In this issue... Sustainability Matters
The Next Generation Questions From The Classroom We catch up with retailer Impressions Uniforms Top Tips For Retailers
Industry Update
Industry News & Updates brought to you by Banner. June 2021
welcome to insight content 05 Sustainability Matters 07 Banner’s Sustainability Pillars 08 The Next Generation 14 We catch up with retailer Impressions Uniforms. 18
Starting Your Sustainability Journey: Top Tips for Retailers
22 Industry Update 24 9 Trees
sustainability matters more than ever. 2
Sustainability matters is the theme of our third edition of Insight—it’s arguably the biggest issue facing our industry, let alone society today. Wherever we live, whatever our profession, and no matter our age or stage in life, the future of the planet is important to us all. And it’s everyone’s responsibility to do what they can to make a difference. These are the themes that we explore in this extended issue. Through interviews with experts and practitioners we examine how sustainability is impacting the schoolwear industry and what this means for the future of manufacturing and retailing. In doing so, we come to understand how the actions we take today are just the start of a journey that will evolve over time. The good news is that sustainability can also be great for business. We kick off the issue with a down to earth explanation of what sustainability involves and what schoolwear retailers need to consider in drawing up their plans for change. Sarah Robins, Sustainability Manager at Banner talks us through the challenges, but also the opportunities this brings. We ask her too about the wider changes we should expect to see over the next few years. You told us that hearing from other retailers is important and that practical advice and ideas are what you like to read most. So, we contacted one of our customers with a passion for both sustainability and community involvement. We hope you find it inspirational, for it shows how care and commitment at a local level can strengthen relationships with customers. The young people we serve are more committed to sustainability than any previous generation. We linked up with pupils at two schools to find out what matters to them, and how the uniforms and clothes they wear are important symbols of the issues they believe in. But of course, the sustainability journey starts with each of us. Here at our parent company Banner, we have made a commitment to responsible practice. In all our planning we’re asking what impact our actions today will have on tomorrow. And to bring this to life, we
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visit a woodland project that is making a real difference to carbon emissions as well as being a community asset. And last but not least Howard Wilder brings us up to date on the latest supply chain news. As we are now in the peak selling period, our people and our partners are working round the clock to keep supplies flowing. Find out what you need to do to ensure your supplies arrive on time. Returning to our theme of sustainability matters, we’d love to hear from you on actions and initiatives in your communities too. If you have news or ideas, get in touch and we’ll feature you in a future edition. Nobody has all the answers, but by working together we can make progress that will be a lasting legacy we can all be proud of. Insight June 2021
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Sustainability Matters Insight takes an in depth look at Sustainability and what it means for schoolwear retailers.
Sarah Robins Sustainability Manager
Sarah Robins knows more than a thing or two about the challenges facing our industry. As Sustainability Manager for Banner, she’s at the forefront of a policy for progress, so it’s no surprise that she’s deeply committed to making change for the good. But as we start our interview, she’s at pains to point out that sustainability needs to be what that word implies—a realistic and practical journey taken at a pace we can all sustain. We began by asking what we thought were the critical questions. Why does sustainability matter so much? With all that’s happened these last twelve months, can’t we wait until the way ahead is clearer? And isn’t this really an issue for manufacturers, rather than retailers and schools… ‘Hold on a moment,’ she replies, ‘Sustainability is a huge subject, and it’s essential not to be overwhelmed or to try and solve it all in one fell swoop. But no, we can’t keep putting it off!’
