TH E CI RC U IT IN SID E R S eptem b e r 2026 N ewslet ter
TH E CI RC U IT IN SID E R As we move through another period of rapid growth across the Group, I want to recognise the effort and energy everyone continues to put in. Over the past 6 months we’ve welcomed 39 new colleagues across Reading and Newbury, and we’re still recruiting to build the capacity we need.
Dean Curran Group CEO
This level of investment only happens when customers believe in what we do, and we meet their expectations. With the encouraging figures I shared at our recent Town Hall, it’s clear we’re making clear steps in the right direction. Now let’s meet those expectations consistently across quality, on time delivery and customer service, so we can all reap the rewards.
Growth brings challenge, and we’ve been honest about where we must improve. The leadership team has committed to a change in pace, accountability and follow‑through, and hopefully you have noticed this in how we've operated in recent weeks and will continue to operate in the coming months. We’re sharpening our focus on higher‑value work, expanding fast‑turn capability, and pushing hard to lift on‑time delivery to the standard our customers expect. These changes are about creating a stronger, more resilient business, one that can invest more in equipment, opportunities and rewards for our people. Most importantly, we’re doubling down on the values behind what makes us successful: high standards, integrity and respect, positive energy and a solutions driven mindset. Every improvement we make, every problem we solve, every extra effort contributes to the experience our customers receive. We have an opportunity to become the sector‑defining leader in our industry, and that happens when we move forward together, with ambition and belief in what we can achieve.
EN GAGIN G W ITH OUR CU S TOMERS We’ve been out meeting customers across the UK, strengthening relationships and showcasing the full capability of our Group and the great work our team is doing.
David Riddle Group CCO
Laura How recently attended three Leonardo supplier days with other commercial team members in Luton, Basildon and Edinburgh, with more events lined up. Her biggest takeaway: Leonardo needs fast turn and partners who get who get involved early supporting design, reviewing manufacturability, and collaborating from day one. It’s a space where we stand out, offering a genuine one‑stop shop across PCB, PCBA, testing, box build and conformal coating.
These conversations are opening doors, and with our focus on great work and top class customer service, we’re in a strong position to turn them into opportunities. Our wider team has also been visiting customers directly to understand what they need from us as a manufacturing partner, reinforcing our commitment to a customer‑first mindset across the business. Next up, we’ll be exhibiting with Active‑PCB at three major shows: Medical Technology Ireland (Galway), Microelectronics (Birmingham) and Advanced Engineering (London). The more conversations we can have, the more visibility we put on the great work we all do, and ultimately more opportunities to show what makes us different and take our business in the right direction. S e pte m b e r 2 0 2 6 N ews l et te r
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TH E CI RC U IT IN SID E R It's a long one from me this month, but over the next few weeks we will be launching our employee survey across Garner Osborne. So before we do, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the positive changes we have made together and thank everyone for the part they have played in shaping our business. Listening to our employees and continuously improving the experience of working at Garner Osborne remains a key priority for us. While there is always more we can do, it is important that we recognise the significant progress made over the last two years. Michelle Kirk Group CPO
This year, we have continued to focus on making day-to-day working life easier, more comfortable and more efficient.
We introduced our new Employee Self-Service system, Cezanne, invested in our facilities including a new air-conditioned canteen, and made improvements to working environments such as the Solder Resist and SMT areas. Our IT support service has also been strengthened to provide faster and more effective support. We introduced updated people policies and manager training to help ensure they are applied consistently and fairly. We have also increased the frequency of our all-company briefings, providing more regular updates on business performance, customer activity and company developments. Our Employee Engagement Group continues to provide a valuable forum for ideas and feedback. This has contributed to improvements including better temperature control in Factory areas, fortnightly cross-department meetings for department leaders, and a vending machine with products resold at cost price. Over the past year, we have recruited 39 new employees across the Group, helping to build capability and support our customers. It has also been great to see some returning employees bringing valuable experience back with them and recognising the improvements made since they left. We also introduced our Employee Recognition Scheme and Long Service Awards. Employees recognised by their peers via Perkbox can receive formal recognition from SLT, including a £50 voucher, £10 donation to a charity of their choice and a certificate. Employees reaching five years' service now also receive formal recognition and an additional day's holiday for every five years completed. These changes build upon improvements introduced over the last two years, including: • Increased pension contributions and holiday entitlement • Perkbox employee benefits • Reduced working hours from 42.5 to 40 hours per week • Life assurance cover • Updated shift patterns and shorter Fridays • 24/7 GP access and flu vaccinations • Employee Assistance Programme and eye care vouchers • Free fruit, tea and coffee • Summer social events and end-of-year celebrations!
