< Previous50 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk PRINTING AND PACKAGING © Shutterstock /New Africa tomorrow’s packaging The printing and packaging sector has an important role to play in reducing our reliance on plastic packaging, and companies and suppliers have stepped up to the challenge. Digital & green 50-52.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 12:26 Page 1PRINTING AND PACKAGING Figures from the non-profit Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) show that the UK produces 2.4 million of plastic a year. That’s more than a twenty- four per cent rise since 2010. In the decade since, there’s been a flurry of corporate activity in this sphere with environmental strategies being seen right across the board, from blue chips right down to micro firms. While supermarkets are committing to net zero within the next decade, cumulative changes among smaller firms can have a big impact from implementing an office recycling scheme and helping employees curb single-use packaging by encouraging packed lunches, or providing reusable coffee cups for a more sustainable take-away. The most pervasive packaging in most workplaces isn’t food and drink, however, it’s delivered goods such as printing cartridges and office supplies etc., all of which comes with its own packaging. Fortunately, much of this can be recycled, but even problem packaging and those that have been historically impossible to recycle are entering more of a closed loop with specialist recycling companies innovating methods. It’s therefore important for company bosses to reach out and make the effort. Of course, a company’s packaging waste and carbon footprint will largely depend on what kind of company it is. A PR firm, for example, will want to consider where its energy is sourced, the recycling of its waste products, and whether the paper it uses is sustainably sourced, among other things. But for a printing or packaging firm, there’s much more to consider, from the raw materials being used, to machinery and equipment. When it comes to companies – especially food and beverage companies – with products on store shelves, the challenge now lies in juggling environmental issues whilst also appealing to consumers who are increasingly demanding products of a higher standard than ever before. Companies selling in consumer channels are turning towards ever more innovative printing and packaging materials to help their products stand out on store shelves at a time when manufacturers are moving away from plastic and shoppers turn towards more sustainable options. What had once been niche offerings or proof-of-concepts are now becoming more ubiquitous with a mushroom-based solution offering a sustainable alternative to Styrofoam. Packaging is also being made from sugar cane and other renewable sources, many of them pre-existing waste streams such as surplus fruit and vegetables. Edible packaging has also emerged as a means of alleviating plastic waste with an edible coating that cut down on plastic and boosted shelf life was trialled last year by Leeds-headquartered supermarket Asda to great success. Manufacturers can also turn towards digital technologies as a means of market differentiation and to appeal to younger, more digitally-minded consumers. For example, augmented reality (AR) can be used to cut down on packaging and labelling whilst also offering a highly engaging consumer experience. Using AR, a consumer could use an app on their smart phone or tablet with a packaged product to gain information about its origin and production or, if a food product, additional nutritional information. It could also be used as an extension of that product’s advertising, engaging consumers like never before. Of course, a product still needs to work on its own merits, and it’s worth remembering that not all consumers can afford or physically operate touch screen devices. However, AR can be an © Shutterstock /New Africa 52 Á 50-52.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 12:27 Page 252 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk PRINTING AND PACKAGING © Shutterstock /insta_photos important tool in a company’s arsenal, both for advertising and for differentiating their product and saving on labelling. Although there’s been plenty of innovation where packaging itself is concerned, with more sustainable materials and digital integration, printing and labelling technologies have also come along in leaps and bounds. Although colour changing inks have been around in the beverage industry for a while now, they’ve really evolved over the last few years and are appearing on more cans on shelves. Thermochromic inks cover a can with a temperature sensitive pigment that could let customers know when the beverage has reached the optimal temperature. Perhaps more exciting is photochromic inks which change colour when exposed to bright sunlight. This could reveal new images, colours and messaging, allowing companies to effectively have two different designs on every can. Also in this area are the rise of glow in the dark and UV cans, especially for energy drinks and alcohol – perfect for today’s Instagram-minded consumers. Where beer is concerned, there’s been advances in high-definition beverage can printing. This allows for greater detail to be reproduced, allowing a hitherto unattainable quality to be printed on cans. This offers drinks makers a real edge in a crowded marketplace and greater shelf appeal. It is understandable more costly than traditional can printing technologies, but it does allow greater opportunities to add depth, scope and dimension to reap potentially greater sales and a bigger slice of the market. Laser coders are becoming increasingly popular, not only where dates and batch codes are concerned, but for printing competition codes. More