/Damartcharitycycle

CUSTOMER

SERVICES

SPECIAL THANKS AND RECOGNITION SCHEME

S.T.A.R.S

is held quarterly where three winners are selected from a list of nominations by a panel. Nominations are made by colleagues throughout the Customer Services area. The panel examines the nominations and awards a score based on the best demonstration of going the extra mile and excelling in the company values. The nominations with the highest scores become the top 3 winners for the quarter in Customer Services.

Each will receive shopping vouchers of their choice.

Anita Gatenby Data Entry Administrator

During the first week of OPRA going live, Anita did the banking when the banking clerk was on holiday. Despite only having basic knowledge of OPRA she managed to overcome minor problems within OPRA and on a number of occasions had to interchange between OPRA and SOFTA to solve problems.

OPRA cheque team

(Heather Coope, Derek Davies, Yvonne Hill, Luci Jenner, Chrissie Lamb, Sandra Parker, Linda Sims, Anne Varley, Bethan Wallis). The OPRA cheques team worked really hard to ensure that our customers received the right service. They all worked over, with some even working the weekend to get the job done. Thank you for all your hard work.

Chrissie Lamb Quality Analyst

Chrissie was nominated for her willingness to help and her high level of commitment to the job. Since the launch of OPRA Chrissie has been a great help to everyone by providing useful information and solving queries.

Chrissie has worked a lot of extra hours to help out with OPRA.

AROUND THE BUSINESS

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After many months of intense work from the UK IS team, who were jointly responsible with the CS team for designing, writing and developing the functionality for our new order processing system (OPRA), it was introduced and shared with the Customer Service and Training teams.

The OPRA project has seen lots of cross-functional working and a

Andrea Wright & Rhonda Myers

Training team, Simon Phipps, Bethan Wallis & Sarah Fisher

IS Team (pictured) Clockwise. from top left.

Dave Lewis, Michael Stoodley, Tony Johnson, Chris Wade & Paul Milligan.

(Team members not pictured) Rob Lyons & Greg Harrison

great deal of communication, team spirit and hard work! Andrea Wright, Business Analyst, who has been involved in both the design and testing of the system, commented, “We have been clarifying the ‘as is’ business processes and transferring these into OPRA needs. From there we worked on testing screens, processes and functionality to try and make the system ready and as ‘complete’ as possible for implementation. I feel that the system has been very well received.” To support Andrea in this key role, Rhonda Myers (Customer Services Team Manager) was seconded to work on OPRA full-time and has worked side by side with Andrea to ensure her in–depth knowledge of the Customer Services team could be used to maximum benefit during this key project.

The next key phase in making the OPRA system operational was to plan and deliver training to the Customer Service teams and many others around the business. With over 250 people to train this was a feat that required some advanced planning skills. The Resource team (Stephen Vickers, Darren Judson and Adam Sedgewick) in the Customer Service department rose to this challenge and, as a result, training was delivered on track with minimum disruption to customers and our normal work patterns.

Resource Team, Stephen Vickers, Adam Sedgewick & Darren Judson

The training went well and involved all members of the Training team (Human Resources). Simon Phipps (Trainer) commented ‘it was great to be involved in helping bring this new system to all of our colleagues who now use OPRA on a daily basis. There was a lot of very positive feedback from all the trainees about the system and how easy it is to use in comparison with to the old SOFTA system. It was a huge challenge to deliver this training to such a large audience and required us to work closely with many different colleagues from across the business.’

OPRA Champions L to R,

It didn’t stop there! Once colleagues had been trained, OPRA champions were around to help with any queries in the ‘live environment’. Chrissie Lamb (Quality Analyst, pictured left) was an OPRA champion and said “it was a very challenging role, but at the same time very rewarding. OPRA is a fantastic system”.

Neil Hirst, Nicola French, Rachel Wysocki, Daniel Dunn, Gemma Woodhead, Sandra Parker , Luci Jenner, Julie Laughlin, Leanne Mawson, Kaye Leatham, Jeanette Askin, Martin Falkingham, Michele Gibbs, Andy Jenner, Trina Zyla, Diane Smith, Marlene Lewis, Stephen Carter, Caroline Bycroft, Charlotte Maude, David Brown & Chrissie Lamb (pictured right)

LOGISTICS

& MAPS

SPECIAL THANKS AND RECOGNITION SCHEME

S.T.A.R.S was launched in Steeton in May and is held every month to reward colleagues who have gone the extra mile. Winners are selected by a panel from a list of nominations made by colleagues.

