UKG is bringing some Christmas cheer to those who need it most.
Members of the publisher’s staff have donated loads of boxes of toiletries, warm blankets and useful gifts, which have just been delivered to St George’s Crypt, a charity based in Leeds which offers a temporary home, support and a hot meal for anyone who wants and needs one.
The Crypt, a cause UKG has long supported, is an important place for so many people in Leeds, providing a community and a support mechanism for the vulnerable.
“The boxes were full to the brim of washing powder, toiletries, blankets, towels, chocolates, scarfs and gloves, all donated by UKG staff, that they are now being put to good use,” stated Louise Makin, UKG’s internal communications manager.
This ongoing relationship with The Crypt formed part of UKG’s extended Festive Friday activities. This year the UKG team at its Dewsbury HQ wrote over 8,000 Christmas cards to their friends and family – and the publisher covered the cost of the postage.
“In addition to all of us writing what are our first Christmas cards for Festive Friday, we also like to give something back to those less fortunate, our link with The Crypt forms part of this,” adds Louise.
UKG is also turning its attentions towards helping its retail customers prepare for next Christmas. It has revealed the ‘tour dates’ for its Christmas Showrooms. The 2019 ‘tour’ starts in Ashford (Jan 9) then moves to Bristol (Jan 15 and 16), Southampton (Jan 16 and 17), London (Jan 22), Norwich (Jan 22 and 23) and Haydock (Jan 29 and 30).
The showrooms will be the first opportunity for retailers to see the new Christmas collection, including single cards, ancillary and boxed cards.
Retailers wishing to book an appointment should call the customer care team on 01924 436384.
As part of its retailer support for the coming year, UKG is also relaunching its customer webshop, which is going live in January in time for the Christmas Showrooms.
“This will enable our customers to place orders at their convenience, have a preview of our very latest newly launched products, see what’s hot in our licensed portfolio, especially activity linked to film and cinema releases, as well as what free POS is available to them,” added Jill Alexander, UKG’s marketing communications director.
At most of the shows an internal expert from UKG will be on site to demonstrate how easy and beneficial it is to use. As an incentive, UKG is offering a 10% discount for existing customers when they place their first everyday order on the webshop.
Top: (left-right) UKG’s Claire Hammond, Ceri Stirland, Julia Parkinson, Jonathan Glover and Louise Makin readying to go to the Crypt charity.