companies are looking to engage with their socially-minded and media-savvy consumers and are turning towards engagement strategies such as competitions to do so. Overall, the printing industry is highly innovative, with solutions such as 3D printing rapidly developing over the last decade. Although they’re yet to become standard, they are used in greater capacity in product design and prototyping and for creating food products and packaging that may have remained only conceptual before. Casting a wider net, digital printing technologies such as inkjet and electrography are opening new avenues for supplier and equipment manufacturers. Solutions such as these are continuing to supersede traditional printing equipment thanks to quicker response times, ease of image modification and greater levels of personalisation and customisation. Manufacturers that haven’t already updated their printing equipment will likely be considering it in order to stay relevant and to compete. The printing and packaging sector and the industries it serves have an important role to play in mitigating the climate crisis. However, that can’t come at the cost of sacrificing high-quality and shelf appeal and so the two aims will continue to grow alongside one another. As ever more innovative packaging materials develop to replace plastic and printing machinery goes greener, the industry will lead by example. 50-52.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 12:27 Page 3FEATURES Petrochemical Spotlight Freight, Storage & Movement Materials & Components Finance Legal Services REGULARS Commercial Property Corporate Hospitality Motoring Watch out too for the latest news from across the region in every sector Next month in March 2021 - Deadline 24th February Visit us at www.e astmid landsb usiness link.co. uk where you’ll find the latest news as it breaks – and why not subscri be to our newsle tters so you can have. the latest news emaile d to your inbox 53.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 12:28 Page 1OUT OF OFFICE Businesses show support for Hope Box appeal A wide range of businesses have successfully kick-started a special appeal launched by Derbyshire’s specialist child exploitation charity Safe and Sound. Safe and Sound have teamed up with Derby-based personalised gift company Colleague Box to create a bespoke ‘Hope Box’ for local young people and families who they work with. The Hope Box is filled with calming activities, treats and positivity messages and Safe and Sound are aiming to secure sponsorship from individuals and businesses so that as many of the £20 boxes can be distributed as possible over the coming months. Safe and Sound supports children and young people across Derbyshire who are victims of or at risk of child exploitation including sexual, County Lines, trafficking, Modern Slavery and radicalisation. The team also supports families and raises public awareness across local communities about the dangers facing young people and the support available. Amongst the companies who have already pledged support is Cosy Direct – a Derby based company which supplies responsibly sourced play equipment to schools and nurseries all over the UK. Cosy Direct have sponsored ten Hope Boxes and CEO Peter Ellse explained: “We are huge fans of Safe and Sound and applaud the work of the charity that is close to our hearts. Cosy are champions of young people and it is good to know that charities such as Safe and Sound are working hard to keep children across Derby and Derbyshire safe.” Safe and Sound Chief Executive Tracy Harrison said: “The Hope Boxes carry an important message to our young people and their families that they are not alone and are something that they can keep referring to and take comfort from in dark times.” Lincolnshire contractor launches foundation to support charities Local contractor, Horsman Construction has begun the new year by launching The Horsman Foundation which aims to support charities that help children and young people within the Greater Lincolnshire area to achieve their sporting aspirations. The initiative which has been developed in partnership with the Lincolnshire Community Foundation was something that Horsman Construction wanted to form as part of their corporate social responsibility commitment. Sue Fortune, CEO of the Lincolnshire Community Foundation, said: “We were absolutely delighted when Horsman Construction approached us with their proposal to support local budding sporting enthusiasts achieve their ambitions, and we were so pleased to form this partnership with them.” Gainsborough-based Horsman Construction’s Managing Director, Mark Horsman said: “It’s so important for us to give back to the community, and with sport being something I am extremely passionate about we wanted to support financially those smaller and less well- known charities that tend to miss out. “So many young people who have great sporting talent are unable to pursue their dreams because of lack of funding. We hope the Horsman Foundation can help to support those individuals to do just that.” 54 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk G F Tomlinson secures Gold CSR Accreditation Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has been recognised as a leader in corporate social responsibility (CSR), having recently achieved a Gold standard CSR Accreditation. CSR Accreditation is a nationally recognised body that awards Bronze, Silver and Gold accreditations to businesses that can demonstrate a positive impact on society through areas such as social, environmental, ethical, human rights and consumer concerns. Recognised as being on the highest end of the scale, G F Tomlinson was awarded the Gold standard in the CSR Accreditation’s judging criteria, and since 2013, the company has followed a refined social value