FAMILY BUSINESS

MALTBYS feels like Smiths have got me back. I am part of a we.

Maltbys is a HU3 institution. For the majority of its century in business the shop, which mainly deals in pet supplies, has been operated by a three-strong family unit.

Now it's headed up by Paul and Kathyrn Maltby, great great grandkids of the original founder Thomas. In 2019 Maltbys adapted and changed, going against the tide of independent retailers struggling to make their mark by purchasing a huge warehouse to deal with online sales. Which means in a handful of years they have gone from three family members to 35. EofUs wanted to know more about being an independent family business. Some of the staff tell us more.

Kathryn or Titch – because I guess I was once!: There’s 35 staff that work with us. 13 are family, including me favourite uncle Jeff, me brother, cousins, nephews and nieces. There’s in-laws, my best friend and a God Daughter Chloe too. Me brother’s best mate and his best man are also part of the team. We have a good time and everyone’s here on merit – we don’t care if you’re a man or a woman, just if you work hard and can get the jobs done.

We are super busy having expanded over lockdown to cater for online sales. 80% of what we sell is via Amazon and goes out all over. There are huge pet shops in the world and we were just a small shop on the corner of Hessle Road and Liverpool St. So we thought we can’t beat you, we’ll join you.

Adele: Its family, and they are willing to take risks, which I guess is how independents survive. We are close knit which means that we are friends as well as colleagues. Staff care more because it's family. And they want it to succeed more for the same reason. Maltbys are always interested in staff's ideas - Paul and Kath will back it if they think it’s a good idea.

Sarah: It’s nice to not just be an employee… they are interested in us personally, there’s flexibility, and they care what’s going on for you.

I'm working hard to get qualified here. It will make me confident and like I can also achieve things. I am doing something good... I am recognised. My brother is a scientist, and I was always compared to him by me Dad, who said he was better than me. I didn't like school, but I like to work. We need people to do all jobs. This job and Smiths gets me out of bed and gives me purpose.

I like me work mates, it's sort of like a family, we have a laugh, wind each other up. Recently

»600 Hessle Road HU3

»Opens Mon-Fri 8-4

»01482 219 032

They try out things which we might suggest. Some things work out and some things don’t, but they are happy to try. We are all part of making it a success. Mr Maltby Snr always says “You have to have a gambling gene to make a business grow.” it's been busy. So Warehouse Manager Michelle started a table football competition to lighten the mood. This is important. At Smiths it's friendly - more friendly than I'm used to at other jobs. I'm a quiet person, and normally do my own thing. But here they are nice. They want you to do your job well, they offer us training and want us to show up. It's a happy environment. However If I could change one thing I'd like a better coffee machine - oh and to stop the paper cuts!"

Amber: We get a day off for our birthdays – paid! Amazing. Which I think is good and generous.

Thanks to Jacqui Cattle and Josh Williams for their support.

GF SMITH

»gfsmith.com

»Lockwood Street HU2

»01482 323 503

»@gfsmithpapers

As a team we have good banter, and if you’re not family you get adopted in eventually. And you know what we say - we are fully inclusive, it’s all about merit and nothing about gender. As an independent you have to be good value for money. We’ve won and been nominated for awards for being the Best Pet Supplier in Yorkshire. So it’s official we are great!