‘Sustainability matters’, Sarah says, ‘Because if we ignore the future of our planet then we are actively allowing that change to occur. We have a responsibility to make a difference, and that means each of us committing to small adjustments, as much as it does our governments and policy makers pursuing bigger transformations.’ But isn’t that all a bit strategic – why is it so important for schoolwear retailers? After all, aren’t many of them small local businesses with limited impact already? ‘Good question,’ she replies, ‘but I’d turn it on its head. Schoolwear retailers are well known in their communities. What’s more, they have long-standing and loyal customers which means they’re ideally placed to have a lasting impact that’s good for business too.’ Sarah says there are two key reasons why retailers benefit from more sustainable practice. ‘Firstly, schools are now fully committed to sustainability and required to consider the impacts of contracts they award. That’s why there are precious few tenders today that don’t include questions on responsible practice. From reducing carbon impact to supporting Fair Trade and encouraging reuse and recycling schemes, there are a range 5
of actions that retailers can take which will resonate with schools. And secondly, pupils and parents care too. Climate change is on every school curriculum and we know that young people rate sustainability as the issue that’s most important for their future. They want to be proud of what they wear and are more conscious then ever of where garments come from and how they are sold. It’s a great opportunity for businesses that care to build customer loyalty.’ So what about Banner – how are they working to help retailers and schools? ‘Like many businesses, we’ve made incremental progress over the years, but more recently we realised that we needed to show more leadership. So we’ve made bold commitments not only to driving changes, but also
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to improving transparency of our performance. It’s a big culture change and at times it can feel quite scary— but we know it’s the right direction for us and our customers.’ Last month Banner published its first annual sustainability report and Sarah says we should expect more detailed reporting in the future. It’s not just governments committing to targets—schools, parents and pupils will be looking for progress and supporting those who do the right thing. Sarah concludes on an encouraging note, ‘The most important thing is to get started. It’s going to be a journey for all of us, and I’ve no doubt there will be steps and stumbles along the way. But like all journeys, it’s the first steps that are the hardest to make.’
Banner’s
Sustainability Pillars
Sustainability at Banner is more than just carbon neutrality. ‘It’s a holistic approach to doing business that considers the impact we have in our supply chain, but also on our people and wider communities,’ says Sarah Robins. ‘With six pillars to our plan, we have much to do, but also much to motivate us—and always something positive to be pursuing. That’s important’, explains Sarah ‘because the best strategies have a mix of short and long-term goals, quick wins and heroic achievements. It’s also important to focus on what’s important to you, and to remember that every contribution makes a difference.’
Supply Chain
Product
Customer
Working to have the best independently accredited and ethically sourced supply chain in the industry, using Sedex-4 pillar audit standards as our benchmark.
Manufacturing 40% of our garments from sustainable fabrics by summer 2022—and replacing all single use plastic with sustainable packaging by end of 2022.
Supporting our retailers, schools, parents and children in their sustainability journeys – inspiring them by providing and delivering a best in class sustainable service.
Community
People
Introducing a company-wide volunteering programme, building closer community connections and delivering positive social impacts through causes that matter to our colleagues.
Creating a fairer, healthier and more sustainable workplace that enhances the lives of our colleagues, our supply chain workers and our customers.
Environment Maintaining carbon neutrality for the Banner Group’s UK Operations and further reducing Scope 2+ gross carbon emissions by 10% in 2021.
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The next generation.
If we believe that concern for the environment is of interest only to adults and organisations, we should think again. The current generation of young people are making it clear that sustainability matters to them—and it matters a lot! Inspired by activists like Greta Thunberg, and informed by their parents, their schools and their lifestyles, they want to see action that makes a difference, and they want to be part of the change. These are the messages that came over loud and clear when Dean Plant, Group Marketing Director at Banner, visited two schools to talk about sustainability and explain the changes on the horizon for school uniforms and sportswear.
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‘The interest and enthusiasm is palpable,’ says Dean. ‘What struck me most was how aware these young people are, not only by the depth of their questions, but also through their practical experience. In a sense it’s obvious, but we can easily forget that this generation has grown up with recycling and wider environmental awareness as part of their daily life.’ At St James’ Catholic High School, Dean presented to students from the school student council and eco-club. Questions ranged from the use of renewable energy and UK manufacturing plants, to recycling materials, packaging and even equality and opportunity in the workplace. ‘I can honestly say, I’ve not received many challenges like this outside of the boardroom; it was fantastic to hear the concerns of these young people, and I learned a great deal about their attitudes to change, and the action they want us to take.’ It’s clear that recycling is top of the agenda. The students at St James’ wanted a circular economy with the minimum of waste going to landfill. They were aware of the importance of packaging and worried about impacts on bio-diversity as well as the need to reduce carbon emissions. Shopping locally was highlighted too, as was minimising transportation and finding ways to reuse quality uniform that had seen little wear. ‘Providing information is going to be vital,’ says Dean. ‘It was good to answer their questions, but we need to do that at the point of sale too. The students say they want better labelling so they can make informed choices, and they want branding that makes clear that garments are produced to high sustainability standards.’ A number of students talked of the changes they’d made at home, such as turning off appliances, using LED lighting and recycling products. ‘We want our uniforms to reflect our lifestyle and our values,’ said one member of the eco-club.
