2016 / 2017 MANUFACTURING & SERVICES

A YEAR IN PERSPECTIVE

FOREWORDS Th e Rt Hon Th eresa May MP Stephen Elliot Philip Law

CHEMICALS, PLASTICS & COSMETICS REPRESENTATIVES DS Smith Plastics Applied Coating Technologies Farrel RJG Technologies Amaray Scientifi c Management International Abril Industrial Waxes Chamcotec Union Colours Essential Earth Stort Chemicals Scent Perfi que SI Protech Trent Oil Lubricants Radici Group Performance Plastics

FEATURES Review of the Year Review of Parliament

©2017 WESTMINSTER PUBLICATIONS www.theparliamentaryreview.co.uk

Foreword

Th e Rt Hon Th eresa May MP Prime Minister

This year’s Parliamentary Review follows a significant deliver the next phase of high-speed rail, improve our year in British politics. It was a year in which our energy infrastructure and support the development of economy continued to grow, as the Government automated vehicles and satellite technology, building followed its balanced plan to keep the public finances a modern economy which creates the high-skill jobs of under control while investing to build a stronger the future. economy. It was a year in which we began to deliver At the same time, work needs to be done to build a on the result of the EU referendum by triggering Article fairer society – where people can go as far as their 50 and publishing the Repeal Bill, which will allow for a talents will take them and no one is held back because smooth and orderly transition as the UK leaves the EU, of their background. So we will continue to work to maximising certainty for individuals and businesses. ensure every child has the opportunity to attend a good And, of course, it was a year in which the General school. We will continue to invest in the NHS and reform Election showed that parts of our country remain mental health legislation, making this a priority. And divided and laid a fresh challenge to all of us involved we will work to address the challenges of social care for in politics to resolve our differences, deal with injustices our ageing population, bringing forward proposals for and take, not shirk, the big decisions. consultation to build widespread support.

That is why our programme for government for the So this is a Government determined to deliver the best coming year is about recognising and grasping the Brexit deal, intent on building a stronger economy opportunities that lie ahead for the United Kingdom and a fairer society, committed to keeping our country as we leave the EU. The referendum vote last year was safe, enhancing our standing in the wider world, and not just a vote to leave the EU – it was a profound bringing our United Kingdom closer together. We will and justified expression that our country often does continue to put ourselves at the service of millions of not work the way it should for millions of ordinary ordinary working people for whom we will work every working families. So we need to deliver a Brexit deal day in the national interest. that works for all parts of the UK, while continuing to build a stronger, fairer country by strengthening our economy, tackling injustice and promoting opportunity “ and aspiration. This year’s Parliamentary In the year ahead we will continue to bring down the deficit so that young people do not spend most of their Review follows a significant working lives paying for our failure to live within our “year in British politics means. We will take action to build a stronger economy so that we can improve people’s living standards and fund the public services on which we all depend. We will continue with our modern Industrial Strategy,

FOREWORD | 1 Foreword Foreword

Stephen Elliot Philip Law Chief Executive of the Chemical Director General of the Industries Association British Plastics Federation

In chemical and pharmaceutical businesses there is a There is more we would like to do to improve our The UK Plastics industry is crucial to the UK’s economic future importance of shale gas as a competitive source continued feeling of optimism about the UK as chief reputation, which involves listening to feedback and success. Its products support many other sectors, including of raw materials. We will also focus on innovation in executives look to the year ahead. While of course comments about the industry. There is an argument car production, healthcare, construction and packaging energy-efficient products and develop our manufacturing we are all monitoring and seeking to influence Brexit that in certain circumstances the best thing to do, – to name but a few. Our annual sales turnover is efficiency by exploring the possibilities of Industry 4.0. negotiations and the challenges it poses, right now our reputation-wise, is to simply listen. Not every point, £23.5 billion and we are one of the UK’s biggest In the light of Brexit it is imperative that the Government businesses feel positive about the outlook. And that every issue or every view demands an immediate industrial employers, with a workforce of 166,000. recognises the importance of the UK plastics industry to view is from an industry where companies, in survey comment. It can be better to not only give the the entire manufacturing and distributive sectors and is after survey, said they did not want our country to leave appearance of listening or to listen just in order to reply; Plastics will be the material of the 21st century. Their correspondingly supportive. the European Union. What matters is to get the best but to really listen to understand. light weight brings energy savings and reduces pollution in transport applications. Their excellent insulation outcome for the UK but also for the EU – our biggest We are players in an international industry. We import You don’t build a reputation by continually banging on properties provide energy efficiencies in buildings. As the customer market. over 50% of our raw materials and most of our about your own issues and not listening to the views global population rises, plastics packaging will prevent processing equipment. A significant degree of UK At the time of the last Review the Department for of others. It is by regularly and proactively listening – food wastage through its durability, effective barriers industry is foreign owned – as are our customers. Full Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy had just been something our companies do week in week out through and tight seals. established. We had the name. Now we have a better town hall meetings on issues such as shale gas – that we access to the European single market is therefore crucial idea of government thinking with the green paper can really drive a sustained change in the perception of The British Plastics Federation (BPF), which represents the for our competitiveness. published earlier this year. In our response we set our industry and, more broadly, business. entire sweep of the industry including raw material supply, We are the third largest manufacturing sector in terms out how, in partnership with government, we could machinery and equipment suppliers, plastic processors of employment. Over 18,000 of our employees are from decarbonise the economy, continue to provide jobs and recyclers, is the oldest plastics trade federation in other EU Member States. We need assurance that their for thousands of skilled workers and set the innovative the world and the only one to represent all aspects of the working rights will be undiminished and that we will

future the like of which the world has not seen. industry under one umbrella — a true one-stop-shop for have full access to the manpower we require to develop plastics. This provides the UK plastics industry with a great

the industry. An important part of our work is our reputation and competitive advantage. We have an extensive global reach ensuring that we listen to the public and to opinion and our website is one of the most authoritative platforms In chemical and “ There will inevitably be a focus on overseas business leaders. In the latest survey across 12 European for plastics in the English language (visit: www.bpf.co.uk). development. We need the full support of the UK countries, the UK came a close second to Finland with pharmaceutical businesses We can source market intelligence from all corners of the Government export programmes, particularly aimed at both audiences and, in 16 ‘Reputation Drivers’ we are globe and create real economies of scale. small and medium-sized enterprises. first or equal first in eight, second or equal second in “there is a continued feeling seven and third in the other. We want our reputation to of optimism about the UK The good news is that the UK is a global leader in all these The UK plastics industry should certainly be on MPs’ be as high as it can be, and we are not complacent. The areas – and we plan to consolidate this position. The British radar screens as they are likely to have one or more UK general public’s view of the net benefits of chemicals Plastics Federation has launched a strategy, which maps plastics companies in their constituencies. These local versus the risk are 47% (survey average is 24) and with out the critical requirements to keep the UK a key global companies may contact MPs to discuss these points opinion leaders it is 48% (average is 38%). player. We have set ourselves a progressive environmental – so please be mindful of all that the plastics industry agenda, building on recycling achievements, embarked brings to the UK and help us remain a key player on the on an education and skills initiative and pointed to the international stage.

2 | FOREWORD FOREWORD | 3 Foreword

Philip Law Director General of the British Plastics Federation

The UK Plastics industry is crucial to the UK’s economic future importance of shale gas as a competitive source success. Its products support many other sectors, including of raw materials. We will also focus on innovation in car production, healthcare, construction and packaging energy-efficient products and develop our manufacturing – to name but a few. Our annual sales turnover is efficiency by exploring the possibilities of Industry 4.0. £23.5 billion and we are one of the UK’s biggest In the light of Brexit it is imperative that the Government industrial employers, with a workforce of 166,000. recognises the importance of the UK plastics industry to Plastics will be the material of the 21st century. Their the entire manufacturing and distributive sectors and is light weight brings energy savings and reduces pollution correspondingly supportive. in transport applications. Their excellent insulation We are players in an international industry. We import properties provide energy efficiencies in buildings. As the over 50% of our raw materials and most of our global population rises, plastics packaging will prevent processing equipment. A significant degree of UK food wastage through its durability, effective barriers industry is foreign owned – as are our customers. Full and tight seals. access to the European single market is therefore crucial The British Plastics Federation (BPF), which represents the for our competitiveness. entire sweep of the industry including raw material supply, We are the third largest manufacturing sector in terms machinery and equipment suppliers, plastic processors of employment. Over 18,000 of our employees are from and recyclers, is the oldest plastics trade federation in other EU Member States. We need assurance that their the world and the only one to represent all aspects of the working rights will be undiminished and that we will industry under one umbrella — a true one-stop-shop for have full access to the manpower we require to develop plastics. This provides the UK plastics industry with a great the industry. competitive advantage. We have an extensive global reach and our website is one of the most authoritative platforms There will inevitably be a focus on overseas business for plastics in the English language (visit: www.bpf.co.uk). development. We need the full support of the UK We can source market intelligence from all corners of the Government export programmes, particularly aimed at globe and create real economies of scale. small and medium-sized enterprises.

The good news is that the UK is a global leader in all these The UK plastics industry should certainly be on MPs’ areas – and we plan to consolidate this position. The British radar screens as they are likely to have one or more Plastics Federation has launched a strategy, which maps plastics companies in their constituencies. These local out the critical requirements to keep the UK a key global companies may contact MPs to discuss these points player. We have set ourselves a progressive environmental – so please be mindful of all that the plastics industry agenda, building on recycling achievements, embarked brings to the UK and help us remain a key player on the on an education and skills initiative and pointed to the international stage.

FOREWORD | 3 Andrew Neil Review of the Year

Return of the Two Party System Overview

The BBC’s Andrew Neil gives his take Nationalist party and a resurgent The referendum, however, reversed The UK is ‘top heavy’ in services, with on the state of Parliament following Tory party representing the Union. the decline. The Brexit vote ended the just 10% of gross domestic product the June 2017 general election. Two-party politics was back north schism on the Eurosceptic Right as (GDP) from manufacturing, although of the border. UKIP voters returned to the Tory fold; 68% of business research and It was a year in which politicians and those on the Left of the Greens development (R&D) is in manufacturing. learned not only of the power of So we should have been prepared and the Lib Dems flocked to Jeremy While the 10% proportion is consistent a referendum to overrule the will for something similar when Britain Corbyn’s more ‘Red Flag’ Labour with other G20 countries (Britain is the voted 52% to 48% to leave the of Parliament – but of its power offering. So, as in Scotland previously, 9th biggest manufacturing economy), European Union in the June 2016 to change the party system in two-party politics was back with a government recognises the need to referendum. At the time, we which they operate. Nobody saw vengeance in England too. diversify the economy. Increasing remarked on the power of referenda this coming. But, in retrospect, the number of profitable, high-tech to overrule both the Commons But without one crucial element. Our perhaps we should have, since we manufacturing firms – often with well- (where MPs were 65% pro-EU) historic two-party system regularly had the fallout from the Scottish paid jobs – is a good way. And with and the Lords (probably 80% produced one-party government referendum to guide us. new technology and a more engaged pro-EU). What we did not see was for the life of a Parliament. But our The Rt Hon Greg Clark MP was one of several media, the sector is being seen in a new In the autumn of 2014 the Scots how the Brexit referendum would new two-party system has produced speakers at the EEF Brexit, reshoring, better and cheaper way by a greater number of people and voted 55%-45% to remain part of the reconfigure English politics just a hung Parliament with no party National Conference, technology, competition, digitisation, is losing its ‘oily factory worker’ stigma. United Kingdom. That was supposed as the Scottish referendum had having an overall majority. This addressing the challenges and how people will work in the to settle the matter of Scottish redrawn Scottish politics. knife-edge parliamentary arithmetic and opportunities Technology, especially factory that face the UK’s future have all converged to make independence for a generation, until means the smaller parties may be automation, is increasingly replacing So we were taken by surprise for a manufacturing sector manufacturing examine its place in the some Scottish Nationalists began down – but they are not out. lower-skilled repetitive jobs, meaning second time. In this year’s general British economy more keenly than ever regarding a generation as no more that more of the jobs that remain The Conservatives need an alliance than a couple of years. But in post- election – perhaps the single biggest before. That was evident at Engineering with one small party (Ulster’s DUP) require engineering skills, soft skills and referendum elections to Holyrood act of self-harm a sitting government Employers’ Federation’s (EEF)’s National to be sure of a majority. Even then, management and are more enriching and Westminster, it also recast the has ever inflicted on itself – almost Conference in February where over 850 with the Tories and Labour divided and better paid than before. Scottish party system. 85% in England voted either people swelled to hear from the Rt Hon Conservative or Labour. The English over Brexit, no majority on any issue Greg Clark MP, columnist Martin Wolf, However, many sectors and businesses Remember, Scotland had been one had not voted in such numbers for will be certain and on many votes businesswoman Jo Malone and others still rely heavily on semi-skilled, lower- of the first parts of the UK to throw both major parties since 1970, when the smaller parties will be pivotal in about the importance of this once paid work to assemble and process off the British two-party system the post-war two-party system began determining many outcomes. neglected sector. products such as food and utility and replace it with a multi-party to wane – and declined in subsequent So politicians return from goods, and skilled specialist work such choice of SNP, Labour, Tory, Green, The news, in general, is pretty good. elections to a point where barely their summer recess to a great as car assembly, which is secure, is not Lib Dem and even UKIP. But as the 65% voted Tory or Labour, parliamentary paradox: the two-party There is the optimistic view and the highly paid. Brexit has boosted exports constitutional issue took centre- encouraging some commentators to system has resurrected itself but rather more pessimistic view on the future of by devaluing the pound, however it has stage – and remained there even think the decline terminal. than bringing with it the stability and manufacturing, the pessimism being increased input costs for many firms after the referendum – Scottish certainty of the two-party politics of driven by Brexit fears and a sharp fall which buy raw materials from Europe. voters coalesced round a binary old, almost every major vote in the in automotive investment this year Generally, manufacturing as a sector choice: for or against independence. months ahead will be uncertain and to £644 million (forecast) from the has had a strong half year. The Markit unpredictable – and politics will be Thus was a new two-party system £2.5 billion it recorded in 2014. Some /CIPS UK manufacturing Purchasing peculiarly unstable. Power will rest in born of a centre-left Nationalist facts are unambiguous. Productivity Managers Index (PMI), the widely- Parliament. Government will be able party (the SNP) and a centre-right in the UK compared with our peer accepted barometer of manufacturing to take nothing for granted. No vote Unionist party (the Scottish Tories). group in Europe is low, although this health, jumped to 57.3 in April from will be in the bag until all the votes The other parties have not been baffles many in manufacturing who 54.2 in March – the highest level are counted. Westminster will have completely obliterated, especially have invested years on making their in three years. Forward to July and a new lease of life – perhaps even in Holyrood with its peculiar voting processes and people much leaner. industrial output has slipped. But, a spring in its step. Our democracy system. But by the general election In fact, EEF can demonstrate that for industry, the UK is in stable and might be all the better for it. of 2017 Scotland had become productivity in the manufacturing modestly-growing territory. Other a battle between a dominant sector is higher than in services. countries are growing faster, though. Neil believes two referendums have redrawn the map of British politics. 4 | ANDREW NEIL Andrew Neil Review of theMANUFACTURING Year & SERVICES

Return of the Two Party System Overview

The BBC’s Andrew Neil gives his take Nationalist party and a resurgent The referendum, however, reversed The UK is ‘top heavy’ in services, with on the state of Parliament following Tory party representing the Union. the decline. The Brexit vote ended the just 10% of gross domestic product the June 2017 general election. Two-party politics was back north schism on the Eurosceptic Right as (GDP) from manufacturing, although of the border. UKIP voters returned to the Tory fold; 68% of business research and It was a year in which politicians and those on the Left of the Greens development (R&D) is in manufacturing. learned not only of the power of So we should have been prepared and the Lib Dems flocked to Jeremy While the 10% proportion is consistent a referendum to overrule the will for something similar when Britain Corbyn’s more ‘Red Flag’ Labour with other G20 countries (Britain is the voted 52% to 48% to leave the of Parliament – but of its power offering. So, as in Scotland previously, 9th biggest manufacturing economy), European Union in the June 2016 to change the party system in two-party politics was back with a government recognises the need to referendum. At the time, we which they operate. Nobody saw vengeance in England too. diversify the economy. Increasing remarked on the power of referenda this coming. But, in retrospect, the number of profitable, high-tech to overrule both the Commons But without one crucial element. Our perhaps we should have, since we manufacturing firms – often with well- (where MPs were 65% pro-EU) historic two-party system regularly had the fallout from the Scottish paid jobs – is a good way. And with and the Lords (probably 80% produced one-party government referendum to guide us. new technology and a more engaged pro-EU). What we did not see was for the life of a Parliament. But our The Rt Hon Greg Clark MP was one of several media, the sector is being seen in a new In the autumn of 2014 the Scots how the Brexit referendum would new two-party system has produced speakers at the EEF Brexit, reshoring, better and cheaper way by a greater number of people and voted 55%-45% to remain part of the reconfigure English politics just a hung Parliament with no party National Conference, technology, competition, digitisation, is losing its ‘oily factory worker’ stigma. United Kingdom. That was supposed as the Scottish referendum had having an overall majority. This addressing the challenges and how people will work in the to settle the matter of Scottish redrawn Scottish politics. knife-edge parliamentary arithmetic and opportunities Technology, especially factory that face the UK’s future have all converged to make independence for a generation, until means the smaller parties may be automation, is increasingly replacing So we were taken by surprise for a manufacturing sector manufacturing examine its place in the some Scottish Nationalists began down – but they are not out. lower-skilled repetitive jobs, meaning second time. In this year’s general British economy more keenly than ever regarding a generation as no more that more of the jobs that remain The Conservatives need an alliance than a couple of years. But in post- election – perhaps the single biggest before. That was evident at Engineering with one small party (Ulster’s DUP) require engineering skills, soft skills and referendum elections to Holyrood act of self-harm a sitting government Employers’ Federation’s (EEF)’s National to be sure of a majority. Even then, management and are more enriching and Westminster, it also recast the has ever inflicted on itself – almost Conference in February where over 850 with the Tories and Labour divided and better paid than before. Scottish party system. 85% in England voted either people swelled to hear from the Rt Hon Conservative or Labour. The English over Brexit, no majority on any issue Greg Clark MP, columnist Martin Wolf, However, many sectors and businesses Remember, Scotland had been one had not voted in such numbers for will be certain and on many votes businesswoman Jo Malone and others still rely heavily on semi-skilled, lower- of the first parts of the UK to throw both major parties since 1970, when the smaller parties will be pivotal in about the importance of this once paid work to assemble and process off the British two-party system the post-war two-party system began determining many outcomes. neglected sector. products such as food and utility and replace it with a multi-party to wane – and declined in subsequent So politicians return from goods, and skilled specialist work such choice of SNP, Labour, Tory, Green, The news, in general, is pretty good. elections to a point where barely their summer recess to a great as car assembly, which is secure, is not Lib Dem and even UKIP. But as the 65% voted Tory or Labour, parliamentary paradox: the two-party There is the optimistic view and the highly paid. Brexit has boosted exports constitutional issue took centre- encouraging some commentators to system has resurrected itself but rather more pessimistic view on the future of by devaluing the pound, however it has stage – and remained there even think the decline terminal. than bringing with it the stability and manufacturing, the pessimism being increased input costs for many firms after the referendum – Scottish certainty of the two-party politics of driven by Brexit fears and a sharp fall which buy raw materials from Europe. voters coalesced round a binary old, almost every major vote in the in automotive investment this year Generally, manufacturing as a sector choice: for or against independence. months ahead will be uncertain and to £644 million (forecast) from the has had a strong half year. The Markit unpredictable – and politics will be Thus was a new two-party system £2.5 billion it recorded in 2014. Some /CIPS UK manufacturing Purchasing peculiarly unstable. Power will rest in born of a centre-left Nationalist facts are unambiguous. Productivity Managers Index (PMI), the widely- Parliament. Government will be able party (the SNP) and a centre-right in the UK compared with our peer accepted barometer of manufacturing to take nothing for granted. No vote Unionist party (the Scottish Tories). group in Europe is low, although this health, jumped to 57.3 in April from will be in the bag until all the votes The other parties have not been baffles many in manufacturing who 54.2 in March – the highest level are counted. Westminster will have completely obliterated, especially have invested years on making their in three years. Forward to July and a new lease of life – perhaps even in Holyrood with its peculiar voting processes and people much leaner. industrial output has slipped. But, a spring in its step. Our democracy system. But by the general election In fact, EEF can demonstrate that for industry, the UK is in stable and might be all the better for it. of 2017 Scotland had become productivity in the manufacturing modestly-growing territory. Other a battle between a dominant sector is higher than in services. countries are growing faster, though. Neil believes two referendums have redrawn the map of British politics. 4 | ANDREW NEIL REVIEW OF THE YEAR | 5 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Review of the Year

