Loxleys - CSR Report 2023/2024

2023/2024 CORPORATE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT

DIRECTORS STATEMENT 1

Welcome to Loxleys 2023/2024 Corporate Social Responsibility report in the year that marks our 170th birthday.

Customer Satisfaction Survey 2 Customer Feedback 3 Apprenticeships and Work Experience 5 Community and Collaboration 8 Environmental Performance 9 Eco-friendly

2023/2024 CORPORATE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT

Solutions

Achieving 170 years in business is a milestone we’re extremely proud of, the commitment of our staff and loyalty of our customers, both past and present, is what has enabled us to get here! I’d like to take the opportunity to personally thank you all.

We continue to make ongoing improvements in all areas of our business including the reduction of the environmental impact of our operations. This year we have achieved an electricity consumption reduction of 173,697 Kwh and we are now in the second year of production with our paper bander, and are delighted to have banded 6.25 million cards to date resulting in a plastic saving of 1.04 tonne. We have recycled a further 1.22 tonnes of plastic film in the past six months alone, with the aim of minimizing our packaging waste to landfill.

In the year ahead we will continue to develop new eco solutions to minimise the environmental impact of a greeting card and meet the demands of the market including adapting our existing equipment and maintaining our current flexibility in offering multiple packaging solutions.

As a committed local employer, we understand our responsibility in developing and nurturing local connections. Throughout this year we have continued to build on our relationships with local schools and colleges, providing work experience to three local students and welcoming two new apprentices within our production department.

Alongside the relationships we’ve developed within our local community, we’ve also built strong connections among a variety of Sheffield based charities. Helping them with donations of board and print, collaborating on projects and providing much needed support.

Lastly, after completing our annual satisfaction survey, it is fantastic to hear for the fifth year in a row 100% of our litho customers would recommend us to others, and this year 100% of our digital customers join them in agreeing they would also recommend us to others. The overall satisfaction of our customers is and will continue to be at the forefront of our priorities, and we are extremely proud to achieve this accomplishment across all areas of our business this year.

My sincere thanks, once again to all our staff, suppliers and customers for their continued support.

Tony Lorriman - Managing Director

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY Customer perspective is incredibly important to us, our relationship with our customers and ability to react to customer needs have played a huge part in our growth over the past 170 years. Our annual customer survey is just one of the ways we gain a better understanding of our customers experiences and priorities.

We are proud to share that our 2024 survey results indicate positive improvement in customer satisfaction, across litho and digital customers. We have achieved high scores in all key areas of the business including product quality, customer service and lead times. Significantly, in this years survey, 100% of participants said they would recommend Loxleys to others.

The results from the annual customer survey will support our 2024 business plan to shape our business decisions for the coming year with the aim of continually improving our services.

Highlights from Loxleys 2024 customer survey

As a way of thanking our customers for taking part in this years survey we have donated £20 per participant, £340 total, to Ignite Imaginations. A Sheffield based arts charity, which hosts creative workshops and events with the aim of improving accessibility to art and creative hobbies.

Emma Waslin, Programme Manager - Ignite Imaginations, shared her thanks “We'd like to say a big THANK YOU to Loxleys for their kind donation. As funding reduces this support helps us to provide free and excellent opportunities to participate in visual arts experiences to underserved communities in Sheffield and work towards our mission to make creative activities accessible to all. Donations like these will support us in continuing to provide free creative activities within marginalised Sheffield communities.”

“Paying forward the time and efforts of our customers by donating to Ignite Imagination is a great way to celebrate the creative industry and accessibility to art for younger generations. Ignite Imagination is a brilliant organisation, I’m very proud that Loxleys have been able to support their work.“ Heather Bull, Marketing Co-ordinator - Loxleys.

We are also pleased to share that we are currently working with Ignite Imaginations on their school holiday art sessions, where they provide creative activities and free lunches for children from all backgrounds.

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK We asked our customers what it was like to work with Loxleys, the following feedback has been provided by our digital and litho customers during the last 12 months.

