Business sustainability

Chesterfield manufacturer announces strategic sustainability partnership

Chesterfield’s MTM Products, one of the leading UK industrial graphics suppliers, has announced a strategic partnership with CarbonQuota, a print and packaging carbon measurement and reduction specialist.

The partnership reflects MTM’s firm commitment to delivering a more energy-efficient and carbon-reduced operation.

Catering to a diverse range of industries, MTM supplies original equipment manufacturers in the UK and EU, with a particular focus on automotive, electrical and electronic, rail, medical, construction, and machinery equipment sectors.

The company’s industry-specific stock management systems, including lineside stocking, buffer stocks, and call-off orders, ensure seamless and efficient supply chain operations for its esteemed clientele. The company already operates to recognised industry standards, including BS, ISO, and UL/ANSI, and holds ISO9001/14001 certifications.

Mark Niblett, Managing Director of MTM Products commented: “We take pride in our technical and applications engineering expertise, the expertise and proficiency of our teams, competitive pricing, and our signature MTM Express quick turnaround service.

“It is now becoming increasingly important to our clients to also understand our environmental impact. Our partnership with CarbonQuota signifies our commitment to decarbonise as much as possible by 2030.

“This not only benefits the environment but also brings with it many other advantages for MTM Products Ltd, including competitive differentiation.“

MTM Products engaged CarbonQuota to accelerate its carbon reduction efforts, aligning with the 2030 government directive and rising client demands for environmentally conscious practices.

CarbonQuota’s expertise in carbon management and granular three-step approach provided MTM with a clear roadmap to establish baselines, set objectives, and execute their decarbonisation plans.

One of the primary goals of this partnership was to demonstrate MTM’s commitment to delivering measurable carbon footprint reduction results. Independent assessment by CarbonQuota has confirmed the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of MTM’s energy use and carbon footprint data.

As a result of their implemented carbon reduction strategies, MTM has successfully decreased its operational carbon footprint by an impressive 34 tonnes of CO2e over the past year.

Looking forward, MTM Products is determined to continue reducing its carbon emissions, furthering environmental responsibility, and setting new benchmarks for lower carbon manufacturing practices. By partnering with CarbonQuota, MTM is poised to drive positive change within its business and beyond.

Find out more about why Chesterfield is an excellent location to base your business at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

MTM Products supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

MTM Mark Niblett

Mark Niblett, MTM Products

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Robinson receives FSC certification to boost sustainability credentials

Robinson, a sustainable packaging manufacturer based in Chesterfield has announced it has received a prestigious sustainability certification for its Paperbox division.

Forest Stewardship council ® (FSC)’s pioneering certification system, which now covers more than 195 million hectares of forest, enables businesses and consumers to choose wood, paper and other forest products made with materials that support responsible forestry.

Dr Helene Roberts, CEO at Robinson, says this is a major step forward for the company, its customers, and the environment. She added: ‘We are delighted to have been awarded FSC certification for our rigid box packaging business. This is another step in making our business more sustainable, together with ensuring our packaging is made from up to 100% recycled board which is in turn recyclable.’

FSC certification ensures that all products produced at Paperbox are sustainable. FSC-managed forests help provide clean air and water by restricting hazardous chemicals and following strict harvesting and forestry practices. Their work also helps ensure a diversity of animals, trees and plants as well as providing safe working conditions for everyone involved.

This further demonstrates the investment that the company is making in its Paperbox business, following a significant investment in its new SATE box-making machine in Chesterfield, with improved quality and a reduced carbon footprint that allows customers to avoid long, complex supply chains from Asia.

Robinson partners with some of the world’s most luxurious brands, from concept to commercialisation, creating widely recyclable packaging made from 100% post-consumer recycled material.

The news follows Chesterfield Borough Council’s publication of its new climate strategy for the town, which is laying the groundwork for Chesterfield to become a carbon neutral borough by 2050. The new strategy will direct how the council works with industry in the future, ensuring sustainability and climate change a central theme of everything it does. Read more about the strategy here.

Robinson supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Helene Roberts - Robinson PLC

 

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Sustainability Summit encourages firms to embed net zero targets in business plans

Moving from a position where the net zero agenda is an aspiration to it being embedded in every strand of a business will be crucial to taking meaningful strides forward in green growth.

This was the consensus among speakers at East Midlands Chamber’s Sustainability Summit, which also heard how the cost-of-doing-business crisis offers an opportunity to make environmentally-friendly efficiencies that reduce overheads for organisations.

The event, held at headline partner the University of Derby’s Enterprise Centre, featured keynote speakers from universities, businesses, banking, not-for-profits and Government.