‘Everyone is looking at manufacturing. It to build on Britain’s strengths and tackle are being seen as valuable and effective. innovation ecosystem that Catapults is essential to take into context that much its underlying weaknesses to secure a They are reaching more SMEs, and and Innovate UK represent are helping of the rest of the world is doing much future as a competitive, global nation.’ while they can never reach them all, the SMEs, not only big companies.’ better,’ says Engineering Employers’ A systemic weakness in the Federation’s (EEF) Chief Economist, Lee manufacturing base and the economy Hopley. ‘Global growth forecasts for restrains the levels of exports. Total many countries are ahead of ours.’ Chemicals: Brexit, industrial strategy and exports of goods and services in In January, the Government launched 2016 were circa £550 billion, with future innovation proposals for ‘a modern industrial strategy manufacturing comprising 45% of this. A survey of member companies of the Packaging of chemicals,’ says CIA Chief Chemical Industries Association (CIA) Executive, Stephen Elliott. highlighted that retaining tariff-free ‘Our industry is highly regulated, and access to the EU single market is the Industrial Strategy has to be, in order to give assurance. biggest concern. Frictionless trade, Chemical businesses across the UK The Industrial Strategy, the detail of regulatory consistency and access to will be grateful for any certainty and which is expected to come in the 2017 skilled workers are identified as the continuity that this Bill provides.’ Autumn Statement, is designed to priorities to maintain UK chemical thread together current government and industry growth in the light of Brexit. If UK companies are no longer allowed industry investments across research, to register chemicals for export to the More than three-quarters of the industry, skills development, energy EU under REACH and have to go via member companies surveyed by CIA and infrastructure. It is also expected to a EU-based representative, the cost of in March and April 2017 said that the include new ambitious plans in areas compliance with the regulations will introduction of customs barriers would such as digitisation, robotics, artificial Brexit presents a increase greatly. The vast majority of have a significant impact on their intelligence and energy storage, and challenging time the CIA survey respondents believe for the UK chemical businesses. At least 40% of the UK’s that regulatory continuity is going to stitch these together into a single, industry cogent national strategy. chemical exports are destined for the be critical. EU, CIA says, and about two-thirds of The Government’s green paper on It has 10 pillars, ranging from investing these would be subject to tariffs should industrial strategy, which was published in science, research and innovation to the UK leave the single market without in January, was described by CIA as a rebalancing growth across the whole a trade agreement. country, by providing development The Prime Minister ‘golden opportunity’ to build on the received a short tour funding for big infrastructure upgrades A similar proportion of chemical work that has already been done by It says skills shortfalls in some parts of of the facilities at the such as the Midlands Rail Hub and imports from the EU into the UK the Chemistry Growth Partnership the country contribute to imbalances National Science and Northern Powerhouse Rail. Innovation Campus while would be affected by tariffs, pushing since it was established in 2013. This in productivity in the UK, as shown launching proposals up prices of raw materials for strategic collaboration brings together in a recent Confederation of British for building a Modern ‘The Industrial Strategy is crucial,’ says downstream manufacturers. CIA adds industry, trade unions and Government Industry (CBI) report, highlighting Industrial Strategy Terry Scuoler, Chief Executive Officer that some key raw materials used by to reinforce the strength of the UK education and skills as the biggest of the manufacturers’ organisation, UK manufacturing industries have no chemical sector. The hope is that its determinants of regional variations in the Engineering Employers’ Federation alternative non-EU source. work will lay the foundation for a productivity. It pushes for more and (EEF). ‘Currently the economy is on an Sector Deal for the chemical industry. better technical training. even keel and manufacturing is quite Certainty over the regulatory landscape The sector should also benefit from robust. While the sun is shining you fix In the Budget, the Government is also important, and a key priority for some of the additional £2 billion in the roof, and Government has seen we announced new money for technical CIA is to secure regulatory continuity as research and development (R&D) have to do it now,’ he emphasises. education to fund the new T-Level part of the Repeal Bill. investment via the Industry Challenge qualification for technical education. Fund that the green paper introduced. The strategy is full of good things, of ‘For years now UK companies have The Government said it was ‘the most which industrialists across the board, complied with European Union In the absence of domestic fracking ambitious post-16 education reform from the silver-haired director to the chemicals regulations including REACH production, INEOS landed its first shale since the introduction of A-levels.’ 20-something design engineer, will – the regulation for the Registration, gas from the US at its Grangemouth approve. Few would argue with its Scuoler says of the Industrial Strategy Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction refinery in September, having invested in top pillar: investing in research and ‘Politicians are becoming more aligned of chemicals – and CLP – the regulation a fleet of ships to transport the ethane development (R&D) and developing skills. with industry and its needs. Catapults for the Classification, Labelling and across the Atlantic. The Grangemouth

6 | REVIEW OF THE YEAR MANUFACTURING & SERVICES

are being seen as valuable and effective. innovation ecosystem that Catapults They are reaching more SMEs, and and Innovate UK represent are helping while they can never reach them all, the SMEs, not only big companies.’

Chemicals: Brexit, industrial strategy and future innovation

A survey of member companies of the Packaging of chemicals,’ says CIA Chief Chemical Industries Association (CIA) Executive, Stephen Elliott. highlighted that retaining tariff-free ‘Our industry is highly regulated, and access to the EU single market is the has to be, in order to give assurance. biggest concern. Frictionless trade, Chemical businesses across the UK regulatory consistency and access to will be grateful for any certainty and skilled workers are identified as the continuity that this Bill provides.’ priorities to maintain UK chemical industry growth in the light of Brexit. If UK companies are no longer allowed to register chemicals for export to the More than three-quarters of the EU under REACH and have to go via member companies surveyed by CIA a EU-based representative, the cost of in March and April 2017 said that the compliance with the regulations will Brexit presents a introduction of customs barriers would increase greatly. The vast majority of challenging time have a significant impact on their the CIA survey respondents believe for the UK chemical businesses. At least 40% of the UK’s that regulatory continuity is going to industry chemical exports are destined for the be critical. EU, CIA says, and about two-thirds of The Government’s green paper on these would be subject to tariffs should industrial strategy, which was published the UK leave the single market without in January, was described by CIA as a a trade agreement. ‘golden opportunity’ to build on the A similar proportion of chemical work that has already been done by imports from the EU into the UK the Chemistry Growth Partnership would be affected by tariffs, pushing since it was established in 2013. This up prices of raw materials for strategic collaboration brings together downstream manufacturers. CIA adds industry, trade unions and Government that some key raw materials used by to reinforce the strength of the UK UK manufacturing industries have no chemical sector. The hope is that its alternative non-EU source. work will lay the foundation for a Sector Deal for the chemical industry. Certainty over the regulatory landscape The sector should also benefit from is also important, and a key priority for some of the additional £2 billion in CIA is to secure regulatory continuity as research and development (R&D) part of the Repeal Bill. investment via the Industry Challenge Fund that the green paper introduced. ‘For years now UK companies have complied with European Union In the absence of domestic fracking chemicals regulations including REACH production, INEOS landed its first shale – the regulation for the Registration, gas from the US at its Grangemouth Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction refinery in September, having invested in of chemicals – and CLP – the regulation a fleet of ships to transport the ethane for the Classification, Labelling and across the Atlantic. The Grangemouth

REVIEW OF THE YEAR | 7 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Review of the Year

cracker had been running at below new bio-based products and processes 57% of all plastics bottles are recycled products like bottles with a foam half capacity for the previous three at a commercially relevant scale, and and the bottle recycling collection rate structure that uses 30% less material. years because of a lack of affordable speed up commercialisation of products in Wales has actually reached 75%.’ The product is just as strong as a ethane, and INEOS will recommission from biomass such as plants, algae normal moulded part but uses less A barrier to more recycling is the the second, mothballed, cracker at the and waste. plastic. Several companies are adopting site that has been gathering dust since disharmony of local authorities’ Raw materials are not the only concern it in the UK, such as ZoteFoams in 2008. The price of US gas remains collection policies, where a more regarding process inputs: the chemical Croydon, leaders in making bottles cheaper than that sourced from Europe. approach standard would promote for cosmetic products. Its Neocell industry is, necessarily, a high-energy economies of scale and transfer of INEOS also bought the oil and gas user, and the cost of electricity is a real best practice. The industry is highly product for yoghurt pots, for example, business of Denmark’s DONG Energy worry. ‘The UK is paying anything up innovative and has recently won has achieved up to 26% weight for a shade over a billion dollars, as to 80% more for its electricity than awards for ground-breaking schemes reduction per unit. The technique well as BP’s Forties pipeline. However, competitor countries,’ claims CIA’s to recycle hospital face masks and is becoming more popular in the in the long term, bio-based feedstocks Elliott. ‘The longer that continues the greetings cards. The BPF organises a automotive industry. will become more important to the more it becomes a disincentive for Plastics Industry Recycling Action Plan chemical industry, and are already solution-providing foundation industries Addressing the industry’s main to which the plastics industry, brand starting to make inroads into the such as chemicals to invest in the UK.’ challenges, in 2018 the BPF will owners and retailers have signed up. personal care and plastics markets. Oil sponsor an academic study into the CIA believes the abolition of the carbon For plastic milk bottles, for example, and gas supplies are not finite, and relative efficiency of new types of price support tax and an extension recycling is very high – over 75% are renewable sources, from crops to waste polymer and is working to increase of the energy-intensive industries successfully recycled. streams, represent a huge opportunity awareness among politicians about the compensation package to a wider range for chemicals manufacturers. Technology is driving better products. business opportunities available in the of businesses would be important steps MuCell technology is a way of making plastics industry. The formation of BioPilots UK in to ensure the future competitiveness October looks to position the UK as a of the industry. ‘Secure and affordable global leader in biorefining technology energy is a prerequisite for a stronger development and bio-based product manufacturing base which I believe manufacture. The alliance of five the world’s fifth largest economy must Brexit’s overall effect on manufacturing centres (Beacon in Wales, York’s urgently address. It is also integral to projecting £644 million for the year. Biorenewables Development Centre, the the chemical industry’s long term future This is in stark contrast to 2014 when Centre for Process Innovation in Redcar, in the UK and its ability to contribute to the automotive sector spent a cool IBioIC in Scotland and Norwich’s an Industrial Strategy that works for all,’ £2.5 billion on plant, kit, buildings and Biorefinery Centre) aims to demonstrate Elliott added. training. But commentators, including the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders, pointed out that auto Plastics: Waste, sustainability sector investment is cyclical and 2014 levels were at the top of the cycle in an and manufacturing methods exceptional year.

The UK plastics industry is taking big of end-of-life products. There is a Jefferson Group, a recruitment agency strides to reduce waste and improve measurable reduction in the weight of specialising in manufacturing and sustainability. ‘This has been a big plastics products and plastics are highly engineering, counted 200 separate web The decision to leave the theme for years,’ says the British Plastics resource efficient, compared with EU will have ramifications news stories from December 2016 to Federation’s Director General, Philip Law. some materials. for UK manufacturing Just over a year after our decision to June 2017 that related to ‘significant’ in the immediate future, leave the European Union, it is still manufacturing investment; capital ‘Companies are constantly trying to ‘Plastics recycling has progressed and in the long term very difficult to gauge exactly what expenditure of more than £1 million, or reduce the amount of material in, for rapidly and it’s not only packaging,’ the consequences will be for the a new research centre, training centre example, a packaging mould, without says Law. ‘For example, well over a manufacturing industry. or new manufacturing/distribution park. losing its physical performance, and also million PVC window frames have been trying to reduce energy consumption.’ recycled in the UK and we are second Increases in the amounts of recyclable In July, figures reported in The Financial While pharma is concerned about only to Germany here. The overall Times showed that investment in the effects of extracting the UK The industry is doing a lot with its plastics are positive plastics packaging recycling rate has indicators of increased the UK car industry had fallen to just pharmaceutical industry from supply chain to minimise the impact sustainability now reached 45%. Within that figure, £322 million in the first half of 2017, EU regulation, this did not stop

8 | REVIEW OF THE YEAR MANUFACTURING & SERVICES

57% of all plastics bottles are recycled products like bottles with a foam and the bottle recycling collection rate structure that uses 30% less material. in Wales has actually reached 75%.’ The product is just as strong as a normal moulded part but uses less A barrier to more recycling is the plastic. Several companies are adopting disharmony of local authorities’ it in the UK, such as ZoteFoams in collection policies, where a more Croydon, leaders in making bottles approach standard would promote for cosmetic products. Its Neocell economies of scale and transfer of best practice. The industry is highly product for yoghurt pots, for example, innovative and has recently won has achieved up to 26% weight awards for ground-breaking schemes reduction per unit. The technique to recycle hospital face masks and is becoming more popular in the greetings cards. The BPF organises a automotive industry. Plastics Industry Recycling Action Plan Addressing the industry’s main to which the plastics industry, brand challenges, in 2018 the BPF will owners and retailers have signed up. sponsor an academic study into the For plastic milk bottles, for example, relative efficiency of new types of recycling is very high – over 75% are polymer and is working to increase successfully recycled. awareness among politicians about the Technology is driving better products. business opportunities available in the MuCell technology is a way of making plastics industry.

Brexit’s overall effect on manufacturing

projecting £644 million for the year. This is in stark contrast to 2014 when the automotive sector spent a cool £2.5 billion on plant, kit, buildings and training. But commentators, including the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders, pointed out that auto sector investment is cyclical and 2014 levels were at the top of the cycle in an exceptional year.

Jefferson Group, a recruitment agency specialising in manufacturing and engineering, counted 200 separate web The decision to leave the EU will have ramifications news stories from December 2016 to for UK manufacturing Just over a year after our decision to June 2017 that related to ‘significant’ in the immediate future, leave the European Union, it is still manufacturing investment; capital and in the long term very difficult to gauge exactly what expenditure of more than £1 million, or the consequences will be for the a new research centre, training centre manufacturing industry. or new manufacturing/distribution park.

In July, figures reported in The Financial While pharma is concerned about Times showed that investment in the effects of extracting the UK the UK car industry had fallen to just pharmaceutical industry from £322 million in the first half of 2017, EU regulation, this did not stop

REVIEW OF THE YEAR | 9 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Review of the Year

GlaxoSmithKline from investing Credit ratings agency Moody’s said It also said it would create around that will initially create 100 jobs, with £275 million in its UK manufacturing the UK economy could be tipped into 300 new steel jobs in South Yorkshire the plan to increase this to 300 in the facilities, and Novo Nordisk is investing recession if Britain fails to land a deal and make multi-million pound next few years. £115 million over the next decade on with the European Union. Others are investments to secure the future of » Expanding manufacturing to logistics, a diabetes research unit in Oxford (see talking up the list of free trade deals we five sites across the North of England in April work began on the second the Pharmaceutical edition). can negotiate with countries from the and West Midlands. phase of £500 million iPort logistics US to Japan. When industry as heavily invested » In February supercar maker McLaren scheme in Doncaster set to create in the UK as pharma sees a large Colin Tirel at ARBURG Ltd, a supplier said it will build its supercar chassis many jobs. The total area will geopolitical change, it can be of injection moulding machines in in the Sheffield City region, building approach 6 million sq ft. Phase 1 of unsettling but it clearly has not Leamington Spa, says ‘to date, there a new £50 million factory, creating iPort has already seen 2.34 million sq stopped business in its tracks. does not appear to be any negative 200 jobs. ft of space let to Amazon, Fellowes, And some firms have never been feeling in the market towards Brexit, » Boeing’s first factory in the UK was CEVA and Lidl. busier, including suppliers of machine quite the opposite with, pleasingly, also announced in February. The » In March Costa opens £38 million tools and moulding machines that serve many instances of work being reshored multinational aircraft maker will build roaster in Basildon, Essex to the huge subcontract manufacturing to the UK. One issue we do see is that a £20 million plant to make actuators, quadruple production. It can now industry where hundreds of big original of a shortage of technical personnel in which operate aircraft wing flaps, on roast 45,000 tonnes of coffee a equipment manufacturers (OEMs) the industry. This is something many the 737 and 777 airframes. year (or 24 tonnes a day), up from source thousands of parts. customers have commented on.’ » In April, Detroit Electric confirmed the 11,000 tonnes at its previous a $370 million deal to build electric Lambeth site. The new site is close sports cars and suburban utility to where the raw coffee arrives at Investment vehicles (SUVs) in Leamington. More Tilbury Docks, saving carbon miles. than 200 new jobs will be created at It has been striking how many big in Burnaston. For future output it said These big announcements were Detroit Electric’s factory in Harrison investments have been made in the that tariff-free trade with the EU was supplemented by hundreds of stories Way with the launch of the SP:01, a manufacturing sector since the start essential. The company said it would of smaller, but very significant, £100,000 sports car to rival the Tesla. of 2017. The net amount of new also move to use more locally-sourced investments such as Telford-based investment in the sector this year, offset components, which carmakers in » Ready meals manufacturer Charlie Proto Labs’ €4 million spend on new by closures, liquidations and offshoring, Britain are focusing on as a way to A multi-million- Bigham’s secured investment to build machinery to service Europe-wide pound investment is difficult to quantify, but there seems a new factory in a Somerset quarry demand for rapid prototypes. overcome currency fluctuations and deal by Toyota was to have been a far higher than average potentially meet new local content approved in July number of factory investment and rules (Reuters). In July it was awarded expansion stories – as well as training planning permission for the expansion and research centre launches and and said this would create 90 jobs. Jobs, pay, work and pensions upgrades – in the first half of 2017 » Airbus UK, and aeroengine maker Engineering Employers’ Federation’s NHS, where the majority of health than in previous equivalents periods. Rolls-Royce, received a boost when (EEF) annual Manufacturing Fact Card staff have seen their pay in real terms A selection of some bigger and more China Aviation Supplies Holding shows that pay within the sector eroded by 17% since 2010. Cases such Company signed a general agreement notable investments in manufacturing continues to outpace services and as the recent multi-year pay deal on for 140 aircraft, worth up to £18 in 2017 to date are listed below: the whole economy average, being behalf of over 2,000 workers employed billion. All the ordered A320 and up 1.9% (2015 vs 2014) or 3% at luxury carmaker Bentley are the » In December 2016 Siemens opened A350 aircraft’s wings and the A350’s compared to 2013. Average pay in exception rather than the norm. its £310 million turbine blade plant Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines will be the manufacturing sector in 2016/17 in Hull. manufactured in Britain. Weak demand in the economy is not is £31,489, in services it is £26,825, » Announced in October 2016, Spanish helped by below inflation pay deals » International industrials group, and £27,607 is the average for the automotive supplier Gestamp Tallent – or no rise at all – as the Consumer Liberty House, completed a £100 whole economy. began work in May on a new £126 Unite the union Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation stands million deal to acquire the speciality argues that private million plant near Cannock. The steels division of Tata Steel UK in sector pay for Unite, Britain’s largest manufacturing at 2.6% (July 2017). Wages are badly investment comprises £70 million in May, protecting the jobs of 1,700 the majority of union, says that employees in the lagging behind inflation, Unite says, employees in new technology and installation and existing staff at three major sites private sector over the last two years while Stock Exchange performance, build costs of £56.3 million. manufacturing has at Rotherham, Stocksbridge and steadily eroded have suffered the same downward at recent record highs, suggests » In March Toyota said it will invest Brinsworth in South Yorkshire pressures on pay as experienced by big companies have the necessary £240 million to upgrade its car plant and smaller sites across the UK. those in public services such as the cash reserves.

