Shaun Reaches 20!
April 2025 is a landmark month for Webro’s Purchasing & Logistics Manager, Shaun Gartlan. It’s his 20th anniversary! Here, we get an insight into Shaun’s highlights during that time. Find out who's been his biggest influence, and what he's most proud of.
What does it feel like to reach 20 years at Webro?
The time has flown! I’m pleased with the progression that I’ve made, and grateful for being happy during that time.
What position did you start in with Webro?
I started out as a Cable Winder, following a down & dirty 20-minute interview with Webro’s founder – Roger Webster. It included gathering up nails and picking weeds as extras! I got the job through the brother of one of Webro’s longest servers – John Bott, who worked here for over 40 years.
What’s the biggest change that you’ve seen during your 20 years?
The business has tripled in size during my time here, and I’ve witnessed all of the building expansion work. It’s a nice feeling to know that I’ve played my part in its ongoing success.
Who’s been the most considerable influence on you during your time?
Alyson Hopcroft, the former Finance Director and Roger’s daughter, was always there to help me through the thick and thin during her time at Webro. She was instrumental in changing my outlook from black & white to seeing the world in shades of grey. The current MD Peter Edginton has also been highly influential too, along with our Sales Director Chris Bacon, putting their trust in me to provide me with new opportunities.
What made you stay?
Undoubtedly the people, the nicheness of the business, and the opportunity to take on new challenges in order to progress.
What do you enjoy? What drives you?
A Purchasing Assistant role became available whilst I was working as the Warehouse Supervisor. Roger and Alyson encouraged me to apply for it... the fact is that I didn't get a lot of choice to be honest, and the rest is history as they say. The role really suits me as I’ve always enjoyed making decisions for the benefit of others. I never want to be the headline; I’m most comfortable being under the radar. In this position I like the fact that whilst I can be very honest, which suits my personality, I can make a point of promising nothing in my business dealings with others, which works really well managing supply chain relationships. I’d like to think that I win trust by operating in this upfront way. What drives me? Proving the 'you can't do that' doubters wrong.
What’s been your funniest moment?
There was a surreal moment one Christmas at a time when a warehouse extension was being built. A member of staff had become unwell, and an ambulance was called. Meanwhile, the unknowing warehouse team were ‘helping’ a colleague to improve his outlook on a dating app called ‘Plenty of Fish’ by taking a picture of him shrink-wrapped to a building girder. As the paramedics left with the staff member on a stretcher, they remained consummately professional, with eyes fixed forward, as they passed the plastic-clad employee flailing from the upright girder. Let’s just say that there were one or two red faces as a result! How times have changed since then!
What are you most proud of?
In general, the way the Purchasing & Logistics function is perceived really matters to me. We do things that are meaningful and make a difference. In terms of a specific thing, in the early part of my career I wound all the drums for our very first altnet customer who had issues with the material they obtained from another supplier. This action subsequently resulted in us winning a multi-million pound contract with them.
Looking back, is there anything that you’d change?
I wish that I’d learned the ‘shades of grey’ lesson 10 years earlier, but I got there eventually.
What’s the most interesting place that you’ve visited and why on your business travels?
I’ve been lucky to go to some truly interesting and inspiring places, but Hong Kong is the one place that’s really stuck with me. It’s so different to anywhere else in the world and it fascinates me.
If you hadn’t been a purchaser at Webro, what would you have been?
Having served as the Warehouse Supervisor I was destined to become the Warehouse Manager. My path changed of course as I stepped up to become the Purchasing & Logistics Manager.
What does the future look like for you?
The world is volatile and we’re constantly dealing with change. In the absence of reliable predictions, my future will be what it’s been for some time now - maintaining the balance between developing existing relationships with legacy partners whilst finding new suppliers to meet ever-changing business needs. Of course, if anyone’s got a reliable crystal ball to donate to my cause to help in this process then please get in touch!