Chris Hobson, director of policy and external affairs at East Midlands Chamber, said: “Despite firms facing lots of external challenges and a crisis in the cost of doing business, they remain highly committed to the net zero agenda by making efficiencies in their operations and buildings to reduce not only their carbon emissions, but costs too.

“So as we search for solutions to the mountain of problems, it’s vital we don’t take our eye off the ball in supporting businesses to adopt green growth strategies.
“It’s clear we still have much work to do in this respect, with many companies telling us there must be a more joined-up approach between organisations – whether it’s Government agencies, universities, local authorities and business representation networks like the Chamber – and a more consistent message across these bodies.”

Unique research into Green Growth Trends in the East Midlands 2022 carried out by the Chamber and University of Derby found the proportion of the region’s firms that sell green goods and services has almost trebled to 45% over the seven years to 2022, while the proportion considering green growth as part of their business strategies has more than doubled to 21.5% in the past four years.

However, 35% of firms still aren’t engaged with green growth – with reasons cited including gaps in information, skills and access to finance.

Chris added: “While it’s very promising to see real progress being made in the race to net zero, access to finance for green projects and skills for green jobs remain key barriers to making further inroads into greening up our economy.

“From a policy perspective, Government needs to get on with stalled environmental legislation. This will remove the uncertainty and provide businesses with the opportunity to plan for the future.

Businesses want to see our decision-makers pushing through previously proposed legislation in areas like waste management and biodiversity in order to start investing in new technologies that will drive change and there is a message to ‘get on with it’.

“The language we use when discussing the net zero needs to evolve as the landscape does – when we talk about green jobs, let’s start thinking less about the inputs of roles and more about their impact in order to broaden what is currently a very narrow definition.

“And for businesses, we want to move towards green growth being embedded in everything we do – from business plans for growth and making efficiencies, to the products we make and skills we look for. Only once it is part of mainstream thinking can we really begin to make the required progress in cutting emissions and costs.”

For more information about business support related to net zero adoption and green growth, visit the Chamber’s Sustainable East Midlands page at www.emc-dnl.co.uk/sustainability.

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Chesterfield’s top sustainable businesses set to be named in annual awards

Four Chesterfield businesses are in the running to be named as the winner of the Sustainability Award in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management.

Astra Designs UK, Bridge Help, Northern Tea Merchants and Robinsons PLC have all been shortlisted for the Sustainability Award which is sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The Sustainability Award was introduced to the Love Chesterfield Awards and recognises organisations that demonstrates a commitment to sustainable business practices and are working towards becoming carbon neutral.

The four finalists not only measure and report their progress but have also demonstrated a commitment to sustainability during the past five years.

Donna Swift-Moore, Designer and Company Director at Astra Designs explained: “With the fashion industry being the second worst industry for polluting water from dyeing textiles and over a third of all clothing being sent to landfill, it is vital for us to create fashion that has the least impact possible.

Donna Swift-Moore, Astra Designs

“I’m absolutely over the moon that our company has been recognised as a finalist for the Sustainability Award. Our entire business is built around creating sustainable fashion and accessories, so being acknowledged for this is truly amazing.”

Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of Bridge Help commented: “At the start of this year, we were delighted to become carbon neutral. To be recognised by the Love Chesterfield Awards for the work we’ve done in achieving this is fantastic. Sustainability is incredibly important to us; it is something the whole team is passionate about.”

Chris Sellars, Bridge Help

James Pogson, Director at Northern Tea Merchants said: “We put a great deal of time and focus into understanding the impact of the work we do. From the food miles right down to the packaging, we’re always striving to make the operation as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. We’ve made some significant positive steps over the last five years and it’s wonderful to get this recognition.”

James Pogson, Northern Tea Merchants

Helene Roberts, CEO at Robinson PLC commented: “Sustainability is at the core of what we do as a business here at Robinson and we are working on a wide range of initiatives to reduce our impact on the environment, as well as enhance the experience of our employees and local communities in which we operate.

“We are delighted to be selected as a finalist for the sustainability award; the team at our Rigid Box site in Chesterfield is proud that our products are not only 100% recyclable and made from 95% recycled materials, but also promote consumers to reuse the beautiful presentation and gift boxes in the home.”

Dr Helene Roberts, CEO of Robinson PLC

Chesterfield Borough Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has since committed to the Council and borough becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and 2050 respectively.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re proud to sponsor the Sustainability Award. We all need to work together to tackle the climate crisis and reduce our emissions. It’s important that we celebrate and learn from those businesses that are leading the way and changing their business practices to reduce their carbon footprint.”