10 | REVIEW OF THE YEAR MANUFACTURING & SERVICES

It also said it would create around that will initially create 100 jobs, with 300 new steel jobs in South Yorkshire the plan to increase this to 300 in the and make multi-million pound next few years. investments to secure the future of » Expanding manufacturing to logistics, five sites across the North of England in April work began on the second and West Midlands. phase of £500 million iPort logistics » In February supercar maker McLaren scheme in Doncaster set to create said it will build its supercar chassis many jobs. The total area will in the Sheffield City region, building approach 6 million sq ft. Phase 1 of a new £50 million factory, creating iPort has already seen 2.34 million sq 200 jobs. ft of space let to Amazon, Fellowes, » Boeing’s first factory in the UK was CEVA and Lidl. also announced in February. The » In March Costa opens £38 million multinational aircraft maker will build roaster in Basildon, Essex to a £20 million plant to make actuators, quadruple production. It can now which operate aircraft wing flaps, on roast 45,000 tonnes of coffee a the 737 and 777 airframes. year (or 24 tonnes a day), up from » In April, Detroit Electric confirmed the 11,000 tonnes at its previous a $370 million deal to build electric Lambeth site. The new site is close sports cars and suburban utility to where the raw coffee arrives at vehicles (SUVs) in Leamington. More Tilbury Docks, saving carbon miles. than 200 new jobs will be created at These big announcements were Detroit Electric’s factory in Harrison supplemented by hundreds of stories Way with the launch of the SP:01, a of smaller, but very significant, £100,000 sports car to rival the Tesla. investments such as Telford-based » Ready meals manufacturer Charlie Proto Labs’ €4 million spend on new Bigham’s secured investment to build machinery to service Europe-wide a new factory in a Somerset quarry demand for rapid prototypes.

Jobs, pay, work and pensions

Engineering Employers’ Federation’s NHS, where the majority of health (EEF) annual Manufacturing Fact Card staff have seen their pay in real terms shows that pay within the sector eroded by 17% since 2010. Cases such continues to outpace services and as the recent multi-year pay deal on the whole economy average, being behalf of over 2,000 workers employed up 1.9% (2015 vs 2014) or 3% at luxury carmaker Bentley are the compared to 2013. Average pay in exception rather than the norm. the manufacturing sector in 2016/17 Weak demand in the economy is not is £31,489, in services it is £26,825, helped by below inflation pay deals and £27,607 is the average for the – or no rise at all – as the Consumer whole economy. Unite the union Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation stands argues that private sector pay for Unite, Britain’s largest manufacturing at 2.6% (July 2017). Wages are badly the majority of union, says that employees in the lagging behind inflation, Unite says, employees in private sector over the last two years while Stock Exchange performance, manufacturing has steadily eroded have suffered the same downward at recent record highs, suggests pressures on pay as experienced by big companies have the necessary those in public services such as the cash reserves.

REVIEW OF THE YEAR | 11 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Review of the Year

However, the majority of private sector Government. It says raising the state jobs come from small and medium- pension retirement age to 68 between sized enterprises (SMEs). The Federation 2037 to 2039 will be detrimental of Small Businesses says 60% of all to workers, especially if you have private sector employment in the UK is a physically-demanding job or are from SMEs and in manufacturing it is suffering ill-health, and they called for thought to be much higher. this proposal to be reversed.

The state pension age was due to Unite Assistant General Secretary for increase to 68 between 2044 and Manufacturing, Tony Burke, said ‘Brexit 2046. Under new proposals that dominates economic and fiscal policy. have to be agreed by parliament, this ‘As a union, we are seeking a ‘Jobs will move forward to between 2037 First’ Brexit where every aspect of the and 2039. The Government did not negotiations is set against whether include this proposal in its General this will create secure and well-paid Election manifesto. employment in a country with a strong Unite claimed the increase in the industrial base. To this end, we are retirement age meant that workers calling on Business Secretary, Greg would be paying for failed economic Clark, to put flesh on the bones of the policy under the Conservative Government’s industrial strategy.’

Engineering degrees and degree apprenticeships

According to university admissions number of degree apprenticeship body UCAS there has been a drop standards. Several institutions in undergraduate applications for have been provided with funding all degrees from both British and EU through the Degree Apprenticeship students in 2017. The number of Development Fund to develop new applications from overseas students provisions to be delivered from the for post-graduate engineering courses academic year 2017/18. has also fallen in the past year. Partly ‘While they do not involve a financial in response to university tuition fees of cost for the apprentice, they do Expansion of degree up to £9,000 per year and sub-optimal apprenticeships could involve working in paid employment application rates, degree apprenticeships help close skills gap for the majority of the week and, as are a new and growing route through a route towards a higher education, employment and higher education. qualification they can be challenging,’ The small number of degree says HEFCE’s Fordham. ‘We expect apprenticeships currently being them to complement traditional higher delivered is expected to increase education routes, which will continue substantially over the next couple to appeal to potential students, but as of years, says Henriette Fordham employers look to spend their available at the Higher Education Funding levy funds on opportunities to develop Council for England (HEFCE). Many their existing workforce and recruit higher education providers, including new skilled staff we expect that an universities, further education colleges increasing number will consider degree and private providers, are developing apprenticeships as one of a variety programmes based upon the increasing of options.’

12 | REVIEW OF THE YEAR MANUFACTURING & SERVICES

DS Smith Plastics

A selection of our products

MP for Gloucester, Richard Graham visited the Gloucester site in April 2017, to understand he plastics division of international packaging business more about what we do in the DS Smith has made conscious efforts to drive greater business. Pictured with Iain Hannam (Managing Director) Tsustainability in its manufacturing output. Its Gloucester and Lydia Butler (Customer site has been home to a number of efficiency strategies, Sustainability Co-Ordinator) including the recycling of used materials and making the facility more sustainable.

DS Smith ensures that all of its products are fully made from polypropene and are always 100 per cent recyclable. Any waste emanating from the production process FACTS ABOUT is later recycled off on site at a specialised facility. Not content with just recycling DS Smith Plastics the material however, DS Smith tries and go one step further by bringing back waste products from its customer base and changing them into new products. »»Offers a selection of converted corrugated plastic extruded Such efforts not only aid efficiencies but also help the overall image of the sector. products ‘Undoubtedly, there remains a lot of negativity surrounding plastics as a material,’ »»Only DS Smiths Plastics says Lyndsey Loyden-Edwards, UK sales manager for DS Smith. ‘The fact that it extrusion site in the UK doesn’t biodegrade has played a large part in its reputational problem, but following »»Exports plastics products to the championed circular economy model, materials are put into a continuous loop the USA and brought back into the manufacturing process to be used again.’ »»Holds ISO 14001 Making our facilities more efficient environmental standard

This is demonstrated through two examples, says Iain Hannam, Managing Director at its Gloucester plastic facility. ‘First, we fitted LED lighting across the main Gloucester factory in 2016,’ he says. ‘Our facility is an old building – with the company having held a presence there for more than 40 years. As the factory wasn’t purpose built, it has meant us working under constrained circumstances for a long time.’

DS SMITH PLASTICS | 13 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

FACTORY/ LABORATORY

PRIMARY CUSTOMER SUPPLIER

CONTRACT FILLER

Upstream flow Central flow Downstream flow Primary packaging suppliers & manufacturers Between cleanrooms, in factories and Distribution networks, direct customers of closing systems and parts. laboratories. and retail. »» One way & multi-trip solutions »» One way & multi-trip solutions »» One way & multi-trip solutions »» Fibre free »» Fibre free »» Storage and packaging for retail sale »» Protecting & Package products going »» Easily sterilised packaging »» Lightweight into Laboratories »» Water and Moisture resistant »» Rigid »» Easily sterilised packaging »» Chemically and biologically inert »» Water and Moisture resistant »» Environmentally friendly

Correx® products in the pharmaceutical supply The fact it is also a building of a more ensure the subsidy against the levy chain mature vintage has inevitably meant has benefited DS Smith, says Hannam. greater energy consumption. This reality ‘To date, we’ve achieved the maximum heightens the importance of obtaining for a number of years and maintained the maximum efficiency levels in the DS this,’ he says of the levy. Smith factor, Hannam says. The industries we serve Second, the company has also refurbished one of its large warehouses In plastics, a large UK market DS Smith nearby with the aim of improving operates in is graphics, supplying flat its sustainability and making it as sheets of materials across a variety of efficient as possible – a process which distribution channels. This has resulted also involved installing LED lighting. in a lot of prestigious work over the ‘As with the Gloucester facility, this past decade, notably for the 2012 helps with energy saving reductions,’ London Olympics when the company Hannam says. ‘Aside from materials won signage-related work for some of and labour costs, energy is the biggest the venues. financial cost for the company today, Another industry where DS Smith has a fact reflecting the reality for many DS Smith offers a healthy presence is construction, manufacturing companies.’ a selection of with the company supplying a lot of environmently friendly packaging solutions Another route taken by a company that protection sheeting both for building takes its sustainability credentials very production and marine protection, seriously was its decision to subscribe most commonly in shipbuilding to the government’s Climate Change work. A famous project where it Levy, an initiative aimed at reducing leant its expertise in this area was the carbon emissions. To date, this decision construction phase at the Principality to adhere to certain commitments to Stadium in Cardiff.

14 | DS SMITH PLASTICS MANUFACTURING & SERVICES

While the aforementioned projects mostly consist of customers utilising DS Smith flat sheet products, the company has also increasingly looked to convert these material sheets into a useable product for the packaging market. Their end-users by industry are diverse, ranging from automotive to pharmaceutical, with another 20 or so different markets beyond these.

The potential of the automotive and retail sectors From the Gloucester site, the automotive sector accounts for the majority of the output, mostly through the supplying of transporting packaging for components in the supply chain. In recent years, DS Smith Richard Graham talking to our engineering team has successfully carried this out in Equipment investment in an industry in the factory packaging for Jaguar Land Rover when such as plastics is a continuous shipping its engine parts to China. process, Hannam feels, due to the In the last year, it is also the automotive array of new innovations associated sector where DS Smith Plastics has with the machinery used by DS Smith. experienced rapid growth. However, The importance of software updates, this kind of growth is cyclical, according including the development of an in- to Hannam. ‘This falls in line with house CRM system, will also ensure the overall vehicle manufacturing, and as Gloucester operation is well equipped DS Smith production rates have risen in the past for the future. year, so has the opportunities for a Plastics is fully company like us.’ Achieving safety excellence “committed to Changing customer demands in the As DS Smith’s plastics division moves warehousing side of the retail sector forward, Hannam says it will do so offering have also generated new business by adhering to the highest safety innovative and opportunities. Hannam says: ‘There’s standards – something that is very more reliance from retailers in not important to DS Smith as a group. sustainable using cardboard in warehousing but Plans are afoot to achieve another a plastics instead. The material lasts major safety standard in the form of solutions to longer and of course, would be safer in ISO 45001 by the middle of 2018, meet the“ the event of a fire.’ adding to its existing ISO 14001 environmental standard. demands of Investing in equipment ‘The accreditations gives us a high our customer Another area of substantial company degree of internal credibility,’ Hannam base investment has been in shop floor says. ‘We saw how acquiring the ISO equipment, according to Hannam. 14001 environmental accreditation ‘At each stage of evolution of the got staff thinking about ways of doing machinery we buy, we are able to things on a different level – and we’d run faster and achieve higher outputs like to replicate this with how they within the same amount of hours and approach safety.’ power consumption,’ he explains.

DS SMITH PLASTICS | 15 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

Farrel

Assembly Shop

Banbury® Technolab® Internal Mixer

arrel Limited is the leading designer, developer and

Farrel is a global producer of mixing and compounding machinery for the polymer processing industry. Our company focuses player that sells “ F on the production of the Banbury® Mixer, which celebrated “to all of the top its centennial anniversary in 2016. Highly innovative and 100 tyre beneficial to the tyre industry, the Banbury® mixer produces manfacturers the compound from which tyres and other products are made. It remains the first choice for a diverse range of applications. FACTS ABOUT Farrel »»Located in Castleton, Rochdale, Lancashire Our History »Founded in 1900 » Farrel’s origins can be traced back to 1900. It began as David Bridge & Sons, a »»Employs 165 people company that made machines for the rubber industry in Castleton, Rochdale. »»Groundbreaking Banbury® mixer We continue to produce our current range of mixers in the same building. invented in 1916, with production and sales starting in 1918 In 2008, Farrel became a part of the HF Group of companies. In turn, this led to »»Leading designer, developer the formation of the HF Mixing Group, created in 2010 together with two of our and producer of mixing and former competitors. compounding machinery for the polymer processing industry Growth & Success »»Numerous design patents In recent years Farrel has seen substantial growth placing us as the leading »»Winner of Rochdale business manufacturer of tangential mixing systems for processing tyre compounds. We Award 2015 have seen progress in the notoriously difficult Asian market and a general increase »»Sales turnover of £42.0 million in sales worldwide; as a result Farrel is a global player that sells to all of the top in 2016 100 tyre manufacturers.

16 | FARREL MANUFACTURING & SERVICES

There are a number of factors that have 4. Continuous Improvement Programme contributed to our success, including a Alongside capital investment and fall in production times, increased order training, a continuous improvement intake, enhanced machine reliability and programme has helped us to simplify a the addition of the Banbury BM700N number of processes, effectively reducing mixer to our portfolio; currently the assembly times and manufacturing costs. largest tangential mixer on the market. Exploring Future Growth We have managed to achieve this growth in a number of ways including: Channels The outlook for the rubber mixing 1. Investment in infrastructure industry is very strong and it’s evolving; Investment, development and the this applies to the industrial sector careful optimisation of the factory as a whole. Farrel has already taken have been integral. In 2014 we were a number of steps to ensure it stays granted funding from the Regional ahead of the curve: Growth Fund. With this backing we’ve been able to invest in state-of-the-art 1. A Fourth Industrial Revolution machinery and robotics technology. We are in a Fourth Industrial Revolution; Concentrating on our core competences an age of smart manufacturing and digital Banbury® N-series of hard surface application and factories with the intention of improving production size mixer machining, the investment has given a productivity, shortening product leaner manufacturing process which has development cycles as efficiently and In 2015 we were drastically reduced production and lead cost effectively as possible (Industry 4.0 times. We have continually invested Summit, 2017). Farrel has taken an active presented with a 25% of the company’s overall profit approach and championed a move towards this way of working with a “Rochdale Business into capital expenditure each year.

number of initiatives such as: 2. Research & Development (R&D) Award for skills

»»Remote service concepts R&D is an essential part of our business. and workforce We have developed a new series of »»Online condition monitoring Tangential mixer, patented cutting »»Digitised measuring devices development“ in edge Rotor Technology, cemented our Whilst 83% of UK manufacturers are recognition of hard welding competence and overall planning to invest in automation and process know-how in general. our Apprentice control systems in the future, only 3. Investing in people 48% of manufacturers across Europe scheme Our growth and success is in direct correlation with the investment into »KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER PARTNERSHIP (KTP) DUST STOP PROJECT our workforce. The Regional Grant has enabled us to create and safeguard A notable R&D undertaking, was the two-year KTP Dust Stop Project, engineering jobs in Rochdale. In turn, this and was supported and part-funded by the Engineering & Physical has enabled us to really hone our craft Sciences Research Council and Innovate UK. During this time Farrel by investing in extensive training for our worked with Loughborough University’s School of Mechanical, Electrical staff including iMechE membership and and Manufacturing Engineering to design a contact mechanics model CEng accreditation for our engineers. which predicts tribological conditions (friction, wear and lubrication) In 2015 we were presented with a of rotating sealing surfaces within the mixing chamber. Rochdale Business Award for skills and By determining more precisely the lubrication requirements, mixer workforce development in recognition performance has been improved while reducing the carbon footprint. of our Apprentice scheme. This is at Aside from increased sales, the project allowed access to technology the core of our success and makes of strategic importance and once again proved our commitment to sure our expertise and know how stay pushing boundaries and developing new technologies. within the business.

FARREL | 17 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

Automated robotic welding of rotors consider themselves ready for the costs, to the consistent documentation future – we like to think we are ahead of processes and material flows. of the curve and this will contribute Mixer 3. Commitment to Innovation to our continued future growth

Innovation is at the heart of what we performance (Industry 4.0 Summit, 2017). do; and this shows no sign of slowing

“has been 2. Automation Solutions down in the future. Farrel is committed In keeping with Industry 4.0 we have to pushing new technologies and improved “ seen a significant increase in the sales of the UK government tax incentive while reducing Automation Solutions. To capitalise on Patent Box, has enabled us to take full this ever growing market, the HF Mixing advantage. This initiative has helped the carbon Group set up a dedicated Systems UK manufacturers like Farrel remain footprint Business Unit at our headquarters in competitive and stay in the UK. Freudenberg, Germany. Automated Solutions offer big rewards to our Conclusion customers; such as a high level of In addition to continuing to develop Finished pair of NST™ standardisation with low investment new innovations, Farrel will also look patented tangential rotors to consolidate its product line and build high volume standard products that will reduce cost and boost competitiveness. Our growth over the last five years has been substantial, and our head count has also increased. Over the next five years our goal is to increase the number of mixers produced annually. Additionally there is also huge potential in maintenance work on existing machines. To support this continued growth Farrel will continue to invest in our manufacturing processes and people.

18 | FARREL MANUFACTURING & SERVICES

Amaray

Amaray’s factory in Corby. Home of making good things, better.

Jamie Tinsley, Managing Director of Amaray Europe maray is a high-volume, highly-efficient, highly- automated plastic injection moulding company who Aproduce plastic packaging through cost-effective manufacturing. With a laser-focus on customer satisfaction, Amaray strengthens brand-to-consumer relationships within the personal care, home care, media and food packaging markets.

FACTS ABOUT Amaray Amaray began life in 1901 manufacturing lead-based plumbing products and was formally known as Dubois Ltd. However, the advent of plastics in the 1960s »»1980s. Diversification into saw the first of many changes to the business as they introduced polypropylene media packaging, creating the injection moulding as their core capability. Relocating from Kings Cross, London globally-adopted DVD and to Corby, Northamptonshire in the 1970s, Amaray improved their standing as key Blu-ray case, becoming global manufacturers for leading brands in the DIY and pharmaceutical markets, moulding packaging leader and supplier plastic components and registering the first of over 320 patents. to major Hollywood studios »»1990s. Diversification into Customer-focused innovation and manufacturing excellence continue to define pharma packaging Amaray’s success. As one of the largest high-volume producers of plastic components and packaging, Amaray’s competitive advantage continues through innovation, »»2000s. Operational facilities ingenuity and an immense understanding of customer and market desires. Amaray has established in the USA. dominated the media market for over 25 years. The benefit of Amaray’s experience in Diversification into Consumer media is that it has an extensive history of collaborating with reputable global brands, Goods markets via inspired working to understand their needs to provide creative, cost-effective products. thinking and creative product design, fully supported by a Innovative thinking network of highly efficient plastic injection moulding. BRC, With more than 320 patents, innovation remains integral to Amaray’s future and its ISO9001:2008, ISO13485, and development of new packaging formats to engage consumers through ease-of-use and Sedex approved functionality continues at a pace. Convenience is a key consideration for consumers;

AMARAY | 19 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

great packaging that supports varying strength-to-weight ratio allows Amaray lifestyles and enhances their experience to design durable and responsible can make all the difference to a packaging from the outset, that delivers consumer’s decision to repurchase benefits to the entire supply chain, again in the future. Packaging is a including post-consumer recycling. communication tool for brands so, making the consumers’ experience with Operational excellence packaging memorable, will bring brand Major FMCG and user closer together. Major Fast- Manufacturing media products in brands moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands extremely high volumes inspired appreciate Amaray’s unique approach Amaray to aggressively drive “appreciate to bringing new and innovative ideas to opportunities for operational their marketplace. efficiency, reduce waste and lower Amaray’s costs. The business now thrives on this

unique Amaray’s collaborative culture relentless approach. Beyond design, spills over into the design process. the company’s ability to mass produce

approach to Companies which outsource the design high-quality products via injection of their rigid packaging sometimes moulding sees Amaray regularly bring new and “ meet challenges from a manufacturing achieve high-performance supplier perspective, as designers often prioritise ratings with their customers. This, in innovative aesthetics over the practicalities of addition to operational excellence, manufacturing. Amaray’s extensive ideas to their is why Amaray are chosen as the knowledge bridges the gap between best provider for mould transfer; market place design and manufacturing, ensuring existing tools owned by brands that customers achieve the best design, can be transferred to Amaray and made as efficiently and as cost- incorporated into their production effectively as possible. lines. Through naturally streamlined The understanding of consumer and processes, optimisation and integrated environmental needs guides Amaray’s automation, Amaray deliver cost transferral of plastic technologies, reductions via efficiency gains. These pioneered in their media products, benefits are already being realised into new product categories. Plastic’s by several global companies within inherent flexibility, lightness and multiple consumer markets.

