37_39_41_43_Anniversaries.qxp_Grid 22/05/2024 16:04 Page 1
Rolling Back The Years
MARKING MILESTONES Marking celebrations is at the very essence of the greeting card industry, be for a first birthday through to a diamond wedding anniversary, so it is only fitting that we don’t let significant milestones within our community pass by without a popping the corks. PG shares some of the significant birthdays that will be being celebrated at PG Live.
35th anniversary of…Cardgains Managing director Penny Shaw spills the beans on the buying group’s long service… Potted history: “Following the success of Bridewell UK, Cardgains was established in 1989 catering specifically for independent greeting card and gift retailers. It’s gone from strength to strength with around 1,000 independent rooftops and now working with around 100 product and service suppliers of cards, gifts, party, wrap, home fragrance and much more. With an ever-expanding portfolio, Cardgains’ eclectic supplier group is second to none. The buying group is unique in that it’s owned by hundreds of shareholders, both past and present trading members, who have received a healthy dividend each year. Members receive specially-negotiated preferential trading terms from our suppliers and also a retro bonus based on their turnover through the company, so it’s a winwin situation. Celebrating 35 years this year, supporting independent retailers shows that the Cardgains’ system works on all levels for all parties.” Significant moments: “I joined the company in 1998 and was promoted to md at the beginning of 2023 – a long apprenticeship! Helen McManus joined the business in May 2023 and joined the board in December 2023 as finance director. Our internal team is now all about the girls with a fully female team. These changes in the management team gave us the opportunity to significantly develop company procedures, systems and strategies after being unchanged for 30 years. We’re now working hard to future-proof Cardgains with planned efficiencies and system changes. I was extremely proud when Chris Dyson, the previous joint md, won The Henries
Honorary Achievement Award in 2006, increasing industry awareness and giving additional kudos to the buying group. While the company has changed, and continues to do so, I’d like to continue the legacy to the company and wider industry that Chris formulated, though in my own style of course! Cardgains Charity Challenge walks began in 2002 – I’ve taken part in every event and have walked the Yorkshire Three Peaks twice; the Lyke Wake Walk twice; have climbed Ben Nevis; trundled 25 miles along the Thames; circumnavigated Windermere and Ullswater; walked, canoed and cycled the Cardgainsathlon on the Leeds/Liverpool canal; had Withering Thighs on the Yorkshire Moors, and looked out around London last year, to name but a few of our expeditions! I’ve walked over 800 miles and we’ve raised over £400,000 for various charities. I’m proud of these accomplishments and that the Cardgains Charity Challenge has become an industry event each year. This year we’re walking the Sheffield Round Walk titled It’s Not Grim Up North on 27 June raising funds for Mind.”
Marking the milestone: “For our anniversary year we’ve waived our £100 joining fee for new members, which is another great incentive to join the group. For existing members who register with us on the stand at PG Live, there’s a free month’s management charge to be claimed.” The next chapter: “As we know, technology continues to develop rapidly and, while we’re a little late to the party, we are embracing social media, developing our website to enhance the visitor experience, be mobile compatible and user friendly. We’re also increasing our profile through exhibitions, shows, sponsorship and events and look forward to working with other industry bodies to progress further. We believe Cardgains has already developed substantially over the last 18 months, and we continue to consolidate, embrace change and development to take the buying group into the future. “ Above: Cardgains challenges – Penny on Ben Nevis in 2005. Above left: A special anniversary logo. Below: The Look Out London 2023 participants raised £50,000 for MNDA. Below left: Penny and Helen are the all-female team now in charge, on the way to The Retas 2023 and at Spring Fair 2024.
PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE 37