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Sustainability matters to children. Dean Plant Marketing Director
Banner’s Marketing Director Dean Plant talks to the students of Eaton Primary School. Sustainability aspirations are not confined to older pupils. Indeed, as Dean’s visit to Eaton Primary School confirmed, the next generation is even more aware. ‘Speaking to primary school children you realise these youngsters have grown up with a concern for the environment. From washing out yoghurt pots to reusing shopping bags, or even their parents driving hybrid cars, they are accustomed to thinking about the impacts of what we do and what we buy.’ Dean asked the younger pupils to design a school uniform they would be proud to wear. ‘It was interesting that they didn’t just look at style; some even talked of cool wash temperatures. They all wanted a logo to say that the uniform was eco-friendly.’ The need for clearer labelling is high on Banner’s agenda. ‘We have some exciting developments coming soon,’ says Dean, ‘including new eco-branding and information packs to help retailers inform parents and schools.’ We’ll be launching these lines soon and giving all the details in a future edition of Insight. We’re also committed to replacing all single use plastic by the end of 2022. Meanwhile, we know that schools are keen for more information and interaction with their partners on uniform. ‘One action we took away was to prepare packs that will help our retailers to visit classes and talk about sustainability in schoolwear,’ explains Dean. ‘The teachers I have been speaking to have all said it’s an excellent way to engage students in an issue that matters to them.’ That word, and the associated sentiment—that sustainability matters—keeps coming up, time and again. In many ways, it shouldn’t be a surprise, for we’re talking about uniforms that pupils wear every day and which their schools see as a reflection of their values. But perhaps most importantly, it’s got be a great opportunity to work together, and build partnerships that are long lasting and sustainable too.
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Students from Eaton Primary School
Eco uniform designs from the students of Eaton Primary School.
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Questions from the classroom. Here are just some of the questions pupils are asking...
What are you doing to reduce packaging?
Are your workers paid fairly?
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Do you use renewable energy?
Are you using recycled fabrics?
Do you use eco-friendly transport?
Can you help us start a uniform recycling scheme?
“Becoming more mindful about clothing means looking at every fibre, at every seed and every dye and seeing how to make it better. We don’t want sustainability to be our edge, we want it to be universal.” —Eileen Fisher, Fashion Designer 13
retailer viewpoint
Reduce and reuse – building links with the community Caeryn Collins
Impressions Uniforms Insight talks to inspirational retailer Caeryn Collins from Impressions Uniforms. There’s more than one way to improve the sustainability of schoolwear. Selling eco-friendly and Fair Trade garments is part of the mix, but there are other actions we can take which make a difference. One retailer in the North West is blazing a trail with a reuse scheme that’s putting her business at the heart of the community. What’s more, in pursuing the values she believes in, she’s confounded the accountants and grown her turnover too. ‘Five years ago, I wasn’t happy coming
of families who would otherwise struggle
Impressions Uniforms, with three shops
having to make heart wrenching choices
to work’ say Caeryn Collins, owner of
in the Wigan area. ‘It wasn’t that we had a bad business; it was that I didn’t feel good about all we were doing. I’d sort
of drifted into selling schoolwear after leaving a career in urban renewal for family reasons. I wanted us to play a
about what essentials to buy for their
children. Imagine being the only child in the classroom not in uniform and the impact
that has on your confidence. There had to be ways we could help.’
