"End of Year Report 1989/90" video titled "People for Profit"

Video for Homebase staff which provides an overview of the company’s performance and developments in the company during the financial year 1989/90. Presented by Michael Buerk [television newsreader].

Staff watching could also receive a financial results printout via the ‘System 25’ computer system and there was also a printed end of year report “Homebase Employee Report 1990” for staff.

Contents:
1. Opening titles, includes footage of a manager opening up the store at the start of the day, and of computer screen showing financial results.
2. Michael Buerk summarises the company’s financial performance and explains the reasons for it. Discusses: sales increasing but by less than had been hoped for; the impact of the economy and housing market on the DIY market; costs being kept under control; changes to management structure.
3. Interview with Lara Crout about being promoted to the new Section Manager role.
4. Michael Buerk explains how the streamlining of the management structure meant that some staff were transferred to Sainsbury’s supermarkets.
5. Interviews with Paul Smart and Sharon Scott regarding working at Sainsbury’s stores. Includes footage of Sharon Scott working in Sainsbury’s Beeston store.
6. Michael Buerk talks about other savings which had been made to make the company more efficient, profitable and help the company to grow; and about promotion opportunities for staff. Graphics showing the changes in profit levels etc are included.
7. Interview with Peter Edmonds about promotion at Willesden store. Includes footage of Willesden store.
8. Michael Buerk talks about new store openings.
9. Interviews with Bessie Reynolds and Simon Higgs about their careers. Includes footage showing them at work.
10. Michael Buerk talks about: the profit sharing scheme which is now open to more staff; the growth of the company; central distribution (Westgate and Swindon depots); customer service improvements including the ‘Building Better Business’ campaign and customer service awards.
11. Interview with Amanda Lunn (Purchasing and Maintenance Department) talking about the work of the department and the importance of customer service. Footage is included of staff at work in the Wallington head office.
12. Michael Buerk talks about: pilot introduction of Switch debit card payments; improved checkouts; new computer system ‘SHOE’ (Swindon Horticultural Ordering Entry system) for ordering stock. Footage is included of: checkout payment and computer.
13. Interview with Ian Baldwin about the company’s quick response to storms in January and February which resulted in a sudden increase in demand for certain products eg fencing panels. Footage is included of staff at work in head office.
14. Michael Buerk talks about the damage caused to various stores by the storm. Reading store was particularly badly affected with half of the roof being blown off.
15. Interview with Gavin Plows (Reading store) about the storm, evacuation of the store and recovering afterwards. Images of the store and the damage which had occurred is included.
16. Interview with Chris Holt about a fire at Worcester store, the damage caused and support by head office. Includes images of the damage, and the store exterior.
17. Michael Buerk talks about the company’s policies to protect the environment; health and safety policies (eg safe use of trolleys); new products introduced. Images relating to the company’s environmental policies, and new products are included.
18. Interview with David Standing about extra services offered such as special order products and picture framing. Footage is included of product displays with customers, extra service desk and new ranges of products.
19. Michael Buerk talks about: promotions including ‘Spend & Save’, Valentine’s Day and advertisements; the outlook for the next year. Footage is included relating to promotions.
20. Mr Hoyer Millar (Chairman) thanks staff for their work.
21. Footage (brief clips) showing exteriors of recently opened stores: Plymouth, Norwich, Blackpool, Maidstone, Great Yarmouth, Chichester, and Milton Keynes.

Duration: 24 minutes.