02/05/2017
Derek Gillard goes with thanks and good wishes from Gerard Heanue, MD of Heidelberg.
Derek Gillard is retiring next month after 34 years with Heidelberg UK. Last year he handed over his post of southern sales manager to Neil Fletcher to head up Heidelberg UK’s refurbished equipment arm.
“This role was always seen as a stepping stone to retirement and I have now created the processes that will allow this side of the business to thrive. We have achieved close to £6m in refurbished sales in the last year and I think there is scope for this to increase in future,” says Mr Gillard.
Now customers wanting to buy or sell good condition refurbished presses should approach regional managers Phil Buttress (north) and Neil Fletcher (south) and the back office operations will be handled by Peter Carter.
Heidelberg has invested in a mobile workshop with a generator as well as facilities in Thurrock for machine repairs and upgrades. There is also now a site for deep cleaning so that machines delivered look good. Derek Gillard has also ensured the administration process of buying and selling is smooth and efficient.
“We are, and Heidelberg will continue to be, selective in which machines we buy because we provide warranties and our reputation is on the line,” he says.
His enthusiasm has been a trademark of all he has done with the company and he has been both a proficient salesman and motivating manager. He cites John Knight and George Clarke as inspirational to his career development. Derek was always supportive of those around him.
“I think I built up a great team and Neil Fletcher has retained that same good spirit. I know that Heidelberg UK will continue to build on the success it has had with both new and remarketed kit,” he says.
Derek Gillard has been trusted and respected by his customers. Ian Dollin, director of John Dollin Printing Services, says: “Derek has always been the perfect gentleman, personable and honest. He has genuinely looked out for us as a customer.”
Gareth Roberts, managing director of Bishops Printers, says: “Derek has been a great asset to Heidelberg and its customers over the years and has always succeeded in balancing and defending the needs of the business whilst trying to satisfy the demands of clients. Bishops, and many other customers I am sure, will miss his advice and attention.”
Derek cites Mike Taylor, retired chairman of the Fulmar Group, as someone he respected in the industry for his sheer vision. He regards the deal he did with Fulmar as a top sales moment. Derek tried to persuade Mike Taylor that a 12-colour perfector would achieve the quality he required and was the right way to go. He listened and, after extensive testing in Germany, went on to buy not one but two! In retirement, Derek will enjoy more sailing and travelling (including visiting his new grandchild in Australia) but also working for charity, not least getting involved in educating school age students about handling money, understanding National Insurance and pensions etc
“Derek has given Heidelberg many years of great service and will be missed by myself and my colleagues. He is a man of great integrity and has always been respected inside and outside the organisation for his enthusiasm and commitment. His retirement has been well earned,” says Gerard Heanue, managing director of Heidelberg UK.
April 2017
For further information please contact:
Diana Thompson, Plus Point PR Ltd, on 01494-817178 or 07802-898313
Or
Derek Gillard, Heidelberg UK, on 07767-278621
Or
Gerard Heanue, Heidelberg UK, on 020 8490 3500.
02/05/2017
Derek Gillard is retiring next month after 34 years with Heidelberg UK. Last year he handed over his post of southern sales manager to Neil Fletcher to head up Heidelberg UK’s refurbished equipment arm.
“This role was always seen as a stepping stone to retirement and I have now created the processes that will allow this side of the business to thrive. We have achieved close to £6m in refurbished sales in the last year and I think there is scope for this to increase in future,” says Mr Gillard.
Now customers wanting to buy or sell good condition refurbished presses should approach regional managers Phil Buttress (north) and Neil Fletcher (south) and the back office operations will be handled by Peter Carter.
Heidelberg has invested in a mobile workshop with a generator as well as facilities in Thurrock for machine repairs and upgrades. There is also now a site for deep cleaning so that machines delivered look good. Derek Gillard has also ensured the administration process of buying and selling is smooth and efficient.
“We are, and Heidelberg will continue to be, selective in which machines we buy because we provide warranties and our reputation is on the line,” he says.
His enthusiasm has been a trademark of all he has done with the company and he has been both a proficient salesman and motivating manager. He cites John Knight and George Clarke as inspirational to his career development. Derek was always supportive of those around him.
“I think I built up a great team and Neil Fletcher has retained that same good spirit. I know that Heidelberg UK will continue to build on the success it has had with both new and remarketed kit,” he says.
Derek Gillard has been trusted and respected by his customers. Ian Dollin, director of John Dollin Printing Services, says: “Derek has always been the perfect gentleman, personable and honest. He has genuinely looked out for us as a customer.”
Gareth Roberts, managing director of Bishops Printers, says: “Derek has been a great asset to Heidelberg and its customers over the years and has always succeeded in balancing and defending the needs of the business whilst trying to satisfy the demands of clients. Bishops, and many other customers I am sure, will miss his advice and attention.”
Derek cites Mike Taylor, retired chairman of the Fulmar Group, as someone he respected in the industry for his sheer vision. He regards the deal he did with Fulmar as a top sales moment. Derek tried to persuade Mike Taylor that a 12-colour perfector would achieve the quality he required and was the right way to go. He listened and, after extensive testing in Germany, went on to buy not one but two! In retirement, Derek will enjoy more sailing and travelling (including visiting his new grandchild in Australia) but also working for charity, not least getting involved in educating school age students about handling money, understanding National Insurance and pensions etc
“Derek has given Heidelberg many years of great service and will be missed by myself and my colleagues. He is a man of great integrity and has always been respected inside and outside the organisation for his enthusiasm and commitment. His retirement has been well earned,” says Gerard Heanue, managing director of Heidelberg UK.
April 2017
For further information please contact:
Diana Thompson, Plus Point PR Ltd, on 01494-817178 or 07802-898313
Or
Derek Gillard, Heidelberg UK, on 07767-278621
Or
Gerard Heanue, Heidelberg UK, on 020 8490 3500.
