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Leadership Development Training continues to deliver
The course, that has been developed with partners Beyond Theory, has been specifically created to support the needs of our team, the roles they do, and the business. Judith Chadwick, Head of HR commented; “Our team has been completely engaged in this training without exception and achieved some hugely positive outcomes that have impacted on their success at work. “It shows, where training delivers such tangible benefits, that the course material is suitable and that the participants are embracing every element to develop their skills and help them to be more comfortable and confident in their role.” Topics covered within the course include Leadership Behaviours, Managing Self, Team Building and Communication Skills Judith concluded; “This is just one element of training that we deliver to our teams at Coalville, Preston and Eurocentral. Whilst some is mandatory other training allows colleagues to enhance their skills set, expand their capabilities, and feel empowered to be a positive and engaged member of the team. “It’s vitally important that training is provided on an ongoing basis and we are proud to support our teams with a variety of training programmes and courses delivered by highly skilled, third party specialist providers.”
Global Recycling Day 2024
The mission of Global Recycling Day, as set out by the Global Recycling Foundation, is twofold: 1. To tell world leaders that recycling is simply too important not to be a global issue, and that a common, joined up approach to recycling is urgently needed. 2. To ask people across the planet to think resource, not waste, when it comes to the goods around us – until this happens, we simply won’t award recycled goods the true value and repurpose they deserve. “Recycling is a key part of the circular economy and plays a significant part in protecting our natural resources,” said Dominic Drew, Managing Director, Board24. “Recyclables (known as the Seventh Resource’ help to save over 700 million tonnes in CO2 emission with this project to rise to 1 billion tonnes by 2030. This is why it’s so important that everyone recycles whatever they can, wherever they can.” Recycling corrugated cardboard and paper-based products also impacts on the manufacturing of our raw material, paper. In the UK efficient recycling channels are present both domestically and commercially however, it still relies on the end user to recycle responsibly. Currently, the Seventh Resource (recycled materials) supplies 40% of the world’s raw material needs. Dominic concluded; “Global Recycling Day highlights the importance of recycling and how being responsible for the materials we use in our everyday lives and business operations should be disposed of through the correct recycling channels. “Interestingly, humans have consumed more resources in the last fifty years than in all previous history; elevating our seventh resource will only serve to protect the six finite, natural ones.” To find out more about Global Recycling Day visit https://www.globalrecyclingday.com/
Why paper-based packaging is the future
The latest stats In the latest ‘2023 Trend Tracker Survey’ by Two Sides it was found that 55% of consumers choose paper-based packaging because it is better for the environment, highlighting a growing trend of consumers helping to shape the future of our industry. As one of the largest corrugated board manufacturers in the UK, we rely heavily on the supply of paper from mills across Europe. Always choosing supply from responsibly and sustainably managed forests, it’s also pleasing to see in the survey that the number of consumers who understand that European forests are growing had escalated from 10% in 2021 to 15% in 2023. Clearly, there is more work to be done, but with continued education from all parties within the paper and board industry it would be hoped that further improvements will be made as to the key role that paper-based packaging will have in a modern world. Following on from the manufacturer of board is the production of corrugated cases and packaging solutions. Beyond the board Our Cases24 production facility is integrated into our Board24 Coalville site creating a hugely efficient process for manufacturing high volume corrugated cases. We also supply corrugated board to many of the largest and most influential sheet plants in the UK and Ireland helping them to continue the supply of paper-based packaging solutions and to assist businesses in the capabilities of corrugated packaging and the positive impact it can have on businesses, their end users, and consumers. Our customers are playing a pivotal role in educating customers as to the benefits of paper-based packaging and work with customers from a wide variety of industry sectors in a number of ways. *Creating new packaging solutions *Evaluating existing packaging streams to maximise performance and material efficiencies *Re-engineering packaging to remove hard to recycle materials and replace them with paper-based materials The future This greater awareness of paper-based packaging is hugely positive in tackling the challenges in minimising the use of hard to recycle materials. Businesses across the globe continue to seek solutions to transport goods through all facets of the supply chain and paper-based packaging is undoubtedly playing a significant part in helping businesses to protect products, build brands and shape positive environmental credentials. Dominic Drew, Group Managing Director, Board24 commented; “Our teams at Coalville, Preston and Eurocentral manufacturer a wide variety of corrugated board grades to support the UK sheet plant market as demand for paper-based packaging solutions continues to grow. “The environmental credentials of these solutions, and the way that they integrate into ESG visions, supporting consumer demand and being a sustainably responsible business, all show how important paper-based packaging is, and why its popularity will remain, and indeed escalate, in the packaging streams of the future.”