policy, ensuring its activities are in accordance with the Social Value Act 2012. In the last three years, G F Tomlinson has generated £22.5million worth of social value through its CSR efforts across the Midlands region and beyond. Notable CSR initiatives include its ongoing relationship with Ashbourne Road District Allotment Association (ARDAA), which began in 2017 after the contractor helped to create an accessible centenary garden for people with disabilities or recovering from illness. Since then, it has supported ARDAA through the creation of community starter plots and a growing academy, and it is currently helping with the conversion of one of their smaller plots, to turn it into an accessible plot for a long-standing plot holder and volunteer member who has recently become physically disabled. The company has also generated £9,973 in social value through the delivery of a new environmental learning hub in 2019 at Turner Farm in Derbyshire, which is designed to teach young people how to protect and enhance biodiversity. Natalie Bamford, left, and Tracy Harrison © Shutterstock /matimix 54-55.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 13:13 Page 1 Employers called upon to help shape mental health campaign Employers across the East Midlands are being urged to help shape a campaign to encourage firms to improve mental health support at work. The Mental Health and Productivity Pilot (MHPP) is recruiting ten companies from across the Midlands to help shape an awareness raising campaign that aims to encourage and support open and honest conversations about mental health at work. The ten companies chosen will join MHPP’s Campaign Advisory Group, and will help test out MHPP’s proposals before the campaign is launched for all employers in the region. MHPP is a three-year funded programme led by Coventry University, University of Warwick and mental health charity Mind. It aims to support employers across the Midlands Engine region to improve employee mental health and wellbeing, and by doing so, to understand more about the positive impact that mental health can have on productivity within the workplace. Professor Guy Daly, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) at Coventry University and MHPP lead, said: “It’s important that this campaign responds to the needs of employers within the Midlands Engine region. “That’s why we’re working with our partners at Mind to recruit a group of ten employers to help us test proposals for the campaign by giving feedback, ideas and views on what works well and what doesn’t. “The employers will be helping to develop a mental health campaign that reflects the challenges their staff face, and ensuring it responds to the specific challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.” OUT OF OFFICE www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 55 Derby businesses invited to trial greener vehicles Electric vans will be made available to local businesses in Derby during a new trial. A selection of vehicles will be available for any size business, public or voluntary organisation operating in the city to try for up to three months as part of the Electric Van Experience (EVE). Funded by Highways England, EVE will enable businesses to see how making the switch to electric vans could be the right move financially and environmentally. The service is fully funded, including unlimited mileage and vehicle insurance. Businesses will also be able to take advantage of having a charge point fitted for free at their premises. Derby City Council are particularly keen for businesses who regularly use the A38 or A52 routes to sign up to the trial. Councillor Matthew Holmes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and Transportation said: “This is a unique opportunity for local businesses to experience first-hand the financial and environmental benefits of greener vehicles, and provide operational confidence to make a permanent switch. “As the take up of electric vehicles increases, the amount of harmful emissions on our roads will decrease – resulting in cleaner air and helping to make our city carbon neutral. I’d therefore like to encourage as many local businesses to come forward and take part in this trial.” University invites businesses to unlock potential of neurodiverse talent The University of Leicester is encouraging local businesses and organisations to help unlock the potential of autistic students and graduates. The University is part of the Employ Autism Higher Education Network – a ground-breaking higher education employability programme run by Santander through Santander Universities UK, and the charity Ambitious about Autism – which allows autistic students and graduates to access paid internships and tailored careers support and advice. Now, the University is calling on business and organisations from across the region to boost diversity within their own workplaces through six-week internships (to commence June 2021), fully- funded by the Employ Autism scheme. Latest research has found that autistic graduates are the least likely of all disabled students to find employment following their studies – with only 33% in full-time work. This new programme aims to tackle this issue by ensuring more autistic students and graduates have access to meaningful employment experience. It will also ensure local businesses can benefit from neurodiverse talent within their workforces. Rob Fryer, Director of Student Opportunities from the University of Leicester, said: “Research evidences that autistic university students do not gain work experience in line with their peers. “This project aims to address this gap by providing dedicated support to encourage students to prepare, apply, successfully complete and reflect on their work experience in order to help them transition into their next step after University.” © Shutterstock /Joey Laffort Professor Guy Daly © Shutterstock /FrazerJGrunshaw 54-55.