bigger role in the community, and do
Her accountants didn’t agree. Surely her
That’s why she started Smart Futures,
new purchases? ‘I told them I didn’t care’
more than simply grow our profits.’
a Community Interest Company that
reuses quality schoolwear for the benefit 14
with the costs. ‘Every week I’d see parents
job was to sell uniform and not discourage says Caeryn, ‘And in any event, the families needing help weren’t buying anything
but the basics, because they couldn’t afford to.’ The response is typical of Caeryn, who believes that trading
uniform poverty on a much bigger scale.’
on values is just as important as the
And supporting families isn’t the
in hand,’ she says, ‘especially when your
community. It’s also an opportunity to
numbers adding up. ‘The two go hand business is so linked to the locality.’
Reusing quality items is an obvious way to extend the life of garments, helping the environment by reducing the
need to manufacture replacements. Schoolwear is designed to last, so
there’s no reason why it can’t pass
on between families just as it often
does within them. Smart Futures takes
only benefit of Smart Futures to the
train people who might otherwise have less chance of gaining employment
and life skills in the workplace. With the help of training volunteers and local support agencies, Smart Futures is
providing opportunities to adults with learning difficulties, care leavers, and
young people requiring more vocational training.
that idea to a new level, washing and
It’s an approach Caeryn is extending
making up uniform packs that provide
grow their skills and confidence from
cataloguing donated items, then
all a family needs. ‘We also sell donated stock from manufacturers and chain retailers, using the money raised to
buy other items for the uniform packs,’ explains Caeryn.
The scheme has been such a success
to her shops too. ‘Seeing people
an employment opportunity we’ve
provided is immensely satisfying,’ says
Caeryn. ‘Our customers and our schools appreciate what we are doing, and in
the long run that pays off in their loyalty and goodwill.’
that the next step is to take it across
the whole borough. This makes sense
because with schools having different uniform requirements it means fewer donations go to waste. The new
schoolwear bill is also expected to
encourage schools to support reuse
and recycle initiatives. ‘Smart Futures is an efficient way to achieve that,’ says Caeryn, ‘it could even be a model for the whole country, helping alleviate
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It’s clear that to Caeryn, doing the right thing is never far from her mind. Recently, she moved all her schools onto eco ties, absorbing the extra cost as part of a
commitment to more sustainable fabrics. ‘My accountants didn’t like that idea either’ she laughs, ’but we have to start somewhere, and think more about the products we are buying and where they come from.’
Her enthusiasm is infectious, and appreciated by her partner schools too. ‘When I
explain to my schools that our costs support fair wages, community involvement, training opportunities… then they can see the benefits we bring. Value is about
more than just offering the lowest price.’ Caeryn believes that no business is too small to have a responsibility policy, and it doesn’t have to be too formal. ‘It’s
about doing what you believe to be right—just as we do in our everyday lives,’ she says.
On which note we bring our interview to a close. Five years after feeling low about coming to work, Caeryn has found a new lease of life. It’s surely no coincidence
her shops have been rebranded to Impressions – for it’s hard to think of a better first one than her infectious commitment, or for that matter, a more imaginative and forward-thinking small business owner. Recently expanding to three stores,
with even more ambitious goals for her shops and her community, that’s surely a role model for a smarter future.
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“There is no such thing as ‘away’. When we throw anything away it must go somewhere.” —Annie Leonard, Executive Director, Greenpeace
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Starting Your Sustainability Journey: Top Tips for Retailers
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Carry out a simple impact assessment on your business.
Take action from the insights gained from the assessment, aligning with the 3Rs of sustainability - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The first priority here is always focused on ‘reduce’ so think about: 1) What can I reduce or remove completely? e.g. energy consumption or consumables such as paper and plastic packaging. 2) Where can I reuse materials? e.g. carton packaging. 3) What can I recycle? e.g. plastic, carton, food waste.
You need to have a clear understanding of what impacts your business operations and what activities have on the environment and your local community. A good place to start is by doing an audit of environmental and social impacts across the whole of your business.
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Speak to your local schools about what is important to them.
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Use wh lots of & eco c
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5
Engage and involve colleagues in every step of the journey.
