An internal enquiry is underway into the print buying operation at Great Universal Stores 1.7bn home shopping division.


Publications director Eric Gilbertson could not be
contacted as PrintWeek went to press. He was described by his department as spending two weeks at home at present.


The group would not comment on individual employees, or on whether or not Gilbertson had been suspended.


A spokeswoman gave a prepared statement, which said: We are pursuing an internal enquiry into matters brought to our attention. No further comment is being made.


The home shopping division includes the GUS, Innovations, McCord and Kays brands.


News of the enquiry at GUS Manchester head office has sent shockwaves through print and repro suppliers in the north of England, home to a number of big names in mail order shopping. Three GUS suppliers in the region are the focus of particularly intense speculation.


A senior catalogue buyer this week described Gilbertson as one of the last of a dying breed. His style of business with suppliers led to him becoming known as The Don within the trade. He practically holds his hand out for people to kiss it, said one printer.


In Gilbertsons absence, Steve Haithwaite, the head of print buying at GUS subsidiary Argos, has taken charge of the home shopping print buying department.


Story by Jo Francis