Meet the Team – Phil Slater
When he’s on shift, Phil is responsible for extracting Sheetboard from all warehouse locations and delivering to our 4 casemakers. This ensures continuous production targets are met. In addition, Phil is also fire marshall, first aider and wellbeing group member and an ambassador for health and safety across the Coalville site. Phil said: ‘Every day is different and that’s what I really like about being at Board24. I enjoy working with a great team and it’s great to see the business and its people change, develop, and grow over the years. “I am a real people person and love to be involved with others, passing on my experience and always learning how we can improve or make things work better. Away from work, I’m currently learning to play saxophone in my spare time although that’s in its early stages!!” When Phil is not at work, you might find him with his lovely wife Fran watching the rugby as a season ticket holder at Leicester Tigers. He also enjoys walking, outdoor life and being in the kitchen! He doesn’t have a signature dish but loves to experiment and dish up quality tasty food. Phil is also a committed fundraiser for charity and once cycled 100 miles in a day for Prostate Cancer UK, alongside colleagues Chris Upton, Chris Jordan, and Dean Mills.
Eurocentral fully operational
Our Eurocentral site is now fully operational and production at our Larkhall site has ceased. All work has transferred from Larkhall to Eurocentral. Eurocentral is a huge milestone in the history of Board24 and corrugated board production in the UK. It is home to the newest corrugator in the country and the latest technologies mean that it is faster, has enhanced capabilities, and can manufacture superior quality materials more efficiently and sustainably particularly important in the ongoing demand for high quality printed packaging. Capable of producing more than 100 million metres squared per annum, it can manufacture a wide range of flute types including B, C, M, E, BC, MB, and EB. The site is equipped with the latest state of the art corrugating and materials handling equipment to enable consistency, sustainability, and efficiency through advanced process control systems. The site has been designed to complement the other Board24 sites and uses the same business management systems across the group enabling true contingency for supply between the 3 operating sites. Our existing Larkhall team has transferred to the new site and will benefit from working in a new site with modern welfare facilities. We are delighted to retain our skilled, long serving colleagues and they have had a hugely positive impact in making the site fully operation. Furthermore, the new site will deliver greater energy efficiencies and will generate over 25% less carbon emissions which is delivered through superior energy efficiency of the new equipment, on site solar PV and significantly less emissions from distribution. Dominic Drew, Group Managing Director, Board24 commented; “We are very pleased to have Eurocentral up and running and to see the team working on this amazing new corrugator is fantastic. “My thanks go to the team for their professionalism and positivity in making this happen and we look forward to a long history at Eurocentral.”
Dual sites score top at BRCGS audit
A globally recognised certification, BRCGS Packaging Materials evaluates company practices and procedures to ensure they are operating at the required standards across all elements of the business, including quality and product safety, and associated legal requirements. Dominic Drew, Group Managing Director, Board24 commented; “This is a very pleasing achievement and shows the diligence of our team to ensure we follow the strict systems we have in place pertaining to site safety, manufacturing procedures and compliance.” “Considerable work has gone into establishing those procedures so that compliance is now second nature to all our team.” BRCGS is a requirement that many customers expect and that Board24 holds in high regard to ensure a high-quality manufacturing operation is operated, protecting the integrity of the product and keeping staff and visitors safe at work. BRCGS certification is used in over 130 countries across the globe and sets the benchmark for good manufacturing processes.
Apprenticeships bring added value to our team
National Apprenticeship Week takes place from 5th to 11th February in 2024. It’s theme for this year is ‘Skills for Life’. Created to highlight the importance of apprenticeships in the workplace, we felt it important to reinforce this message and demonstrate how they bring such value to our team. Currently, we have 13 apprentices across our three sites and they undertake roles in engineering, human resources, customer service, data analysis, health and safety and manufacturing. Their workplace activities and learning are supported by a variety of colleges and training providers, who consolidate the knowledge they are gaining with legislative and technical requirements necessary to achieve the qualifications they are working towards in their respective fields. “Apprenticeships play a vital role in bringing new talent into the business and developing skills for life and the future team of Board24,” said Judith Chadwick, Head of HR, Board24. “It is so pleasing to see more opportunities available ranging from 16+ apprenticeships up to degree level apprenticeships giving people a chance to learn whilst they earn and be passionate about the career they are embarking upon. “Over ¾ million apprenticeships were underway during the 2022/23 academic year, and I would hope to see that rise as awareness grows and the range of opportunities widens. It’s also important to note that they are not just for school leavers and young people. There is no upper age limit on who can apply making them perfect for those wishing to retrain or find a new career path.” To find out more about National Apprenticeship Week or apprenticeship schemes visit https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/influencers/national-apprenticeship-week#
Meet the Team – Elaine Wilson
Elaine said ‘We have a very small team working at Larkhall so I have a very varied role including being qualified first aider. It’s a great company to work for and I’m looking forward to developing my skills further by completing a Mental Health First Aid course.” Elaine is also part of the wellbeing group at Larkhall and plays a part in organising company social events and in house events such as MacMillan Coffee morning. From Larkhall to Eurocentral, Elaine is looking forward to the move into a new building and a new chapter in her career. When Elaine is not at work, she loves going for lunch, or a night out with family and friends. Most of Elaine’s Fridays are spent at the side of a football pitch somewhere, watching her son Aidan play football. Aidan plays for East Kilbride youth team, who Board24 is proud to have provided sponsorship funds for recently.
