07_09_11_13_15_News.qxp_9/11/13/15/19/23/25 08/04/2025 11:30 Page 7
NEWS TOP STORY Pigment becomes an employeeowned business
Petition Clinches Govt Attention Industry unites over Royal Mail with wave of Ofcom submissions ‘Give 30 seconds of your time to save the UK’s 500-year-old postal service’ was the call to action, in the race to clinch over 10,000 signatories to a petition to ensure that no changes to the USO can be made without Govt scrutiny. Instigated by the GCA, and with well over 14,000 signatures (and counting), the Government now has an obligation to respond to it. The battle has been won, but the war is still raging. As PG went to press, Ofcom’s consultation period over changes to Royal Mail’s obligations was days away.
The GCA’s final push for as many companies and people as possible to sign the petition and to respond to Ofcom’s proposals that the Universal Service Obligation could be cut to second-class deliveries only every other day, three days one week and two the next, with none on Saturdays was superbly executed, but that of course does not guarantee a victory. “Thank you so much to everyone in the industry who signed our petition to protect our postal service and recognised the vital
Above: Amanda Fergusson, ceo of GCA has headed up the activity to safeguard the Royal Mail service. Below: The ‘Mi sing Let ers’ social media campaign, created by publisher Ohh Deer attracted attention. Bottom: Ryman owner and entrepreneur Theo Paphitis supported the GCA’s petition.
importance of responding to Ofcom’s review by 10 April – having this collective voice really matters,” said Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the GCA. The GCA has also written to every single MP asking for their support in this crucial issue that affects all businesses and UK individuals. “It’s time for MPs to act – they must make sure Royal Mail isn’t given carte blanche to make the postal service less reliable and unaffordable,” stressed Amanda. The mooted proposal is for only those letters and cards carrying first-class stamps – the cost of which increased for the sixth time in three years to £1.70 from 7 April – will be delivered six days a week, with Ofcom and Royal Mail claiming this meets the USO so there would be no need for parliament to get involved.
Danielle McCarthy earns her stripes Danielle McCarthy has been appointed the GCA’s new marketing and events coordinator. No stranger to the industry, Danielle has been Above: Danielle with Stripey Cats’ Jonathan helping her partner Crosby. Jonathan Crosby, owner of Stripey Cats card and gift company since 2017.
If you now speak to anyone who works at Pigment, you will be speaking to one of its owners, as the Harrogate-based publisher has become an employee-owned business. The company, which has been owned by Steve Baker and Martin Powderly since the start of 2021, when they completed a Management Buy Out, has now adopted an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) model which means the ownership is shared by everyone who works for the business. “Martin and I have sold our shares in Pigment to the Trust, but are fully committed to working in the business long term and remain as directors,” said Steve, sales and marketing director, who joined Pigment in 2002. Explaining more, Lynsey Burbidge, managing director of Pigment said: “The Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) model feels right for the business. It means we retain our independence, and our experienced, loyal team can drive performance of the business and be rewarded for it. There will be no change to the day-to day mechanics of the business. Martin, Steve, Debbie [Saltmarsh, general manager] and I will continue to run the business as before and look forward to servicing our wonderful customers in 2025 and beyond.” Adding his delight that Pigment is now an EOT-driven company, Martin Powderly, creative director said: “This is a really positive next step for the entire business and all our people.”
“Coming from a corporate background I fell in love with the industry when I started helping at Stripey Cats,” said Danielle. “This opportunity feels like both a natural progression and a full-circle moment in my life. Twenty-odd years ago for my A-level English language coursework the topic I chose to write about was the history of the language of Valentine's Day cards - how wonderful that now working for the GCA, I have the opportunity to support and champion an industry that I love.”
Below: (right-left) Steve Baker, Martin Powderly, Lynsey Burbidge and Debbie Saltmarsh.
Morleys to reopen historic Bath department store as Jolly’s A strong heritage in department store retailing has prompted Morleys Stores to step up and reopen the iconic Jolly’s in Milsom Street, Bath. The welcome news came just a month after Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group pulled the shutters down on Jolly’s after 214 years trading. “We are thrilled to be bringing Jolly’s back to life and to be part of the vibrant retail landscape in Bath,” commented Above: Jolly’s is Morleys Department Stores ceo reopening, under its historic name. Allan Winstanley.
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