Cllr Amanda Serjeant

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented on the importance of recognising sustainability: “Having forward-thinking businesses and individuals is something that Chesterfield prides itself on and the four businesses shortlisted for the Sustainability Award are no exception, helping the town achieve its ambitions of becoming carbon neutral.”

Peter Swallow, Destination Chesterfield Chair

The Sustainability Award is one of 15 categories in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards. The winners of all the categories will be announced at a glittering black-tie ceremony at The Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 12 October.

See the full list of 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards finalists here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/finalists/

As well as Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management and Chesterfield Borough Council, the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards are also supported and made possible by Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, BusinessWise Accounting and Tax, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Elder Way, Great2, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety Solutions, Minuteman Press Chesterfield, MSE Hiller, Peak Pharmacy, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and Sutton McGrath Hartley.

Peter Swallow added: “After the uncertainty of the last two years, the Destination Chesterfield team is working to ensure the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards is the best yet, which is only possible through the generosity of our sponsors.”

There are a limited number of sponsorship packages available. If you’re interested in sponsoring the awards, information is available at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/sponsors/sponsorshippackages/ or by contacting Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207 207.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield Awards, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield firm to take sustainability message across the UK

A Chesterfield firm which specialises on renewable heating systems is taking its sustainability message across the country this summer.

NIBE Energy Systems will be bringing the latest technological and product innovations directly to installers and the general public with a UK tour in a state of the art trailer that kicks off on 16th July at the Braehead Retail Park in Glasgow.

The tour will also be stopping off at Chesterfield’s Technique Stadium on 25th July, showing off the firm’s range of technologies and solutions available to help people and businesses do their bit in reducing carbon emissions.

Those interested in getting to know NIBE better and have been thinking about renewable heating systems will be given the opportunity to get on the trailer and learn about the innovative technologies offered by the brand.

Visitors will get the opportunity to learn about how heat pumps extract natural energy from one place and transfer it to another in order to provide energy-efficient, cost-effective space heating and hot water. They will also see how they can help save money on their heating bills. Installers are invited to pop in and learn about NIBE’s best in class heat pump solutions such as the industry leading, new S2125 air source heat pump.

Phil Hurley, Managing Director of NIBE Energy Systems (UK) said: “NIBE exists to provide the world with better energy solutions. Our UK tour will give homeowners and installers the chance to see first-hand the options available to transform heating systems to the latest available technologies. Heat pumps offer a fantastic solution to helping UK families and business do their bit to reduce carbon emissions.

“NIBE strives to maximise the output of each single product, and our industry-leading air source heat pump is no exception. We invite installers to come and see our products and to learn about NIBE Pro our installer partnership scheme designed to guide and assist them and their teams in making the change to installing heat pumps.  We have been investing widely in the development of innovative solutions which will be showcased in our visit to cities across the country. I am delighted that our dedicated teams will be able to show what we have on offer.”​

  • July 16th to 17th – Braehead Retail Park – Glasgow
  • July 18th – Macdonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa – Falkirk
  • July 19th – Aldwark Manor Golf & Spa – North Yorkshire
  • July 20th – Manchester City Etihad Stadium – Manchester
  • July 21st to 22nd – Trafford Centre, Manchester
  • July 25th – Chesterfield Technique Stadium – Chesterfield
  • July 26th to 27th – The Bullring – Birmingham
  • July 28th – Royal Windsor Racecourse – Windsor
  • July 30th to 31st – Blue Water Shopping Centre – London

Find out more about the upcoming tours at: https://www.nibe.eu/en-gb/about-nibe/events/nibe-on-tour-2022

NIBE Energy Systems supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Robert Woodhead Ltd sustainability initiative scoops prestigious award

Robert Woodhead Ltd have won the Environmental or Community Initiative of the Year 2022 at the National Federation of Builder’s Construction of Excellence awards.

The company’s ‘Going Beyond Green’  initiative detailed efforts including:

  • The company’s 10 year Climate Action Framework which will lead them to their goal of becoming a climate positive contractor with zero single use plastic on site by December 2029.
  • The ‘Future Home‘ product which has been developed to meet 2025 building regulations today and can achieve NET Zero carbon. The results will be accelerated delivery, up to an 80% reduction in carbon emissions and up to £175 in tenant bill savings.
  • On-site carbon monitoring.
  • Launching an EV scheme for employees and progressing a vision towards an all-electric Fleet.