1st 2nd & 3rd place are awarded by George Cook - Head of Logistics 1st place winners are awarded shopping vouchers of their choice.

2nd place winners are awarded either wine or a box of chocolates.

3rd place winners are awarded a box of chocolates.

MAY

1st Place -

Adam Ziemniak Warehouse Team

Adam had already finished his shift when a TNT wagon arrived late at Steeton. As there was noone available who was trained to use a forklift truck he was phoned to ask if he could recommend anyone. However, rather than suggest someone else, Adam shot into work, unloaded the wagon and saved the day. A true example of going above and beyond.

Launch month - only one winner

JULY

JUNE

1st Place -

Angela Hirst MAPS QC

In the absence of section managers at the start of a 6/2 shift, Angela used her own initiative by assigning machine operatives according to their skill base and allocating workload which ensured efficient use of resources.

This minimised downtime and kept production flowing, therefore ensuring ongoing customer service. Well done Angela!

2nd place -

Tony Burgess

Stock Team

Brian Hudson Returns Team 3rd place joint winners Adrian Utley Maintenance Team

1st Place -

Robert Hutton

Postal Sort in PPD

We often have problems with the trailers coming in on time; therefore, at the end of the day, the last trailer is always late. Robert has stopped back on a number of occasions until 5.00 pm to make sure the last trailer is loaded and off site, so that customers can receive their parcels in good time. Thank you Robert for always going the extra mile.

2nd place -

Julie Craig

3rd place -

Richard Towler Warehouse Team

Packing Team

14

DESIGN THE COVER

competition!

What will be on the front cover of the next TeamSpirit magazine?

It’s a question we ask ourselves every edition.

However this time the decision could be yours! Along with a winning prize!

TeamSpirit is inviting you to design the front cover of the next Christmas edition due out in December 2011.

You can be as creative or artistic as you like. All we ask is that your cover is in keeping with the time of year and does not have any text on it.

You may want to enter a picture produced/taken by yourself or a family member, all we ask is that the image is an original.

Designs can be submitted to the TeamSpirit team in HR, via the internal post or you can e-mail them to UKteamspirit@damart.com Please ensure that you include your name and department.

The closing date for the cover competition is Tuesday, 1st November, 2011.

9th DEC

STEETON CHRISTMAS PARTY!

@ Utley Rugby Club in Keighley

SAVE THE DATE! LOOK OUT FOR MORE DETAILS NEARER TO CHRISTMAS

BINGLEY CHRISTMAS PARTY!

@ Bradford & Bingley Rugby Club

16th DEC

SAVE THE DATE! THE BIG EVENT IS COMING...

SAVE THE DATE! 20th APRIL 2012

ALISON ANSWERS

Ask Alison......

I would like to thank everyone for all your fantastic letters! I’m just sorry I can’t publish them all. It was a hard choice but below I have managed to answer a few.

Congratulations to Helen Taylor from Publications who is my star letter winner of this edition and wins the ‘Ask Alison’ themed prize.

Dear Alison.....

Can the advisors in the call centre get a say in the special offers?

From George Brerkiron (Contact Centre) This is a great question and yes you can help. Within the call centre we receive a list of all the products we can sell as special offers, from there we plan what items sell well. If you have any ideas on items that may sell well for special offers please see my good friend Nicola French.

Keep Special! Alison X

Dear Alison.....

Myself and a few of my colleagues are approaching our tenth year at Damart, we were wondering if there was anything in place as recognition for “ten years service” a small gesture would really be appreciated From Kellie Hallahan (Credit Team) The business is definitely looking in to some form of recognition for all our amazing colleagues who have reached the ten year mark.

As soon as there is any news you will be the first to hear.

Alison x

Dear Alison.....

ALISON’S STAR LETTER!

At my last company they ran a holiday buying scheme. At the beginning of the year you could purchase or sell up to 5 extra days holiday for that year, the cost of these extra days would then be deducted or added from your salary over the year. Also if you had extra days holiday left at the end of the year you were able to sell them back to the company. It would be beneficial for those who need the extra days holiday and for those who find at the end of the year they have loads of days to use up.

From Helen Taylor (Publications) This is a great suggestion.

Improving colleagues’ benefits is an area HR are currently looking into. There are lots of different options and Damart are keen to offer a good range of benefits that are viable for all colleagues and the business. HR will certainly include this suggestion in their criteria when looking at options. There are lots of different schemes and providers out there, so lots to look at and consider. To get the right options for us all may take some time but I will certainly keep you all posted!

Thanks again for the great suggestion and congratulations, you are my ‘star letter!’

