Chamber remains committed to Boots
George Cowcher, the chief executive of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, has told Insider that his organisation remains supportive of Alliance Boots. That's despite the news last week that the company is making 750 people redundant at its Beeston site next April.
Cowcher said: “The chamber remains fully supportive of Alliance Boots, which is one of our area’s biggest employers and has proven time and time again that it is an incredibly well-run business.”
Alliance Boots has reaffirmed its commitment to its Beeston site, despite being effectively run from its London offices since it was taken back into private hands when Stefano Pessina took over in 2007.
Cowcher added: “Boots remains one of the biggest brands on the high street and while it is unfortunate that there will be a number of non-retail job losses resulting from this announcement, the important thing is that the company remains a viable and sustainable business for the future. These latest moves, which are part of a long-term strategy, will ensure that it is.”
Alex Gourlay, chief executive of the health and beauty division at Alliance Boots, said last week: “Since 2007, we have undertaken a number of steps to make our business more robust, investing significantly in our stores and commercial offering. This latest phase will enable us to have a stronger and more agile support infrastructure fit for the long-term future.
”Our intention is to be open and transparent about how we see the future, but we understand the impact that today’s announcement may have on our people. The leadership team is fully committed to supporting them in the months ahead as we further evolve our organisation.”
