The end of an era…or the start of a new chapter?

Change is good. That was my message to all as I left Hamelin Paperbrands to move on to pastures new last week.

This business has undergone tremendous change since I joined back at the start of 2005…new ownership, a move to new manufacturing facilities in Europe, closure of much of its UK manufacturing, a new name for the business, new website, better structured product portfolio, great new products and innovations, a business move to a new, purpose built warehouse, distribution centre and head office…the list goes on!

So, what now? In my view, change has been good. It keeps people on their toes and makes them strive for sustainability and success. It highlights areas where future training is required. It brings issues to the fore…there is nowhere to hide in a lean and effective organisation.

So just like the creation of a new building, the plans are drawn up, the foundations are in place with a few tweaks that need to be made here and there, all is on track.

What makes the business, however, is not the bricks and mortar, it is attitude…the attitude of the people, attitude to customers, attitude to suppliers and the desire to succeed. I’ve left behind some great people and many with the right attitude to make that business a huge success.

And what about me? I’m moving on to pastures new…well not that new, as I will still be very much connected with the office products industry as I take up a new role as Marketing & Merchandising Director at Spicers, the largest Office Products Wholesaler in Europe.

Challenges? No doubt. Opportunities? Certainly. The need for change? This is a prerequesit for any successful business. Great people who are eager to deliver? I’m 100% confident.