COVER STORY
AN ESP-ECIALLY GOOD YEAR
We hear from esp, who tell us more about their 25th year in business, sharing some of the high points from the past 12 months, and giving us a taste of what 2016 will have in store for them.
Following on from a successful 2014, esp hit the ground running this year continuing on the path of accelerated sales to meet the next stage of the company’s growth plans.
As a year of celebration – esp turned 25 this year – 2015 held the promise of excitement and the potential to launch the company into a new realm within the paper hygiene disposables industry. With increased manufacturing capability due to machine investment, a strong team, and a definitive strategy, all aspects were in place.
It seemed fitting that esp chose to celebrate their 25th Anniversary by holding a private fun fair for all staff and their families, including a number of previous employees who had played an important role in esp history. The day was full of activities, music, food and fun for all, and helped to recognise the support the esp team’s families give them when work commitments impact their home situation. Retention is good at esp and more than 20% of the workforce have been with the company for over 10 years, with yet another two employees awarded their 10 year service gifts this summer.
The team of longstanding directors at esp appreciate the value that each staff member can and does bring to the company and over the last three years have spent a lot of time, money and resources to ensure all staff have the opportunity to reach their full potential. The company appreciates that without the commitment of the team, strategic plans are only words on paper. The esp Projects Manager, Isla Buchanan, worked closely with a local college to identify any training gaps which would require external training, resulting in over 85% of staff being offered and undertaking training
22 | Tomorrow’s Cleaning December 2015
courses with a 100% pass rate. In June this year, esp’s commitment to people development was recognised by the Hereford and Worcester Chamber of Commerce, when they were named award winners in this category at the Business Awards 2015. It was an award esp was delighted to win, not only due to the strength of the competition on the night but also as a thank you to their loyal workforce.
Each year esp has grown and expanded their business whilst keeping their profile as an important local employer – 93% of staff come from the local county. Throughout 2015, esp has recruited new members to their Sales Team, who cover all areas of the UK and Ireland, along with two National Accounts Managers to facilitate the company’s growth into new markets.
The move to Blackmore Park, expected for summer 2016, will consolidate all operations, allowing the company to function better as well as being an additional motivation for the team as they will all be located in one area – currently staff are split across four buildings in two locations. The new facility will incorporate a state of the art manufacturing plant, increased storage and distribution area alongside purpose built offices which will be the operational heart of esp and include a dedicated sales floor, an operations floor, meeting rooms, visitors centre, gym, shower rooms and a staff training space.
New markets and opportunities have also been identified and operational changes will be put in place to allow esp to approach new customers as well as serving their current customer base at an even higher standard. These opportunities include the introduction of new product ranges. As well as paper products, 2016 will
see esp shift focus to include a wider range of dispensers. The first of these will be the Origin range of dispensers – a selection of 12 units which will give customers a complete washroom package at a competitive rate. The dispensers will be available in early 2016 and will be fully showcased at the ISSA/Interclean Show in Amsterdam. Running from 10th to 13th May, esp will be on stand 11.525 with the entire Origin range on display as well as the new Evolve stainless steel dispenser range, a selection of paper products and the latest plans for Blackmore Park.
Following the launch of Origin, esp are also planning on releasing a new cost in use system dispenser range which promises to be innovative and stylish whilst saving the end user a significant amount. Sales Director Martin Kent is feeling very optimistic about 2016: “I am excited about the development of the Origin range, which is the result of a huge amount of work from the esp team. It was a natural progression for the company and I am looking forward to seeing the hard work come to fruition when we display this brand new range in Amsterdam next year.”
Keep an eye out for these new products by connecting with one of their social media pages – you can find them on Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook or via the esp blog. The company also have a
twitter.com/TomoCleaning
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