A look at the year ahead
In turn, we increased our market share and continue to support our valued customers with high quality board and cases for their own sheet feeding and manufacturing operations. Not without its challenges, we closed the door on 2023 proud of our achievements and looking forward to what 2024 had in store for us. Perhaps the biggest event that will occur in 2024 will happen within the first few weeks. The opening of our new Scotland manufacturing site, Eurocentral. Capable of producing c. 100 million metres squared per annum, its capabilities and capacity are huge. It can manufacture a wide range of flue types including B, C, M, E, BC, MB, and EB. It is expected that it will manufacture 10% of the overall Board24 production volume in its first operational year. Our values and the positive impact on our business Intrinsically woven into the business since the relaunch in the summer of 2023, are our company values. The BOARD values will undoubtedly shape 2024 and this is how. BRAVE – We will continue to challenge perceptions, be brave in seeking new opportunities and investment and encourage our people to be brave to ensure they benefit from being part of our team. OUR FUTURE – Our leadership team continue to place the strategic future of the business high on the agenda. Eurocentral is a significant step in shaping the future of our business and the corrugated board manufacturing industry in the UK, and we are proud to be playing a pivotal part in that. ACCOUNTABLE – We are all part of the team, and practising accountability means that those teams run much more smoothly. Each person has a clearly defined role and responsibility. RESPECT – Respecting each other and the contributions we make to the business ensures our day-to-day activities operate generally without conflict. Our teams also afford our customers the upmost respect, and are known for their knowledge, professionalism and determination to succeed. DRIVEN – Our team members are driven and determined to offer market leading service and product. Furthermore, they are also determined to succeed personally with many of our team ambitious for learning and career development opportunities. Our customers and the marketplace In addition to our people and our values, 2024 will also hold much positivity for our customers. Further investment is expected to upgrade production capabilities ultimately bringing benefits to our customer base. We expect the marketplace to mirror conditions in 2023, however, we do expect that corrugated will continue to be in high demand as a sustainable packaging material. Businesses are still making the switch and unlocking the benefits that it can bring to Environmental, Social and Governance policies, aims and goals. That said, the cost-of-living challenges we face, undoubtedly continue to have an impact on the sector. 2024 will also be General Election year and we hope whoever leads our nation, places UK manufacturing at the heart of their manifesto. As we go through the year, I shall look forward to our team sharing our news with you, news from across the industry, and to a prosperous 2024 for us all. With Best Wishes Dominic
Winners of outstanding recognition awards announced
Awarded across all three sites, Coalville, Preston and Larkhall, the winners were informed this week and presented with an engraved glass star trophy, a choice of gift vouchers, a certificate and a letter from Dominic Drew, Managing Director, who spoke to all the winners. Two awards were presented at Coalville one to Lisa Bradley-Hill, Finance Administrator/Receptionist, and Dean Mills, Corrugator Operator. Lisa received several nominations from her colleagues who cited her warm welcome, happy nature and how she always goes above and beyond to help colleagues. “We would not be able to function without a Lisa Bradley-Hill in our office” was just one of the comments made. Similarly, Dean had several lovely comments including recognition of his charity work, his work ethic, and his attitude towards colleagues. In Preston, Jonathan Blackburn, Corrugator Operator, received the award for his positive work attitude and how he supports others in his team. And finally, in Larkhall, Teri Paterson, Customer Service Administrator received the award from colleagues who acknowledged her high levels of customer service, consideration for colleagues and always delivering consistently high levels of customer service. In addition to our winners, six colleagues also received a Highly Commended award. These were Harry Bowyer and Phil Slater at Coalville, Elaine Wilson and Will Kirkwood at Larkhall and Jacqui Savage and Mick Hodkinson at Preston. Judith Chadwick, Head of HR, Board24 commented; “We had so much positive feedback about these awards and received over 75 nominations from across the business. “It was wonderful to read the comments and reasons given by our people about their colleagues and to better understand the mutual respect they have that makes Board24 such a great work culture to be part of.”