Measure and record what you are doing – as what gets measured gets done!
Engage colleagues every step of the way depending on the size of your business. If you can set up a green task force then great, but at the very least have someone designated as the sustainability lead to support driving the change. Just one simple idea from a colleague could be a real game changer for your business.
Start by taking monthly meter readings for electricity and heating. Also record your business travel mileages, type of fuel/consumption, water and sewerage as well as a record of waste collected.
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4
holesalers that have sustainable products credentials!
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Set yourself 3-5 key goals that are realistic and achievable.
Taking small steps and actions really do make a difference.
Finally, enjoy the journey and share what you are doing with us. If you have any questions about measuring your carbon footprint, then don’t hesitate to contact SER@banner.co.uk. Together we can build a greener and fairer future.
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6
steps to success
1 2 3
Starting your sustainability journey.
Assess and record your sustainability impacts
• Write down all the ways that your business impacts the environment and community. • Take monthly meter readings for electricity, heating, and water. • Record your business mileage and list any other impacts such as waste and recycling. • Consider other areas too such as sustainable sourcing and Fair Trade suppliers.
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Find quick wins Making progress keeps us motivated so finding quick wins matters. Some first steps might include: • Changing to LED light bulbs which reduce energy consumption; they last longer and are often recyclable too. • Changing to “green” energy is easy – look up suppliers online. • Reducing car travel and holding virtual meetings– something we are all very used to now.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
The core of any plan should be the three Rs – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – this is how we make a difference in the long term.
1) What impacts can you reduce? Such as energy consumption or plastic packaging. 2) What materials might you reuse? 3) What materials can you recycle? Such as plastic, carton and food waste. Build a plan of action around each area and set simple goals – you can’t change everything at once!
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Get your colleagues involved Involve your colleagues every step of the way. Ask them for ideas and be clear that your sustainability journey is for the long term. Maybe give one of your team responsibilities for recycling or waste. Work as team and share your progress.
Set 3 or 4 key goals that are realistic and achievable • Taking small steps and actions really does make a difference. • Having clear targets is a great way to show your customers the difference you’re making. • Put your target on the wall – be proud of your plan!
Stock sustainable products • Make sure you stock sustainable product options wherever possible. • Understand the difference these garments make and explain the benefits to your customers. • Young people care more than ever about sustainability – they will welcome your commitment
Finally, enjoy the journey and share what you are doing with us. If you have any questions about measuring your sustainability impact or carbon footprint then don’t hesitate to contact us at SER@banner.co.uk
Together we can build a greener and fairer future. 21
Industry Update
An industry update with Howard Wilder. Howard Wilder
Sales Director, Banner As I write this update we are entering the last half term of the year and schools are tentatively anticipating a full and ‘near normal’ return in September. Retailers will be aware of the strength of demand and I sense a buoyancy in mood as all of us hope the worst of the pandemic is behind us. In the meantime, I’m pleased to confirm that Banner are building good stock
levels and as a result of our close cooperation with our factories, we are
confident of supplying the vast majority of lines on time and in full. A great team
above our original budget.
Nonetheless, some serious issues and bottlenecks remain.
effort by our planning, shipping and ops
The outbreak of new waves of the virus
these difficult times. We would also like
and the backlog of shipping remains an
teams who have helped us navigate
to thank our customers for the forward and daily orders that have come in
for this coming Back to School, with
great demand being seen across the board but particularly on our APTUS
Performance and Essentials ranges, and which overall has resulted in us placing
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orders for a further £2m worth of stock
in Asia has not helped our supply chain
issue for industries across the globe. Six of the main wholesale suppliers have
already written to retailers, as have the
Schoolwear Association; here at Banner, we are following up with emails and calls to
affected retailers, explaining the situation,
giving expected delivery dates and hoping
that they liaise closely with their schools and are able to take as pragmatic
approach as is possible to this difficult
(These documents are available to download below)
worldwide issue..