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 13:14 Page 256 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk Improving Your Website’s Conversion Rate Tuesday 16 February Online This workshop will explore ways in which delegates can track and increase the conversion they see on their websites. Using tracking tools and data from a website, one can measure and optimise conversion by improving the journey a user goes on and encourage more actions that lead to conversions. For more information visit www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/events/ improving-your-websites-conversion-rate/ IoD East Midlands - Leicester Mastermind Tuesday 16 February Online The IoD’s mastermind groups are designed to provide a support system for Directors, hosting a group of people who all know the responsibility of being a director and who can offer different perspectives. These groups are made up of non-competing industries and every Getting Started with Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace Thursday 11 February Online Businesses taking diversity and inclusion seriously can gain talent, market competitiveness, and corporate reputation benefits. Having a diverse workforce however doesn’t mean everyone experiences their job or the company the same. Ensuring that everyone is treated equally and has the same opportunities to contribute is essential. This webinar will cover characteristics that are protected by law; different types of discrimination; unconscious bias; how to support the BAME and LGBTQ+ communities; what issues have arisen around diversity and inclusion due to COVID-19; recent tribunal cases. For more information visit www.bizgateway.org.uk/events/getting- started-with-diversity-and-inclusion-in- the-workplace/ events meeting is Chatham House rules. For more information visit www.iod.com/ events-community/events/event- details/eventdateid/29137 From Waste Streams to Value Streams Thursday 18 February Online While reducing waste has its benefits, more companies are embracing a circular economic mindset. The circular economy represents a key opportunity for firms of all sizes through new business models © Shut terstock/ESB P rofessional Stronger Supply Chains Friday 12 February Online Aimed at decision-makers that depend on third-party suppliers to achieve organisational goals, this workshop will take stock of the impact of Covid-19 and Brexit, consider how procurement and supply chain knowledge underpins good risk management, identify supply chain priorities (short, medium, and long term), explore risk analysis, prioritisation and action planning tools, and cover the importance of a systematic approach to risk management. Delegates should leave the event feeling empowered to gain control over their supply chain and have tools and templates to assess and prioritise current supply risks and understand potential actions to manage them. For more information visit www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/events/stronger-supply-chains/ © Shut terstock / Bongk arnGr aphic © Shut terstock/Golden Sik ork a 56-57.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 13:01 Page 1www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 57 such as re-manufacturing, cascading, servitisation and the sharing economy. At this workshop attendees will hear from businesses in the region that are already benefitting from the circular economy. For more information visit hwww.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/ events/from-waste-streams-to-value- streams/ Building Resilience in 2021: Change, Adapt and Access New Markets Thursday 25 February Online Adapting and accessing new markets is fundamental for businesses in times of dramatic change like last year. Watch this webinar to find out about the financial support and advice available for your business. The event will cover government support and funding available from DIT and MGP, support available through South East Midlands LEP’s Growth Hub, and feature testimonials from local business owners who have received support which has made a difference to their businesses. For more information visit www.semlep.com/ event/building- criteria that impact organisational change; ways to organise businesses - features and advantages; options - complete change or integration; approaches that support reorganisation - 5 steps to consider; and leading reorganisation. For more information visit www.bizgateway.org.uk/events/generating- results-through-reorganisation/ Future Development Plans - East Midlands Friday 12 March Online With the East Midlands going through an exciting period of development and regeneration, with a variety of schemes planned - including logistics facilities, major housing schemes, build to rent projects, commercial sites and more - this webinar will explore these developments, whilst also addressing some of the key challenges and opportunities facing the region over the coming years. Delegates will hear from some of the developers, investors and public sector decision makers responsible for delivering the developments through a series of interactive presentations before an open Q&A. Networking opportunities will also be provided. For more information visit www.bizgateway.org.uk/events/future- development-plans-east-midlands/ resilience-in-2021-change-adapt-and- access-new-markets/ The Basics of Mental Health in the Workplace Thursday 25-26 February Online Aimed at anyone within a workplace or working remotely, this digital course will give delegates insight on how to support colleagues suffering from mental health issues and how to recognise the early warning signs. For more information visit www.lincs-chamber.co.uk/events/mental- health-training/ Generating Results Through Reorganisation Monday 8 March Online For businesses experiencing change - so much that they may not be organised in the most effective way - this webinar will help delegates consider the options for reorganising the way they do things for continued success. The event will cover factors that drive reorganisation or restructuring; business strategy - goals and IoD Women’s Leadership Conference 2021 Friday 5 March Online Now in its 14th year, the 2021 IoD Women’s Leadership Conference will be a celebration of success. Hosted virtually for the first time, the theme of this year’s conference is ‘Great Leaders Rise out of Adversity’ - fitting given the COVID-19 and Brexit challenges that leaders have had to tackle recently. Speakers will include Nadiya Hussain MBE, Dame Stephanie Shirley CH, Nagin Cox, Systems Engineer, NASA, Dr Dennise Broderick, Managing Director and President, Galen Pharmaceuticals, Dr Jayne Brady MBE, Belfast Digital Innovation Commissioner, and Brenda King, Attorney General for Northern Ireland. For more information visit www.iod.com/events- community/events/event-details/eventdateid/27790 56-57.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 13:05 Page 2Here’s Frazer’s collection of the weird and wonderful ‘news’ that came his way over the last few weeks. And finally The world of Frazer Place your bets Sometimes common sense flies out of the window in the workplace, meaning decisions made by managers become questionable. In a recent *ahem* “incident,” seven managers were fired from a pork plant after creating a betting pool on the number of employees that would test positive for coronavirus following mass testing of 2,800 members of staff. The winner was the person who picked the correct percentage of workers with the virus. When explaining the reasoning behind the unofficial league, the actions were defended as a fun method of boosting morale amongst a group of exhausted supervisors, with no “malicious intent.” Frazer didn’t think he would ever have to point this out, but maybe use a bit of tact and don’t create a betting pool about a deadly disease. Illegal sandwiches seized Brexit has brought many changes to borders as businesses will be aware, however last month a driver from the UK crossing the Dutch border was surprised when his snack had to be seized, now classified a prohibited item. A video online shows the driver’s ham sandwiches being confiscated due to rules that prevent those travelling into the EU from non-EU countries bringing meat or dairy. In the video a border official handles the foil wrapped goods, asking the owner: “Do you have meat on all the bread or not?” After the driver replies he does, the official responds: “Yeah, ok, then we take them all.” The driver then asks if they can take off the meat and leave the bread but is told that everything must be confiscated. “Welcome to the Brexit sir, I’m sorry,” the smiling official follows. Scandalous! Robot butlers and stress busting headbands It’s Frazer’s favourite time of the year, when the most bizarre and intriguing new gadgets are revealed at CES. While the event was virtual this year, and so Frazer could not travel to Vegas, that didn’t stop some rather odd items making their debut. One device, called Cove, may be of particular interest to the region’s workers. It is claimed that the head band can reduce stress if worn for 20 minutes a day. Apparently, the light vibrations it creates behind the ears activate a part of the brain that regulates anxiety - after the stress of 2020, Frazer thinks it could be worth a try! Another peculiar piece of tech worth consideration is the Petpuls collar. Tired of incessant barking while working at home, with no clue what it is your dog wants? Rover has already been walked, fed, and given time to do his business in the garden… Well, this collar, with a small screen, will analyse your pup’s bark and detect its emotional state to help you get a better idea! The event also showed off various face mask innovations, such as a face mask that connects to a smartphone app to tell you about your breathing habits, but perhaps the most useful piece of tech came in the form of a robot butler with the ability to complete chores like putting dirty dishes in the dishwasher and more importantly pouring a bottle of wine! Frazer’s ready to write a check now! 58 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk © Shutterstock/ Joshua Resnick © Shutterstock/ chara_stagram © Shutterstock/ Richard z 58.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 10:30 Page 1Armstrong house Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 • Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Superb Location - - Close to the ports of Grimsby & Immingham - Great motorway links - Close to the town centre Secure off street parking High speed internet availability Easy in/out terms A range of affordable office sizes 3 3 3 3 3 Last remaining office suites Prime location in Grimsby Offering a prime position in Grimsby, Armstrong House on Armstrong Street is ideally located. Close to the ports of Grimsby and Immingham, motorway links and the town centre, off-street parking is also available for all staff and visitors, meaning it’s convenient too. Our spacious, welcoming offices are located on the ground floor and are both secure and CCTV-monitored, giving you the ultimate peace of mind. At Armstrong House, the flexible in/out terms of contract mean confidence when it comes to affordability and with a range of office sizes there are opportunities for all types of business. If you require virtual office services, prices start from just £15 per month. For more information, or to discuss your office requirements call 01472 310301. 59.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 09:08 Page 1Next >