The event took place at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel in London on Thursday 8th April, with attendance from Business Services Director, Tom Woodhead, and Janine Broderick, People Development Director. The company also invited Estimator Scott Wilkinson and Assistant Project Manager Liam Thorpe in recognition for their great work they have done for the environmental efforts of the company.

Scott was instrumental in Woodhead’s support for the community woodland, securing 1,000 trees to be planted as part of the national pathfinding project in Bolsover. You can read more about this initiative here.

Liam completed his dissertation on embodied carbon and collaborated with Woodhead Group client, Nottingham City Homes, to undertake a focus group/presentation with their new build team. He encouraged Nottingham City Homes to consider the impact of embodied carbon in their projects and how to reduce it. Liam’s learning was applied to Woodhead’s Eastglade site, which consists of 106 homes, where the team prevented 116 Tonnes of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere. Subsequently, the carbon footprint of the foundations was reduced by 76%.

Robert Woodhead Ltd supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield businesses encouraged to sign up to low carbon courses

Chesterfield businesses are being encouraged to sign up to a range of low carbon courses, which will enable organisations to prepare for the upcoming challenge of meeting sustainability targets.

The free, fully-funded programmes are being delivered locally in partnership between training firm Essential Site Skills and the Serco Skills Support for the Workforce scheme.

The courses are tailored and specialised for a range of sectors, including health and care, construction, logistics and office-based organisations. Participants will gain a level two NVQ award in understanding carbon awareness and energy management.

  • The healthcare-based course will focus on dealing with routine and non-routine waste along with the the principles of decontamination, cleaning and waste management in healthcare settings.
  • In construction, course leaders will guide participants though removing non-hazardous waste in the workplace and confirming the occupational method of work in the workplace.
  • Meanwhile logistics businesses will be able to learn about sorting goods and materials for recycling or disposal in logistics operations.
  • Businesses based in an office environment will also gain a level two certificate in understanding climate change and environmental awareness.

Catherine Storer, Executive Director at Essential Site Skills said: “We’re delighted to be working alongside the Serco Skills Support for the Workforce programme to roll out these low carbon courses to businesses across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

“More and more businesses are realising the importance of sustainability and environment awareness. Prepare your workforce to meet carbon emission targets with our fully funded Carbon Awareness NVQs.”

For further information, or to sign up for the carbon awareness courses, contact Serco’s Partnership Coordinator, Howard Cordingley at howard.cordingley@serco.com or call 07738894879

To find out more about the range of business support on offer here in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

Essential Site Skills supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield’s Bridge Help goes carbon neutral

Chesterfield-based Bridge Help has started 2022 as a carbon neutral organisation, offsetting the entire carbon footprint of its workforce – from their flights and car journeys to lunches and energy usage both at work and home.

In just two months the commercial bridging finance company has directly funded the planting of 508 trees across Madagascar, Kenya, Uganda and Mozambique as well as achieving a reduction in 34.44 tonnes of CO2.

Becoming carbon neutral has been made possible by Ecologi – an organisation which helps companies and individuals fund impactful climate solutions, plant trees, analyse carbon footprint, become climate positive, achieve carbon neutrality and much more.

Every member of the Bridge Help team has been registered with Ecologi and carbon credits aligned according to their lifestyle.

By signing up to Ecologi, the Bridge Help team is directly funding high-impact climate solutions and supporting the town’s ambition to become a carbon neutral borough by 2050.

Companies and organisations that have signed up to Ecologi to date have, together, funded the planting of an amazing 31,450,527 trees reducing 1,239,380 tonnes of CO2 to date in a drive to bring greenhouse gas emissions in the UK to net zero by 2050.

With its team members, brokers and borrowers based throughout England and Wales, the company was an early adopter of Zoom video conferencing technology in order to minimising travel. A number of staff members also drive electric cars.

Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of Bridge Help commented: “Prior to signing up to Ecologi, we made small steps in becoming a carbon neutral business however this has now been accelerated. What myself and the team particularly like about Ecologi, is that we are all offsetting our personal carbon output 24/7 whether we are working or not. It is something the whole team is passionate about and we’ll be taking further steps throughout 2022 and beyond to reduce our impact on the environment.

He added: “We’re a growing business and it’s important to us all that our impact on the environment does not also increase. As we welcome new members to the team, they’ll also be automatically be signed up to Ecologi.”

Despite the economic slowdown due to the pandemic, the highest ever atmospheric CO2 concentration (419 parts per million) was recorded in June 2021. With seven of the warmest years on record all occurring since 2014, the issue of climate change is increasingly pressing.

To find out more about Ecologi and how you can get involved, visit ecologi.com.

Bridge Help supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

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