High-speed quality checks Dynamic robotic handling systems optimise using computerised optical Amaray’s production performance measurement systems

20 | AMARAY MANUFACTURING & SERVICES

Responsibility Amaray’s sustainability approach focuses on minimising usage of depleting resources, to reduce the effect on the environment and to manage waste responsibly. Amaray help brands meet consumers’ concerns regarding environmental issues by designing recyclability into its products. This is evidenced by their Closed Loop internal recycling programme where excess inventory and plastic scrap is re-used to make alternative products. Historically, In-line secondary the home entertainment market has processes include high- speed product welding struggled with inventory management design and process development and and sales forecasting. Over-estimating is supported by first-rate academic sales whilst retaining high levels institutions and government- of stock embraces high costs with supported bodies. However, the financial risk. With the introduction industry faces constant challenges, of a Closed Loop system, the excess which are preventing it from realising inventory is returned to Amaray to its full potential. recycle and re-use in new customer There is a notable shortage of skills specified products. Through waste within the industry. The UK has some reduction and material re-use, the of the world’s most skilled engineers demand for virgin material is limited, and product designers who have inventory management becomes helped establish our reputation as a Through more efficient and unnecessary landfill major innovator. To ensure Amaray is avoided. maintain their competitiveness they naturally continue to develop and recruit The plastics industry – “streamlined technical apprentices whilst focusing the future intensely on their people and culture. processes, The plastics industry is a major player After implementing a variety of in UK manufacturing. Its turnover engagement initiatives, employees have optimisation is £23.5 billion, it has over 6,200 become sensitive and conscious of their and integrated registered companies and employs contribution to both the company and approximately 170,000 people its local community. Over the past 18 automation, (representing 6.5% of all those months, Amaray have been active in employed in manufacturing within the local community; raising money Amaray “ deliver the UK). The UK is the 4th largest for charity through dragon boat racing cost reductions consumer of plastics in Europe and and donating time to gardening and the 15th globally, exporting 65% building renovations at a local hospice. via efficiency of home-made products to the With an engaged workforce committed gains European market. By 2020, the global to driving performance and making plastics industry is expected to be good things better, Amaray continue worth in excess of $650 billion. The to outperform year-on-year results UK is one of the global leaders in across all departments. In addition, plastics technology with a highly- their high-performance manufacturing reputable status around the world. It facility creates further opportunities for is renowned for innovation in product reshoring production to the UK.

AMARAY | 21 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

Abril Industrial Waxes

Spray atomiser for the production of fine powdered waxes

Hugh McAulay, Managing Director aving changed ownership two years ago, Abril Industrial Waxes embarked on a new chapter in its seven-decade Hhistory. Hugh McAulay, Managing Director of the Wales-based company, details what new strategies have been implemented since the buyout and how Abril intends to grow.

FACTS ABOUT ABRIL INDUSTRIAL WAXES Sold by its previous owner to powdered metal manufacturer, Höganäs AB, in June 2015, Abril Industrial Waxes was restructured to become a wholly owned subsidiary »»Produces materials for of the Swedish group. Now amalgamated into Höganäs’ corporate structure, the manufacturers in plastics, company retains a degree of independence from its new owner due to the niche paper, surface coatings, powder areas it serves. metallurgy and adhesives »»Headquartered in Pyle near I was brought into the business in January 2016 shortly after the acquisition Bridgend, Wales because of my corporate background, and the following period has been about reshaping the company and putting in place a defined future growth plan. Since »»Acquired by Swedish metal then, significant changes have occurred. Having been elected onto the Board power manufacturer Höganäs of Directors, which included the previous owner for maximum continuity, this in June 2015 collective of executives set about building a three-year strategy for growth. »»Employs 26 members of staff Use of our products

Whilst our core product is a synthetic amide wax, Abril places significant emphasis on adding value to this base material. Around 50 per cent of our business is generated from producing this type of wax, which we manufacture in Wales, before further processing it in-house to ensure the outcome is niche and special. That is ultimately where the value lies. The other fifty percent of our business is specialised tolling where we produce specific blends and combinations of wax that are both unique, and confidential, to individual customers.

22 | ABRIL INDUSTRIAL WAXES MANUFACTURING & SERVICES

A company like Höganäs, which has – and this gives us the right level of been our largest customer for some expertise to handle complex scenarios time, would typically use our modified with authority. amide wax as an external lubricant Abril places “ in the powdered metal technologies Increasing output that it produces for mostly automotive significant The Abril facility has remained largely industry customers. As such, with unchanged since the acquisition “emphasis on eventual end users such as Volkswagen but, in line with our 3-year plan, we Group, General Motors and Toyota, are currently exploring options for adding value the quality control within the business increased capacity that will begin later is extremely high to meet these this year. Having been brought in to required standards. Our products double both turnover and production also find significant usage in surface output in a three-year period, my coatings and adhesives and sealants as rheology modifiers. team and I are actually setting our New investment will see an expansion of bulk raw material storage tanks Increasing staff count

Integral to achieving this level of quality is the team at our site in Wales. Today, there are 26 people employed by the company, a number that has grown from the 19 in place at the beginning of 2016. Beforehand, we regularly drew on external staff from agencies, but we decided to step away from this approach as the potential to train and rely on non-contracted staff members was limited. Agency work is temporary and often results in high staff turnovers, denying us of the time required to properly invest in individuals.

To counter this, we put in place a programme to bring the company up to the required employee levels to cover all working shifts. We also took this opportunity to promote from within and create a new structure within the business. Completed this year, from an initial pool of almost 80 candidates, the new staff began in March 2017 and since then we have invested both time and resources into training and developing these individuals, with particular focus on health and safety, and the process and laboratory skills required for the roles. Now functioning in greater numbers, our core of people are multi-skilled – ranging from chemical engineering to chemistry backgrounds

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by at least 50 per cent in the coming years, a figure that could potentially even rise to 100 per cent.

Proudly niche

The material sales themselves show a continued upward trajectory. We expect 2017 to show an increase in product sales of 35-40% over 2015 sales when the business as purchased. Come the end of 2019, we would like to meet the target of doubling the sales when compared to 2015 and, whilst these growth targets may sound very ambitious, by industry standards they are quite modest.

Other companies producing the sorts of industrial waxes we manufacture are likely to produce volumes many times greater than we do. However, these high-volume producing companies are not really competitors in our eyes; we have always been niche and wish to remain so.

Innovation in new products, new Part of the Development market developments and emerging Lab at Abril markets also figure in our future. The sights higher than this as we look to company is growing its presence in secure Abril for the next 10-15 years. the area of rheology modifiers for Throughout this growth period, we the sealants and adhesive markets must ensure the growth is spread with a new range of low temperature equally across both parts of the activating products and has set itself business, amide wax and tolling, and ambitious targets to grow in this that we develop products and capacity sector. We will look to expand further for both our parent company and into the pharmaceutical and cosmetic Innovation in non-Höganäs customers equally. Abril sectors and will look at how we can operates with an explicit obligation

use degradable wax beads to replace new products, from Höganäs not to become solely an plastic micro-beads in facial scrubs.

internal supplier to them. “new market We are working with an ambitious Expansion of the business by a car-care products company on a new developments“ minimum of double and up to three method of removing dye-transfer in car and emerging times its size by 2019 is a lofty target leather seats. and this will require substantial markets are investment in equipment. Acquisitions As we expand and take on these our future in this area will include provisions of exciting new projects, we will remain new bulk raw material tanks, along niche, fast moving and efficient and with adding to our spray atomisers. To continue to set ourselves apart by meet an anticipated surge in material creating the specialist products that no output, Abril’s equipment level will one else can, or wishes, to make. need to be increased in terms of units

24 | ABRIL INDUSTRIAL WAXES MANUFACTURING & SERVICES Radici Group Performance Plastics

Radici Novacips plant, Chignolo d’Isola, Bergamo, Italy

John Rae, Managing Director, Radici Plastics UK Ltd adici Group is one of Europe’s major producers of chemicals and materials based on polyamides, commonly known as nylons. Represented in the UK by Radici Plastics KEY FACTS ABOUT R RADICI GROUP PERFORMANCE UK Ltd based in Hampstead, North London, the group is family- PLASTICS owned and headquartered in Bergamo, Italy. »»Founded: 1941 »»HQ: Gandino, near Bergamo, With 3,000 employees and a revenue of €946 million in 2016, the group has Italy grown to become the third largest polyamide producer in Europe as a result of its »»Key people: Angelo, Paolo twin core philosophies of innovation and sustainability. and Maurizio Radici »»Employees: 3,000 The company produces a wide range of chemical intermediates, polyamide »»Sales Revenue (2016): polymers, engineering plastics and synthetic fibres. These products are the result €946 million of the Group’s outstanding chemical know-how and vertical integration in the »»Business areas: speciality production chain. chemicals, performance The Group’s strategy is a strong focus on innovation, quality, customer satisfaction plastics and synthetic fibres and social and environmental sustainability. »»Industrial sectors: automotive, electrical and electronics, Radici Group has developed into a global industrial organisation, creating a clothing, home, construction, network of 30 production units and business offices located in 15 countries across sports the globe. In every country, in every region the Group offers a consistent range of »»Locations: global presence materials supplied to the same quality according to the its values and ethics. in 15 countries throughout Europe, North and South Key success factor – vertical integration and value chain America and Asia management »»UK representatives: Radici Group’s major strength and distinctive feature is its vertically-integrated Radici Plastics UK Ltd ([email protected]) polyamide production chain. The Group has the ability to produce polyamides starting

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from very basic chemicals, such as In addition to product development, $34 million ammonia and phenol, and controls Radici leads the industry in its worth of every process and operation to produce innovative attitude to social and a broad portfolio of monomers, environmental sustainability. “investments polymers, engineering plastics and Sustainability, defined as ‘the ability made during synthetic fibres. This means Radici can to meet the needs of the present,

supply material at every stage of the without compromising the ability the 2011–2015 value chain to the industries it serves. of future generations to meet their

period to The competitiveness of the group has own needs’, is at the core of all been assured by ongoing investments Radici operations. sustain the “ into research and development (R&D) The company monitors, records and and production technology. competitiveness publishes indicators according to the of group From this base the company focuses Global Reporting Initiative model.1 its strategy on innovation and Radici Group has documented sustainability to meet the ongoing companies sustainability along the entire production needs of its stakeholders. chain thanks to the skills developed in the assessment of the environmental »»Manufactured using Innovation impact of products and processes with biopolymers obtained This covers the development of new an Environmental Product Declaration from renewable sources products with enhanced performance (EPD) certified methodology. and features such as: Working through the Sweden-based International EPD® System, the »»Elevated temperature resistance to »»Manufactured using company has co-operated to define meet the needs of, for example, the clean energy internationally accepted Product automotive industry, where smaller, Category Rules (PCRs), a reference more powerful engines generate for any company in the industry that higher temperatures wants to measure the environmental »»Solution-dyed materials »»Improved chemical resistance impact of its products. saving water and energy »»High-strength materials for structural Radici Group was the first company to applications to replace metal and propose the concept of a production reduce the weight of components chain PCR and has modified its »»Manufactured using »»Bio-based materials with reduced production technology to develop a recycled raw materials environmental impact. portfolio of materials with reduced

1 http://www.radicigroup.com/en/documentation/corporate/report

Radici Group production routes with reduced environmental impact

From left to right: Paolo, Angelo and Maurizio Radici, Radici Group shareholders

26 | RADICI GROUP PERFORMANCE PLASTICS MANUFACTURING & SERVICES environmental impact as shown opposite.

In the three years from 2013 to 2015 Radici has invested €8.8 million to promote sustainability. Some of the results are shown below.

»»14.3% reduction in the total consumption of primary energy »»4.2% increase in the amount of renewable energy used »»21.6% reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions »»60.5% reduction in emissions of other pollutants »»64% reduction in use of water through increased recycling »»Continuous improvement in quality of waste water The Radici Group way to a circular economy – 55% reduction in chemical oxygen increasingly about materials in terms of demand their post-consumer life, guaranteeing – 22% reduction in total nitrogen at the same time optimal performance content and minimal environmental impact. – 56% reduction in total metal The challenge our Group faces relates content to the complete recyclability of »»Continuous investment in people, synthetic fibres. 23% increase in hours of training per employee. The environmental strategy of Radici »INDUSTRIES Group, supported by know-how SUPPLIED BY Today, Radici Group is one of very few acquired over 75 years with its vertical RADICI GROUP on the market which control its entire integration of the supply chain, has productive process. the objective of ensuring that all »»Automotive This control, from the polymer textile sector products are recycled »»Electrical and Electronic chemistry to the production of mechanically, becoming a new »»Consumer goods plastic material suitable for technical synthetic fibres or engineering »»Clothing plastics, results in process streamlining or industrial use. Radici Group has »»Furnishings and improvement of product for some time been working with »»Construction performance. This is known as the certain customers in the definition of ‘short supply chain’, with reduced formulations which make the finished »»Household appliances environmental impact, thanks in part item recyclable and reusable for the »»Sport to the recycling of materials. manufacture of other products.

Radici Group embraced the philosophy Today, the real challenge for large of a circular economy as far back as companies – therefore our challenge – the late 1980s and, now that the is making available innovative materials European Union is on the front line and new technological solutions in promoting this business approach, filled with new significance, tied to we can affirm that Radici Group is the sustainable development. A 360° ideal upstream supplier for a market sustainable business. oriented towards eco-design, thinking

RADICI GROUP PERFORMANCE PLASTICS | 27 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

Union Colours

Phillip Myles, General Manager, pictured second right in the pigment development laboratory

Pigment powder concentrate as produced by Union Colours nion Colours is the international technical marketing arm of Longyu Pigments & Chemicals Corporation, the largest Uproducer of organic pigments in China. The tie up was a proposal to take advantage of the UK team’s international FACTS ABOUT Union Colours technical marketing capabilities, along with the financial and »»A Global Technical Producer of manufacturing strength of a big Chinese corporation. Organic Colour Pigments »»Sales to 46 Countries Following their launch in 2004 they targeted the largest pigment users in inks, Worldwide plastics and paints across Europe, with a special focus on serving regulatory »»Holding 3.5% Market Share in demanding applications. Their market positioning combined technical service Europe, and 10%+ in Chosen capabilities more typical of the very large European Pigment manufacturers, with a Markets flexibility more typical of medium sized enterprises. »»International Technical Centre in Stockport, UK Globalisation »»Supporting Technical Centres in India, China and South Africa With their products and services receiving strong technical acceptance by the »»Strategic Supplier to the European market, in 2010 the company decided to expand globally. Strengthened World’s Largest Pigment Using by their established brand and the brand of their international clients, globalisation Multi-national Companies started rapidly. In 2017 Union colours reached a planned milestone, 50% of their »»Special Capabilities in Regulatory sales are now outside of Europe. Controlled Applications Union Colours can deliver to any sea port in the world. They have pan-Europe »»Financed by the Largest distribution from their warehouse in Denmark, they hold a bonded warehouse in Pigment Producer in China Brazil serving Latin America; they have stocking facilities in South Africa for Africa; they have an office in Mumbai for India and for more difficult to reach markets they engage a technical distributor sales network.

28 | UNION COLOURS MANUFACTURING & SERVICES

The company found that although technology trends differ across regions, on the whole clients have the same requirements from a pigment producer, a broad portfolio of products that perform well, with consistent quality at an affordable price.

Technologies

Organic colours are made by synthesising various oil derived chemicals. Modern versions are coated during synthesis with speciality chemicals that enhance the product’s performance in application.

Union Colours employ some of the finest pigment chemists in the world: as a result their clients benefit from advanced technical possibilities. It is Union Colours experience in product design and regulatory affairs that gives their clients the confidence to work with them.

Working closely, such as sharing laboratories, is what stimulates innovation and benefits the partners, the chemists’ study how the pigments perform in the client’s application then Pigment powder after re-engineer them with improvements. synthesis The pigment formulations and processing These segments are tightly controlled know-hows represent the intellectual by regulations limiting the negative property held by Union Colours: elements found in organic chemistries alongside people, their technologies that are considered detrimental to are the company’s key assets. human health or the environment. Sales volumes change non-commodity and commodity Non-commodity product focus

Commodity applications for pigments include publication inks, a market sector that has declined greatly by the paradigm of magazine and newspaper readers migrating online.

Meanwhile some non-commodity sectors are offering good growth prospects, such as highly technical sectors like the colouration of plastics and inks for food packaging and inks for printing on personal care products and textiles with possible skin contact.

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Union Colours Product in Application

One of the iconic visions of 2014 was the sea of poppies spreading out of the Tower of London. Commemorating the centenary of the outbreak of WWI the 888246 ceramic poppies had been coated in a red pigment developed by Union Colours UK, manufactured by Union Colours South Africa.

Photo by © The Land / Wikipedia

Union Colours has had a number of recognised by their sizable market products directly approved for use by share and rate of expansion into large FMCG producers based on their these sectors. Our new product’s cleanliness. Together Union Colours and their African plant

Few companies can service these clients are building technically leading “is the first sectors successfully, and Union Colours products in areas normally out of reach

is determined to be at the forefront by for most Asian commodity producers. volume continuing to engineer cleanliness into The company could not grow so “ their products to meet the future ever making facility fast without the commitment and tightening specifications. capabilities of their employees. Their built outside Manufacturing in South Africa engagement is high, as the company of Asia in over fosters a warm, team-orientated, In addition to their Chinese made client-focussed culture, along with 3 decades product range, in 2015 the company an underlying aggression to build acquired the pigment manufacturing market share. assets of the only pigment producer in Africa. Since its acquisition the Purpose built laboratories focus of their Johannesburg location for pigment development. has been to manufacture pigments for these highly technical sectors, a strategy that has been met with considerable success.

As part of a continued expansion plan, a second much larger pigment making facility will be built in Durban South Africa in 2017. This new facility will be the first pigment plant built outside of Asia in decades, and the first to have a special focus towards producing cleaner pigments.

A future sector leader Union Colours has shown exceptional growth in regulatory demanding applications; they are already

30 | UNION COLOURS MANUFACTURING & SERVICES

Stort Chemicals

The family management team: Ken Gilkes, Emma Marchant, Marguerite Gilkes, Matthew Sanderson and Richard Gilkes

Stort Chemicals stand at Surfex 2016, NEC Birmingham. This is a key showcase for the UK en and Marguerite Gilkes founded Stort Chemicals in Bishop’s coatings industry Stortford, close to the River Stort in 1981. Ken had spent all Khis working life in the chemical cndustry. The company was set up in their house – this was quite a challenge for Marguerite, with three school-age children to look after and also carrying out all the back office duties of a start-up chemical distributor. FACTS ABOUT Stort Chemicals »»Headquarters in Bishop’s After graduation in chemistry from the University of Birmingham in 1961, Ken had Stortford worked in a variety of multinational companies, such as Cellon, part of Courtaulds »»Employing 18 people, Chemical, Hadfields Paints, part of the Bestobell Group, British Resin Products, part and responsible for our of BP Chemicals and, from 1970–1980, with the Berger Group, part of the German core business of speciality giant Hoechst, which at that time was the largest chemical company in the world. chemicals distribution Most of the time was spent on various aspects of the development, marketing and »»Employing 24 people in our sales of synthetic resins and polymers for the coatings and allied products industry – joint venture, StortEskens in one of the largest segments in the chemical industry overall. Warrington, responsible for our paint machinery business This eventually led to a place on the Board of Berger Chemicals, in the North East »»Founded in 1981 of England. Then, in 1980–82 came the largest and strongest recession to affect »»Turnover 2016: £9 million UK manufacturing since the end of the Second World War. In fact, this offered »»Very close association with our Ken and Marguerite the opportunity to return south from Newcastle to Bishops principals – large manufacturers Stortford and to take their destiny into their own hands. of speciality chemicals, many who have been our partners Stort Chemicals early years for 25 or more years The technical knowledge built up over the 20 years prior to 1980, coupled with the strong friendships built up over that period, proved crucial to the success.