We have printed our cards with Loxleys for many years, as an active GCA member we knew from the very outset that they would be a trustworthy partner for our business.

PLAN-IT CARDS

Our experience with Loxleys has been nothing short of excellent.

I highly recommend them to anyone in search of a printing company that combines a fluid approach, a progressive mindset, and top-notch quality at competitive prices.

OHH DEER

The best thing about working with Loxleys is the availability of high quality cards in retail-ready packaging.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Loxleys is super accommodating to what I need and their attention to detail is always exceptional.

KERRIE ILLUSTRATES

I’m really happy with the print quality, the finish is lovely and the colours are strong. Really impressive consistency.

CAKE AND CRAYON

We have been working with Loxleys for 8 years now and are delighted with the service. Always approachable and helpful and the quality of the cards is superb.

LAUREN’S COWS

A big thank you for working with me so diligently to get the colour reproduction correct. The end result was well worth it. I have no hesitation in recommending you and your company to others.

CHARLOTTE BIRD

APPRENTICESHIPS AND WORK EXPERIENCE ‘Be Inspired’ Apprentice Event In March we attended the 'Be Inspired' apprenticeship fair hosted by Opportunity Sheffield and Sheffield City Council, where we met with students from across Sheffield to discuss work experience opportunities and apprenticeships in printing and greeting card production.

The fair, which was attended by over 800+ students and 65+ businesses, was a really positive starting point in connecting with the next generation of talent and beginning conversations on the career opportunities available at Loxleys.

Print Apprenticeships As a specialist manufacturer, it's imperative that we invest in the future of our workforce to uphold our expertise and knowledge for years to come. One of the ways we do this is by offering apprenticeships that seamlessly integrate with our production processes and teach valuable practical skills.

Through our trade apprenticeship program, led by BPIF, our apprentices balance theoretical learning with hands-on production training on the factory floor, giving an overview of all areas including health and safety, engineering, and printing. This comprehensive approach enables our apprentices to complete the course as fully qualified machine operators, ready to take the next steps in their career with confidence and experience.

During 2023 we recruited two talented new apprentices, Harry and Harvey, in our litho and digital departments.

Quotes from 2023/24 Apprentices Harvey and Harry I prefer the apprenticeship over the alternatives because it’s more hands on and offers lots of new experiences

It has helped me to build communication skills and confidence

Loxleys is a nice environment to work in, the other workers are easy to talk to and good fun

Image 1-3 apprentices Harvey and Harry busy at work Image 4 Director Gary McCrorie at the 2024 ‘Be Inspired’ recruitment event

APPRENTICESHIPS AND WORK EXPERIENCE Marketing Work Placement During 2023-24 we welcomed our first long term work experience student, a 6 month placement.

Harry, a media and film student from UTC college, joined our marketing department assisting with photography, graphic design and social media management. This internship has been valuable to both Harry and Loxleys, bringing fresh energy and ideas, and as a result we are now expanding our work experience opportunities to a wider range of departments.

“My work placement at Loxleys has already significantly increased the skills I will need for the future, they have given me access to this wealth of information on social media strategy and plenty of opportunities to put my skills into practice.” Harry, Marketing Intern

Examples of outcomes from Harrys work experience role Work Experience Opportunities In the past 12 months we have welcomed students from Meadowhead School, UTC college and Henry Fanshawe for work experience placement, providing hands on experience and preparing them for future employment.

As part of the placement each student spent their time across different departments learning about various processes including printing, specialist finishing (foiling and die cutting) and packaging orders ready for dispatch.

In March 2024 Meadowhead student Edna joined us in our business management and accounts departments, she shared “During my work experience I learnt to work as part of a team, across different departments. It gave me a clear understanding of the job roles at Loxleys” As a long established local employer, it is our responsibility to engage with local schools and colleges to share an insight into career opportunities in print. Over the past 12 months we have continued to build our relationships and connections throughout Sheffield to allow us to access and inspire the next generation of talent.” Tony Lorriman, Loxleys Managing Director

COMMUNITY AND COLLABORATION Supporting Work Ltd During 2023 we have supported Sheffield based charity, WORK Ltd, who offer students with learning disabilities a chance to reach their full potential by developing occupational skills and experiences, through projects like gardening, sewing and up-cycling.

