News

Chameleon Books makes staff redundant

15.08.11 | Lisa Campbell

Schools book supplier Chameleon Books has made all its staff redundant.

The Peterborough-based business owned by m.d. John Boocock was established in 1997 and employed five people. Former general manager at the company Richard Hemmings, who was employed by the business for seven years, said staff received a letter informing them their jobs would be made redundant the next day because the company was closing. Hemmings questioned whether adequate notice had been given and said staff were "beginning the industrial tribunal process”.

He said: “My job was to deal with the customers which I did well and I don’t feel that my loyalty to the company over the seven years has been rewarded. It is a shame that people like myself who have a lot to offer the trade are unable to do so because of this.”

Hemmings said the business suffered from cash flow problems and its sales had reduced by around 50% in the last three months.

Self-employed rep Jackie Davies, who had worked for the business for around 11 years, said she was owed around £1,000 in commission from the company. She said: “I was still getting orders in because I hadn’t been told what had happened with the company and now I am in a position where I am owed money. I have worked for the company for 11 years and you expect to be shown some loyalty after that—I at least expected to be informed.”

Boocock has not responded to several attempts to contact him by The Bookseller. Chameleon Books has no legal or financial connection to Scortia & Chameleon Books based in Kilsyth, which is still trading well.

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By School Librarian

So sad!!

I really miss you guys and wish you well in the future!

Wed, 30/11/2011 - 11:18
By Diana Wiltshire

I founded this company in 1997, with a little help from John Boocock. It traded successfully all the time I was in charge, until I retired in 2006, when I sold my share to Mr. Boocock. I am totally gutted that the company has ceased trading, remembering all the hard work I put into it. I feel desperately sorry for Richard and Jackie, both of whom I employed, and who were both extremely good at their jobs. I also feel for the schools who were our regular customers, and also for the companies who relied on us for supply of books in bulk. I am sure, however, that Scotia will be able to take on these accounts with ease.
I would like to take this opportunity to state that the company's failure was in no way attributable to me.

Fri, 26/08/2011 - 15:20
By Diana Wiltshire

I founded this company in 1997, with a little help from John Boocock. It traded successfully all the time I was in charge, until I retired in 2006, when I sold my share to Mr. Boocock. I am totally gutted that the company has ceased trading, remembering all the hard work I put into it. I feel desperately sorry for Richard and Jackie, both of whom I employed, and who were both extremely good at their jobs. I also feel for the schools who were our regular customers, and also for the companies who relied on us for supply of books in bulk. I am sure, however, that Scotia will be able to take on these accounts with ease.
I would like to take this opportunity to state that the company's failure was in no way attributable to me.

Fri, 26/08/2011 - 15:20
By School Librarian

So sad!!

I really miss you guys and wish you well in the future!

Wed, 30/11/2011 - 11:18

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