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The early years were spent visiting 1995 – Stort becomes a true We are part of the total customers throughout the UK, UK chemical distribution family business persuading them to buy specialised market. In 2015, this products for the coatings and adhesives 1995 was an important year for Stort, sector was worth markets. These were manufactured when Richard, son of the founders, £4.5 billion ( 5.4 billion) € by Wacker Chemicals and Henkel after completing his degree, followed to the UK. The small and Chemicals – without whose support in by four years at Barclays Bank, and medium-sized enterprise the early years Stort would not have an MBA from Cranfield, joined the (SME) segment of which survived. Both the Wacker and Henkel business. His financial acumen, coupled we are part concentrates contacts had come from the Hoechst with his IT skills, rapidly ensured our on the speciality chemical connections. Such contacts are so vital growth was profitable. If a business side of the market, and for all start-up companies. like Stort, by now stable in terms of represents approximately turnover, is to survive and prosper one third of the total We continue to sell a large range of long term, its financial health becomes market, i.e. £1.5 billion speciality chemicals from German critical and Richard has ensured (€1.8 billion). manufacturers, including Wacker, who this. Our investment in computer are still one of our biggest principals technology, both hardware and today, after 36 years! software, has been consistently high and has allowed us to expand with our Continued growth bank’s full backing, particularly as they

Any successful In 1986, Stort invested in small believe our figures!

distributor offices in Bishop’s Stortford. In 1988, Henkel Chemicals offered us the 2000s – further expansion “must always“ UK distributorship for their range of and diversification Aroma Chemicals – widely used in the remember Ken’s 60th birthday was celebrated production of fragrance compounds by moving up to the Executive for perfumery. This took Stort into a Customer is Chairman role, with Richard moving to brand-new market – the fragrance Managing Director. King and flavour (F&F) industry. Another major segment in the overall chemicals From Ground Zero in 1981, turnover industry – less technical than coatings was now £3 million, with a high- but extremely rewarding. F&F is a gross profit, reflecting our chosen creative industry, with perfumers area of speciality chemicals rather deciding which new products launched than the much lower-yielding Emma Marchant, by the large producers of aroma commodity chemicals. daughter of the chemicals will be successful – not founders, assessing new In 2001 Emma, daughter of the developments from the manufacturers. founders, with a degree from one of our fragrance suppliers Manchester, joined as Director of Flavours and Fragrances. Her enthusiasm and selling ability has helped grow the F&F division from a steady £1 million turnover throughout the 1990s, to a now stable turnover of £2 million+ over the past three years.

In 2006, we also moved into large new offices on the banks of the River Stort, giving us room for further expansion. These became even more necessary when we set up a subsidiary in 2005 to handle the sales and servicing of paint tinting and mixing machines

32 | STORT CHEMICALS MANUFACTURING & SERVICES using colourants from a new principal who had chosen Stort Chemicals to represent them: CPS Color BV.

Three years later we sold 50% of the business to a Dutch partner and StortEskens Ltd was born. It is now run out of a custom-equipped warehouse and workshop in Warrington and employs 25 people, including 11 fully- trained and equipped field engineers. Our excellent relationship with some of the largest paint companies and DIY stores in the country has seen the turnover grow to £2.5 million.

People

While lip-service is often paid to the Stort Eskens’ UK Technical and Training importance of employing the right Centre – Warrington regulated industry, our principals will people, in a sales and service company, always give specific product training the largest item of expenditure is in their well-equipped laboratories – investment in people. usually overseas – again expensive but Stort believes this passionately and, in a necessary cost. recent years, made a strategic decision We have also ensured health and to employ several young graduates and safety plays a major part in the train these initially as sales office staff »THE FUTURE training of all our staff – this must be with the intention that they will later best practice in an industry handling Our core chemical become external sales managers capable so many different chemicals. This distribution business of promoting our products to our is reinforced by our long-standing plus our JV StortEskens customers in a correct technical manner. membership of the Chemical Business Ltd has now reached In fact, all of our recent technical Association (CBA), the UK’s key body the point where we are recruits must have a graduate for the chemicals supply chain. Signing confident that our Group qualification in chemistry or a similar up to responsible care is a pre-requisite target of £10 million of discipline, so that they will be able of membership. profitable turnover in to introduce our range of products 2018 will be met. A very recent recruit heralds the next to our customers in a professional stage of the company’s growth. The This is due in large part way. This approach is expensive and eldest grandson of the founders, to the dedication, hard time consuming, but we believe our Matthew, who graduated from work and expertise of so customers appreciate this and our Macquarie University in Sydney 18 many of our staff over so investment in such staff is already months ago and has now returned to the many years. paying off. UK, recently joined Stort as Marketing As a measure of my personal gratitude and Business Development Manager, to the University of Birmingham for with the particular remit to investigate the excellence of my own graduate ways we can best communicate our course, I have given them a bursary products to our customers in a rapidly- to fund undergraduates in the School changing market place. of Chemistry. Stort Chemicals is proud to become a Alongside our in-house training, as third-generation company. we operate in a highly-technical and

STORT CHEMICALS | 33 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice Scientific Management International

Our head office and factory in Andover

hink of the harshest environment on the planet – that’s Scientific Management International’s backyard Twhere their moulding routinely operates. Designing, FACTS ABOUT SCIENTIFIC manufacturing and installing pressure moulded cable harnesses MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL for the most hostile of environments on Earth – regularly »»Formed 1992 including through submarine hull installations and on the »»Designer & manufacturer of ocean floor. Scientific Management International are the only Pressure Moulded cable systems company worldwide to hold continuous Capability Approval for hostile environments from the Ministry of Defence for over 20 years. This is illustrated »»Develops products in by having had over 10,000 installations with zero leaks to date, accordance with UK Defence Standards – 20 years and will have precisely zero leaks in the future. uninterrupted »»SME operating as a prime Essentially, cable harnesses and connectors are the coverings that secure the wires contractor to UK MOD and and fibre optics transmitting signals or electric power in a variety of industrial, Tier 1 Defence companies commercial, civil and military contexts. Clearly, in hostile environments involving »»Operating in Marine, Aerospace extreme temperatures, wet and high-pressure conditions below the surface – be & Renewables markets that on the hull of a ship or the seabed – this requires advanced technology and »»Based in Andover, Hampshire expert installation. In this case also strengthened by internal deep cycle testing, with offices in Perth, Australia product x-ray procedures and constant and total quality control. & Paris, France Scientific Management International is a privately held company based in Andover, »»‘Right first time, every time’ – Hampshire supplying hostile environment cable harnesses and connectors to the marine, ‘Fit & forget’ technology aerospace, alternative energy and transport industries – including Britain’s own nuclear »»www.smi.group fleet for over 20 years. Professionalism is the difference between life and death, where right first time every time and guaranteed 10,000 installation zero leak performance is essential, providing solutions to the highest technical challenges in the sector.

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Why it pays to get it right first 90 degree bend and so can fix issues time with connectivity in confined spaces. The importance of getting things A culture of excellence and right first time cannot be overstated. innovation

Unfortunately, too many suppliers and customers alike are seduced by Scientific Management International are lower initial costs into compromising committed to technological excellence, on reliability, resulting in the need for which underlines their heritage not Right first“ rectification at some stage down the only as a one hundred percent reliable line. This can involve costs often many supplier, but also as an international time, every times what it would have taken to do industry leader having offices in UK, France & Australia. Customers therefore “time, fit and the job properly in the first place. have confidence in everything they In contrast, Scientific Management forget do, and that includes looking forward International’s approach is to work and developing technology in order to Glen Richardson, closely with customers from the very solve the problems of the future. Chief Technical Officer, early stages of a project bringing over Scientific Management Innovation is woven into the culture 25 years expertise and experience to International Ltd bear, ensuring installations are right of the business at every level, along first time, fit and forget – with zero with a focus on rigorous accreditation. leaks. This does not always make them The certificates held include the ISO more expensive than their rivals, even 9001:2008 quality management system, in terms of upfront costs. Sometimes approval for the manufacture of 1st Level tailoring an installation to its purpose pressure glands from the Ministry of from the start means developing a Defence, along with, as mentioned more graceful engineering solution, above, 20 years continuous capability resulting in lower costs. This was found approval for the manufacture of pressure recently with PlastEthUrm mouldings hull and equipment glands which is a which can take fibre optics around a unique achievement worldwide. SlipstreaM connector moulding

SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL | 35 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

‘A LEGACY OF INNOVATION

The first submarine pressure hull glands were developed by Submarine Cables in Erith, Kent, during the 1950s, but the associated technology evolved considerably in the ensuing decades.

For a long time, it was felt that selecting material for cable harnessing involved a compromise between electrical performance and abrasion resistance; different materials had different advantages, and disadvantages. Eventually, it was Scientific Management International that developed a technology combining the best of both worlds, leading to Pressure hull gland extended life for cable harnesses.

Keith Wells, CEO of Scientific Management International says ‘The first ‘PlastEthUrm’ technology was introduced into another NATO country’s submarines five years ago and to date six boats have been supplied, with three launched and in service. As ever there has been one hundred percent fit and forget performance.’

Another innovation has been the SlipstreaM connector moulding, which combines compact size with a 90 degree bend radius. This enables the efficient and reliable transfer of power and data in wave and tidal installations even where there is restricted space or where low resistance to tidal movements is a consideration.

When mated with PlastEthUrm, SlipstreaM enables Scientific Management International to provide lifetime warranties for cable mouldings and harnesses.

Some recent successes by the Royal Navy to help develop a solution to reliability issues with a motor Interesting projects from the past used in submarines. The R&D team few years include the first tidal redesigned the relevant part in a way installation for SeaGen (Marine Current that resolved the problem and saved Turbines) replacing another supplier’s the Navy budget, and this solution was

failed harnesses, and supplying then applied across the fleet.

Our excellence export cable terminations for Tidal Energy’s Deltastream installation in In order to continue to grow they have to ensure they can recruit staff with the in the UK has“ Pembrokeshire, with low and medium right skills to maintain depth as well as voltage and fibre optic connectors. “led to ongoing breadth of knowledge – excelling in both The faultless reputation within the how it’s always been done and how expansion industry is well illustrated by the it could be done now and developing overseas fact that they were a supplier to the that process. This is more difficult for the recently commissioned Open Hydro manufacturing disciplines than at the Martin Stillman-Jones, 2MW Tidal turbine at Cape Sharp technology and design professional level, Chairman in the Bay of Fundy, which has just and has led to growth of the apprentice started producing power. training programme in order to secure high growth plans. Apprentices are The most successful projects are those recruited each year and currently have that involve collaborating with other 5 at various stages of development. This innovators, and making an impact on has a major benefit in that apprentices the industry as a whole, bringing 25 plus develop within a culture of total years experience to good use. This was reliability – or as they say, fit and forget. certainly the case when commissioned

36 | SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING & SERVICES

RJG Technologies

Training Facility

Richard Brown, Managing Director he formation of RJG Technologies in 2015 brought together two world-recognised experts in the field of Tplastics technology, Rod Groleau and John Goff, who had separately pioneered an approach for injection moulding using scientific principles in the USA and Britain. This approach FACTS ABOUT revolutionised the plastics industry and has made RJG an RJG Technologies international leader providing training, consultancy, and »»Leading provider of training technological know-how for those using plastics in their and consultancy in the Plastic Processing Industry manufacturing process… whether it’s for medical equipment, »»Trainers and Consultants with the pharmaceutical sector, or supply to the automotive market. a wealth of knowledge and experience from within the Plastics Industry Located in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, RJG Technologies is now part of RJG, Inc., a privately-owned family business, and was formed when the parent company »»Winner of Plastic Industry acquired G&A Moulding Technology. Providing progressive, structured, and relevant Awards 2015 and finalist 2013 training, RJG delivers a range of tailored courses that address the current skills and 2014 shortages seen within the plastics industry. Following a prescribed route (Figure 1) »»Established reputation for can lead to the prestigious Master Molder® qualification. This provides the recipients training courses that meet the with the knowledge and expertise to apply best practices to drive quality and value industry needs to the products produced, providing a competitive edge for their organisation. »»Team of 11 employees in the UK with 140 worldwide Making the changes »»Headquarters in Traverse City, USA with facilities in The immediate impact was the speed of decision making, empowering a change in Mexico, France, Germany, UK, the direction of the business to provide new services as part of the group. The focus Italy, Singapore, China and was to invest in the infrastructure and the people to improve the business. Investment South Korea. was made in staff training to add the additional skills and knowledge required to

RJG TECHNOLOGIES | 37 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

support the growing business. This For a company with a small number of ensured we had the ability to deliver employees, we have an extraordinarily Master Molder® II enhanced training courses that met the broad mix of skills to meet our needs of the industry at the time of an customers’ needs. At RJG, everyone is acute skill shortage. encouraged to provide input – creative Master Molder® I thinking is a natural part of the In the consultancy area of the business, development process. We recognise ® we developed our TZERO consultation that what we do has to be enjoyable Systematic Moulding initiative. This guides our clients to provide job satisfaction as well as through logical steps to develop a financially rewarding for the business. plastic component to get it to market Injection Moulding right first time. Previous successes have Essentials Our core values and purpose encouraged us to push the boundaries We have developed a three-year of what is possible for every client and strategy that narrows our focus in Maths for Moulders given us confidence to be bolder in our order to help us be as successful as approach to the challenges we face. possible. Our core values are centred Figure 1 Development of a clear vision of on going the extra mile to provide the service we offer crystallised our our customers with training and direction, providing the team impetus consultancy that exceeds their needs to deliver it. Investing in our staff has – something they appreciate. They RJG’s training been the best thing we’ve done over value our approach to provide honesty, and consultancy the last year in order to grow the accuracy, efficiency, and consistency business and make a difference to in everything we do. We are always “service is everyone’s work-life balance. looking to develop and improve, to ensure we are the best we can be – as

viewed as The team people, as a team, and as a company.

a long term Our team has expertise in all elements Our purpose is to deliver high quality of converting plastic pellets into injection moulding training, consultancy, solution to “ quality products. Through years of and process monitoring equipment the skills gap industry experience, our team has that surpasses the expectations gained a deep understanding of how of our customers in the medical, in the plastics things work on the shop floor. This pharmaceutical, and automotive industry knowledge has helped us shape our sectors. Our mission: to get RJG training and consultancy services recognised as a global leader through around issues that injection moulders market awareness, innovative product are facing on a daily basis. development, and consideration to the environments we work in. Training classroom The foundation of our three-year strategy is:

»»To develop and deliver high quality training »»To provide consistent consultancy support on every project »»To work closely with every customer to identify problems and develop strategies for permanent solutions that guarantee the quality of plastic parts »»To develop new products that meet the demanding aims of our customers in the plastic industry.

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Two key factors in the success of this strategy are to invest in the training of our team and to communicate the changing demands of our market for the services we offer.

New products

Although our current products exceed expectations, we have not been complacent. Our Research and Development team have focussed on the development of new and innovative products that will differentiate us from our competitors. The approach has been simple:

»»Work as closely as possible to the end-user to meet their future needs. Hands on Training »»Ensure we have a clear understanding Experience of the end-users’ requirements by and record the status of the injection listening to the Voice of the Customer. moulding process. The CoPilot is designed to guide the moulding »»Don’t assume the conventional technician to manage and maintain RJG is an and more traditional product is the the moulding process. The product most appropriate one, but develop internationally functions as a notification system, a a solution that meets the needs and communication tool, and a coach – it demands of our customers. “recognised provides a simple and practical guide »»Achieve the most cost effective to aid moulding technicians of all centre of solution while also achieving good experience levels produce quality parts financial returns. excellence in the

within process. The CoPilot can also be used as a training tool to teach staff field of polymer

The Hub™ of all skill levels how to reinstate and training and The Hub was developed to enable manage a moulding process. injection moulding plant managers to consultancy with “ monitor their entire plant floor from The future a single remote access point via a an unrivalled With the present-day skill shortages, web browser. The aim of The Hub is we believe that it is important for reputation in the to increase the efficiency of a mould employers to invest in their employees’ shop, as all the data will be available at plastics sector skills and develop apprentices. In one central point, negating the need 2017/18, we believe that further to spend time and energy continuously growth will be achieved with the walking the shop floor. It will show introduction of two new products: »COMPANY how all machines are performing and The Hub and CoPilot. With these new ACCREDITATIONS allow quick decision making to prioritise products and our strong training ethos, the specific areas that need attention. we are well placed to meet the current »»PAAV\Q-SET accredited This is an exciting development for the and future needs of our industry. centre company and the industry. These are all exciting developments »»Cogent Skills Partner for us, and we believe we are well »»Member of British The CoPilot™ positioned to see even further growth Plastics Federation. The CoPilot, as its name suggests, is a in the future. »»ISO 9001:2015 system to support, monitor, visualize,

RJG TECHNOLOGIES | 39 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice Applied Coating Technologies (ACT)

ACT’s third robotic line, commissioned in 2015

Dr Yasin Zaka, Managing Director and Christine Hancock, Commercial Director pplied Coating Technologies (ACT) is the UK’s premier industrial and automotive coating company with Amanufacturing sites based in the West Midlands. For more than 30 years the management team have developed innovative coating solutions and invested in state-of-the-art application FACTS ABOUT ACT technologies. The company now has three autonomous business »»Established in 2000 by units focused on providing customer a world class service and Dr Yasin Zaka and Christine with one of the strongest research and development (R&D) teams Hancock in the industry continues to develop new coating technologies. »»Specialises in applying functional and decorative coatings, using manual and After obtaining his PhD from Aston University Dr Y. Zaka started his career as a robotic coating technologies coatings technologist at the R&D centre of Inco Engineered Products. There he »»Currently operates from developed coatings that could protect electronic equipment from radio frequency two sites in Oldbury, West interference (RFI). Keen to commercialise his innovative coating application and Midlands with plans to open a develop a business Dr Zaka went back to Aston University Business School and third facility in 2018 studied for a Masters Degree in Business Management.

»»Employs 90 people with a In 2000 Dr Zaka and his colleague Christine Hancock formed their own company, turnover of £8 million Applied Coating Technologies. From the onset they believed that to grow their »»Focuses on core values: business they needed to invest in the latest technology, innovate and develop new innovation, investment in products and markets and to focus on customer service. This formula has served latest technology and world them well and the company has grown steadily from employing just two people in class customer service, to 2000 to over 90 in 2016. Revenue was £8 million in 2016 and is forecast to exceed achieve growth £10 million by 2019.

ACT started life specialising in applying conductive coatings to provide protection against interference caused by electromagnetic waves. Electronic products housed

40 | APPLIED COATING TECHNOLOGIES (ACT) MANUFACTURING & SERVICES in plastic enclosures are particularly ACT processes are flexible and can susceptible, as plastics are non- meet the demands of the automotive conductive and do not offer any sector for high and low volume The appeal resistance to electromagnetic (EM) production runs and provides coating waves generated by mobile phones services to some of Europe’s most and value of and other electronic equipment. recognisable automotive brands, including BMW, JLR, Aston Martin, “an injection

The internal surfaces of plastic mouldings VW Bentley and Volvo. used in mobile phones, computers, moulding can medical and defence equipment are Turnkey project management solutions can be greatly now routinely coated with specially are in place to procure and control formulated conductive paints to provide mouldings, to paint and provide sub- enhanced“ by protection against EM/RFI. assembly operations. applying a Over the years, customers requested ACT’s latest line was commissioned cosmetic the company apply decorative/cosmetic in 2015 and incorporates the latest coatings to the exterior surfaces of their ABB robot, and has been designed finish mouldings. The appeal and value of to spray water based paints on an injection moulding can be greatly mouldings up to 1.5m in length. enhanced by applying a cosmetic finish. Satin silver finishes create This led to the formation of the second a premium brand image business unit. ACT has developed an extensive knowledge portfolio in applying metallic, pearlescent, high- gloss and soft-feel paints to coatings by manual spray application.

This division now services over 100 customers including many household names such as Whirlpool/ Indesit, Kholer Mira, Electrolux, Rentokil Initial, BMW and Bentley.

