Business as usual at TMD
MY THANKS to Pete Barnsley, TMD’s Supply Chain & Marketing Team Leader, for his prompt response to yesterday’s report on the sale of Trust Media Distribution to the company’s CEO, Ken Munro, Another twist in the post-STL tale as TMD enters private ownership. Emphasising the security and stability that this transition brings to the organisation and its workforce as well as the company’s continued commitment to Christian wholesaling, albeit reduced in scope, Pete writes:
TRUST MEDIA, IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL!
We are pleased to share this exciting news with you and are delighted that the change of ownership enables strong financial strength and ongoing investment for the future. It will also underpin our commitment to continued distribution and wholesale of Christian Books, Bibles and Resources to you. Our focus (and most significant part of our business) remains on developing our services to the Christian Trade with a comprehensive supply of a wide range of US publishers, a focused selection of UK publishers and industry leading Christian card & gift. Also to clarify, we will continue to be the exclusive wholesale partner for John Ritchie Ltd distributing all of their published content to the UK trade.
We are confident that you will see a high level of service as we move into and through 2012 and we are pleased to be making such a wide range of Christian Resources available to you.
Letters about the situation have been issued to retailers, who can expect to receive them within the next few days.
Paul Owen appointed as Director Of Sales at Kingsway Distribution
CONGRATULATIONS to Paul Owen on his appointment as Director of Sales at Kingsway Distribution. In a letter to the trade issued yesterday evening, Greg Tombs, Kingsway’s Managing Director, writes:
I am very pleased to announce that Paul Owen has accepted and been appointed to the position of Director of Sales-Kingsway Distribution. Paul’s hard work, experience and dedication over the past 8 years has won him the respect and recognition of the Christian book trade and general market customers in the UK, as well as his peers and colleagues at Kingsway. Having twice been recognized with the Sales Representative-of-the-Year award by UK Christian Retailers which makes him an excellent fit for this role.
Paul will report directly to Greg, whilst the Area Managers (David Borg and Oli Proctor) and telesales reps (James Batterbee and Christine Wrench) will report to Paul, whose portfolio of responsibilities includes overseeing all direct sales activities and working with other members of the management team in formulating an overall strategic plan for the organisation here in the UK.
SU Bookshop Dublin reopened under new ownership
New business ownership: Shop Opening Jan 3 2012 as Footprints Bookshop
LAST BUT FAR FROM LEAST, wholehearted congratulations to Valmai Gee, who has taken the brave step of reopening the former Scripture Union bookshop in Dublin as an independent store following a decision by SU at the end of last year to close down its retail operations. Writing on the shop’s facebook page on Christmas Eve, Valmai explains:
Dear Friends,
I am writing to you to inform you that Scripture Union will no longer be operating the Footprints Bookshop at 43 Talbot Street, Dublin 1.
The recession has taken its toll on Christian bookshops and they feel it is no longer viable for them to be in the retail trade.
As of January 2012, Footprints Bookshop will be operated by me as a sole trader: Valmai Gee T/A Footprints Talbot Street.
Please continue to support us as we continue to promote Scripture Union “Authentic Youth”, Bible Reading Notes and Sunday School material.
Valmai continues,
This follows the way of Footprints Cork and Footprints Dun Laoghaire.
Though essentially we are independent bookshops trading under the “Footprints Bookshop” name, each of us believe Ireland needs Christian bookshops on the street. We have… each taken on the task to keep the bookshops running, to serve the churches who work hard in outreach and discipleship, and to serve individual believers in their own spiritual growth and desire to reach others for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Many blessings, Valmai Gee.
At a time when so many bookshops are closing, it’s wonderfully encouraging to discover someone bucking the trend: Valmai, I salute you — may the Lord bless you richly and may many customers pass through your doorway to make your venture worthwhile and viable!