As part of their creative workshops, students at WORK ltd have designed collages representing the different months of the year, taking inspiration from the weather, seasonal events and traditions. The end result was an amazing selection of art work that showcased the range of students creativity and talents.

As a way of supporting WORK Ltd we donated printed ‘Thank You’ cards featuring the students artwork. The cards are sent out in orders placed via WORK’s online shop, where student-made homeware and gifts are available to purchase, helping to raise awareness of the charity’s work.

Heather Bull, Loxleys marketing co-ordinator,headed up this project, here’s her reflection on the collaboration “I have really enjoyed working with WORK ltd staff and service users, the charity is really inspiring and the support they offer is incredible. It was a privilege to learn about the organisation and offer support. ”

The photos above show WORK Ltd proud designers alongside their finished artwork.

Say-it Art Supply Donations Say-it is a Sheffield based charity offering support for young people in the LGBTQ+ community. Their services include social groups, advice for parents and carers, and specialist inclusivity training for schools and workplaces.

Say-it provide a safe space for young LGBTQ+ community to relax and make friends while enjoying a mixture of workshops and group events. In a show of support for Say-its’ amazing work, Loxleys has donated blank greetings cards, envelopes and board for use in creative projects.

COMMUNITY AND COLLABORATION The Printing Charity In the past 12 months we have built a connection with The Printing Charity, the only dedicated charity for people employed in the print sector. The Printing Charity support businesses and individuals across a variety of concerns including physical and mental health, finance management and employment issues. Their main service is a free confidential helpline, available 365 days of the year.

We have been working with the printing charity to raise awareness of their services and how they can be utilised by the Loxleys team. In July, Marianne Steel, relationship manager at the charity visited Loxleys to assist in informing employees of the services and help available.

Mental Health First Aid This year two members of staff completed Mental Health first aid qualifications to give practical skills in spotting the triggers and signs of mental illness and effectively guide a person towards mental health support.

Helen Roberts, our HR & IT Manager, explained the importance of this training and what it will mean for the business going forward “With 1 in 4 people potentially suffering from mental ill-health, I am happy to have been trained so that I can provide non-judgemental support to all our staff”.

The GCA’s Caring at Christmas Campaign The GCA’s Caring at Christmas initiative encourages members to connect with care homes, helping to combat loneliness and spread the festive spirit. For Christmas 2023 the Loxleys team visited the local Valley Wood care home to assist some of the 50 residents in choosing and writing their Christmas cards for family and friends and spending time talking about their favourite Christmas memories and traditions. Many of the residents shared their appreciation for the donated cards and thought the initiative was a wonderful idea to encourage getting in touch with loved ones during the festive period.

“We were so pleased that the team from Loxleys called in to spend time with our residents and help them complete their Christmas cards for family and friends.” Louise Crocker, Valley Wood Manager

Photos 1-2 show residents at Valley Wood care home writing Christmas cards Photo 3 shows Marianne meeting with members of the Loxleys management team

COMMUNITY AND COLLABORATION Industry Involvement Over the past year we have been developing our relationships within the greeting card industry through attending a variety of events and online workshops. As a supplier member of the Greeting Card Association we are actively involved with supporting designers and publishers in developing their businesses and promoting the culture of sending greeting cards.

‘Files, Formats and Finishes’ Webinar Working in partnership with the GCA, Paul Brooks Pre-production director at Loxleys, created and hosted a webinar sharing advice on how to prepare print-ready artwork and add specialist finishes. The webinar, aimed at new and growing greeting card designers, had over 20 attendees, receiving positive feedback as an informative guide for translating designs from concept to creation and removing obstacles to print. The webinar has been recorded and is now available as a resource on the GCA website for future use.

