Platform Summer 2023

ISSUE 44 SUMMER 2023

OUR COMMITMENT TO BECOMING CARBON NEUTRAL

We know how important it is to look after the future of our planet, and as part of BSW Group, we have a goal of transitioning to a carbon-neutral world through the control of our greenhouse gas emissions.

We’re committed to being part of the solution to reduce carbon emissions through more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions, such as our use of biomass boilers across a number of Group sites, rather than natural gas boilers.

Throughout the past few months, we have already measured Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and are currently in the process of mapping out Scope 3 emissions too.

As part of the BSW Group, our journey to become carbon neutral by 2050 will draw on every aspect of our operations, demanding that we make the right decisions now in order to meaningfully lower our impact in the medium to long term. Our strategy for the coming years is to continue to reduce our carbon emissions and promote sustainability in everything we do as a business.

We look forward to sharing more information about our evolving plans and initiatives when they have been finalised later this year.

SECURING COMPLIANCE

Our dedicated SHEQ team has worked tirelessly throughout the last six months to ensure all 10 of our new manufacturing sites across the UK have secured ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) Chain of Custody certification.

These internationally recognised ISO standards are designed to continually monitor and manage quality and identify areas for improvement, provide safe and healthy workplaces, and improve overall health and safety performance.

Rikky Clark, Quality Systems & Compliance Manager at Scott Pallets, said: “We have developed our business management system to incorporate the certification requirements at all sites, fully aligned across the company. Our processes have been improved, and as a result, our people have better access to centralised resources and management tools.

“By ensuring consistent compliance with these standards at all locations, we’re aligning with customer requirements to ensure a smooth on-boarding process, on-going efficiency, and a better, safer and sustainable working environment for our team.”

Our multi-site FSC® Chain of Custody Certification for our manufacturing and recycling of wooden pallets verifies that FSC® certified material has been sourced, controlled, and traceable as it makes its way along the supply chain from the forest to the market.

When it comes to forest-based products, FSC® certification is the sustainable choice you can trust to deliver better outcomes for forests, people and markets – today and for future generations.

New look

As you may have already noticed…we’ve launched a new logo, and we love it! The change sees us visually align with BSW, part of the wider Binderholtz Group, and it’s a natural evolution of our identity –retaining our industry-leading name and familiar corporate colours, while freshening up with a modern new look.

Next up, we recently kicked off a project to redevelop our company website that will improve our online presence, support our focus on sustainable pallet solutions, serve as a valuable resource for our online resources, and present our company’s strengths to potential new employees.

The new website will be live later this year.

Committed to continuous improvement

We’re committed to delivering long-term for our customers – from building relationships to investing in processes that extend pallet lifecycle, and we’re always thinking ahead with sustainable pallet solutions. But, we’re not complacent. We’re always looking for ways to improve our offering to customers, and regularly request customer feedback through annual surveys to hear about your experience of working with us.

In our latest customer survey, we gathered many useful insights to use in our plans for the future. Here’re some highlights:

Joining up with BSW

We’re proactively continuing to find the best ways of working together with the teams at BSW to ensure our customers benefit from our unique industry offering and the most sustainable pallet solutions.

Our sales team recently visited BSW’s Carlisle site for a sawmill tour and team meeting.

New substation Ellesmere Port

Following delays caused by Covid and planning consent, ground was finally broken for a new HV substation at our Ellesmere Port site in Spring 2023, and we are aiming for completion, including the relocation of Distribution Network Operator (DNO) assets, in October.

We have been working in partnership with the DNO to ensure this investment will not only future proof the site but also ensures compliance with DNO regulations.

Getting to know...

Time with the business:

I joined in August 2009 and have been with the business for 14 years.

Area of responsibility:

As the Non-Timber Procurement Manager my responsibilities include managing the purchasing team, leveraging group deals, ensuring adherence to group procedures to ensure we add value to the business and keep the risks to a minimum, securing the right product at the right price, to the right place, and of the right quality.

Background experience:

When I joined the business, I was first employed as a junior administration assistant, then moved on to develop my career and took on variety of roles including; purchasing assistant, materials controller, and senior materials controller, before moving into my current role. I recently completed Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Level 4, which, combined with the experience built up in previous roles has provided me with the skills and knowledge to support our business to the best of my ability.

Current challenges:

As our business has grown across multiple geographies, we’re developing our capabilities to access better group deals and data as a whole.

Favourite part of the job:

Working with different departments across the business and supporting them in finding solutions to their requirements. I love problem solving and there are bits of that in each day within procurement. Each day is different, and every day is a school day!

Samantha Hawkes, Procurement Manager

– Non-Timber