Special Report
A touching tribute to an industry stalwart
On Monday, February 25, Paul Persey, the co-founder of PenCarrie, sadly passed away at the age of 71 after a three-year fight with cancer. Here, the PenCarrie team share their memories of an industry pioneer.
I
ndustry pioneer, inspirational leader, entrepreneur, dynamic businessman, true gentleman, cherished friend and family man – just some of the words used to describe Paul Persey, co-founder of PenCarrie.
Paul has been an integral part of the promotional garment industry, not just in the UK, but across Europe for almost 30 years. His guidance, advice, expertise and passion has had an impact on so many and will continue to help shape our industry for years to come. His philosophy was always that true business relationships are built on people, first and foremost. Loyalty, trust and friendship are what business relationships at PenCarrie are based on, not just for our customers, but for our suppliers and employees too.
He had an incredible impact on so many people and shared his wisdom and insight with many, his enthusiasm and
Paul with his wife Caroline pictured at PenCarrie’s 20th celebrations in 2011
humour with many more and his warmth and charm with all.
In the beginning Paulʼs interest and passion for the industry began when he started his career as a trainee with major retail store C&A, who were, at that time, a major presence in many town centres throughout the UK. With a foundation of knowledge from The London School of Economics, Paul worked there for a few years, picking up a wealth of knowledge on the retail industry. Taking this experience, along with his entrepreneurial flair and passion for garments, Paul went on to establish several of his own retail premises selling garments with wife Caroline. After moving to Devon with his family, Paul moved from retail to manufacture. He went on to establish his own manufacturing facilities in both Devon and Cornwall, specialising in babywear, polo
shirts, rugby shirts and sweats – styles that are still key in our market today. Even back then Paulʼs family were interested in his business, with his daughters often spending time at the manufacturing plants with their dad, generally picking up industry knowledge from a very early age.
It was the direct link with the Russell Corporation, manufacturing the 539M polo, that led to the opportunity to distribute the Russell range of products. So, in 1991, in some rented premises in Exeter, Paul, his sister-in-law Penny and Caroline (hence the company name), all ably supported by his sister Sue, seized the opportunity to establish PenCarrie as a garment distributor and the family business was born. Paulʼs business acumen, along with the determination of Penny and Caroline, meant the business went from strength to strength. Thus, started a new era of organised garment distribution in the UK.
The PenCarrie team at the 25th celebrations in 2016 | 22 | April 2019
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
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