The Henries The Henries, often referred to as the Oscars of the greeting cards industry, celebrates the industry achievements and recognises the best of the best designs. With awards such as ‘Best Diversity and Inclusion range’ and ‘Best Contemporary Trends range’. Loxleys have supported this event for over ten years and in 2023 sponsored the award for ‘Best Children’s range’ which managing director Tony Lorriman presented to category winner Raspberry Blossom.

GCA Local This April Loxleys and GCA council member Wendy-Jones Blackett co-hosted a GCA local meet up in Sheffield Millennium Gallery, where we were joined by designers and suppliers from the local area for an informal catch up over lunch. The Loxleys sales and marketing team attended the local meet up, which was a great success, and an opportunity to catch up with new and existing customers.

For more information on the Greeting Card Association and upcoming events please visit their website: www.gca.cards

Photos showing Managing Director Tony Lorriman and team at a number of GCA events

ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE As shown in the results table below, we have seen improvements in most aspects of our environmental impact. Most significantly, our electricity consumption and packaging usage continues to decline, likely attributed by our investment into greener electricity systems and the increased demand for recyclable packaging. We are pleased to see these figures steadily reducing.

2019

2020

Solvents used (Kg)

5200

2560

4530

3900

2950

Electricity used (Kg)

1,293,393

1,036,322

1,051,545

1,038,967

865,270

Gas (kWh)

460,181

446,103

519,829

422,144

419,656

Water (m3)

1101

956

1006

597

381

Packaging used (Kg)

115,499

95,528

103,916

100, 078

79,678

Plastic used (Kg)

48,285

36,103

36,382

17,347

25,863

2021

2022

2023

FSC certification Following our 2022 audit, we continue to retain our FSC accreditation until 2027. The accreditation is evidence that materials used (boards and envelopes) are sourced with social, environmental and economical factors considered. The FSC certification is part of our wider commitment to the sourcing and development of sustainable products.

Year two of the Paper Banding machine Installed in June 2023 the paper banding line eliminates the use of plastic within the transit bagging process, offering publishers a more sustainable way to group and ship their cards. significantly reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The 6.25 million cards we have banded to date has saved 1.04 tonne of plastic (August 2024)

“There has been a great deal of interest in our paper banding solution with publishers looking to reduce the environmental impact of their greeting cards by removing plastic from the supply chain. One challenge we face is the fact that there is no common way of presenting greeting cards at retail, so investing in new technology as well as modifying our existing packing lines has enabled us to be completely flexible with the sustainable solutions we offer”. Managing Director Tony Lorriman

Photos showing production in full swing on paper bander

ECO-FRIENDLY SOLUTIONS As a trusted manufacturer we believe it is our responsibility to continuously develop eco-friendly solutions that allow our customers to reduce the environmental impact of producing and selling greeting card. Below are some of the eco friendly options offered at Loxleys: Boards and Envelopes There has been significant innovation in environmentally friendly boards and envelopes over the past year, including 100% recycled boards, made with paper, seaweed and cotton waste and 40% grass fibre envelopes. At Loxleys we offer customers a 100% recycled board, acid-free and carbon balanced at source, and are looking to increase our eco-friendly board choices going forward.

Print finishes Popular value adding greeting card finishes glitter, gems and sequins were traditionally made from microplastics, damaging to the environment. We have been closely involved with developing finishes that replicate these effects without using plastic, using coloured foils and embossing effects to replicate 3D elements. As an alternative to traditional glitter we now offer a biodegradable glitter, which uses Eucalyptus cellulose instead of plastic and biodegrades in soil or fresh water.

Packaging We offer a diverse range of packaging options to fit the requirements of publisher and retailers needs.

These currently include: Completely naked and nested cards Paper banded cards, grouped into sets with a paper belly band for easy stock management Secure Seal labels, a consumer friendly and peelable label used to secure the card and envelope Integrated board euro hooks, the industry’s first 100% plastic free integrated euro-hook designed for easy retail display and consumer recycling Biodegradable, compostable and recyclable bags Multipack boxes We welcome peer feedback and suggestions for future development in sustainable practises, to discuss this issue or any other topic mentioned in this report please contact enquiries@loxleys.co.uk

Examples of plastic free packaging used at Loxleys