Christine Hancock is the Commercial Director and responsible for Marketing and customer support. She commented that the most satisfying aspect of her job in recent years has been the fact that over 30% of all new projects won by the business have been where companies have repatriated coating work back to the UK from the Far East.

Having worked successfully for some of the premier automotive marques such as Bentley, Lotus and McLaren the company ventured into high volume automotive supply by setting up its Automotive Coatings Division in 2005.

As well as traditional coating technologies, the Automotive division has three robotic spray lines capable of coating over 10,000 parts per day.

APPLIED COATING TECHNOLOGIES (ACT) | 41 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

Range Rover moulding being de-ionised Dr Mujtaba Zaka prior to robotic spraying

Designed to offer consistent quality, to develop novel coatings based on cost efficiency and high volume carbon nanomaterials. Of particular output the line now supports three interest are transparent conductive major projects for JLR. coatings which can be applied by conventional spraying methods. These Two of the robotic lines are dedicated coatings are used in the manufacture to exterior trim. ACT produces badges The for Range Rover and Discovery models of touch screens but can also provide company’s for JLR. protection against EM/RF interference. The companies core values of innovation Collaboration with a German partner “core value of and development, is now being has resulted in unique products being innovation championed by the next generation designed by using a combination of of the Zaka family. Dr Mujtaba Zaka physical vapour deposition (PVD) and

and obtained his PhD on understanding laser profiling. The development is the properties of carbon nanomaterials covered by a non-disclosure agreement

development, from the University of Oxford and then (NDA) but the company is confident worked in industry in both the UK and the first production components will is now being“ Germany, before joining ACT in 2016. be installed on a car being launched next year. championed Since joining ACT he has made by Dr Mujtaba significant advancements in the Going forward, the management team application of paints by robotic remains steadfast in its belief of our Zaka spraying and is currently designing core values. To achieve sustainable two new state-of-the-art robotic spray growth it must invest in the latest lines which the company hopes to technology, develop innovative commission and install next year. processes, and provide world class Looking further ahead, Mujtaba is customer service. collaborating with US corporations

42 | APPLIED COATING TECHNOLOGIES (ACT) MANUFACTURING & SERVICES

SI Protech

Our bespoke machines semi-automatically assemble multiple parts, apply unique identifiers with Laser Mark, and 100% leak test the finished assembly

Alan Edmonds, Managing Director ith a long-standing history of developing and producing revolutionary, high-spec injection Wmouldings, primarily for the beverage industry, SI Protech has become a respected and recognised leader in the manufacturing industry Having been been acquired by US corporation, Joseph Company in 2016, the company FACTS ABOUT SI Protech strategy has been strengthened in the areas of innovation »»Started trading in 1997 and investment. »»30,000 sq ft factory in Littlehampton »»35 employees Founded in 1997 by sole trader, Mark Sillince, SI Protech has grown rapidly. The company, now based Littlehampton, began by producing initial designs and »»£4 million turnover prototyping then, as a result of customer demand, developed increasingly into »»75% export production engineering and manufacturing.

It was important for the company to maintain its heritage of development and innovation, so founder Mark Sillince as Research and Development (R&D) Director

remains very much at the heart of product and process development. Our new Managing Director, Alan Edmonds, leads the company in strategy and financial SI Protech

success. The company has recently won an award for the best manufacturing business in the local area. invests 10% of “its annual “ Focus on innovation Innovation is at the core of the company’s existence and has been since its turnover in foundation. Founder, Mark Sillince, was the inventor of the original can widget for research and Boddingtons – one of the biggest packaging revolutions in the beverage sector. His influence is still powerful in all areas of the business and this underpins SI Protech’s development reputation as a solutions provider in the beverage industry.

SI PROTECH | 43 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

»HOW DOES THE CHILL-CAN® WORK? With this long-standing expertise as its driving force, SI Protech is proud of the In the self-chilling Chill-Can®, the beverage number of established and long-serving can has a built in Heat Exchange Unit (HEU) customers with whom it continues to which contains the technology necessary work. The company also continues to chill the drink in under a minute. Upon to develop and produce some of the activation (pressing the button at the base of beverage sector’s highest quality beer the can), the patented technology activates the keg components, putting the company

environmentally-safe reclaimed CO2 in the HEU at the leading edge of the industry. that leads to the chilling of the beverage.

The Chill-Can® is a revolutionary, safe, environmentally-friendly patented Keeping people motivated technology that the beverage industry has coveted for decades. In recent years, the structure of SI Protech has changed significantly with The introduction of the world’s first the Joseph Company now a majority and self-chilling can (Chill-Can®) has also US-based shareholder, a new managing been one of the company’s latest and director in place, plus a number of proudest successes. This technology patents pending on some exciting new will revolutionise the way drink product developments, SI Protech is manufacturers market their products, clear about the way ahead. Despite this

Creative as well as the way in which consumers recent change, the positive company enjoy them. The technology is now culture has remained the same since

problem being developed to be used in the its inception. This stability is something medical and cosmetic industries – a of which we are proud, having worked “solving gives“ huge and exciting market development hard to find the perfect balance us that for SI Protech. between creativity and practicality. competitive ‘Creative problem solving gives us that With a flexible team of 25 core staff, competitive edge that every business plus 10 seasonal contract employees, edge strives to achieve,’ commented Mark our manufacturing processes rely on Sillince. ‘Rather than just delivering a committed, carefully-trained people product that our customers think they and all members of the team that are want, we work alongside them to highly skilled . Even as automation develop the ultimate solution for their becomes a bigger part of the objectives. We share the development operations, staff are always redeployed process and the success of delivery in other areas of the manufacturing A robot removing process, ensuring their specialities beer keg valve parts with them.’ continue to drive the business – and from a plastic injection moulding tool importantly, they know the company is committed to them. This generates loyalty among our core team and helps to nurture creativity and accountability – all key values within SI Protech.

Alan Edmonds comments: ‘It’s a great culture; and one that is world class, customer driven and the expectation to adopt best practice is also driven by the senior management.’ Whether it’s via the training and development opportunities or the profit sharing scheme, creating an inspired, friendly, motivated culture within SI Protech is the main aim.

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Exporting

The company produces over 35 million components and assemblies per year. 75% of the goods SI Protech produces are exported around Europe and the rest of the world, with multinational companies coming to a small town in West Sussex to find solutions and have their products developed and manufactured. With the influence of Joseph Company behind them, access to and growth in the US market is assured and very much part of the plan. Management team receiving ISO 9001 Trust in the company from across the Quality and ISO world comes from its quality assurance The future is in IP 14001 Environmental certification in 2016. with every client and project. SI SI Protech currently turns over £4 Vasco Miguel, Mark Protech is ISO 9001 certified for quality million and, having seen a 20% Sillince, Alan Edmonds, across all areas of the business, and growth in sales from 2015 to 2016, Stewart Ray and Neil Cranfield is ISO 14001 certified for the highest we expect to see a 15–20% growth in environmental standards, in an industry 2017. Investment is driving the future where these can be easily overlooked. of SI Protech, with plans for 50% of These internationally recognised turnover coming from our own IP accreditations, provide assurance even by 2020. A willingness to embrace beyond the proven record of quality change and a desire to extend into and service that precedes SI Protech. new sectors and businesses will enable remarkable growth, as the company Investment and intellectual enters a new era. Top: Communication headset typically used property (IP) by retail stores Bottom: Medical SI Protech invests 10% of its annual Air and beer keg valve containing analyser used to turnover into research and development. 43 parts in assembly monitor lithium levels This substantial investment plus further investment in automated assembly equipment and our people has played a vital part in SI Protech’s growth. By constantly improving the infrastructure and equipment, we can ensure work is always at the highest standard and our functions keep up with the latest technology.

Securing more of our own IP, in particular patents and trademarks, is embedded in plans for company growth. The volume of innovative products SI Protech has developed over the years means holding our own IP has been a huge leap forward in competing and co-operating with other big names, with £100,000 having been spent on IP registrations in recent years.

SI PROTECH | 45 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

Chamcotec

Paul Morris, Managing Director, Chamcotec Ltd hamcotec was formed as a result of one man’s boredom. I had actually been long retired but, in 2006, I wanted Ca new challenge so set up Chamcotec in Flint, North Wales. Chamcotec initially began producing shampoos and sanitisers for pets, and later started producing antibacterial products for the healthcare and farming industries. One of the key ingredients in our products is a Bioflavonoid that is highly antibacterial and antiviral.

FACTS ABOUT Chamcotec This particular Bioflavonoid has been known since the 1930s. The issue since its initial discovery was always in extracting it, in a consistently stable and active »»Founded 2006 enough manner so that it could be consistently reproduced, in order for it to be a »»Produces products to the viable highly-effective product suitable for onward use. With our genuinely unique highest BS EN 1656 Standard process, Chamcotec has achieved this. Chamcotec now produces approximately »»Only producer of bioflavonoid- 30 different products for use in the pet care, health, farming, dairy and based organic sanitising poultry sectors. products Using flavonoids

In the dairy industry, the development of our products have proven particularly influential as they are currently being used as an organic alternative to peracetic acid to sanitise dairy lines and milking equipment, reducing cell counts and as an aid to reducing mastitis. Tested to BS EN 1656, the highest veterinary standard, these products are highly effective. Not only does peracetic acid destroy silicon membranes within milking equipment it is also a noxious substance; it has proved most unpleasant for the cows and for the farmers handling it.

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Our dairy sanitiser product is neutral, to extract Bioflavonoids and how after use it can be disposed of down to make its products. After taking the drain or slurry pit, with no harmful advice from several patent lawyers, it environmental impact. The product was decided to operate this current continues to work long after use and practice This may change someday is also organic farmers and growers and we will explore the patent route -approved. This particular product in the future, but for now Chamcotec took six years to develop; while the believes that the best option is not to central issue was not being able to divulge its methods and formulations. produce it, but doing so in a consistent It is important that Chamcotec and effective way. A lot of what protects its unique position because, Chamcotec does is based around unquestionably, one of Chamcotec’s the core Bioflavonoid, this natural strengths is that it is the only company bioflavonoid forms part of a plant’s in the world making a highly-effective natural defences. Bioflavonoid product. Chamcotec are Alcohol-free hand certainly not aware of any competitors. sanitising gel For example, if a rose gets black Many companies and people have tried mould, it will produce this substance previously to produce Bioflavonoids in in order to inhibit the contagion. It a manner to make them commercially is also particularly prevalent in acidic viable, to date only Chamcotec has fruits such as oranges. Creating managed to achieve this. and extracting this bioflavonoid is Six years in challenging – to produce a tonne of Word of mouth “ ready-to-use bioflavonoid requires in development the region of 50 tonnes of oranges Once customers have used Chamcotec “and approved but its efficacy goes a long way. products, it is most common for More prevalent quaternary-based them to keep doing so. This has put by organic antibacterial substances found in every Chamcotec in the fortunate position farmers day household products are typically of having consistent repeat sales. effective at one in 20. Bioflavonoid- Our marketing budget is zero, other based products, on the other hand, than a few flyers occasionally sent are effective at dilutions of more than out to farmers. The sectors in which 1,000 to 1, depending on use. For Chamcotec operates are very vocal. example a large swimming pool could Farmers talk to each other regularly be sanitised with a very small amount. via on line forums and at markets, about what products they use on their Chamcotec growth pattern has been farms and recommendations are made Organic approved somewhat strange to date. While milking equipment demand has increased, the number sanitiser of people on its team has decreased. At one time Chamcotec had eight staff but this now stands at four. This was simply a result of being able to operate with smaller numbers. One person works within sales with the remainder in production and dispatch. I work within the formulation side of the business. Chamcotec is quite secretive about its production and formulation methods. The Chamcotec ethos is that if Chamcotec patents the formulation of a product, then it is in effect telling competitors how

CHAMCOTEC | 47 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

Recognition of innovation

Along with customers, Chamcotecs work has also received validation from the Government. Chamcotec was the subject of a Technology Strategy Board (now Innovate UK) review some four years ago. On their point scale used to measure innovation, Chamcotec scored 49 out of 50 – among the highest they’ve had. This scored Chamcotec on effectiveness of the product, how the products are viewed by potential customers and test results. Chamcotec see farming as a growth area for the future. There is an industry drive to move away from antibiotic and noxious products and towards environmentally-friendly, organic ones. This fits the Chamcotec remit perfectly. Pet care is another interesting area for Chamcotec, realising new product launches within the last year. Health care has also proved strong, with Chamcotec products proven to be A range of our products are for domestic use highly effective against infections like MRSA, but there are some limitations between them. Pet users will commonly around what we can do in that sector talk about the products in online forums and with one another at shows. because of price. This results in the Chamcotec customer A publicly-funded organisation like base being a mix of individuals and the NHS will naturally seek to buy agents distributed all around the UK. less expensive hand gels, but these Being organic and non-toxic, Chamcotec are less effective so it’s a balance The company products do no environmental damage. between costs and results for them.

The initial challenge for Chamcotec Chamcotec also plans and currently has developed is having its products accepted in the has on trial poultry sector sanitising

“products for marketplace as a viable alternative products. These are being tested on to established offerings. Often, the 10 farms and breeding houses within use within“ thinking can be that an organic product the poultry sector. These products are poultry is not as effective as a non-organic currently achieving, by the elimination one. With some clients this results of parasites and harmful bacteria, an processing in an education process. But this is increase in yield of 3%, a substantial results-driven, and we have found that increase in money terms for the plants once a customer has tried Chamcotec farmers involved. Chamcotec has also products, and seen tangible benefits, developed products for use within then they are won over. A farmer, for poultry processing plants in order to example, is more concerned about the eliminate campylobacter within them results rather than about the technical – currently a very topical issue for aspects of a product – they are certainly both the sector and the Food Safety more concerned to improve yields and Agency. reduce the incidence of mastitis.

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Essential Earth

Christmas is coming

Gez Murphy, Managing Director ssential Earth contract candle manufacturing was created by Gez Murphy to forge alliances with leading candle Ebrands with the main aim of giving certainty of supply in a professional and costeffective matter. The first brand we teamed up with was Ed and Claire Croft’s Abahna who we FACTS ABOUT were most grateful to when they came on board with a new Essential Earth manufacturer and gave support and showed belief in us. Since »»Elmley Lovett Worcestershire, then Abahna and Essential Earth have grown together and it’s Warwick Bridge Cumbria been a privilege to be a part of their success. »»Founded 2010 »»Manufacturer of luxury candle brands Whilst we cut our teeth with Abahna we worked with some major brands for »»100% natural vegetable the next year or so and eventually became a junior manufacturer and then full waxes manufacturer. This in turn opened up numerous doors as our client portfolio spoke volumes in the industry and gave new start-ups and existing brands great »»Employs 11 staff assurances they were dealing with a reputable manufacturer. »»Posted 2016 turnover £393,000 Our environmental focus

At the heart of Essential Earth’s ethos is an adherence to using natural vegetable

wax blends which are made using only waxes which are produced from sustainable and renewable crops. We don’t use any paraffin waxes. All of our core range of fragrances are 100% natural essential oil fragrances. We do work with fragrances “ which are made using essential oils but are not 100% natural. Manufacturing Manufacturing with a retail perspective from a retail ‘Delivering at the point of need‘. All of our clients suffered serious supply problems “view when the peak season started, it was rife in the industry. With my retail background

ESSENTIAL EARTH | 49 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

in the early days and sometimes 7am to 10pm was an extreme we faced to achieve our goals. Now we’ve grown to 11 staff this no longer needs to happen but when called for, and it happens, we go that extra mile. Why? Simply, if the client hasn’t got it then their retailers can’t sell it which then comes back around to us and we can’t make it. We have without a doubt helped our clients grow quicker due to their confidence when negotiating sales with major retailers. To date, this has been achieved despite challenges placed in front of us. In this age of automation and shop floor technology, the candle making Ellen and the Warwick process has stayed traditional through Mill team a handcrafted approach drawing on

and experience I approached artisan methods.

We are not a manufacturing from a retail view, you need it now I’ll supply it now. Simply, Buying into the ethos we receive a PO with a delivery date manufacturer“ and that’s what we work to without We don’t pay minimum wage and “in any ordinary delay. Despite the many challenges as such don’t have a workforce with component suppliers create we’ve put a minimum wage mentality. Extra sense of the together a format which enables us to hours at busy periods are there for word deliver. At the centre of this working our workers and when asked , they practise is we are in fact not a 9–5 deliver due to the very hands on workplace, we did what it took and management team which includes In July we start preparing my wife Ellen and our Ryelands site our Christmas orders general manager Kelly. The whole group is a team and we have a very high staff retention rate due to the environment we create to work in and the benefits that offers, which in turn means our clients have an experienced and dedicated candle supplier. This didn’t really gain any momentum until 2013, so despite our relative success over the 4 years the UK manufacturing industry remains a challenging place to operate in and clearly has a problem seeing ‘The bigger picture’ and clearly has no intention or will to operate with an ethos of delivering at all costs. When the peak season approaches we work to counteract the problems we’ll face and minimise the effect that will have on us to deliver, this in itself is a very difficult process and something we deal with year in year out.

50 | ESSENTIAL EARTH MANUFACTURING & SERVICES

Busy busy in the early days Developing Essential Earth of orders from a standing start in the first 12 months, 2017 has also shown We are in advanced stages of signing an impressive increase on 2016. off with a major UK candle brand who have negotiated a substantial deal Our ethos has clearly endeared us with Canada and the USA through a to our clients and we grow year on rights deal with a sole distributor. year with the help of people we work with through recommendation and On top of this we have 3 new ventures reputation. We are not a manufacturer about to go out into the marketplace in any ordinary sense of the word We don’t pay with their new branded products and and our practises are very simple. Our despite the excitement I have for them growth is steady but remains nailed minimum wage all I also despair at the difficulty and to our principles and all of our clients short sightedness the manufacturing regardless of size gets the same level of“ and as such sector shows to start ups. Essential service. We will work rigorously going don’t have a “ Earth sees every one of these as forward to try and get other sectors possibly the next ‘Big Thing’ and as in our industry to maybe see things a workforce with a such we price our manufacturing costs little differently and work with us to minimum wage not much higher than our established help everyone grow… time will tell. brands. However, every other supplier mentality in the chain charges excessively as On a final note, finance for business the quantities are relatively small through the banks has been very compared to the major brands. They difficult for a long time and we found have no vision and work only on it to be near impossible but we came short term gain which we didn’t do across The Funding Circle in 2016 and with a gift market entrepreneur who there is clearly now a platform which had an idea but needed to be very does want to lend and it was very easy, competitive in early 2016 and who simple and quick. Check them out. went on the place £60,000 plus worth

ESSENTIAL EARTH | 51 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

Scent Perfique

Luxury candle for private label own brand

Alice Papiransky, Managing Director and founder of Scent Perfique Ltd cent Perfique Ltd is an international fragrance house and contract manufacturer who are at the forefront of a Sfast-growing industry. Inspired by market trends, we are seeking diversity, and challenging perceptions. Self-funded by CEO / Managing Director Alice Papiransky, the company now has a turnover of over £1 million.

FACTS ABOUT Scent Perfique »»Premium fragrance oils Inspiring products in a world of fine fragrances

»»500% sales growth from Specialists in creating inspiring products in a world of fine fragrances, we offer 2013-2016 brand support to multinational companies and also small craft co-operatives. »»Stepping stone for new businesses Scent Perfique is not only recognised worldwide for their quality of fine fragrance oils but also for producing high-quality candles, wax melts, reed diffusers and room »»Own brand private label sprays for the home fragrance industry as well as creating luxury body products and perfumes for the cosmetic sector. With an extensive fragrance library of over 380 fragrances, which are all International Fragrance Association (IFRA) compliant, they certainly have a lot to offer.

The stepping stone for new businesses

We see ourselves as the stepping stone for new or existing businesses, offering them the flexibility to develop and introduce new products, without having to commit to large Multiple Order Quantity (MOQ) or excessive financial outlay.

This flexibility has opened opportunities to many of our customers especially new businesses and even those working from home while bringing up their families.

52 | SCENT PERFIQUE MANUFACTURING & SERVICES

We have seen our customers’ businesses invested in a filling machine which has grow over the years and some have even made such a difference to production become prestigious high street brands, and lead times, especially as independents and on-line retailers. production continues to increase daily.