Well done! Alison X

Dear Alison.....

What is you favourite item from the AW11 book?

From (no name included!)

The latest AW catalogue is beautiful and I have to say my favourite item would be the Wrap Cardigan on page 44.

I have one in every colour.

Alison X

Dear Alison.....

Are there any plans to change the computer (PC) browsers from internet explorer 6 to the latest version. Many websites we use no longer support version 6.

From Anon

I spoke with my good friend Ian Auker from IS, Ian told me, the majority of our users access systems via Citrix. Upgrades within Citrix are relatively easy, however, though many applications today are browser based and we have applications within Damart that require IE8 or above to work. If we upgrade from IE6 there are many current applications that will loose some of their functionality with IE8.

We have an active project within IS that is addressing the Citrix issues, including the IE6 upgrade.

Warmest regards Alison X

Dear Alison.....

Do you think staff should receive their 25% discount on shop sale items and also in the Bradley street sales?

From Angela Burton (Data Entry)

We have some fantastic items within our shop and also in the Bradley Mill. I love a bargain as much as anyone and after speaking with my dear friend Mary Branks, (Shops Manager) Mary advises me that items are already heavily discounted in the shops and very heavily discounted in the Bradley Mill. Remember the staff sale on Fridays is to make sure that colleagues get the first opportunity to look at all new Bradley Mill stock before it’s opened to the public.

Thank you Alison X

If you wish to respond to any of the letters, or would like to write to me then please e-mail me at AskAlison@Damart.com or text me on 07544 026677.

Don’t forget to include your name and area, or I cannot select you as a winner.

15

16 Colleague

orge ions to Ge Congratulat d Logistics an Cook from had a gela who Ha his wife Anba rry boy, bouncing okbywe 8lbs. ing igh Co rd Edwa h June at Sunday 5t Born on Ha y is a new little 11.32pm, herr brot r for Oliver.

Congratu Charlie D lations to o Finance w herty from ho boy on th had a baby e 13th J une 2011 at Noah Jose 4.28 ph weigh ed 9lbs 6 Katherin oz, mum e, Dad an d big brother Seán very plea are all sed.

Congratulations to And y Jenner and Lucinda Fortune from the Contact centre, who were married on 14th May at Bingley Baptist Church and had their honeymoon in Flor ida .

Congratulations to Alex Lee from International Supply Chain & Paul Ryan, who were married on 16th of April at St Chad’s in Farndon, Cheshire.

from Congratulations to Rob Moore were who , Sue Finance and his new wife y. sele Gui in ril Ap h married on 30t ding.)

(The day after the Royal wed

Congratulations to Rebecca Bailey from Data Entry who married Andy Pullen on the 20th August. They then jetted off on a two week honeymoon in Malta.

Richard Falkingham from IS has been raising money for The British Red Cross Society by abseiling 275 feet down Grimsby dock tower. Richard said that it was a fantastic day, everything went very well. As they arrived they had to climb up the iron spiral stairs through the middle of the tower.

Once he reached the top of the tower, he then felt the buzz of stepping over the edge and free falling. He has now set himself the challenge of abseiling 540 feet in London next year.

So far Richard has raised a fantastic £409 if you would like to donate, why not do it online. It’s easy to donate online with a credit or debit card - just go to Richard’s JustGiving page: http://www.justgiving.com/Richard-Falkingham0

Well done to Darryl Gildroy from IS who passed all his Microsoft certified exams.

Well done Kellie Hallahan from the Credit team, who passed her driving test in August Well done to Sandra Lane from IS who has passed her NVQ level 3, Diploma in Business and Admin

Congratulations to Emma Williams from the Product Division, who married James Shilton on the 27th May in Stockport and enjoyed a two week honeymoon in Aruba.

Congratulatio to S teet on maintensnanc man - Danny Gizone who married his partne Helen at Briercliffe r S t James Church in Burnley.

Rachel Wysocki from the Contact Centre has been busy raising funds for ovarian cancer. Rachel and 17 of her friends from Haworth Bridle ways decided to organise a sponsored horse ride after a friend was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Damart helped to sponsor the riders and provided them with Ovarian Cancer awareness wristbands to sell. The horse riding team sold the wristbands to the public as they rode through the streets of Haworth. They have raised over £1000 for charity but it doesn’t end there….

If you would like to help support the charity, wristbands are available for sale from Rachel in the Contact Centre.

If you would like to submit any colleague news for the notice board, please send an e-mail to teamspirituk@damart.com or contact a member of the Editorial team.