NEXT MEETING
7.30am – 9.30am Friday May 18th 2018
CHAPEL EN LE FRITH GOLF CLUB, Manchester Road, CELF SK23 9UH:
“Locking it up with Timpson’s” with Peter Harris, Head of Training for The Timpson Group.
Once upon a time (1865) there was a shoe-shop owner, William Timpson, with his brother-in-law Walter Joyce, who started making footwear (1884) in Manchester and Kettering. Two decades later (1903) they realised profits lay in mending boots and shoes (regular, small payments, seen as essential) rather than selling new ones (occasional purchase, seen as expensive). They must have done really well, for Timpson’s was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1929. Not brilliant timing.
There can’t be many businesses of that longevity still run by the same family, though for a while the firm had its board room turbulence and belonged to venture capitalists. But John Timpson (now the venerable Sir John) took over in 1983, sold the shops and concentrated on the repairs and key cutting business. On the way he bought out the other shareholders and went on an expansion spree.
Now Timpsons’ pop-up stores are a familiar sight in supermarket carparks and train stations looking after busy commuting millions. You forgot your keys? They have a 24 hr locksmith service (above). Your mobile needs repair? No problem. Want a plaque engraved? Online, choose your style. Dry cleaning – how about Johnson’s, or Jeeves of Belgravia? Yes, that’s them. Adding up to a £169million turnover operation, all run from Wythenshawe.
John Timpson’s philosophy is that “If you treat people well, it is blindingly obvious that they will do a good job.” The company owns holiday homes for workers and their 4,700 employees get their birthdays off. The business has won countless awards, and been in the top 10 of the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For every time it has entered. And they employ over 400 ex-prisoners … training ex-cons to be locksmiths? Yes they do..
We are promised a fascinating insight into this remarkable operation. Come and hear Peter Harris, Head of Training, and put your questions to him.
Coffee, pastries, juice from 7.30am, speaker 8 – 9am with questions, then more coffee and bacon baps till 9.30am. Anyone in business is welcome; we get great networking, so it’s a superb opportunity to bring along favoured clients, trainees, or colleagues.
Anyone in business is welcome. Let me know if you’re coming, please.
These tickets are likely to sell out fast, so don’t delay !!!
Please pay by cheque to HPBC to 28 Whaley Lane, Whaley Bridge, SK23 7BA.
Or by BACS: sort code 77 67 10, a/c no 14918668 Name: High Peak Business Club.
Please include your business name as the reference.
Click here to secure a seat and pay by BACS: Please mention your business name and Order ID as the reference.
FUTURE DATES for your diary...
Friday May 18th: “Locking it Up With Timpson!” with a speaker (name tbc) from Timpson, locksmiths and cobblers to the nation – an ethical business with a tough commercial approach.
Dates and details to come:
June 14th 2018: second Charity Golf Day at Chapel Golf Club, organised by Freedom Financial Planning. Start putting your team together now!
July 2018: High Peak Business Club will sponsor an evening event for the Buxton Book Festival in the newly-restored Pump Room, with a business speaker. We are in negotiation now!