Encore Envelopes staff praised for helping out

Sep 4 2010 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

THE boss of an envelope and mailing firm has praised his staff after beating forecasts and keeping up revenues despite the Royal Mail strike.

Washington-based Encore Envelopes recently published annual results showing sales came in marginally down at £28.3m and pre-tax profits also slightly down at £1.9m.

A year ago, managing director Russell Croisdale, who has a majority share in the firm, had been fearful sales and profits would be well down on last year’s £29.6m and £1.96m respectively.

He said: “Given the economic climate we are pleased with our performance.

“We increased our market share, maintained profitability and strengthened the balance sheet.

“This has been achieved through cost savings, particularly those involving the co-operation and flexibility of the whole workforce who accepted reduced working hours and corresponding reduced wages, during the quieter months of the year.

“This co-operation was effective in both saving costs and also in preserving the jobs of a skilled and loyal workforce.”

Encore now employs 266 staff, marginally down on last year’s 275, but the firm has not made any redundancies.