The CEO of key-cutting brand Timpson has received swathes of support after revealing why he teaches his own employees on how they could steal money from the business
Brits are hailing key-cutting giant Timpson for showing its own staff how to steal from the company. Yes, you read that right…
If you’ve ever been in need of a new back door key or fresh battery for your watch – you’ve probably stumbled across a Timpson store before. The UK service company has more than 2,000 stores across the nation and has been around since 1865.
But, in a recent interview with podcaster Jimmy McLoughlin, the family-run brand’s Chief Executive Officer James Timpson revealed an unconventional way of onboarding all of his staff – and the rather genius reason behind it.
“One of the biggest issues in any retail business is theft, mostly from customers – and in our business, there’s not really anything to knick so our biggest issue is colleagues,” James explained. “So we try and help them if they have financial problems.”
The businessman explains that rather than employees being tempted to steal from the till, they’re encouraged to ‘talk to’ their bosses who will lend them money. “We’ll help you through all of the various issues you’ve got,” Timpson added, explaining the initiative is ‘really successful’ in deterring theft. “There are ways of stealing money from us so we might as well tell our colleagues this is how you do it so they know that we know.”
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James explained that employees will be told about secret cameras and routine till checks and says being ‘honest’ is a much better approach than trying to secretly catch staff members out. Viewers flocked to the comments section to applaud Timpson for its approach to staff members who are struggling financially.
“I love the way Timpson engage with people who have had challenges in life,” one person said. “They are an incredible employer.” Another agreed, commenting: “I think this is a brilliant idea, helping staff financially. Good employer.” While a third added: “Timpson should be known as a good example.”
However, many joked the real robbery is the cost to get a watch battery fitted or a key cut – which you kind of knew was coming. “I’ve been into Timpson on Saturday and they tried to rob me,” one person claimed. “They wanted Ā£20 for a car key battery replacement.”
The Mirror has contacted Timpson for comment.
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