Thank you to everyone who has contributed ideas, feedback and support. We look forward to continuing this progress together, and on the next two pages you'll be able to read more about what comes next! S e pte m b e r 2 0 2 6 N ews l et te r
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TH E CI RC U IT IN SID E R Skills D evelopment and Career P ro gres sion
S ave t he da te for ou r Chris t ma s Par t y!
Many of our Production colleagues recently participated in Skills and Behaviours Assessments, and we are currently finalising the outcomes. Thank you for engaging so well with this process.
We're delighted to confirm that our End of Year Celebration will take place at Trunkwell House on 20 November.
I am particularly pleased that, as a result of this process, some colleagues will be progressing to the next skill band within their role. This is an important step in recognising capability, rewarding development and creating clearer career pathways within the business. We look forward to sharing the outcomes in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, here's a little teaser of what this years theme will be...
We are making a small but positive change to how Perkbox points are awarded.
Int roducin g our Annu al Pay Rev iew Proces s
Instead of receiving 60 points quarterly, employees will receive 20 points every month from 01 October, providing greater flexibility to use these benefits more regularly throughout the year. If you would like to learn more about the discounts, savings and benefits available through Perkbox, please book onto one of the upcoming webinars below. If you register for any of these but cannot attend, they will send you a link to the recording to watch in your own time. REGISTER HERE
Please save the date in your diary. Final details are currently being confirmed and invitations will be sent out shortly, including information on how to RSVP.
In October, we will be undertaking a company-wide pay review, which will become an annual process moving forward. Alongside this, we will be launching a new Pay Policy which will clearly explain: • How and when pay reviews take place • The factors considered when reviewing pay • How performance and contribution are assessed • How pay decisions are made across the business Our aim is to provide greater transparency and consistency, ensuring everyone understands how the process works. Any pay changes resulting from this year's review will be communicated once the review has been completed.
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TH E CI RC U IT IN SID E R NE W S TA R T ER S Please join me in giving a warm welcome to our new starters at Garner Osborne! • Mark and Don join us as SMT Operators in Assembly • Kelly joins us as an Inspector in Assembly • Beata and Robert join us in Through Hole
DO N ' T F O RG E T YOU R W IS D OM APP SUPP O RT Don’t forget you have access to the Wisdom App, which offers: • 24/7 support from counsellors • Advice on legal and financial matters • Wellbeing tools and resources Click the image below to check out Wisdom's YouTube page and browse content that could be helpful for how you're feeling.
O UR VALUE S Our values are the standards that guide how we work, how we treat each other, and how we deliver for our customers. They’re the compass that helps us decide: am I acting in a way that reflects who we are as a business? Solutions Driven – We approach challenges with curiosity and determination. High Standards - We take pride in delivering reliable, high-quality work. Integrity & Respect - We do the right thing and treat people with respect. Positive Energy - We bring focus, enthusiasm and a supportive mindset.
CEL EBR ATIN G LE ARNI N G AND ACH I E V EMENT S Finally, I would like to recognise the commitment of colleagues who continue to invest in their professional development. Over the past year we have had three employees undertaking apprenticeships with GOC, demonstrating that learning and development opportunities are available at every stage of a career. A special congratulations goes to Jess Jordan, who has successfully completed her CIPS qualification as a result of the apprenticeship pathway. This is a fantastic achievement and reflects an enormous amount of dedication, hard work and perseverance alongside the demands of her demanding role. Jess has invested a huge amount of time and effort into achieving this qualification, and it is thoroughly deserved. Please join me in congratulating Jess on this outstanding accomplishment.
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