Being in the position to supply all the Design and development Inspiring “ raw materials or the finished product, branded or unbranded, for re-sale Our strategy is always focused on products in a or private label has also given us the product development by introducing opportunity to develop and introduce a innovative and competitive solutions “world of fine to our clients that will make their wider product range to our customers brand stand out. So offering guidance fragrances helping their business continue to grow. and support in the initial stages is paramount, ensuring every aspect Manufacturing of development and production The heart of the business revolves requirements are covered. An around the core ingredient, Fine attention to details and commitment Fragrance. Like no other sector, it is where my creative flair and technical has the ability to inspire and evoke excellence meet, so clients are emotions. This requires creativity when invited to our fragrance studio for a developing and carefully selecting consultation where ideas, perceptions a fragrance that is going to be and concepts are drawn together with visuals and of course most importantly An example of a private commercially viable for our clients. label candle. We had the main ingredient: The Fragrance. the pleasure of working Quality is paramount to Scent Perfique with the author of Cults and all our fragrances are quality Perfumes, Tessa Williams assured, throughout batches, ensuring there is no compromise to the quality of the end product.

Manufacturing techniques remain traditional to the art of the candle making and all candles are poured and finished by hand at our premises in Ellon. We have certainly seen the demand for ‘own brand’ increase for candles but also for the home fragrancing sector in general.

The popularity of reed diffusers has grown over the past few years and, as a business, we are always looking to make improvements and take things to a new level in terms of performance and quality.

In 2013 we tested a pioneering solvent base that was eco-friendly, odourless and non-toxic and had the ability to enhance a fragrance along with its longevity and is now also compliant with Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) legislation. Our new formulation has proven to be very popular and is still boosting sales. This was a deciding factor for us at the time, and we

SCENT PERFIQUE | 53 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

Challenges stronger presence in the finished product. Not knowing if these would Over the years we have had to be a success due to the price increase, overcome changes to regulations and I was pleased to get such a good technical requirements for the cosmetic response and we have continued to and home fragrancing sectors. Only add to the range and even introduced last year we were faced with the an INTENSE collection aimed at Classification, Labelling and Packaging attracting the high-end market and we (CLP) regulations which threw many have achieved this goal. of our customers into sheer panic. We recognised that unless we could support our customers in complying My fragrance journey began with the regulations, we could After researching I saw a gap in the potentially lose a great deal of business. market for a fragrance oils supplier. We invested in technical software At the time, choice was limited and so we are able to produce all the the US seemed to be the best option. necessary CLP documents for Preferring to deal with the UK, I found fragrances and finished products. This a reputable manufacturer, built the certainly instills confidence in us as a website and introduced my first eight fragrances. Luxury reed diffuser for company that is compliant, especially private label own brand for our existing clients but also any My journey began in the kitchen then future companies that will seek our extended to a workshop in the garden. products and services. Within a few months I had increased Fragrances that make the range of fragrances from the profits and the company began to grow. Scent a statement! Perfique started to blossom quite rapidly It is paramount to Scent Perfique already employing its first member of that our fragrances are the very best staff, not forgetting calling on friends out there on the market. As today’s and family to help when needed. consumers have become more sensory Within a few months Scent Perfique driven and are more educated in had outgrown the home environment terms of what they require from a and I was faced with the next step of fragrance, I decided that it was time to moving into business premises. take the fragrance world to the next Now operating out of Castlepark level by introducing more complex Industrial Estate in Ellon, and sophisticated fragrances. So I Aberdeenshire we employ seven started by introducing a few of our members of staff, who all have most popular fragrances in a more their own responsibilities within the concentrated version. different departments, and seasonal These are more complex than the staff when required. We are dedicated standard versions giving them a to providing an efficient and reliable

service ensuring our customers receive

Scent Perfique is recognised their goods in a timely fashion. My journey has been eventful, inspiring worldwide for producing“ the highest and totally fulfilling and, given that we “quality fragrance oils, fragranced have always been self-funded, I am extremely happy with the position candles, reed diffusers, wax melts Scent Perfique Limited has within the and body products industry today.

54 | SCENT PERFIQUE MANUFACTURING & SERVICES

Trent Oil Lubricants

Third generation Directors. Alex Stilborn, Kate McArdle and Dean Bennett. ll industries whether it be manufacturing or construction are increasing their environmental and health and Asafety considerations across their use of lubricants and specialist fluids. Alex Stilborn, managing director of Nottingham based Trent Oil Lubricants, says the firm wants to establish itself at the forefront of industry innovation by utilising its smaller size FACTS ABOUT Trent Oil Lubricants for greater product flexibility. »»Founded in Nottingham in 1971 as Trent Oil Products Ltd As a family-business with a background in fuels going back more than 45 years, before changing to Trent Oil Trent shifted its focus deciding to concentrate on their lubricants business in Lubricants Ltd in 2007 2007, marking a major step change in the direction of the company. Margins »»Produces branded lubricants in the fuel sector had become increasingly squeezed, becoming genuinely while also manufacturing for difficult for a smaller firm to compete. We saw our opportunity in manufacturing Star UK Ltd and distributing lubricants, as many of the major firms were out of touch with the market. Our for Total, Q8 and Quaker decision has seen us continue to grow on a yearly basis as our brand goes from »»Employs 17 staff with a strength to strength. turnover of £3 million »»Members of the UKLA We’ve continued developing our own brand while remaining a distributor for and VLS Lubricant Industry a few key major companies, including Quaker Chemicals, Total and Q8. As of Associations 2017, over 80 per cent of all of our products sold are made by us. With less »»Developing a new range of risk and higher margins, the financial impact of the lubricants business was also soluble construction oil’s in significant. Following the sale of our fuel business, we were able to nurture the conjunction with Nottingham company we looked after and gradually increase our turnover which in turn Trent University brought the opportunity to add more staff in all areas, sales, administration and »»Finalist in the 2016 Midlands even a chemist. We owe the continued success of our business to the quality and Family Business Awards dedication of our staff.

TRENT OIL LUBRICANTS | 55 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Highlighting best practice

Re-engineering products for a years, this has developed into a strong changing market partnership. Every time Star Micronics sells a machine into the UK, Trent Trent sells products into many supplies the approved oil when the diverse industries, expanding within equipment is rolled out. The Star range engineering and construction. Other of neat cutting oils manufactured by sectors which use our products include Trent continues to grow as we are the the automotive, commercial, off only Star approved oil in the market. We owe the highway and agriculture industries.

continued Such is the level of close collaboration A commitment to innovation with engineering companies especially,

“success of our our products become mostly customer- The Star Micronics partnership is just driven. Due to the changing industry one example of our expanded range business to “ demands on the oils themselves, we’ve being carried forward by customer- the quality had to adapt our approach by re- driven demands and partnerships. This engineering different products to cope approach is coupled with a strong and dedication with modern day scenarios. We’ve also commitment to innovation. While of our staff developed many relationships with industry also looks certain to become additive suppliers which helps to keep more competitive in the future, being us ahead of our competitors in the an SME works to our advantage. Being lubricants market. a smaller family owned business has allowed Trent to operate with more One of our main associations is flexibility, enabling us to adapt new producing the Star Brand for the UK products faster and in turn allowing division of Star Micronics, a global us the opportunity to meet market sliding head machine manufacturer. demands far quicker than our larger Over the course of the past nine multinational competitors.

creative with oil

56 | TRENT OIL LUBRICANTS MANUFACTURING & SERVICES

One area in which we’ve demonstrated this lately has been in our construction product line. We’ve developed products to enhance performance as well as promote the environmental and health and safety aspect which have become of paramount importance. We continue to work closely with our customers in this area, some of which make up the largest precast and general concrete firms in the country.

There is little doubt that many facets of our industry are changing. Health and safety requirements are becoming more stringent while pressures to We have experienced a significant increase in develop more environmentally friendly interest from Europe and However, the weakened pound has products have also intensified. With now extend into new these factors in mind, Trent Lubricants worked in our favour in terms of what territories hasn’t been afraid to look outside of we can command on the continent. the company for help in developing The more the pound weakens, the the next generation of products. One stronger our exports will continue to area where this is evident is a project be. While this may not be the most where we have worked closely with beneficial scenario long-term, we have nearby Nottingham Trent University to nevertheless identified the positives. develop products for the construction industry. Adapting environmentally Safer, more user-friendly friendly techniques in blending for the products construction industry, saw us eventually New products continue to dominate Our growth as taking on one of the university’s our thinking whatever the sector: with a graduates, in a full-time role. focus on developing a new generation of a business is

safer, more user-friendly products. The An increasingly global scope “testament to replacement of traditional technologies

As an independent manufacturer, our with more sophisticated ones will also our values aim is ensuring international companies be an important component of creating that if you do“ looking to source either specialist or more of these alternatives. This has standard lubricants from us. We have meant Trent and its partners exploring something experienced a significant increase in new ways of making them. interest from Europe and now extend well you will Our well-earned reputation is very into new territories. Naturally, this important to us. We’ll continue with our succeed has meant ramping up our exporting mantra that if you do something well credentials. Further expansion across you will succeed, rather than cut corners Europe and greater forays into the which unfortunately does happen within Middle East are likely to be the regions our industry. As a third generation we give the greatest attention to. business, we possess a lot of pride in our Geopolitical factors need to be achievements. By continuing to deliver considered however, the Brexit issue customer-driven products in a quick is a double edged sword for us. In and efficient way, we are confident the aftermath of the June 2016 vote, of securing our place as an industry base oils and other raw material innovator for many generations to come. costs have increased significantly.

TRENT OIL LUBRICANTS | 57 Review of Parliament The Queen’s Speech

to negotiate for the support of the Northern Ireland Democratic Unionists A snap election ... and as the first debate of this On the 19th April 2017, having new Parliament began, that support repeatedly insisted that she had no had not been secured. Mr Corbyn intention of calling a snap election, could not resist the open goal. To Prime Minister Theresa May sprung a triumphant Labour laughter he noted complete surprise when she summoned that ‘the latest coalition may already the press to Downing Street to announce be in some chaos’. she would seek a Commons vote to go ‘Nothing could emphasise that chaos to the country on June 8th 2017. more than the Queen’s Speech The announcement, made as Parliament we have just heard: a threadbare returned from its Easter break, had the legislative programme from a force of a thunderclap in Westminster. Government who have lost their The Queen’s Speech Quite unexpectedly, MPs and parties announced the majority and apparently run out of were plunged into election mode. government’s legislative What a difference. Theresa May and ideas altogether. This would be a thin plan for the coming Jeremy Corbyn’s final Commons legislative programme even if it was The immediate effect was to turn Parliament Prime Minister Theresa confrontation before the election for one year, but for two years – two what were now the two remaining May sought to strengthen had seen the Conservatives limbering years? There is not enough in it to fill Prime Minister’s Question Times of households are in debt. Six million her position before negotiations with the EU up for a triumphal campaign which up one year.’ the Parliament into de facto leader’s people are earning less than the began would culminate in the inevitable debates – especially since it was made living wage, child poverty is up, and That was a reference to the smashing of their Labour opponents. clear that Theresa May would not take pensioner poverty is up.’ Government’s decision to declare a When the diminished, battered band part in the kind of televised debates two-year Parliamentary Session – a The two leaders traded more accusations of Conservative MPs reassembled, held in the 2010 and 2015 elections. procedural move intended to ensure with Theresa May warning that ordinary minus their parliamentary majority, ministers could push through vital The Prime Minister stated her case: working people would face higher for the state opening of Parliament on Brexit legislation in time for the exit ‘There are three things that a country taxes and lost jobs under Labour while June 21st, they were chastened and date in March 2019. Mr Corbyn needs: a strong economy, strong Mr Corbyn claimed the Prime Minister’s uncertain, while euphoria gripped the mocked the Prime Minister for defence and strong, stable leadership. priority was ‘tax giveaways to the richest occupants of the Labour benches. That is what our plans for Brexit and corporations while our children’s schools dropping a series of election promises our plans for a stronger Britain will are starved of the resources they need When they came to speak in the that had not found favour with the deliver... The Right Hon. Member for to educate our children for the future’. traditional debate on an address voters: means-testing the winter fuel Islington North (The Labour Leader, thanking Her Majesty for the Queen’s allowance and replacing the triple lock Jeremy Corbyn) would bankrupt our Brexit emerged as one of the Prime Speech – the new Government’s on pensions among others. economy and weaken our defences Minister’s main campaign themes: ‘every legislative programme – the dynamic On Brexit, Mr Corbyn stuck to Labour’s and is simply not fit to lead.’ vote for the Conservatives will make me between the two main figures had careful positioning in favour of a deal stronger when I negotiate for Britain with changed completely. Mr Corbyn with the EU ‘that puts jobs and the To Conservative jeers, Mr Corbyn the European Union. And every vote for seemed a far more confident, assertive economy first’. He called for full access counter-attacked: ‘She says that it is the Conservatives will mean we can stick parliamentary performer, relishing the about leadership, yet she refuses to to the single market and a customs to our plan for a stronger Britain and opportunity to throw back the taunts defend her record in television debates. arrangement that provided Britain take the right long-term decisions for a that had been hurled at him during It is not hard to see why. The Prime with the ‘exact same benefits’ as now. more secure future for this country.’ the campaign. Minister says that we have a stronger And in his final flourish he warned economy, yet she cannot explain why Later that afternoon, the Commons A Government which had warned the Prime Minister that Labour were people’s wages are lower today than voted to call an early election, by 522 that he could only gain power in now ‘not merely an Opposition; we they were 10 years ago or why more votes to 13. a ‘coalition of chaos’ with the SNP are a Government in waiting, with a and the Lib Dems had been forced policy programme that enthused and

58 | REVIEW OF PARLIAMENT Review of MANUFACTURING & SERVICES Parliament The Queen’s Speech

to negotiate for the support of the Northern Ireland Democratic Unionists A snap election ... and as the first debate of this On the 19th April 2017, having new Parliament began, that support repeatedly insisted that she had no had not been secured. Mr Corbyn intention of calling a snap election, could not resist the open goal. To Prime Minister Theresa May sprung a triumphant Labour laughter he noted complete surprise when she summoned that ‘the latest coalition may already the press to Downing Street to announce be in some chaos’. she would seek a Commons vote to go ‘Nothing could emphasise that chaos to the country on June 8th 2017. more than the Queen’s Speech The announcement, made as Parliament we have just heard: a threadbare returned from its Easter break, had the legislative programme from a force of a thunderclap in Westminster. Government who have lost their The Queen’s Speech Quite unexpectedly, MPs and parties announced the majority and apparently run out of were plunged into election mode. government’s legislative What a difference. Theresa May and ideas altogether. This would be a thin plan for the coming Jeremy Corbyn’s final Commons legislative programme even if it was The immediate effect was to turn Parliament Prime Minister Theresa confrontation before the election for one year, but for two years – two what were now the two remaining May sought to strengthen had seen the Conservatives limbering years? There is not enough in it to fill Prime Minister’s Question Times of households are in debt. Six million her position before negotiations with the EU up for a triumphal campaign which up one year.’ the Parliament into de facto leader’s people are earning less than the began would culminate in the inevitable debates – especially since it was made living wage, child poverty is up, and That was a reference to the smashing of their Labour opponents. clear that Theresa May would not take pensioner poverty is up.’ Government’s decision to declare a When the diminished, battered band part in the kind of televised debates two-year Parliamentary Session – a The two leaders traded more accusations of Conservative MPs reassembled, held in the 2010 and 2015 elections. procedural move intended to ensure with Theresa May warning that ordinary minus their parliamentary majority, ministers could push through vital The Prime Minister stated her case: working people would face higher for the state opening of Parliament on Brexit legislation in time for the exit ‘There are three things that a country taxes and lost jobs under Labour while June 21st, they were chastened and date in March 2019. Mr Corbyn needs: a strong economy, strong Mr Corbyn claimed the Prime Minister’s uncertain, while euphoria gripped the mocked the Prime Minister for defence and strong, stable leadership. priority was ‘tax giveaways to the richest occupants of the Labour benches. That is what our plans for Brexit and corporations while our children’s schools dropping a series of election promises our plans for a stronger Britain will are starved of the resources they need When they came to speak in the that had not found favour with the deliver... The Right Hon. Member for to educate our children for the future’. traditional debate on an address voters: means-testing the winter fuel Islington North (The Labour Leader, thanking Her Majesty for the Queen’s allowance and replacing the triple lock Jeremy Corbyn) would bankrupt our Brexit emerged as one of the Prime Speech – the new Government’s on pensions among others. economy and weaken our defences Minister’s main campaign themes: ‘every legislative programme – the dynamic On Brexit, Mr Corbyn stuck to Labour’s and is simply not fit to lead.’ vote for the Conservatives will make me between the two main figures had careful positioning in favour of a deal stronger when I negotiate for Britain with changed completely. Mr Corbyn with the EU ‘that puts jobs and the To Conservative jeers, Mr Corbyn the European Union. And every vote for seemed a far more confident, assertive economy first’. He called for full access counter-attacked: ‘She says that it is the Conservatives will mean we can stick parliamentary performer, relishing the about leadership, yet she refuses to to the single market and a customs to our plan for a stronger Britain and opportunity to throw back the taunts defend her record in television debates. arrangement that provided Britain take the right long-term decisions for a that had been hurled at him during It is not hard to see why. The Prime with the ‘exact same benefits’ as now. more secure future for this country.’ the campaign. Minister says that we have a stronger And in his final flourish he warned economy, yet she cannot explain why Later that afternoon, the Commons A Government which had warned the Prime Minister that Labour were people’s wages are lower today than voted to call an early election, by 522 that he could only gain power in now ‘not merely an Opposition; we they were 10 years ago or why more votes to 13. a ‘coalition of chaos’ with the SNP are a Government in waiting, with a and the Lib Dems had been forced policy programme that enthused and

REVIEW OF PARLIAMENT | 59 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Review of Parliament

engaged millions of people in this offer real strong and stable leadership election, many for the first time in in the interests of the many, not their political lives. We are ready to the few.’ Last rites on the Brexit Bill

Back in March, when an election One change guaranteed the rights of EU seemed a distant prospect, parliament’s citizens living in the UK, and the second Grenfell Tower main focus was on the European Union promised Parliament a ‘meaningful vote’ (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill. This on the final Brexit deal. That meant The fire that destroyed Grenfell Tower, Bill, which would give Theresa May the the Bill had to return to the Commons a social housing block in the London authority to begin the UK’s divorce from because both Houses of Parliament must Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the European Union, was forced on agree on the final wording of legislation. seemed to some to crystallise the issues the Government after a Supreme Court After much debate, MPs rejected both that had driven the ‘Corbyn Surge’ in ruling that Parliamentary approval was Lords’ amendments, the Bill was sent the General Election just days earlier. required to begin the process. back for immediate consideration in Accusations about the neglect of Despite fears that the Bill could be the House of Lords, where David Davis David Davis, Secretary watered down or even reshaped to social housing tenants, chronic under- of State for Exiting came to watch his Junior Minister, reverse the Referendum verdict, it passed investment and official incompetence the European Union Lord Bridges, call on Peers to drop through the Commons unscathed. All were flying, even while the pall of since July 2016 their opposition. And while the Liberal attempts to amend, or add, to its 136 smoke still hovered over the capital and Democrat, Lord Oates, did urge Peers words were voted down. Predictions of a the horrific images of the blaze were to continue defying the Government, major rebellion of up to 50 Conservative replayed on TV. support for the amendment melted Remainers proved unfounded, and only away, and the attempt to throw it back So potent was the symbolism that it a handful defied the party whip. to MPs was once more rejected, as was became intertwined in the debates But when it moved on to the House of the attempt to keep the ‘meaningful on the post-election Queen’s Speech Tributes for the Grenfell Lords, where there is no Government vote’. The final form of the Bill was - but the Government also committed victims came from Mr Javid also dealt with the key issue of majority and a large concentration of pro- settled – and it was sent off for the to keep MPs informed about the across the country the authorities’ inability to say exactly EU peers, the Bill was amended twice. Royal Assent, un-amended. aftermath, the efforts to identify how many people had died: ‘There casualties in the wreckage of the tower, to re-house and assist those has been much speculation about who who had lost their homes, and to set was in Grenfell Tower on the night of Article 50 is triggered up a public inquiry. the fire, and it is vital that we find out. The Director of Public Prosecutions on the Referendum verdict and formally So it was that the Communities has made it clear that there will be no trigger Britain’s departure talks with Secretary, Sajid Javid, came to the prosecution of tenants ... who may have the EU. Commons on July 3rd to announce been illegally sub-letting their property, £2.5 million had been distributed ... There may have been people living in She was greeted by cheering from the special £5 million fund set flats that were illegally sub-let who had Conservative MPs when she up to help the residents. Mr Javid said no idea about the true status of their announced, on the 29th March, that the public inquiry and the criminal tenancy. Their families want to know if the process had begun: ‘A few minutes investigation had to be allowed the they perished in the fire. These are their ago, in Brussels, the United Kingdom’s space to follow the evidence wherever sons, their daughters, their brothers and permanent representative to the EU it took them, and everyone should be their sisters. They need closure, and that handed a letter to the President of careful not to prejudice their work. is the least that they deserve.’ the European Council on my behalf Responding to the Labour MP, David confirming the Government’s decision Lammy, who had lost a family friend in The Government was also taking to invoke Article 50 of the treaty on the fire, he added that although it was urgent action to avoid another tragedy European Union. The Article 50 process in buildings with architectural cladding Theresa May meets for the judge to determine the scope with European Council is now under way and, in accordance of the inquiry, he expected it to be ‘as similar to that which appeared to have President Donald Tusk in The passage of the European Union with the wishes of the British people, broad and wide-ranging as possible’. been a factor in the Grenfell fire. Downing Street (Notification of Withdrawal) Act cleared the United Kingdom is leaving the the way for the Prime Minister to act European Union.’

