When UK manufacturers, Paper Innovation invested over half a million pounds back in 2010, there was an element of risk.  The country was in a financial crisis, threatening to slip back into recession and no-one knew if or when things would improve.  Having had a business grant approved and then retracted by the new 2010 government, moving forwards with the planned investment without external backing stretched the company to its limits.

Two years on and the gamble is steadily paying off.  The investment instantly invigorated the product range from basic pads to a new calibre of paper promotional items, incorporating case-making, wire and perfect bindery technologies as well as high-spec digital print and lamination equipment.  Hard work and imaginative product development have brought business from major blue chip companies, such as Google, British Airways, BBC and Disney, keen to find innovative, high quality promotional items to maintain their brand identity through challenging times.

As the company adapted, the time seemed right to appraise every aspect of the business, from lighting to fuel consumption and from raw material selection to waste separation ensuring them to be more environmentally responsible.  Managing director, Steve Johnston, feels the exercise was worthwhile, “It is satisfying to know that we are using every resource to its optimum potential and our waste and impact on the environment is absolutely minimal.  We have also reduced energy, material and labour costs through this undertaking, which businesses should be aware of, as many think a greener approach is more expensive.”

Some initiatives will take longer to pay back than others, but the investment is not just about financial reward, but maintaining the company’s environmental and manufacturing ethos.  The company only sell products that are fully manufactured on their Preston premises and do not import components from overseas.  “We feel strongly about British manufacturing,” says Lancashire-born Steve.  “It is beneficial for the British economy and environment and we are giving our customers the best possible price and service by keeping full production under our own roof.”

In the current state of economic decline in Britain, Paper Innovation strive to be at the forefront of businesses attempting to lead the way out of the recession, helping towards a brighter future for all.

Published on: November 16th, 2012