Next month at Insight, we’ll also be
Most importantly, we are asking schools
Banner will be working to support
to encourage their parents to order
early and to prioritise communication
with new starters. We know that many retailers have set up appointment
looking at what this means and how retailers and schools as they seek to
apply the new rules in a practical and pragmatic way.
systems and that online offers are
Meanwhile, we wish all our customers a
we are hopeful that Back to School can
to School’ that reflects the progress we
stronger than ever. Working together,
be managed successfully despite some of the residual challenges.
bright summer and a successful ‘Back have made together.
Currently, we are experiencing high
demand, as is evidenced by the levels
of our daily orders. While we have good far in advance as possible and keeping in touch as the peak of Back to School approaches. For those lines at risk of
delays, such as overseas embroidered garments, we will keep you and your
schools fully informed; as always, we are working tirelessly to ensure the swiftest possible arrival.
Finally, new legislation means that statutory guidance on the cost of school uniform will now apply to
every school when developing its
school uniform policy. The Schoolwear Association has issued two excellent
documents which help answer many
of the questions that have been asked
DOWNLOAD HERE
stocks, you can help us by ordering as
Schoolwear Association Briefing Draft ‘Cost of School Uniform’ Guidance
Schoolwear Association Education ‘Guidance about Costs of School Uniform’ Bill Factsheet
about the implications of the guidance. 23
“Working with 9 trees not only helps to offset our carbon footprint but it’s also shown us the tangible difference we can make.” —Sarah Robins, Sustainability Manager, Banner 24
Banner teams up with 9Trees Insight explains how a new partnership is helping Banner to offset carbon emissions and create a haven for wildlife in Wales. 9Trees is a not for profit organisation that works with businesses and communities to mitigate climate change. ‘The good news is that you don’t need a bigger garden, or even to dig the holes yourself, we do all the hard word and linking your footprint to a cost really brings home the importance of the project,’ says Michael Cunningham director of 9Trees CIC. Planting thousands of trees a year, 9Trees CIC are a group of conservationists who create native woodlands that will sequester carbon for years to come. They plant here in the UK, managing and conserving the woodlands as they grow. ‘It’s not a case of plant and forget’ says Michael ‘we have a long term commitment to the environments we create, their biodiversity and the many benefits for local communities.’ ‘We were introduced to 9Trees when working with consultants to calculate our carbon footprint and understand how we might offset its impact,’ says Ian Webb, Chief Finance Officer at Banner. ‘I have a personal commitment to nature and the environment and was so impressed with their approach. We had a clear vision of what our offset plan needed to deliver with a blended approach to taking action in the UK and overseas—9Trees is already an important part of that mix.’
Did you know that nine is the number of trees it takes to balance the carbon emissions from the lifestyle of an average UK citizen? That’s a lot of trees we need to plant if we’re to offset the impacts of our consumption. Ian says Banner was especially keen to support projects with a strong social and biodiversity focus in addition to their environmental credentials—9Trees matched that brief perfectly. ‘In march we planted 246 trees and we’re only just getting started. Importantly, we want the woodland to be a haven for wildlife and blend naturally with the surrounding countryside.’ The woodland is near to Builth Wells in Wales and will soon be named Drover’s Rest after the old cattle driving roads which used to make their way through this area. Adjoining common land which is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with a small stream running along the valley bottom. ‘This is an ideal environment for wildlife to flourish, in harmony with the trees of course,’ says Michael. And that’s great news for everyone involved. ‘It’s not only a way of offsetting carbon,’ concludes Ian, ‘it’s a lasting legacy that we can all be proud of’. It’s also great example of small actions making a difference—nine trees at time.
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July Issue Contracts and tendering The next edition of Insight will take an in-depth look at contracts and tendering. We’ll be explaining the latest legal requirements and how recent changes in legislation will affect schools and retailers.
If you have a question or a suggestion on an issue you’d like us to cover in future editions then please get in touch and email marketing@banner.co.uk
Interviews with industry experts will highlight some best practice examples and we’ll include practical tips and checklists so that your tenders and presentations are the best they can be. And of course, we’ll bring you the latest on Back to School and a range of supply chain issues. As always we love to the hear your feedback—so, if you have queries or suggestions, do get in touch.
