Charlotte Gillan - Managing Partner
Born in Singapore, and educated in England, Charlotte became a partner at Classic Canes in 2005 and was appointed Managing Partner in 2010. After graduating in Politics & Philosophy BSc (Hons) from the University of Bristol, Charlotte gained extensive sales and marketing experience working for companies and brands such as the Asprey jewellery group, and Porsche and Ferrari cars. She has also worked as a freelance journalist specialising in fashion, motoring, property and interiors, before returning to work at Classic Canes in 2003. Her interests include walking, riding, fashion, gardening and reading.
Diana Porter - Partner
Born in England and brought up in New Zealand, Diana's sales background includes working for such household names as Avis and Lyons, where she learned many of the sales and administration skills that are used at Classic Canes. Diana founded Classic Canes in 1982, selling rustic walking sticks to the local shops, often accompanied by her small children. In her spare time, she serves on the committees of the local horticultural society and music society, and enjoys riding and gardening.
Ben Porter - Partner
Born in Ghana, Ben was brought up in South Africa and Kenya. After representing Kenya at the 1958 Cardiff 'Empire Games' (now the Commonwealth Games), Ben read Philosophy & Economics at the University of Wales and then commenced his business career by joining the Ford Motor Company's management training scheme. He subsequently worked in countries all around the world. Having built up Classic Canes' stockist network, he now concentrates on the forestry and production side of the business. His other interests include cycling (he regularly competes in seniors' races), walking and forestry.
Pippa Firmin - Financial Controller
Pippa joined us in June 2010 as our Financial Controller, in charge of ensuring that the wheels of commerce run smoothly for Classic Canes as well as undertaking many other diverse duties in our busy office including purchasing, IT and management of our little fleet of 4x4s and forestry vehicles. South African by birth, she and her family have now lived in the UK for some years.
Alyson Partridge - Office Manager
Formidably organised, Alyson has been with Classic Canes since 2006. She ensures that all orders are promptly processed and despatched, manages the sales office and ensures that everyone at Classic Canes knows what they should be doing and when. Away from Classic Canes, she enjoys amateur dramatics, attends all the latest London shows, and cares for her lively family.
RECRUITING NOW: Sales Advisor
Classic Canes is currently recruiting for a Sales Advisor to join our team. Based in our Somerset office, this very interesting and varied full time role involves regular communication with our customers in the UK and abroad, office administration and representation of the company at trade fairs. A high standard of personal presentation is required, as is a good understanding of international business etiquette and protocol. One or more foreign languages would be an advantage.
For further information, please contact Charlotte Gillan, Managing Partner, Classic Canes, by email to charlotte@classiccanes.co.uk or telephone 0044 (0)1460 75686.
RECRUITING NOW: Warehouse Supervisor
Classic Canes is currently recruiting for a full time Warehouse Supervisor to join our busy packing and despatch department. Responsibilities will include co-ordination of goods in and goods out, picking and packing, storage planning, and routine building and equipment maintenance. The Warehouse Supervisor will also be required to pack and transport stock and display equipment to and from trade fairs and assist with build-up and break-down of our trade stands.
For further information, please contact Charlotte Gillan, Managing Partner, Classic Canes, by email to charlotte@classiccanes.co.uk or telephone 0044 (0)1460 75686.
Valerie Manley, Linda Galpin, Tina Lacey, Shirley Lacey - Packing Team
Cheerful, energetic and diligent, the hard work of our packing team ensures orders are despatched promptly and arrive in good condition. Valerie has been at Classic Canes since 1989, making her our longest-serving employee. Linda and Shirley - who are sisters - have both completed more than ten years' service, and Tina has been with us for nearly eight years: a total of over 54 years - or more than 50,000 hours - between them!
Alan White - Workshop Assistant
Alan has one of the most enviable jobs at Classic Canes, producing by hand the rustic hiking staffs, knobsticks, thumb sticks and other products that help give our company its unique identity. Alan has worked at Classic Canes since 2006.
Sammy, Teddy and Boris - Security
The Classic Canes Golden Retrievers guard the premises, model for our catalogues and provide general emotional support. More than once they have helped secure orders from soft-hearted buyers, and sometimes customers try to include them on their orders. In the case of our destructive youngster, Boris, we are sometimes tempted to despatch!
Malcolm Gillan
Charlotte's husband, who has his own company, but - being a keen fisherman - is also an enthusiastic volunteer for Classic Canes trade stand duty at the annual Tackle & Guns trade fair. Malcolm also kindly and willingly models for our catalogues, advertisements and posters. Family businesses often rely greatly on the unseen support of spouses and other family members; we are very grateful to Malcolm for his advice and his generous acts of assistance in the interests of Classic Canes.