60 | REVIEW OF PARLIAMENT MANUFACTURING & SERVICES engaged millions of people in this offer real strong and stable leadership election, many for the first time in in the interests of the many, not their political lives. We are ready to the few.’ Last rites on the Brexit Bill

Back in March, when an election One change guaranteed the rights of EU seemed a distant prospect, parliament’s citizens living in the UK, and the second Grenfell Tower main focus was on the European Union promised Parliament a ‘meaningful vote’ (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill. This on the final Brexit deal. That meant The fire that destroyed Grenfell Tower, Bill, which would give Theresa May the the Bill had to return to the Commons a social housing block in the London authority to begin the UK’s divorce from because both Houses of Parliament must Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the European Union, was forced on agree on the final wording of legislation. seemed to some to crystallise the issues the Government after a Supreme Court After much debate, MPs rejected both that had driven the ‘Corbyn Surge’ in ruling that Parliamentary approval was Lords’ amendments, the Bill was sent the General Election just days earlier. required to begin the process. back for immediate consideration in Accusations about the neglect of Despite fears that the Bill could be the House of Lords, where David Davis David Davis, Secretary watered down or even reshaped to social housing tenants, chronic under- of State for Exiting came to watch his Junior Minister, reverse the Referendum verdict, it passed investment and official incompetence the European Union Lord Bridges, call on Peers to drop through the Commons unscathed. All were flying, even while the pall of since July 2016 their opposition. And while the Liberal attempts to amend, or add, to its 136 smoke still hovered over the capital and Democrat, Lord Oates, did urge Peers words were voted down. Predictions of a the horrific images of the blaze were to continue defying the Government, major rebellion of up to 50 Conservative replayed on TV. support for the amendment melted Remainers proved unfounded, and only away, and the attempt to throw it back So potent was the symbolism that it a handful defied the party whip. to MPs was once more rejected, as was became intertwined in the debates But when it moved on to the House of the attempt to keep the ‘meaningful on the post-election Queen’s Speech Tributes for the Grenfell Lords, where there is no Government vote’. The final form of the Bill was - but the Government also committed victims came from Mr Javid also dealt with the key issue of majority and a large concentration of pro- settled – and it was sent off for the to keep MPs informed about the across the country the authorities’ inability to say exactly EU peers, the Bill was amended twice. Royal Assent, un-amended. aftermath, the efforts to identify how many people had died: ‘There casualties in the wreckage of the tower, to re-house and assist those has been much speculation about who who had lost their homes, and to set was in Grenfell Tower on the night of Article 50 is triggered up a public inquiry. the fire, and it is vital that we find out. The Director of Public Prosecutions on the Referendum verdict and formally So it was that the Communities has made it clear that there will be no trigger Britain’s departure talks with Secretary, Sajid Javid, came to the prosecution of tenants ... who may have the EU. Commons on July 3rd to announce been illegally sub-letting their property, £2.5 million had been distributed ... There may have been people living in She was greeted by cheering from the special £5 million fund set flats that were illegally sub-let who had Conservative MPs when she up to help the residents. Mr Javid said no idea about the true status of their announced, on the 29th March, that the public inquiry and the criminal tenancy. Their families want to know if the process had begun: ‘A few minutes investigation had to be allowed the they perished in the fire. These are their ago, in Brussels, the United Kingdom’s space to follow the evidence wherever sons, their daughters, their brothers and permanent representative to the EU it took them, and everyone should be their sisters. They need closure, and that handed a letter to the President of careful not to prejudice their work. is the least that they deserve.’ the European Council on my behalf Responding to the Labour MP, David confirming the Government’s decision Lammy, who had lost a family friend in The Government was also taking to invoke Article 50 of the treaty on the fire, he added that although it was urgent action to avoid another tragedy European Union. The Article 50 process in buildings with architectural cladding Theresa May meets for the judge to determine the scope with European Council is now under way and, in accordance of the inquiry, he expected it to be ‘as similar to that which appeared to have President Donald Tusk in The passage of the European Union with the wishes of the British people, broad and wide-ranging as possible’. been a factor in the Grenfell fire. Downing Street (Notification of Withdrawal) Act cleared the United Kingdom is leaving the the way for the Prime Minister to act European Union.’

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She added that she wanted to build want to use Brexit to turn this country attacker, and to pay the ultimate a close partnership with the EU: ‘We into a low-wage tax haven. Labour is price; a response that says to the men want to continue to buy goods and determined to invest in a high-skill, and women who propagate this hate services from the EU, and sell it ours high-tech, high-wage future ... Labour and evil, “You will not defeat us.” ... Indeed, in an increasingly unstable will not give this Government a free Mr Speaker, let this be the message world, we must continue to forge the hand to use Brexit to attack rights and from this House and this nation today: closest possible security co-operation protections and to cut services, or to our values will prevail.’ to keep our people safe. We face the create a tax dodger’s paradise.’ The Labour Leader, Jeremy Corbyn, same global threats from terrorism The eurosceptic Conservative, Jacob said people should not allow the and extremism.’ Rees-Mogg, quoted the Elizabethan voices of hatred to divide or cower Jeremy Corbyn warned against leaving hero Sir Francis Drake: ‘’There must be them – adding that PC Keith Palmer without a trade agreement: ‘the Prime a begynnyng of any great matter, but had given his life defending the public Minister says that no deal is better than the contenewing unto the end untyll and democracy. a bad deal, but the reality is that no it be thoroughly ffynyshed yeldes the Watching impassively in the crowd of deal is a bad deal. trew glory’ ... I wish my Right Hon. MPs standing at the Bar of the House, Friend good luck and good fortune in in the area across the Chamber facing He said the debate had now moved her negotiations until she comes to the Speaker’s Chair, was the Foreign on to what a post-Brexit Britain would true glory and is welcomed back to this Office Minister, Tobias Ellwood. He had be like: ‘There are Conservatives who House as a 21st century Gloriana.’ tried to save PC Palmer’s life by giving PC Keith Palmer, who him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. died trying to stop the Many MPs took a moment to exchange A terrorist attack on Parliament attacker, was given a full She gave an account of the previous a word with him as they passed or pat police service funeral, day’s events and ended by declaring and praised for his him on the arm. And many of those that the best response to terrorism who spoke over the next hour praised On the afternoon of March 22nd, as heroism was to act normally: ‘As I speak, his actions. MPs were engaged in a routine vote millions will be boarding trains and of the Pensions Bill, a man drove his aeroplanes to travel to London and Tributes and thanks came from all the car into pedestrians just outside, killing Party Leaders – the SNP’s Westminster to see for themselves the greatest two people and injuring dozens more, Leader, Angus Robertson, the Liberal city on Earth. It is in these actions – before stabbing to death a police Democrats, Tim Farron, and the DUP’s, millions of acts of normality – that we officer who was guarding the gates to Nigel Dodds. the Houses of Parliament, and he was find the best response to terrorism: then shot dead himself. a response that denies our enemies The Conservative MP, James Cleverly, their victory, that refuses to let them had served with PC Palmer in the army The sitting of the Commons was win, that shows we will never give spoke movingly and implored the Prime suspended and MPs were held in their in; a response driven by that same Minister to ‘posthumously recognise Chamber for several hours, before spirit that drove a husband and father his gallantry and sacrifice formally.’ being escorted away. When they to put himself between us and our Theresa May promised that she would. returned the next day, they began with a minute of silence. Then the Speaker opened proceedings by expressing ‘our heartfelt condolences to the The attack on President Trump families and friends of the victims Westminster was one of normal, as generations have done several terrorist attacks in of this outrage. A police officer, PC the UK during the year before us and as future generations This year more than most, US outdo the British electorate when it Keith Palmer, was killed defending us, will continue to do, to deliver a simple defending Parliament and defending politics had a bearing on our own. came to delivering the most surprising message: we are not afraid, and our parliamentary democracy.’ Not only were many MPs looking democratic decision of 2016. resolve will never waver in the face of across the Atlantic for a trade deal The Prime Minister was heard in silence terrorism. We meet here, in the oldest and an enhancement of the ‘special As recently as January 2016, a small as she updated MPs: ‘Yesterday, an of all Parliaments, because we know relationship’, following the decision number of MPs had gathered in act of terrorism tried to silence our that democracy, and the values that it to leave the EU. But the American Westminster Hall to debate whether or democracy, but today we meet as entails, will always prevail.’ people themselves had managed to not Donald Trump should be banned

62 | REVIEW OF PARLIAMENT MANUFACTURING & SERVICES

She added that she wanted to build want to use Brexit to turn this country attacker, and to pay the ultimate a close partnership with the EU: ‘We into a low-wage tax haven. Labour is price; a response that says to the men want to continue to buy goods and determined to invest in a high-skill, and women who propagate this hate services from the EU, and sell it ours high-tech, high-wage future ... Labour and evil, “You will not defeat us.” ... Indeed, in an increasingly unstable will not give this Government a free Mr Speaker, let this be the message world, we must continue to forge the hand to use Brexit to attack rights and from this House and this nation today: closest possible security co-operation protections and to cut services, or to our values will prevail.’ to keep our people safe. We face the create a tax dodger’s paradise.’ The Labour Leader, Jeremy Corbyn, same global threats from terrorism The eurosceptic Conservative, Jacob said people should not allow the and extremism.’ Rees-Mogg, quoted the Elizabethan voices of hatred to divide or cower Jeremy Corbyn warned against leaving hero Sir Francis Drake: ‘’There must be them – adding that PC Keith Palmer without a trade agreement: ‘the Prime a begynnyng of any great matter, but had given his life defending the public Minister says that no deal is better than the contenewing unto the end untyll and democracy. a bad deal, but the reality is that no it be thoroughly ffynyshed yeldes the Watching impassively in the crowd of deal is a bad deal. trew glory’ ... I wish my Right Hon. MPs standing at the Bar of the House, Friend good luck and good fortune in in the area across the Chamber facing He said the debate had now moved her negotiations until she comes to the Speaker’s Chair, was the Foreign on to what a post-Brexit Britain would true glory and is welcomed back to this Office Minister, Tobias Ellwood. He had be like: ‘There are Conservatives who House as a 21st century Gloriana.’ tried to save PC Palmer’s life by giving PC Keith Palmer, who him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. died trying to stop the Many MPs took a moment to exchange A terrorist attack on Parliament attacker, was given a full She gave an account of the previous a word with him as they passed or pat police service funeral, day’s events and ended by declaring and praised for his him on the arm. And many of those that the best response to terrorism who spoke over the next hour praised On the afternoon of March 22nd, as heroism was to act normally: ‘As I speak, his actions. MPs were engaged in a routine vote millions will be boarding trains and of the Pensions Bill, a man drove his aeroplanes to travel to London and Tributes and thanks came from all the car into pedestrians just outside, killing Party Leaders – the SNP’s Westminster to see for themselves the greatest two people and injuring dozens more, Leader, Angus Robertson, the Liberal city on Earth. It is in these actions – before stabbing to death a police Democrats, Tim Farron, and the DUP’s, millions of acts of normality – that we officer who was guarding the gates to Nigel Dodds. the Houses of Parliament, and he was find the best response to terrorism: then shot dead himself. a response that denies our enemies The Conservative MP, James Cleverly, their victory, that refuses to let them had served with PC Palmer in the army The sitting of the Commons was win, that shows we will never give spoke movingly and implored the Prime suspended and MPs were held in their in; a response driven by that same Minister to ‘posthumously recognise Chamber for several hours, before spirit that drove a husband and father his gallantry and sacrifice formally.’ being escorted away. When they to put himself between us and our Theresa May promised that she would. returned the next day, they began with a minute of silence. Then the Speaker opened proceedings by expressing ‘our heartfelt condolences to the The attack on President Trump families and friends of the victims Westminster was one of normal, as generations have done several terrorist attacks in of this outrage. A police officer, PC the UK during the year before us and as future generations This year more than most, US outdo the British electorate when it Keith Palmer, was killed defending us, will continue to do, to deliver a simple defending Parliament and defending politics had a bearing on our own. came to delivering the most surprising message: we are not afraid, and our parliamentary democracy.’ Not only were many MPs looking democratic decision of 2016. resolve will never waver in the face of across the Atlantic for a trade deal The Prime Minister was heard in silence terrorism. We meet here, in the oldest and an enhancement of the ‘special As recently as January 2016, a small as she updated MPs: ‘Yesterday, an of all Parliaments, because we know relationship’, following the decision number of MPs had gathered in act of terrorism tried to silence our that democracy, and the values that it to leave the EU. But the American Westminster Hall to debate whether or democracy, but today we meet as entails, will always prevail.’ people themselves had managed to not Donald Trump should be banned

REVIEW OF PARLIAMENT | 63 THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW Review of Parliament

from entering the UK altogether. His comments about Muslims, among others, had led to an online petition for him to be considered a ‘hate preacher’ and therefore banned from British soil. Even those who supported the motion knew there was little chance of such a ban being implemented. But few would have suspected that, just 13 months later, Parliament would be discussing the appropriateness of a state visit from President Donald Trump.

One of the first acts of the new US President was to order a blanket ban on people from a list of Middle Eastern countries travelling to the US. In the Commons, the former Labour Leader, Ed Miliband, and the Conservative, Nadhim Zahawi, joined forces to ask the Speaker for an emergency debate – and it was held Nadhim Zahawi MP that day. strongly criticised the Labour’s Yvette Cooper, who chairs Trump administration’s Mr Zahawi, born in Iraq to Kurdish the Home Affairs Select Committee, travel ban on certain Muslim countries parents, arrived in the UK as a nine- was ‘deeply worried’ that the year-old refugee from Saddam Government had already invited Hussein’s regime. He is now a British the new President to make a state citizen, but because he was born in visit to Britain: ‘It will look like an Iraq, he believed he came under the endorsement of a ban that is so Trump ban. morally wrong and that we should be standing against.’ He told MPs his place of birth already meant he had been required to The Conservative, Sir Simon Burns, go through an interview at the US disagreed: ‘I think it is absolutely right embassy, to secure the right to travel that the British Government continue to America, under rules imposed the work of the Prime Minister to by President Obama. But the new build bridges with President Trump so restrictions were much tougher. that we can, through engagement, seek to persuade him and to minimise The US Government has since clarified or reduce the danger of his more that people with British passports outrageous policies ... I believe that will not be affected by the ban, very little would be achieved by whatever the country of their birth, cancelling a state visit to which the but Mr Zahawi still thought the ban invitation has already been extended was ‘wholly counterproductive’. He and accepted.’ described how it was already being used by pro-Islamic State social media The emergency debate was on a formal accounts as ‘clear evidence that the motion that MPs had ‘considered’ USA is seeking to destroy Islam. They Donald Trump’s travel ban, so no call have even called it the “blessed ban”’. for a policy change was voted on.

64 | REVIEW OF PARLIAMENT from entering the UK altogether. His Acknowledgements comments about Muslims, among Images in this publication have been reproduced courtesy of the others, had led to an online petition following individuals/organisations: for him to be considered a ‘hate Greg Clark | Flickr | Policy Exchange preacher’ and therefore banned George Osborne | Flickr | Highways England from British soil. Even those who Jake Berry | Flickr | Department for Communities and Local Government supported the motion knew there Philip Hammond | Flickr | DFID was little chance of such a ban being Chemical vat | Flickr | Grey World Fracking | Flickr | Casey Hugelfink implemented. But few would have Recycling | Flickr | JMacPherson suspected that, just 13 months later, Recycling lorry | Flickr | Mike Beales Parliament would be discussing the Referendum | Flickr | David Holt appropriateness of a state visit from Donald Trump and Theresa May | The White House Apprentice | Flickr | Department for Business, Innovation and Skills President Donald Trump. Engineering students | Flickr | Matt Harasymczuk British coins | Flickr | Mike Beales One of the first acts of the new US Toyota | Flickr | Andrew Gustar President was to order a blanket Costa | Flickr | Paul Wilkinson ban on people from a list of Middle Unite the Union | Flickr | William Murphy Pensioners | Flickr | winhide Eastern countries travelling to the Uber driver | Flickr | Derek Clark US. In the Commons, the former Deliveroo | Flickr | Kevin Jones Labour Leader, Ed Miliband, and the The Gherkin | Flickr | Matt Brown GSK | Flickr | Maxwell Hamilton Conservative, Nadhim Zahawi, joined Jürgen Maier | Flickr | German Embassy London forces to ask the Speaker for an emergency debate – and it was held Nadhim Zahawi MP Westminster Publications is grateful to Mark D’Arcy and Will Stirling that day. strongly criticised the for their contributions to this publication. Labour’s Yvette Cooper, who chairs Trump administration’s Mr Zahawi, born in Iraq to Kurdish the Home Affairs Select Committee, travel ban on certain Muslim countries parents, arrived in the UK as a nine- was ‘deeply worried’ that the year-old refugee from Saddam Government had already invited Hussein’s regime. He is now a British the new President to make a state citizen, but because he was born in visit to Britain: ‘It will look like an Iraq, he believed he came under the endorsement of a ban that is so Trump ban. morally wrong and that we should be standing against.’ He told MPs his place of birth already meant he had been required to The Conservative, Sir Simon Burns, go through an interview at the US disagreed: ‘I think it is absolutely right embassy, to secure the right to travel that the British Government continue to America, under rules imposed the work of the Prime Minister to by President Obama. But the new build bridges with President Trump so restrictions were much tougher. that we can, through engagement, seek to persuade him and to minimise The US Government has since clarified or reduce the danger of his more that people with British passports outrageous policies ... I believe that will not be affected by the ban, very little would be achieved by whatever the country of their birth, cancelling a state visit to which the but Mr Zahawi still thought the ban invitation has already been extended was ‘wholly counterproductive’. He and accepted.’ COPYRIGHT © WESTMINSTER PUBLICATIONS 2017 described how it was already being used by pro-Islamic State social media The emergency debate was on a formal All rights reserved by Westminster Publications. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission from Westminster Publications. Westminster Publications warrants that reasonable skill and care has been used accounts as ‘clear evidence that the motion that MPs had ‘considered’ in preparing this publication. Notwithstanding this warranty Westminster Publications shall not be under liability for any loss of profit, business, USA is seeking to destroy Islam. They Donald Trump’s travel ban, so no call revenues or any special indirect or consequential damage of any nature whatsoever or loss of anticipated saving or for any increased costs sustained have even called it the “blessed ban”’. for a policy change was voted on. by the client or his or her servants or agents arising in any way whether directly or indirectly as a result of reliance on this publication or of any error or defect in this publication. Westminster Publications shall not in any circumstances be under any liability whatsoever to any other person for any loss or damage arising in any way as a result of reliance on this publication.