Digitalization can never overtake the demand or weigh down the importance of “Paper”. Today all kinds of information are available on the internet but the bliss of studying books still holds a higher position.
Not only books,“PAPER” is an important product that our market still demands. From bills, Cheques, passbooks, forms, photographs,packaging etc , the demand for paper still stays high. Here is a unique story of a female Entrepreneur who built an empire through her hardwork and dedication.
The Women Behind PG Paper
Poonam Gupta is an Indian Entrepreneur, settled in Scotland since 2002. In the world of entrepreneurial ventures, there exists a bright innovative spirit whose determination has built new paths in the business world.
A name that stands shoulder-to shoulder with dynamism, Gupta epitomizes the standard of creativity and business acumen. He defines tradition with modernity.
Educational journey of Poonam Gupta
Poonam Gupta born and brought in Delhi completed her primary schooling at Lady Irwin School and Delhi Public School. A Scholar, she completed her higher secondary on Merit. She followed her passion and pursued her career in Economics from Lady Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi.
This broadened her ambition pushing her towards completing her MBA in International Business and Marketing at FORE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT and MAASTRICHT SCHOOL of management in Holland. Gupta holds a Phd in International Business and Marketing from Ecole Superieure Robert De sorbon.
She was ambitious and wanted to succeed in her career. Convincing her parents to delay the idea of getting her married at a young age was difficult for her.
“Women were not encouraged to be ambitious. It was seen in a bad way, but I would say that I was shamelessly ambitious”.
Poonam Gupta’s Family
Gupta hails from a conservative family from Delhi. After completing her MBA, Poonam got married to a Scotland based Corporate executive Puneet Gupta at the age of 26. She has two beautiful daughters.
Setback before the Comeback
Poonam Gupta was disheartened when she was unable to find a suitable job even after holding a MBA in International Business and Marketing. Every setback leads to a great comeback when you have the will and you are determined. Gupta too her leap when she decided to start a recruitment agency to hire pharmacists in hospitals. After continuing for a few months she finally moved to her second venture which resulted to be success!!
Journey of PG Paper
The journey of building the revolutionary paper company began in 2002 after she relocated to West Coast of Scotland, after marrying her husband who was settled there for a long time.
PG Paper is B2B company. Poonam started the company in her Family house in Kilmacom, Scotland. Her creative idea of reusing the paper which was specifically used for landfill attracted widespread popularity. PG paper markets paper for newspapers, packaging, for chocolate boxes, pizza boxes, notebooks and label paper for pharmacy companies.
Business Model of PG Paper
PG Paper aims towards understanding the Market demand. They provide paper and packaging of various grades produced and sourced from their UK manufacturers and Mill Partners Worldwide.
The hold specialised products according to the customer’s need. They have an in-house research team who are dedicatedly working towards finding solutions and developing their business. PG papers are devoted to innovation and hold close proximity with Paper Mills worldwide. In addition, they provide seamless Logistics with in-house experts who ensure prompt delivery.
The dedication of a female Entrepreneur who started her business from home, with limited resources has now successfully established a company worth Rs.650 crore. Today PG papers exports to more than 55 countries.
Aim and Aspiration
Gupta strategically aimed towards building her business overseas which was scalable. “Recycling” was one of the important topics which gained popularity during that time. Reusing and recycling held her interest as it affected the overall health of our environment.
Gupta’s Inspiration
The time when women were ringed with the household ordeals, Gupta took her inspiration from Richard Barson and Political leaders like, Indira Gandhi. Gupta as a Modern woman understood the importance of financial freedom.
Capital Investment
Poonam Gupta started PG paper in 2002 with a capital investment of 1000 Dollar(Rs.1Lakh) with the start-up grant she received from Business Gateway.
Her first supply was sourced from Italy which she sold to another buyer in the subcontinent. This strategy is still followed on a larger scale. 95% of the revenue is generated through exports. PG Papers has revenue of 73 million dollars today.
Poonam Gupta’s Experience
“Difficult circumstances can sometimes make us a better person. Once we come through it. I was preparing myself to die. But my will to live was my daughter and my business, I wanted to leave a legacy behind for my family, a lot of whom work in the business with me. It reiterated that life can be too short and full of surprises, so make the most of it.
“You can make social impact”
Collaboration adds value. She says, “I am not an engineer or scientist, but I can see the products you would need, or need to combine, to have an end product to meet demand. It’s so important for businesses to work together sometimes”.
Futuristics Aspirations
Inorder to work towards sustainable development, Poonam is looking towards tackle the plastic pollution. The development of Biodegradable and Eco-friendly packaging will open new doors for PG Paper. They are looking forward to replace plastic products with theirs.
Summary
Poonam Gupta aspires to bring forward women to become more independent financially. She feels bringing forward more positive role models will encourage women to break the shell and explore their field of interest.
This will create and contribute towards the development of businesses. The faith in one’s goal holds paramount importance. She is truly an role model who did not give up and stayed determined to work dedicatedly towards her dream.
Starting from scratch to building the largest shareholder in Sapp Holdings Ltd with a 99% stake describes a remarkable journey.
Q1. Who is the founder of PG Paper?
Ans: Poonam Gupta is the founder of PG Paper.
Q2. What is the Business Model of PG Paper?
Ans: They provide paper and packaging of various grades produced and sourced from their UK manufacturers and Mill Partners Worldwide.
Q3. How Much Is The Revenue of PG Paper?
The company has made Rs 650 Crore in Revenue.