"Homebase Review of the Year 1988/89" video

Video for Homebase staff which provides an overview of the company’s performance and developments during the financial year 1988/89, and its aims for 1989/90.

The video mostly consists of a report presented by Michael Buerk [television newsreader] about Homebase during 1988/89. This is followed by a message from Gurth Hoyer Millar (Chairman) about how the company aims to be the best DIY (do-it-yourself) retailer. Their main priority for the year he explains is to be best for customer service.

The video report discusses: the company’s financial results – a ‘year of breakthrough’ in operating profit; reasons for the improved financial performance; where the profit goes; the performance of competitors; 11 new store openings (including stores with distinctive architecture at Brentford and Kensington); concessions (Schreiber kitchens, Vogue carpets, Laura Ashley, Hiretech, curtains); re-fits of existing stores; centralised distribution with depots at Westgate (Northampton) and new depot at Swindon; changes to product ranges including new own-label products; ‘Extra Service’ special order lines; store management promotions; senior management changes - changed regions, retirement of Dennis Males and appointment of Dino Adriano as the new Managing Director; advertising; store opening plans; career development opportunities; training including the ‘Building Better Business’ programme.

Footage is included of: Homebase store exteriors including Brentford, Worle, Kensington, Wimbledon, Hatfield, Croydon old store after closure (Homebase’s first store), Croydon new store, Luton, Walsgrave near Coventry, Sheffield, Plymouth); competitor store exteriors (B&Q, Texas Homecare, Do It All, Payless D.I.Y.); concessions; refitted stores including Oldbury; store interiors; Norwich store opening with Gurth Hoyar Millar welcoming customers; Westgate and Swindon depot exterior and interior; Homebase lorry; product displays; information desk; Dennis Males at a store; Dino Adriano; management conference; clip of television commercial (see LSA/8899); press advertisements; staff in an office; staff working in a store; still images including a large advertising balloon above a store and store exteriors.

Duration: 16 minutes.