UPG celebrates the people behind its procurement expertise

UPG is celebrating long-service milestones for Procurement Manager Ant Pickering and Senior Procurement Assistant Sarah Pugh, recognising the experience, teamwork and commitment they bring to the automotive aftermarket.

Ant marks 15 years since returning to the business in 2011, having first joined in 2000, while Sarah celebrated 20 years of service this October. Their careers reflect both the opportunities within the business and the changing demands of sourcing and supplying parts in an increasingly competitive market.

For Ant, the journey began in the warehouse, where he progressed from Warehouse Operative to Assistant Warehouse Manager before moving into internal sales in 2003. He left in 2006 to work for West Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire Ambulance Service, where he continues to serve as an Assistant Ambulance Practitioner.

Returning to the business as a Product Development Specialist in 2011, Ant subsequently became Procurement Assistant Manager before taking on his current role as Procurement Manager.

During that time, he has seen automation, a growing supplier base and a faster pace reshape the procurement function. However, he credits the people around him with making those challenges manageable.

Ant said: “I truly believe I have the best procurement team any company could have. While I support them, they also support me. We work and learn together to make sure the department supports every area of the business.

“I have been offered opportunities to grow, and I have embraced them and worked hard to fulfil each role. I am proud of what I have achieved, but I still strive for more. There are always new challenges ahead, so here’s to the next 15 years at UPG.”

For Sarah, two decades in procurement have brought a different perspective on the same changing industry. Ordering, chasing backorders and resolving discrepancies remain central to her work, but arranging overseas shipments now accounts for a much greater part of her role as shipping requirements have become more complex.

Having joined in 2006, Sarah has witnessed depot changes, a major building extension and the transition from Imexpart to UPG. Some of her most memorable experiences, however, have taken her well beyond the office.

Through the company’s support for Barretstown, which provides therapeutic recreation programmes for children and families affected by serious illness, Sarah volunteered at its camp annually for ten years. She also completed a charity skydive in 2018 and climbed Helvellyn alongside colleagues to raise funds.

Sarah said: “I met some amazing children and families who had been through incredibly difficult times. The camp was somewhere they could enjoy themselves and have fun. I will never forget those experiences, and I hope I helped put a smile on some faces.”

Closer to home, it is the variety of her work and the relationships within the team that have helped make UPG a lasting part of her career.

“The team are great. We all help each other out, and I love the friendly banter between us,” she added. “I am proud to have been here for 20 years. It is a big achievement, and I hope to be here for many more.”

Together, Ant and Sarah bring extensive knowledge of the business, its suppliers and the practical demands of aftermarket procurement. Their milestones recognise the people working behind the scenes to manage orders, resolve supply challenges and support colleagues across UPG.

Martin Butterworth added: “Ant and Sarah’s stories show what long service brings to a business, knowledge built over many years, strong relationships and a willingness to support others. We are also celebrating Jimmy Oldfield, who marks 15 years with the company, and I would like to thank all three for their commitment and contribution to UPG.

“In an aftermarket that continues to evolve, their experience helps us adapt while maintaining the service our customers rely on. It is a pleasure to recognise these milestones and the people behind them.”

For more information, visit www.upgglobal.co.uk.