A New Era of eCommerce Fulfilment Leadership – Powered by Women

Gillards, the Bristol-based eCommerce fulfilment and logistics specialist, has emerged from a 12-month business transformation with a refreshed leadership structure that reflects not only its ambitions for growth, but a clear commitment to progressive, modern leadership – powered by women.

Today, 60% of the senior leadership team at Gillards is female and together they are shaping the future of the business.

This milestone marks more than just a shift in numbers. It signals a deliberate evolution in how the company leads, collaborates, and supports the next generation of eCommerce brands.

A transformation built for the future

Founded in 1981, Gillards has grown from a local print finishing business into a global e-fulfilment provider operating from a 110,000 sq. ft facility, supporting brands across sectors from fashion and beauty to homeware and subscription services.

Over the past year, the business has undergone a significant transformation led by owner Daniel Gillard, supported by non-executive directors Richard Gore, Chris Hurdle and Jo Stevens. Together, they have focused on strengthening governance, investing in long-term growth, and developing a management team.

Leadership that reflects its clients

The rise of communities like Buy Women Built highlights a powerful shift in the business landscape: more female founders are launching and scaling brands, particularly in eCommerce. Yet many still report facing barriers when it comes to accessing infrastructure, support, and partners who truly understand their journey.

Gillards is changing that.

By building a management team where women are not just represented but leading, the business is better positioned to connect with and support female founders – offering not only operational excellence, but empathy, insight and alignment.

The Gillards model has always been built on partnership. As General Manager, Mandy Maggs, puts it, the business prides itself on being “a tight-knit team” that can respond quickly and flexibly when clients need support most.

That ethos has only strengthened through this transformation.

A more diverse leadership team brings broader perspectives, more collaborative decision-making, and a deeper understanding of the varied needs of modern brands – particularly founder-led businesses navigating rapid growth.

For female founders, this means working with a fulfilment partner that not only delivers operationally, but understands the pressures of scaling a brand, protecting customer experience, and building something meaningful.

Looking ahead

As Gillards approaches its 45th year in business, its focus is firmly on growth, with plans to expand both its team and client base in the coming years.

 

Gillards partners with growing e-commerce businesses to provide scalable warehousing, fulfilment and distribution solutions built around transparency and performance. If you would like to understand how your current costs compare, our team would be pleased to provide a straightforward, no-obligation comparison. Contact us by email hello@gillards.com, call 01761 452530 or visit www.gillards.com