Experience and innovation are shaping the next chapter
In furniture care and protection, longevity is rarely achieved by standing still. For Guardsman, more than 110 years in the industry reflects not only a strong heritage but an ability to evolve alongside the changing needs of retailers and consumers. The Guardsman legacy has been built on a detailed understanding of furniture, from how it is made and sold to how it performs in homes over time, helping to shape long-standing retail relationships and maintain trust in a fast-moving market.
While heritage remains an important part of the company’s story, the focus today is equally on how established service models can be refined through smarter and more connected ways of working. John Glaysher, Guardsman continuous improvement manager plays a central role in driving the company’s agenda, leading projects focused on efficiency, opportunity and stronger ways of working across the business. With extensive experience in the furniture insurance and aftercare sector, including more than a decade at Guardsman, Glaysher brings a strategic mindset to operational improvement and digital systems, helping to turn complex business needs into practical solutions for colleagues, partners and customers.
‘One recent area of development has been the continued enhancement of Guardsman’s customer and technician portal. The system enables technicians to upload reports directly after each home visit, giving retailers and customers faster visibility of outcomes and next steps, while reducing paperwork for technicians in the field,’ says Glaysher.
‘Alongside this, new API functionality is strengthening integration with retail partner systems, reflecting the strategic improvement work I continue to champion. By enabling more streamlined product ordering and secure customer data transfer, the development reduces manual input, improves accuracy and supports a smoother claims journey. Betterment is our top priority.’
Together, these developments reflect a wider shift across the sector: the need to combine trusted expertise with digital efficiency. In aftercare and service, reputation and heritage still matter, but retailers increasingly want partners that can also offer visibility, responsiveness and ease of integration.
‘For Guardsman, that means continuing to invest in the systems and processes behind the service, while maintaining the knowledge and network that have defined the business for decades. Guardsman is showing how experience and innovation can work hand in hand to shape its next chapter.
‘To discover how Guardsman can support your business, email Andy Leech, Guardsman head of strategic partnerships: [email protected]. Technicians interested in joining an industry-leading team, with ongoing opportunities to build their expertise through workshops with leading professional product suppliers, can contact William Taylor, Guardsman head of network services: [email protected].’
